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(Figur~ 2) of net river gain was prepared which shows a decreasing trend in the river gain starting in the 1950s. The study reveals that "river gain in the post-well period is reduced from that of the pre-well period by an amount equa~ to the consumptive use of well water." Id., p. 51. , The consumptive use of well water for the 1965 through 1972 period was determined to average 112,800 acre feet per year. In his conclusion in the study, the Colorado State Engineer commented that: . . . the study has conclusively shown by means of a water budget analysis and mass diagrams that excessive pumping from the Arkansas River alluvium has resulted in the following: 1. Decrease in stream flows below Canon City; 2. Decrease in the quantity of water diverted from the main stem of the Arkansas River; 3. Reduction in return flows as indicated by a decrease in the river gain between Canon City and the stateline. The 'Net River Gain' section of this report indicates that the decrease in diversion and return flows is equivalent to the consumptive use of well water, which from 1965 through 1972 averaged 112,800 Ac-Ft per year." Id., p. 55. i A second'\tudy, entitled "Water Legislation II:lvestiga- I tions for the Arkansas River Basin in Colorado, Volume II, Comprehensive Report," September, 1968, was prepared by W. W. Wheeler and Associates and Woodward-Clyde & Associates, two highly reputed engineering firms in Denver. The primary purpose of the study was to prepare "a preliminary report on a method or methods of integrating the ground and surface . water uses in the Arkansas River Basin in. accordance with the Appropriation Doctrine established in the constitution." Id.., p. 1. The study included a comprehensive water -7.- .>--