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GuB'Ii' r . 1930's and in 1932 exploratory investigations revealed favorable con- ditions for ground-water development. By 1940 there were 67 irriga- tion wells in use and this number has increased steadily ever since. " The water table is very sensitive to supply and demand for W2.te:'. Initially there was a rapid decline of the water table and with more fa'Tor.. able surface water supplies in 1942, a substantial recovery occurred until 1950 when again a decline began which lasted through 1956. An im- provement is in progress now. It is here where artificial replenishment is being practiced by diverting surplus water into a leaky reservoir, A considerable benefit is being derived by this operation. Prospect Valley is a long way from the South PJ.~.tte l?nd surbce drainage to that stream is non -existent. :r et geologically it is com!2cte6 underground to the South Platte and Ground water is moving in t:1at ('.reci'rn. The effect of ground water use in the valley on the Soutl: PIl?H2 is ,::1. Kiowa Creek Ground-w2.':er developwent extends the entire length of the -'-cUey in Adams, Weld and Morgan Counties. The greatest concentrco.'sio:', o~ wells is in Morgan County near Wiggins. The valleys of KioV/u and B:.jou Creeks coalesce at this point. Thre'= observation wells in AC:ams County shoV/ rather definite symptoms of water-table decline at a rc.te of about a foot per year. Those near Wiggins in Morgan County inC:;.'~ate abou t the same rate. Bijou Valley Investigations and reports on the g,'ound V/l?ter in Mo:"ZCO,',l Cell;-,::' are available by both C. S. U. a:1d U. S. G. S. The principal development in Bijou Valley is in northern Adc.i!1S County and in :.Corgan County. D2velo;)men~ started in 1935 2lC(~ :::,'C1" gressed rapidly until about 1952 and at 2- much slower rate Sil,C<2 the::;. Since pumping extends into the valley of the South P1.atte all the conc:'.tio:ls of prompt and long-':ime effect on floV/ in the South Platte eY.:ist. ., The water table has decEned at an accelerated rate and ::1 -- c.ces now the total decline has been as much as 30 feet. As the result of the factual data available, the Color2.do Ground Water Commission ceclar"ci that portion of the vC!lley north of Byers a critical ground-wate,' disb-j,ct. Because of the veto powers of a local board, the action of the Commiss!.'):: was nulified. The situation is therefore unchanged. ., - 6 -