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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INTRODUCTION

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The potential for salvaging water in the Closed Basin area for beneficial use
has long been recognized. Research and engineering investigations into the
condit ions of the Closed Basin began as early as 1939. Studies made by the
Colorado Water Conservation Board and the United States Geological Survey as
well as other investigations authorized by Congress supported the concept of
Closed Basin water use.

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The San Luis Valley Project-Closed Basin Division was authorized by Congress in
1972 (Public Law 92-514). The project's purpose is to capture ground water thst
would be lost to evaporation.

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Delivering this salvaged water to the Rio Grande will help the State of Colorado
meet its obligations for water to the States of New Mexico and Texas, under the
terms of the Rio Grande Compact of 1939. This additional water will also help
the United States meet its water delivery commitments to Mexico under the Rio
Grande Convention of 1906.

Under the terms set out in the Rio Grande Compact, Colorado has been in a debit
water status since 1952. Studies show that this trend first started developing
in 1949, when Colorado last enjoyed a credit status. On the basis of the
alleged debit status, the States of New Mexico and Texas would not consent to
the construction of a much-needed reservoir at Wagon Wheel Gap, located just
below Creede, Colorado. This reservoir would have provided better water
supplies for the Valley as well as other benefits. A primary need of the Valley
is to achieve credit status under the Rio Grande Compsct. The most favorable
opportunity is through the salvage of waters now being lost in the Closed Basin.
Water salvaged over and above this need will be available for use in Colorado.

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A more complete discussion of the Rio Grande
and the San Luis Valley Project can be found
information series, FACTS AND CONCEPTS.

Compact, the Rio Grande Convention,
in the first module of this public

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A number of other studies, directed toward further development of the land and
water resources of the San Luis Valley, have been made by the Bureau of
Reclamation.

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THE PLANNING PROCESS

Introduction

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Few people realize
Basin Division is.
economic, cultural
the first spadeful

how complex planning a water salvage project like the Closed
Years of study, testing, and research were needed. Social,
and environmental effecta had to be fully addressed before
of dirt was turned over in the project's construction.

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