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<br />~'.~'~"" ',' .~ <br />,,~ \..I,..) <br /> <br />River when flows downstream of Pueblo Reservoir fall below 50 cfs, This environmental <br />commitment was implemented to mitigate low flow conditions in the Arkansas River due to changes <br />in the delivery system constructed by Water Works, If needed, these releases are generally expected <br />to occur during winter months when flows in the Arkansas River below Pueblo Dam typically drop to <br />their lowest levels. When these releases occur, the Water Works would divert, at their facilities, an <br />amount equal to the releases made at Pueblo Dam. <br /> <br />Water Quality. The quality of water in the Arkansas River downstream of Pueblo Dam is greatly <br />influenced by releases from the reservoir, Reservoir water is generally cooler and less turbid than <br />would be expected for a river at the foothills-prairie interface. The level of nutrients and dissolved <br />solids vary and reflect limnological conditions within the reservoir. Dissolved oxygen levels and pH <br />are modified in the river through aeration, <br /> <br />Potential Impacts <br /> <br />No Action Alternative; <br /> <br />Pueblo West Water Use and Arkansas River Conveyance <br /> <br />The current water supply system (24 inch pipeline, etc.) is estimated to be capable of supporting a <br />population of 30,000. In 2002, Pueblo West was home to approximately 23,500 residents with an <br />estimated average annual increase in population of 1,500 people. Consequently, Pueblo West <br />estimates that they will reach a population of 30,000 and maximum capacity of the current water, <br />supply system by sometime in 2007, <br /> <br />Pueblo West estimates indicate that total water usage in 2007 will be approximately 6,292.7 with a <br />monthly average of 542 AF. This equates to an approximate average daily flow of 9 cfs; 4 cfs higher <br />than in 2002 and 3 cfs higher than Pueblo West's historic high in 2001. <br /> <br />In any event, the amount of increase in deliveries to Pueblo West is not anticipated to have any impact <br />on net Arkansas River flows, Because the State and Reclamation work cooperatively to achieve target <br />flows on the Arkansas River above Pueblo, Project releases are anticipated to be adjusted as needed <br />and as water is available to reach these targets resulting in no net change in river flows. <br /> <br />West Pueblo Ditch <br /> <br />Under no action, no new construction would occur by Pueblo West and therefore no impacts on flows <br />to the West Pueblo Ditch would occur. <br /> <br />Water Works Raw Water Releases From Pueblo Reservoir <br /> <br />Because there would be no new pumping facility constructed or diversions made by Pueblo West <br />under no action, there would be no impacts to the Water Works 17 cfs or their other raw water releases <br />from Pueblo Reservoir. <br /> <br />11 <br />