WSP05690

• File Number: 8407
• Description: Platte River Basin - River Basin General Publications
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Water Division: 1
• Date: 1/1/1978
• Author: Toups Corp
• Title: Water Resources Investigation in the South Platte River Valley - Reach Number 2
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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CHAPTER 3 - DEFINITION OF THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM

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The natural character of the hydrologic system in the South

Pfatte River basin has been subject to extensive physical

modification by man. Throughout the past century, water

resources development activity has resulted in the evolution of

a complex system of transmountain diversions, reservoirs, canals,

pipelines, and ditches. Manipulation of the surface water

r~gime has progressed to the extent that municipalities and

industries can rely on water supplies that are relatively

d$pendable on a year-round basis. Availability of water for

agricultural purposes in many areas has been extended

throughout the irrigation season. However, performance of

various irrigation system components may deteriorate under the

stress of drought. Extent of impact is largely a function of

d~ought severity and reliability of provisions integrated into the

a$ricultural system to accommodate diminished availability of

s~rface water supplies. It is the purpose of this chapter to

detail features of the existing irrigation system in the south

Platte valley from Kersey to Balzac.

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The maps which accompany this report depict land uses in Reach

No.2 of the South Platte, current as of October, 1977. Maps

r~present aerial photography superimposed on USGS topographic

quadrangles. The scale is 1:24,000. Features of the agricultural

water supply system have been highlighted. Specific features inclu~e:

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* Ditches and reservoirs;

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* Irrigation wells (greater than 300 gpm);
* Extent of the alluvial aquifer system.

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