Date: 09/06/2012
Final
House Bill 12-1278 South Platte Groundwater Study
WATER RESOURCES REVIEW COMMITTEE
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09:01 AM -- House Bill 12-1278 South Platte Groundwater Study
Dr. Reagan Waskum, Colorado Water Institute, Colorado State University, explained that the General Assembly enacted House Bill 12-1278 concerning the South Platte river alluvial aquifer study. The act requires the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in consultation with the State Engineer and the Colorado Water Institute, to conduct a comprehensive study to compile and evaluate available historical hydrologic data in the South Platte River Basin. The act directs the CWCB to contract with the Colorado Water Institute, which will conduct the study independently. The results of the study must be reported to the General Assembly by December 31, 2013. Dr. Waskum explained that the study will seek to determine the reason for rising groundwater levels in the South Platte Basin and identify potential solutions. He also identified the need for data that will help identify solutions to the problem and identified other resources that will be used to complete the study including a peer review process and contracts with the U.S. Geological Survey.
09:09 AM
Tim Feehan, Assistant Director, Resources Management, CWCB, described the provisions of House Bill 12S-1001 that appropriated $500,000 to begin implementation of the South Platte groundwater data collection and analysis project. He also explained that the CWCB is contracting to update the South Platte Decision Support System.
09:14 AM
Dr. Waskum responded to questions from the committee about prior studies of the South Platte Basin ground waters and he estimated when the study and an interim report would be completed. Mr. Feehan also responded to questions about other potential funding sources for pilot projects and studies. Dr. Waskum described the history of the regulation of groundwater pumping in the South Platte Basin.