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I . ,'- . ----'- , ! .' " :. .r , - -!~. HYDROLOGIC ANALYSIS OF THE PROPOSED BADGER-BEAVER CREEKS ARTIFICIAL-RECHARGE PROJECT, MORGAN COUNTY, COLORADO By Alan W. Burns ABSTRACT A hydrologic analysis of the proposed Badger-Beaver Creeks artificial- recharge project was made with the aid of three digital computer models: A canal-distribution model, a ground-vlater flow model, and a stream-aquifer, model. Statistical summaries of probable diversions from the South Platte' River based on a 27-year record of flows indicate that an average annual di- version of 96,000 acre-feet and a median annual diversion of 43,000 acre-feet vlould be available. Diversions ,.,ould sustain water in ponds for v/aterfowl habitat for an average of about 5 months per year, with a maximum pond surface area of about 300 acres with the median diversions and a maximum pond surface area of about 1,250 acres at least one-half of the years with the historic diversions. If the annual diversion were 43,000 acre-feet, recharge to the two alluvial aquifers would raise water levels sufficiently to create flowing streams in the channels of Badger and Beaver Creeks while allowing an Jncrease in current ground-water pumping. The only area of significant water- logging would be along the proposed delivery canal on the west edge of Badger Creek valley. If the total water avai lable were diverted, the aquifer system could not transmit the water fast enough to the irrigation areas to avoid considerable waterlogging in the recharge areas. The hydrologic impact of' 'the proposed project on the'South Platte River basin would be minimal once the ground-water system attained steady-state conditions, but that may take, decades with a uniform diversion of the 43,000 acre-feet annually. INTRODUCTION Badger and Beaver Creeks are small tributaries to the South Platte River :in "Iorgan County, Colo. (fig. 1). The importance of these tributaries is not ~heir streamflow--both are dry for most of their courses except during floods --but the alluvial aquifers adjacent to them. The two alluvial aquifers un- derl ie valleys that are 1 to 5 mi wide and provide ground water for irriga- %ion in areas where surface water from the South Platte River is not supplied" by gravity flow. Code (1943, p. 41) reports, "Pumping in this valley (Beaver' Creek) dates back to about 1910. There was a small steady growth up through; 1936, but in the 4 years following, the number of plants increased more than' tw,<:>fold, or to 53....2Quth of Brush in 1.940. Electric p.9",-eL-Q"'5=E~a_v_aJJap.le": .J