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. C'lr'~I:::C(j U .) t~ :....9 "-,.j . The estimated volume of return flows varies each year as shown in Table 3, depending on the amount of water availabe for irrigation on the Mesa. . Pine Ridge Ditch Diversions A portion of the water diverted through the Pine Ridge Ditch from the La Plata River is delivered into Basin Creek, a tributary of the Animas River. According to the Water Commissioner for the La Plata River basin, about 30 percent of the water is used within the La Plata basin, and the remainder is delivered for irrigation in the Animas. Since total diversions have averaged about 870 acre-feet per year, transbasin water deliveries have averaged about 600 acre-feet per year. Additional information concerning operation of the Pine Ridge Ditch is presented in the "La Plata River Hydrology Analysis" report prepared by Wheeler, March 1986. . . . Electra Lake Operation Electra Lake, located on Elbert Creek about 16 miles north of Durango, is operated by Colorado-Ute Electric Association for generation of hydroelectric power. During the 1951 through 1980 study period, Electra Lake had a 23,400 acre-foot storage capacity and an 810 acre maximum surface area. Net reservoir evaporation is equivalent to the evaporation from the water surface less the evapotranspiration that OCCUlTed from natural vegetation at the site. Vallecito Reservoir temperature and precipitation data were used in estimating Electra Lake evaporation. Gross and net reservoir evaporation was calculated to be 2.85 and 1.78 acre-feet per acre, respectively. Historic reservoir monthly stor- age, surface area, and estimated net evaporation are presented in tables 4 through 5, respectively. The average annual net evaporation was estimated to be 1,270 acre-feet. . . . City of DtJI'8D2O Water UllaRe The City of Durango water supply is obtained from Flordia River diver- sions and municipal wells along the Animas River. Records of Florida River diversions are available for the period of 1971 through 1980. Measurement elTors have been made in the diversion records according to the Durango Water . -15- .