WSP06838

• File Number: 8027
• Description: Section D General Correspondence-Federal Agencies
• State: CO
• Date: 10/28/1968
• Author: USGS
• Title: US Department of Interior-United States Geological Survey Water Resources Division and Quality of Water Branch-1967-1968-Progress on Geological Surveys Study of the High Plains of Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: News Article/Press Release

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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IN REPLY REFER TO:

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Colorado District
Building 25

FEDERAL CENTER. DENVER. COLORADO 80225

Water Resources Division /'

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October 28, 1968

PRESS RELEASE

SUBJECT:

Progress on Geological Survey's study of the
High Plains of Colorado

RELEASE DATE: Immediately

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

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E. A. Moulder, District Chief
Colorado District, Water Resources Division
U.S. Geological Survey
Bldg. 25, Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225
Telephone: [phone], Ext. 8621

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Substantial progress has been made on a new study of the water resources
of the High Plains in Colorado according to E. A. l1oulder, District Chief
of Waeer Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado.
The seudy, which is cooperatively financed by the Colorado State Engineer,
management districts in the High Plains, and the U.S. Geological Survey,
is designed to provide information and techniques for developing and
managing the extensive ground-water body underlying a large part of
eastern Colorado.

The project Chief, Warren E. Hofstra, U.S. Geological Survey geologise,
states that the water level in more than 400 wells will be measured
annually as part of the study. To provide information in areas where
no information is available, he hopes to drill tes.t holes, equipping many
of them with pipes so that they can be used in the water-level observation
program. Analog and digital computer models are planned to help analyze
the data and to provide predictive tools for planners and managers.

During the first 4 months of the 3-year project, an inventory of about
1,400 wells was completed and the discharge from 60 wells was measured.
The next step is to analyze these. data. Starting early next year work
will begin on documenting the rapid rate of development of ground water
for irrigation. The resul'ts will show how much ground water Hithdra.\,als
have increased, the distribution of withdraw21s, a.nd the lo'Wering of \Vater
levels that have resulted. Concurrently data will be collected to refine
estimates of aquifer properties, recharge, return flow and consumptive
use. These data and data on water quality will be used as a basis for
predicting the effects of future development of the resource.

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