Date: 10/30/2013
Final
HB 12-1278 Groundwater Study
WATER RESOURCES REVIEW COMMITTEE
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09:04 AM -- HB 12-1278 Groundwater Study
Dr. Reagan Waskom, 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. Waskom presented an animation that shows the development of water resources in the South Platte Basin and described the history and development of groundwater use regulations.
09:23 AM
Dr. Waskom discussed technological developments that have increased understanding of groundwater hydrology and the effects of pumping on surface water users. He also played a video of a flight along the South Platte River that identified major water water features including diversion structures, tributaries, gravel mines, water storage facilities, and stream gauges. He also explained how groundwater pumping can affect surface flows, identified preliminary findings of the report, and discussed questions that may not be answered by the study including future groundwater levels.
09:54 AM
Dr. Waskom discussed changes in surface flows and groundwater levels in the South Platte River and identified the amount of water used to augment out of priority diversions and other issues. He also responded to questions from the committee about maps and groundwater models used to conduct the study.