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<br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />~".1}~7 <br />v.... .... v .J <br /> <br />autumn. By integrating storage reservoirs throughout the metropolitan region into a "single" <br />operating plan, levels at Barr Lake can be managed to optimize wildlife habitat, while the <br />Companies' water is accounted for by the Plan administrators, whether it is in Barr Lake or <br />any other location. <br /> <br />There are numerous other opportunities to accommodate specific interests. For instance, low <br />flow conditions on the South Platte River below Metro often occur during the winter months <br />when the Burlington-O'Brian Canal diverts essentially the entire river to Barr Lake. During <br />these times. the only remaining flow in the river is sewage effluent. Permitting the Companies' <br />water to flow past the Burlington head gate would provide increased flows of higher quality <br />water to the South Platte, which would substantially assist reducing critical low dissolved <br />oxygen conditions. Pursuant to FRICO's Beebe Draw augmentation decree, pumping from <br />wells just below Barr are accounted for as depletions to Milton Reservoir, which diverts from <br />the South Platte River at Platteville. In concept, Barr Lake shareholders could receive a <br />portion of their water from wells in Beebe Draw and the depletions to Milton Reservoir would <br />be made up by permitting Barr system water to flow past the Burlington headworks and <br />remain in the South Platte River for diversion to Milton Reservoir at Platteville. In this <br />manner, South Platte flows below Denver could be increased thereby improving low flow <br />river conditions, while the water available to the Barr Lake shareholders remains unaffected. <br /> <br />While either of the above examples would require further analysis before implementation, each <br />is an example of how the various facilities operated by the Companies could be used in a <br />manner which would increase water resources for many segments of the community, and <br />improve environmental conditions as well. The joint development and evaluation of the Barr <br />Lake Plan stands in marked contrast to the traditional history of major water development <br />programs. The process itself can be a model for future plans throughout this water short <br />region. <br /> <br />5 <br />