WSP06217

• File Number: 8510.100.60
• Description: Rio Grande Compact Commission
• State: CO
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Date: 3/18/1999
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: 1998 Report to the Rio Grande Compact Commission
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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1998 report to the Rio Grande Compact Commission

Bureau of Reclamation

Water Quality

Water quality monitoring of project wells, the Rio Grande, Feeder Canal, Head Lake,
San Luis Lake and the Canal Outlet continued during 1998. In addition to the standard
water quality parameters being monitored in the canal, dissolved nitrogen and carbon
dioxide concentrations are being recorded.

The Water Quality Laboratory participated in the USGS Evaluation Program for
Standard Reference Water Samples. Two sets of samples were distributed, one in April
and one in October. Results were rated on a scale of zero to four. The overall rating
was 3.1 (between good and excellent) for the April samples. Result for the October
samples have not been received.

Rio Grande Water Conservation District

The Rio Grande Water Conservation District (District) continues to perform civil
maintenance on the project. Canal berms were maintained along with resurfacing
some sections of the canal berms. Other work included maintenance of lateral access
roads, mowing of canal berms and rights-of-way, mowing and removal of aquatic weeds
from the conveyance channel, removal of aquatic weeds from structures, repair of
fences, and assisting Reclamation personnel with equipment maintenance. The District
continued its involvement in the ground water monitoring program and continues
maintenance of the irrigation systems for shelter belt areas.

Stockman's Water Company Development Proposal

Stockman's Water Company is exploring the possibility of constructing a well field and
pipeline system to export San Luis Valley water for sale to Colorado Front Range
communities. The proposed development is adjacent to, and may impact upon, Closed
Basin Division facilities and operations.

Stockman's proposal, as presented by the developers, is similar to American Water
Development Incorporated's past proposal. The primary difference is that Stockman's
Water Company has acknowledged the "tributary" nature of the water they propose to
export and have presented a plan for augmentation that is intended to compensate any
damage to the water rights of others.

Stockman's Water Company has said that they would provide 25,000 af of water to the
Closed Basin Division at no cost to the Government as part of their augmentation plan.
In exchange, they propose that Reclamation stop operating Stages 4 and 5 of the
project. While Stockman's Water Company presents this as a cost-saving benefit, the
cost of ceasing operation of this part of the project in an operationally ready state has
not been addressed. Further, the change in operational f1exibilities that may be related
to such an augmentation plan has not been analyzed to determine the impacts to the
project over tim_e. No specific data has been made available to Reclamation to
determine the effects the proposal would have on Closed Basin facilities and
operations. Reclamation staff have visited with Stockman's water resources consultant

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