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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ZORICH, SPRONK a ASSOCIATES, INC. Page 3 ':"'.:> The intent of the Compact was to : (1) settle existing N ~ ~ disputes and remove causes of future controversy between the States of Kansas and Colorado; and (2) equitably apportion the benefits arising from the construction of the John Martin Reservoir project both between the two states and also between the water users in Colorado upstream and downstream of the newly constructed reservoir. The Compact is quite clear in regards to the latter intention. Paragraph C of Article IV states: "The conservation pool will be operated for the benefit of water users in Colorado and Kansas, both upstream and downstream from John Martin Dam,... II The Colorado Compact Commissioners, in their letter submitting the Compact to the Governor and General Assembly of the State of Colorado for approval and ratification, again emphasize this intent: "."it (the Compact) recognizes and provides for improvement of water rights in Colorado above John Martin Reservoir and assures water users in Colorado below said Reservoir with a greatly improved and regulated water supply." The operation of John Martin Reservoir according to the procedures contained in the Compact did not result in the most efficient use of the water stored in the conservation pool, however. When releases of conservation pool storage were begun under the provisions of Article V of the Compact, the ditches below the reservoir had to either use the water or lose it, regardless of whether or not they needed the water at the time.