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<br />G-. 'n'; <br />u.i Ii J . <br /> <br />25. <br /> <br />., <br /> <br />COMMENTS ON PAPERS PRESENTED AT THE GROUND <br />WATER SECTION OF THE WESTERN RESOURCES <br />CONFERENCE, AUGUST 24 and 25, 1960 <br />BY <br />MORTON W. BITTINGER <br />COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY <br /> <br />-, <br /> <br />It is impossible to adequately summarize the many excellent papers <br />presented at this conference. However, a few words can be said about the <br />major points of agreement and disagreement which have been presented <br />during the meeting. The points of agreement are clear cut and were men- <br />tioned by many of the speakers. The physical aspects of ground water <br />development and management in which there Is general accord, Include <br />the following: <br /> <br />1. That legislation should recognize ground water as part <br />of the hydrologic cycle and part of the total water supply <br />of each area. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />2. That the optimum use of the total water resources in a <br />basin will result only when operation and management of <br />the ground water reservoirs are coordinated w iih surface <br />water use. <br /> <br />In other words, man-made laws must recognize and be compatible <br />with the law s of nature. Legislation which does not recognize these facts <br />w ill be difficult to administrate or will not serve the public purpose to the <br />greatest advantage, The biggest problem for Colorado seems to be In get- <br />ting a satisfactory marriage between the physical facts, which cannot be <br />changed, and the existing legal, economic, social, and other institutional <br />situations which resist change. <br /> <br />Another point brought out by many speakers is the great need for a <br />wiser and better use of the water we withdraw from our ground water <br />reservo irs. I be lieve we wi 11 all agree that we have a long way to go in <br />this field and that It Is a very Important part of the proper management of <br />our overall water resources. <br /> <br />., <br /> <br />Many speakers have recognized that there Is no alternative but to <br />deplete certain ground water reservoirs which have a very low recharge <br />potential. However, the question of the proper length of life of the reservoir <br />and the type of control needed to assure that the supply will last sufficiently <br />long become points of dissension. <br /> <br />.. <br />