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Well Regulation in the South Platte River Basin
South Platte River Basin Task Force
June 29, 2007Union Colony Civic Center
Greeley, Colorado
Dick Wolfe, M.S., P.E.
www.water.state.co.us
What Defines the South Platte What Defines the South Platte River System?River System?
• This physical system is defined by the geographic boundaries of the South Platte River and its tributaries in Colorado extending from the surface to the base of the alluvial ground water aquifers.
Inflow Inflow –– Outflow = Change in StorageOutflow = Change in Storage
InflowInflowPrecipitation (snow and Precipitation (snow and rain)rain)TransmountainTransmountain water water importsimportsReturn flows from Return flows from bedrock ground water bedrock ground water aquifers (NT, NNT)aquifers (NT, NNT)Stream flow into the Stream flow into the systemsystemGround water inflowGround water inflow
OutflowOutflowEvapotranspirationEvapotranspirationEvaporationEvaporationStream flow out of the Stream flow out of the systemsystemDepletions associated Depletions associated with human activitieswith human activitiesRecharge to bedrock Recharge to bedrock aquifersaquifersGround water outflowGround water outflow
Change in StorageChange in Storage
Alluvial storage capacity (3.4 Alluvial storage capacity (3.4 MAF unsaturated and 13.6 MAF unsaturated and 13.6 MAF saturated)MAF saturated)Reservoir storage capacity Reservoir storage capacity (1.77 MAF active and 3.46 (1.77 MAF active and 3.46 MAF conditional)MAF conditional)
COLORADOHISTORICAL AVERAGE ANNUAL STREAM FLOWS
(acre feet)
OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEERCOLORADO DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
Prepared by the Hydrographic Branch (2003 Revision)Historic averages obtained from USGS Water-Data Report CO-02
YAMPA
WHITE
LITT
LE S
NAKE
ELK
NO
. PLA
TTE
CACHE LA POUDRE
SOUTH PLATTE
NORTH FORKREPUBLICAN
SOUTH FORK REPUBLICAN
NO. FORK
ARKANSAS
NO. FORK
UN
CO
MPAH
GR
E
McELMO
MANCOS
LA P
LATA
AN
IMAS
& F
LOR
IDA
LOS
PIN
OS
PIED
RASA
N JUAN CONEJOS
PURGATOIR
E
GUNNISON
SAN MIGUELLARAM
IE
COLORADO
DO
LOR
ES
RIO GRANDE
1,531,000
555,200
4,500,000
414,300
1,127,000
404,600
311,100111,800
37,100
36,890 25,580670,100 173,700 446,900
+291,200
235,800
322,100
653,300394,300
153,000
593,600
172,000
219,800
943,000
330,500547,300
291,200
268,600
1,872,000
125,100
31,890
313,200 96,300
49,640
47,020
164,20089,820
699,200528,200
879,800
413,200
329,200
45,590476,300229,200
185,200
403,400
31,680
28,750
69,750
FOU
NTA
IN
APISHAPA18,970HUERFANO
26,930GR
APE
24,933
BEAR33,760
58,14688,051
63,038
126,800
270,500
204,400
404,400
875,600
265,800 99,500
634,500
ST. VRAIN
BOULDER
158,800
50,050
PIC
EANC
E
27,700
152,600
6
5
2
1
34
7
505,600
279,700
2,799,000
334,400
54,760 85,540
EAS
T TO
WAR
D A
TLAN
TIC
OC
EAN
1,3
73,0
00 a
f
WES
T TO
WAR
D P
ACIF
IC O
CEA
N 8
,867
,450
af
TOTAL LEAVING COLORADO 10,240,500 af
ROARINGFORK
EAGLE
BLUE
TOMICHI
SOUT
HFO
RK
SAN JUAN - CHAMA
94,180
At Benkelman, NE
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
##
#
#
#
#
#
Weld
Park
Yuma
Larimer
Logan
Washington
Elbert Kit Carson
Adams
Morgan
Douglas
Boulder
Lincoln
Phillips
ArapahoeJefferson
Cheyenne
Sedgwick
Teller
Clear Creek
Gilpin
Denver
El Paso
NUNN
WRAYYUMA
DENVERBENNETT
GREELEY
HOLYOKE
FLAGLER
BOULDER
SEDGWICK
STERLING
ESTES PARK
KEENESBURG
CASTLE ROCK
FORT MORGAN
FORT COLLINS
WOODLAND PARK
1
65
3
49
64
8
2
4
23
7
5
6
80
9
48
76
Main RiversDivision 1 CountiesDivision 1 DistrictsDivision 1 Boundary
# CitiesN
EW
S
State of Colorado, Division of Water Resources, Division 1, South Platte River Drainage.
Priority DatesOf ControllingWater Rights
Early 1860’s
Late 1860’sTo Early 1870’s
Early 1880’s
Late 1880’sTo Mid-1890’s
South Platte River CompactApril 27, 1923
Key Provisions• Divides South Platte River Basin into “Upper Section”
and “Lower Section• South Platte River Compact applies only in “Lower
Section” (Washington County line to State Line, District 64)
• Flow of river is measured flow of Julesburg gage plus inflow below gage and above Western Canal diversion
• Between April 1 and October 15, Colorado shall not permit diversions with appropriation dates junior to June 14, 1897 when the flow of the river is less than 120 cfsunless the diversions are augmented
• Colorado has the right to the full and uninterrupted use of the waters of the South Platte River from October 16 to March 31
South Platte River Basin HydrologySouth Platte River Basin Hydrology
Native flows for total basin estimated to be 1,400,000 Native flows for total basin estimated to be 1,400,000 acreacre--feet annually by the USGSfeet annually by the USGSTransmountainTransmountain water provides approximately another water provides approximately another 400,000 acre400,000 acre--feet per yearfeet per yearGround water pumping from high capacity alluvial wells Ground water pumping from high capacity alluvial wells located along the South Platte River are estimated to located along the South Platte River are estimated to provide over 500,000 acreprovide over 500,000 acre--feet annuallyfeet annuallyTotal annual surface water diversions equal Total annual surface water diversions equal approximately 4,000,000 acreapproximately 4,000,000 acre--feetfeet
South Platte River Basin IrrigationSouth Platte River Basin Irrigation
• Approximately 1 million irrigated acres– Approximately 18% is served by
ground water only– Approximately 27% is served by a
combination of surface and ground water
– Approximately 55% is served by surface water only
W eld
Yu ma
Loga n
W ashin gto n
Adam s
Morg an
Lin co ln
Phil lip s
nArapa hoe
Sedg wick
De nver
Cli pp ed div 1c ou nt ies .s hp
N
EW
S
Irrigated Area Along the South Platte River
1
2
3
7
4
5
6
GREELEY
DENVER
PUEBLO
ALAMOSA
DURANGO
MONTROSE
DELTA
GRANDJUNCTION
GLENWOODSPRINGS
STEAMBOATSPRINGS
ARKANSAS RIVER
RIO GRANDE
DO
LOR
ES RIVER
COLORADO RIVER
YAMPA RIVER
SOUTH
PLATT
E
RIVER
5
10
78
12
15
1617
1819202122
23
24
25
2829
30
31 32 33
34
TO SOUTH PLATTE BASIN1. WILSON SUPPLY DITCH2. DEADMAN DITCH3. BOB CREEK DITCH4. COLUMBINE DITCH5. LARAMIE POUDRE TUNNEL6. SKYLINE DITCH7. CAMERON PASS DITCH8. MICHIGAN DITCH9. GRAND RIVER DITCH
10. ALVA B. ADAMS TUNNEL11. MOFFAT WATER TUNNEL12. BERTHOUD PASS DITCH13. STRAIGHT CREEK TUNNEL14. VIDLER TUNNEL 15. HAROLD D. ROBERTS TUNNEL16. BOREAS PASS DITCH17. HOOSIER PASS TUNNEL
TO ARKANSAS BASIN18. COLUMBINE DITCH19. EWING DITCH20. WURTZ DITCH21. HOMESTAKE TUNNEL22. CHARLES H. BOUSTEAD TUNNEL23. BUSK-IVANHOE TUNNEL24. TWIN LAKES TUNNEL25. LARKSPUR DITCH26. HUDSON BRANCH DITCH27. MEDANO PASS DITCH
TO RIO GRANDE BASIN28. TARBELL DITCH29. TABOR DITCH30. WEMINUCHE PASS DITCH31. PINE RIVER-WEMINUCHE PASS DITCH32. WILLIAMS CREEK-SQUAW PASS DITCH33. DON LA FONT DITCHES 1 & 234. TREASURE PASS DITCH35. SAN JUAN-CHAMA PROJECT
TRANSMOUNTAIN DIVERSIONSOFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER
GUNNISON
RIVE
R
12
41
4243
TO COLORADO RIVER BASIN40. DIVIDE HIGHLINE FEEDER DITCH41. SARVIS DITCH42. STILLWATER DITCH43. DOME DITCH44. REDLANDS POWER CANAL
6
9
11
14
34
13
35
2627
36 3738
40
39
TO GUNNISON RIVER BASIN36. RED MOUNTAIN DITCH37. CARBON LAKE DITCH38. MINERAL POINT DITCH39. LEON TUNNEL
Updated June 2005
44
Division 1 Diversions
-
500,000
1,000,000
1,500,000
2,000,000
2,500,000
3,000,000
3,500,000
4,000,000
4,500,000
5,000,000
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Year
Am
ount
(Ac-
Ft)
Total DiversionTransmountain Diversions
South Platte River at KerseyIrrigation Water Year
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Flow
(cfs
)
Historic* Mean Flow Historic* Min Flow 2006-2007 Mean Flow 2005-2006 Mean Flow*1901-2005
South Platte River at JulesburgIrrigation Water Year
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Flow
(cfs
)
Historic* Mean Flow Historic* Min Flow 2006-2007 Mean Flow 2005-2006 Mean Flow*1902-2005
2005 Surface Water Use Breakdown
Irrigation62%
Augmentation7%
Recharge6%
Industrial4%
Municipal21%
South Platte River Basin Water UseSouth Platte River Basin Water Use
General Well InformationGeneral Well InformationApproximately 9,000 decreed high capacity wells in Approximately 9,000 decreed high capacity wells in South Platte River basin and its tributaries on record. South Platte River basin and its tributaries on record. Less in actual existence. Less in actual existence. Have inventoried approximately 7,400 high capacity Have inventoried approximately 7,400 high capacity wellswellsStill verifying use of remaining 1,600 wells (verification is Still verifying use of remaining 1,600 wells (verification is starting near the river and moving away from traditional starting near the river and moving away from traditional irrigated areas; it is estimated that 80% of these wells are irrigated areas; it is estimated that 80% of these wells are in existence, but only 15% are being used)in existence, but only 15% are being used)
General Well InformationGeneral Well Information
For 2007, the anticipated number of Division 1 For 2007, the anticipated number of Division 1 Substitute Water Supply Plans (Substitute Water Supply Plans (““SWSPsSWSPs””) with wells that ) with wells that will operate in 2007 is approximately 125. (This only will operate in 2007 is approximately 125. (This only includes SWSPs per 37includes SWSPs per 37--9292--308, C.R.S., with wells.) 308, C.R.S., with wells.) Approximately 1,300 wells are included in these 125 Approximately 1,300 wells are included in these 125 plans.plans.The number of wells operating in decreed augmentation The number of wells operating in decreed augmentation plans in Division 1 is approximately 3,700.plans in Division 1 is approximately 3,700.
Changes in Water Supply, Changes in Water Supply, Availability, Use and AdministrationAvailability, Use and Administration
Drought/climate changeDrought/climate changeEarlier calls because of well use limitsEarlier calls because of well use limitsDevelopment of recharge projectsDevelopment of recharge projectsIncreased reuse of Increased reuse of transmountaintransmountain diversionsdiversionsLining of gravel pits below Denver and on tributaries to recoverLining of gravel pits below Denver and on tributaries to recoverreusable supplies (pumping or exchange to cities)reusable supplies (pumping or exchange to cities)Increased value of water and drought conditions have led to lessIncreased value of water and drought conditions have led to lesscooperation and tighter administration, for example, no more cooperation and tighter administration, for example, no more ““GentlemanGentleman’’s Agreement (historical agreement between s Agreement (historical agreement between reservoir operators to allow upstream, outreservoir operators to allow upstream, out--ofof--priority storage priority storage during winter fill season).during winter fill season).
Call Comparison(District 1 Calls Senior to Administration No. 44698, 5-26-1972)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
November
December
Januar
yFe
bruary Marc
h
April May
June
July
Augu
stSe
ptember
Octobe
r
Month
Day
s of
Cal
l
1950-20022003-2006
Note: Free River 4/25-6/12, 2007
South Platte Recharge
0
50000
100000
150000
200000
250000
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Year
Total Recharge
District 1 District 64 District 2
Farmers IndependentDitch Recharge Site
Over 200,000 AF in 2007
New Direct and Indirect Reuse of Fully New Direct and Indirect Reuse of Fully Consumable SuppliesConsumable Supplies
• Denver Water Reuse Plant (12 cfs presently, 68 cfs eventually)
• Other reuse projects by Broomfield, FRICO, ECCV and United Water
• Pump Installation in Chatfield Reservoir to Recover Environmental Releases from Strontia Springs Reservoir (30-60 cfs)
New Direct and Indirect Reuse of Fully New Direct and Indirect Reuse of Fully Consumable SuppliesConsumable Supplies
• Claims by Denver, Aurora, and others to exchange or use reusable lawn returns (>15 cfs)
• New lined gravel pit storage downstream of Denver to pick up reusable supplies to exchange or use directly (estimated over 100,000 acre-feet within next 10 years)
• Calpine (Rocky Mtn. Energy Center) 3,000 ac-ft/yr for treatment plant (average 4 cfs)
Gravel Pit Reservoir Sites Along South Platte RiverGravel Pit Reservoir Sites Along South Platte River
Farmers Respond to ChangesFarmers Respond to Changes
Increased use of surface water supplies Increased use of surface water supplies especially early in the year due to cost of especially early in the year due to cost of running wellsrunning wellsIncreased use of reservoirs for irrigationIncreased use of reservoirs for irrigationIncreased installation of sprinklers (reduces Increased installation of sprinklers (reduces return flows)return flows)Change in cropping patterns (more winter Change in cropping patterns (more winter wheat, alfalfa, etc.)wheat, alfalfa, etc.)
Farmers Respond to ChangesFarmers Respond to Changes
Increased use of the South Platte River aquifer for Increased use of the South Platte River aquifer for retiming of depletions (recharge ponds, retiming of depletions (recharge ponds, augmentation wells, recharge wells)augmentation wells, recharge wells)Increased use of reusable effluent and reservoir Increased use of reusable effluent and reservoir releases for replacementreleases for replacementIncreased use of surface water rights in sprinkler Increased use of surface water rights in sprinkler irrigation systemsirrigation systemsIncreased number of augmentation plans and Increased number of augmentation plans and SWSPs SWSPs –– subject to water court and State Engineer subject to water court and State Engineer processes; more active in water courtprocesses; more active in water court
Plan for AugmentationPlan for Augmentation
A plan to replace out of priority depletions A plan to replace out of priority depletions caused by a junior water right to senior water caused by a junior water right to senior water rights. The replacements are made with another rights. The replacements are made with another source of water. Depletions must be replaced in source of water. Depletions must be replaced in time, place and amount in order protect senior time, place and amount in order protect senior water rights. The application for approval of a water rights. The application for approval of a plan for augmentation in water court allows plan for augmentation in water court allows others the opportunity to express their concerns others the opportunity to express their concerns regarding its ability to protect their water rights.regarding its ability to protect their water rights.
Vallecito Creek
The EndThe End
Fourmile Creek
Questions?
The best thing about The best thing about the future is that the future is that it comes only one it comes only one day at a time day at a time ––Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln
Presented by:Presented by:Dick Wolfe, M.S., P.E.Dick Wolfe, M.S., P.E.
Assistant State EngineerAssistant State Engineer
(303) 866(303) 866--3581 ext. 82413581 ext. [email protected]@state.co.uswww.water.state.co.uswww.water.state.co.us
Possible Issues for Consideration by Possible Issues for Consideration by the Task Forcethe Task Force
More flexible wintertime administration of reservoir More flexible wintertime administration of reservoir calls by the State and Division Engineers; aggregate calls by the State and Division Engineers; aggregate replacement of winter depletions;replacement of winter depletions;Forgiveness of postForgiveness of post--pumping depletion pumping depletion ““debtdebt””associated with some period of past well use;associated with some period of past well use;Grandfather wells prior to a certain date (e.g., Grandfather wells prior to a certain date (e.g., ““1969 1969 ActAct””););Revisit with Northern Colorado Water Conservancy Revisit with Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District and other affected stakeholders the use of District and other affected stakeholders the use of ColoradoColorado--Big Thompson Project water as a permanent Big Thompson Project water as a permanent augmentation source (currently prohibited by policy augmentation source (currently prohibited by policy adopted by Northern Board of Directors);adopted by Northern Board of Directors);
Possible Issues for Consideration by Possible Issues for Consideration by the Task Forcethe Task Force
Encourage and help the lower reaches of the South Encourage and help the lower reaches of the South Platte River to develop water districts and/or water Platte River to develop water districts and/or water authorities so that the water users can be competitive in authorities so that the water users can be competitive in attempting to purchase augmentation water supplies;attempting to purchase augmentation water supplies;Investigate growing alternative crops including dryInvestigate growing alternative crops including dry--land land farming;farming;Investigate potential expansions of historical use by Investigate potential expansions of historical use by senior surface water rights; senior surface water rights; Evaluate economic options such as subsidies, buyouts, Evaluate economic options such as subsidies, buyouts, or programs such as CREP and EQIP; andor programs such as CREP and EQIP; andOther legislative options.Other legislative options.
