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LA PLATA RIVER COMPACT <br />(§37-63-101, et. seq., C.R.S.) <br />November 27, 1922 <br />Signatory States: Colorado and New Mexico <br />Colorado Commissioner: State Engineer <br />Major Purposes: <br />1. Equitable distribution of the waters of the La Plata River (Preamble) <br />2. Remove causes of present and future controversy (Preamble) <br />3. Promote interstate comity (Preamble) <br />Important Provisions: <br />1. State of Colorado shall at her own expense operate two gaging stations on the La <br />Plata River; one being the Hesperus station and one being the interstate station at or <br />near the state line. (Art. I) <br />2. Flow at the Hesperus station means the river flow at that station plus the amount of <br />concurrent diversions above that station. (Art. I) <br />3. Flow at the interstate station means the river flow at that station plus one-half of the <br />concurrent diversions of the Enterprise and Pioneer Canals, plus any other diversion <br />in Colorado for use in New Mexico. (Art. I) <br />4. Both gages will be operated between February 15 and December 1. (Art. I) <br />5. Between December 1 and February 15, each state has unrestricted use of all water <br />within its boundaries. (Art. II) <br />6. Between February 15 and December 1, the water shall be apportioned as follows: <br />a. Each state has unrestricted use on those days where the interstate <br />station has a mean daily flow of 100 cfs or more. (Art. II) <br />b. On all other days, Colorado must deliver to the interstate station half of <br />the mean flow at Hesperus for the preceding day, but not more than 100 <br />cfs. (Art. II) <br />7. Whenever the flow is so low that the state engineers of each state agree that greater <br />beneficial use can be obtained, the water can be distributed to each state successively <br />in alternate periods in lieu of the schedule set in (6) above. (Art. II) <br />8. Substantial delivery of water in accordance with the Compact is deemed a <br />compliance, and minor irregularities shall be disregarded. (Art. II) <br />9. Compact can be modified or terminated by mutual consent of the signatory states. <br />