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ARKANSAS RIVER COMPACT <br />(§37-69-101, et. seq., C.R.S.) <br />December 14, 1948 <br />Signatory States: Colorado and Kansas <br />Colorado Commissioners: One resident from former Water District 14 or 17, one resident <br />from former Water District 67, and the Director of the Colorado <br />Water Conservation Board <br />Major Purposes: <br />1. Settle existing and future controversy between the states concerning the utilization of <br />the waters of the Arkansas River (Art. I) <br />2. Equitably divide and apportion the waters of the Arkansas River between Colorado <br />and Kansas as well as the benefits which arise from the construction of <br />John Martin Reservoir (Art. I) <br />Important Provisions: <br />1. The conservation pool at John Martin Reservoir will be operated for the benefit of <br />water users in Colorado and Kansas, both upstream and downstream from the dam. <br />(Art. IV) <br />2. The Compact is not intended to impede development of the Arkansas Basin in either <br />state provided that the waters of the Arkansas River shall not be materially depleted <br />in usable quantity or availability. (Art. IV) <br />From November 1 to March 31 (winter storage) of each year, all water entering John <br />Martin Reservoir shall be stored up to the limit of the conservation pool, except that <br />Colorado can demand release of the river inflow up to 100 cfs as long as no waste <br />occurs. (Art. V) <br />4. Summer storage in John Martin Reservoir shall commence on April 1 and continue to <br />October 31 of each year. All water entering the reservoir during this period shall be <br />stored except: <br />a. When Colorado water users are operating under decreed priorities. <br />b. Colorado may demand releases of river inflow up to 500 cfs and Kansas <br />may demand releases of water equivalent to that portion of river inflow <br />between 500 cfs and 750 cfs regardless of Colorado releases. (Art. V) <br />Releases of stored water shall be made upon concurrent or separate demands by <br />Colorado or Kansas at any time during the summer storage period. Limitations <br />imposed are: <br />a. Unless specifically authorized by the Compact Administration, separate <br />releases by Colorado shall not exceed 750 cfs and separate releases by <br />Kansas shall not exceed 500 cfs. <br />b. Concurrent releases shall not exceed 1250 cfs. <br />