WSP07896

• File Number: 8449.600
• Description: Chatfield Reservoir
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Date: 2/1/1976
• Author: M W Bittinger & Asso
• Title: Preliminary Feasiblity Estimate of the Potential Use of the Conservation Pool of Chatfield Reservoir
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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Preliminary Feasibility Considerations

At this point, project feasibility can only be evaluated at a prelim-

.inary level, since different water rights are selling for a large variety

of prices and ail sales are the subject of extensive negotiations. Two

approaches are considered below--one approaching the question from the

requirement angle and the other from the general market situation evident

in the area.,

Considering the acquisition of 2400 acre-feet of dry-year yield per

contra't, the District must consider an average price of $1200 per acre-

foot as the upper limit of acquisition. This unit cost must be applicable

to the transferrable amount of the dry-year yield of the water rights after

completion of the transfer proceedings.

Scrutinizing now the market situation existing in the valley, on the

average level Colorado-Big Thompson water serves generally as a yardstick

for water-right sales. Considering the not uncommon asking price of $500

per acre-foot unit, the price of an acre-foot of delivery is about $715

in an average year. If we assume that only the consumptive use part is

transferrable, the unit price becomes $1100 per acre-foot.

Based upon the above considerations, the project appears to be feasible.

The expected replacement quantities developed on a dry-year basis will be

satisfied by the ,,,ater rights to be acquired. There are sufficient safe-

guards available to take care of extreme conditions caused by extremely high

evaporation losses or low-runoff years. The most important of these is the

operation of the conservation pool that will be optimized after execution

of the contract. An important safety feature is represented by any addi-

tional operational water in the pool that the District will have and could

use for meeting the contract requirement, should such become necessary.

In normal years the expected yield of the water rights is likely'

to be higher than in dry years, and the 1975 water right is likely to yield

storable water. Xntegrating these waters with the practiced and anticipated

operations of the District, a high degree of efficiency can be achieved in

using the available water resources.

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M. W. lllTTINGER AND ASSOCIATES, INC.