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DISCUSSION <br />• <br />During the winter of 1990, 683 wells were measured in the <br />Northern High Plains Designated Basin. An attempt was made to <br />measure all the wells within a four weed; period beginning <br />approximately January 1, 1990. The goal is to obtain data at the <br />same time each year. In previous years, considerable differences <br />have been noted for measurements made in the same well in December <br />and in March or April. By measuring all the wells at the same time <br />each year it is hoped that the affects of seasonal variation will <br />be dampened and that the hydrographs and comparison of water level <br />change will more accurately reflect the true ground water <br />conditions. Because of the excellent cooperation of the district <br />managers, the water commissioner and a contract employee, 60% of <br />the wells were measured within the first four weeks of the year. <br />Ninety percent of the wells were measured within six weeks and <br />completion of all well measuring was at least four weeks earlier <br />than last year. Next year we will try to obtain all the <br />measurements within a four week period. <br />s <br />Throughout the Northern High Plains, the water levels continue <br />to show the regional decline which is to be expected when water is <br />being "mined". There are localized areas near the basin margins <br />and in area where water use has been curtailed which show rising <br />water levels. The maps contained in Appendices M and N show the <br />relative change in water levels since last year and the overall <br />change for the period of 1965 to 1989. <br />The average rate of decline for the past year is slightly less <br />that for the preceding year (4.93 feet in 1989 as compared with <br />. 1.06 feet in 1988). Although the rate of decline is less that the <br />proceeding year, the rate exceeds the trend of the middle 1980's. <br />This appears to be the result of a continued dry cycle which began <br />about three years ago as well as the continued high price for <br />crops. The well hydrographs contained in Appendix L show <br />representative water level trends in areas throughout the basin. <br />FUTURE WORK <br />This State Engineer's staff is studying the correlation of <br />water level changes with changes in agricultural practices and the <br />• federal "C.R.P.". To do this, data must be obtained concerning <br />the amount of land included in the federal programs and the <br />reduction of irrigated acres. A second area of study involves <br />looking at the aquifer depletion relative to aquifer thickness so <br />that depletion rates can be established. It may take several more <br />months before the results of the studies are presented to the <br />Colorado Ground Water Commission and the Management Districts. <br />3 <br />• <br />