WSP07436

• File Number: 8543.600
• Description: San Luis Valley Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Date: 6/1/1987
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: San Luis Valley Project - Colorado - Closed Basin Division - Design and Planning
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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The measurements dre alSi") reporled to the three-member Closed Basin Division
Operating Committee. This committee is mad~ up of one member appointed by the
Secretary of the Interior, one appointed by the Colorado Water Conservation
Board, and one member appointed by the Rio Grande Water Conservation District.
The committee is responsible for reporting any adverse effect resulting from
project operation to the .Secretary of the Interior. The Secretary, in turn,
must take whatever steps are needed to correct the adverse effect.

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Water Qual ity

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Another factor which must be carefully monitored is the quality of the salvaged
water. The Rio Grande Compact states that the quality of water delivered to the
Rio Grande must meet certain criteria. Colorado may not be credited with deli-
vered project water unless its quality conforms to these requirements. The pro-
ject is also required to mee~ present Colorado stream standards.

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Individual wells and well fields are designed so that pumping operations can be
adjusted to blend different qualities of water delivered to the Rio Grande.
Water quality is tested on a daily basis by the Bureau of Reclamation.

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Vegetation Studies

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Small vegetation plots in and around selected well sites in the project area
are fenced off to study the effects of salvage well pumping on plants.

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The shrubs and bruah which occur in the project area are mostly rabbitbrush,
greasewood, and other water-consuming vegetation. The root systems of these
plants are adapted to collect and use surface moisture and ground water.

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The Bureau of Reclamation has done a long term study of the effect of ground-
water pumping on vegetation. The study was done at a test well which has been
pumping at the rate of 575 gpm continuously since April, 1980. The effect on
the surrounding vegetation has been shown to vary with the distance from the
well. Plants nearest the well show the greatest effect. Those more than 1,000
feet from the well show decreasing effects.

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POWER

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An estimated 16,663,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year will be needed to
power pumps. This power will be purchased from the local utility companies of
the Valley. The transmission lines will generally follow along the route of
well field laterals. Hany lines will be buried, including those close to roads
where perching raptors are in danger of being shot from automobiles.

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The Bureau of Reclamation recognizes the potential use of wind, solar, and
geothermal energy in the San Luis Valley. Use of these renewable resources
requires study. Project funding has noc included monies necessary for this
research.

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