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I I 'm ~' f\ .;;' .,~ , it! . ~~ ~ ,'I, iii' .~ ~. '" i, . ~, ~ f .~ 'I J I: i 't I \ .' 't ~ t " , .,\ \f" ,Ii ~ ::... "'-.... CJ '..:::.) ,- . ....-~--" The State Engineer also reCXlgl1izes head stabilization or regulating reservoirs as beneficial and penni ts their ronstruction as part of an irrigation system where such stabilization does not alter existing irrigation rights. IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE ProBLEMS Severe water shortages occur, particularly during the latter part of July and during August and September or after the snow melt season. Water users have, for many years, atterrpted to solve this problem by storing water in the subsoil for use later. This is becaning increasingly difficult due to installation of numerous purrps and shortage of water to maintain the water table at an adequate level. The flow from artesian wells has been decreasing in the last few years. Pmnped wells for irrigation have been increasing. (Small water storage reservoirs are discussed under Study Item 8.) Because of the sandy, porous nature of the soils in much of the Valley, ditch losses in many places are high, and efficient fann surface irrigation is difficult. (Suggestions for inl:>roving irrigation water managerrent on the fam are given under Study Item 12.) Decline of the water table in serne areas of the Valley has added emphasis to canal lining needs. Canals need lining or pipelines to save and convey water for surface irrigation. (Major canals wi th high seepage losses or safety hazards which need to be roncrete-lined, relocated or replaced by pipelines are set forth under Study Item 3.) Water can be saved and costs can be reduced where portions of canal systems can be cx:xrbined. (A number of opportunities are listed under Study Item 1.) Ditch losses in canals from streams on the west side of the Sangre de Cristo Range are excessive. (The possibility of carbining and lining canals or using pipelines is given under Study Item 7.) Canal and ditch systems studied vary considerably as to their extent of improvements and state of repair. (The needs for repair and replacement of structures along major canals are listed under Study Item 4.) (On-fann needs to reduce seepage losses and inl:>rove irrigation systems are given under Study Item 11.) Recent changes in Colorado water law will make changes in points of diversion easier and less rostly. Combination headings for two or IlDre ccxrpanies will be IlDre practical than before. (The need for diversion dam repairs and replacerrents - includes new structures where none existed before - are listed under Study Item 2.) 5