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.' , C'J -- In ,- - " " INTRODUCTION The San Miguel Water Supply Study is an on-going investigation sponsored by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in cooperation with the San Miguel Water Conservancy District (SMWCD) and three ditch companies in the study area. The objective of the study is to - investigate various alternatives for improving and expanding the major existing irrigation systems located in the study area. The San Miguel Water Supply Study began as a traditional feasibility study of a proposed water development project which was heavily oriented toward construction of reservoirs and canals to increase available storage. It quickly became apparent that extensive reconnaissance planning would have to be included in the study process and that a public information program including close coordination with study area participants would be a key activity. During the course of the reconnaissance investigations, the importance of non-structural improvements to the existing system was identified. The non-structural aspects of the alternatives proposed are primarily improvements in irrigation efficiency and system operations to better utilize existing water supplies. The feasibility and implementation phase of the project is currently underway and is a joint effort by State and Federal agencies, Boyle Engineering Corporation, and the local ditch companies. The initial steps toward feasibility and implementation include development of a detailed Geographic Information System of farm specific data, reservoir operating plans based on analysis of farm specific demands, a water marketing program to encourage the voluntary exchange of water between irrigators, and site-specific investigations for future structural improvements. Future activities include further improvements in system maintenance and operations, increased on-farm irrigation efficiency, improvements to the distribution system, and expansion of an existing reservoir.