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<br />'I <br />I <br />I <br />cl <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />Chapter 2 - Identification of Problems/Opportunities and Needs <br /> <br />I.A.3.c.(3Hell in this Silt Project Water Operations Study. Secondly, it is being <br />evaluated as part of a coordinated plan of operations for the larger reservoirs in <br />the upper Colorado River basin [RIPRAP item I.A.3.c.(3Hcll. <br /> <br />Completing these studies and, if feasible, providing water and the mechanism to <br />deliver that water to the 15-Mile Reach, will help to support a finding of <br />usufficient progress" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. uSufficient progress" <br />means that the RIP is accomplishing the actions needed to recover the endangered <br />fish in accordance with an agreed upon schedule. By making sufficient progress, <br />the RIP will continue to serve as a reasonable and prudent alternative and avoid <br />jeopardy opinions during Endangered Species Act (ESAI consultations for <br />modifications to existing facilities and new water development. <br /> <br />Domestic Water Supply <br /> <br />The SWCD and local citizens are encountering a number of problems having to do <br />with water supplies for domestic purposes. Problems include: <br />. The water table is decreasing in some parts of the SWCD, and water drawn <br />from wells may be poor quality or have low production rates. Some <br />homeowners must haul water. These are the primary concerns of the <br />SWCD. <br />. There is increasing demand for small amounts of water for subdivided <br />farms, livestock, etc. <br />. New domestic water wells lack a source of augmentation water. <br /> <br />Within the area, there are significant changes in land use occurring, with many <br />irrigated properties being converted to home sites. As a result of these changes, <br />demand for existing and future domestic water supplies appear to be rapidly <br />increasing. <br /> <br />Maintaining Colorado River Diversions <br /> <br />The Colorado River diversion for the Silt Pumping plant was constructed along <br />with the other project facilities in the mid 1960's. The pumping plant was <br />designed to provide irrigation water (both supplemental and full service) to the <br />lower reaches of Silt Mesa. Water is diverted from the Colorado River using a <br />urock and brush" diversion structure located approximately one mile east of the <br />plant. From this point, water is conveyed through an inlet canal to the pumping <br />plant fore bay; overflow from the fore bay returns to the river. <br /> <br />11 <br />