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<br />. \\A.~ <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Progress on Water Management Studies <br /> <br />Significant progress has been made in developing techniques <br />for evaluating water-management plans. As reported at the last Board <br />meeting, the Colorado District has developed a technique for describing <br />the interrelationship of ground and surface water. In its present form, <br />the effects on streamflow from simple patterns of pumping and recharge <br />Can be estimated. For example, the technique can be used to show where <br />and when ground-water withdrawals for irrigation can be made without <br />having appreciable effect on streamflow until after the irrigation <br />season. It also will show where recharge by winter irrigation will <br />provide maximum benefits during the late summer when inadequate surface <br />supplies are common. These simple, but important concepts can be <br />evaluated readily using graphs, tables., and a slide rule. <br /> <br />Development of the technique opens the door for solving much <br />more complex problems of water management; for example those envisioned <br />in the third of four steps of our water-management studies. As mentioned <br />in previous Board meetings, the four steps are to devise and apply <br />techniques for evaluating (1) the effects on ground-water storage caused <br />by recharge and pumping, (2) the effects on streamflow caused by recharge <br />and pumping, (3) the overall availability of water to the individual <br />ditch systems, and (4) the effects on water quality from changes in <br />water-management practices. <br /> <br />Recently we have started work on a technique that promises <br />to exceed our original expectations for forecasting the availability of <br />water (Step 3 of our study). We have shown that the technique is <br />feasible and is limited only by the accuracy of the measurements being <br />made of such things as diversions and consumptive use. <br /> <br />The following plans will be tested initially to determine the <br />optimum distribution of the available water: <br /> <br />1. Fulfill as many water rights as possible according to <br />their priority using only surface water. <br /> <br />2. Fulfill as many water rights as possible according to <br />their priority using both surface and ground water. <br /> <br />3. Distribute enough water to satisfy crop demands to <br />as many acres as possible without regard to water rights. <br /> <br />4. Distribute enough water to satisfy crop demands giving <br />preference to the most productive land and without regard <br />to water rights. <br /> <br />The four plans cover a broad range of possible water-management schemes. <br />