WSP06952

• File Number: 8220.128.A
• Description: Silt Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 10/1/1945
• Author: USDOI - BOR
• Title: Silt Project-Colorado ‎(Draft of Project Planning Report)‎ Part 1 of 2
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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constructed a pumping ph.nt on the bank of the Colorado River and is

presently using Colorado River water by pumping the same under static

head of 347 feet. Capacity of the pumping plant is for a discharge of

one second-foot.

Pump energy cost, exclusive of operation, maintenance and depreciation

of pumping plant, is 12 dollars per acre-foot. The pumping plant is

operated only at such times as the water is needed by the City. The

quality of the water pumped from the river is comparable with water which

can be supplied the City by gravity from the Rifle Gap Reservoir. Pro-

vi sion has been made. in plan of development for participation by the City

in the project to the extent of 1,000 acre-feet of water.

Possibilities of Multiple Use

The project will serve primarily for irrigation with some water to

be provided Rifle City for culinary purposes as previously discussed.

River regulation for the development of hydro electric power in connection

with the Rifle Gap Reservoir has been studied and found to be uneconomical

due to the limited water supply of Rifle Creek. The seasonal power

possible of generation during the irrigation months by the release of

water for lower irrigation will not justify the attaching cost.

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Rifle Creek in the vicinity of the Rifle Gap Reservoir site has no

fishery values due to Slll"..I!Ier cloudburst floods. A reservoir with a

capaci ty as planned will no doubt have some value for boating and

recreation but without fish life an allocation of cost for such purposes

is questiona,ble. The Fish and Wildlife Service 'lnd the National Park

Service will, therefore, have no interest in the development.

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