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Mr. Roman V. Bockus March 4, 1976 Page Two ed to affect the flow regime in any significant amount other than to diminish the magnitude of flood peaks. Ground Water Ground water in the area is available from the alluvium and is hydraulically connected to the surface stream system and as such is considered tributary and subject to administra- tion under the appropriation doctrine. Deep wells can withdraw water from a variety of formations and are consid- ered non-tributar}~. Shallow or unconfined ground water in the alluvium is continuously flowing slowly downstream through the sands and gravels of the flood plaid deposits. Because of the slow movement of ground water the discharge at a given section across the river represents a small portion of the surface flow at the same point. Deep wells in the area may derive water from the Fox Hills, Arapahoe and Dawson Arkose formations, but are relativel}~ limited in capacity. The Fox Hills formation contains fine to medium grain sandstone separated by shale and clay. The Arapahoe formation and the Dawson Arkose formation con- tain beds of sand and gravel and conglomerates. Water from confined or artesian aquifers is considered non-tributary and non-administrable under the appropriation doctrine but subject to administration under the rules and regulations for ground water administered by the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources. Water Qualm water quality in the South Platte River near the site is generally pour and this stretch of the river has been classified by the State as C, D1, indicating water suitable for industrial and irrigation uses. Tests conducted by the Colorado Department of Health in January through August of 1975 at Henderson indicate that average temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen levels are generally conducive to certain species of fish life. Dissolved nutrient levels, however, were quite high, which indicates a condition detrimental to fish life but beneficial to irrigation use. There are many municipal. wastewater treatment plants and industrial discharges to the river in this reach which impact the quality of water in the river.