Date: 08/10/2015
Final
Groundwater Management in the Rio Grande Basin
WATER RESOURCES REVIEW COMMITTEE
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03:01 PM -- Groundwater Management in the Rio Grande Basin
Dick Wolfe, State Engineer, Division of Water Resources, identified the number of high capacity wells in the Rio Grande Basin and explained how these wells may affect groundwater levels and streamflows in the basin. He explained that a law passed in 2004 (Senate Bill 04-222) requires the State Engineer to manage the use of ground water consistent with the prevention of material injury to senior surface water rights in the basin. It also requires the state engineer to maintain a sustainable ground water supply and preserve the state's ability to comply with the Rio Grande compact. Mr. Wolfe identified measures taken by the Division of Water Resources and local water entities to implement the 2004 law. Specifically, the division developed a ground water model to assess the impact of ground water pumping on senior water rights and to help administer water rights in the Rio Grande Basin. It also drafted rules to regulate groundwater withdrawals in the basin and identified alternatives methods to protect senior water rights from the impacts of groundwater pumping including augmentation plans to offset pumping depletions, participation in subdistrict of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, substitute water supply plan, and ceasing groundwater pumping altogether. He also identified additional steps that must occur before the rules take effect, including approval by the Water Court.
03:15 PM
Steve Vandiver, General Manager, Rio Grande Water Conservation District, discussed the formation of Subdistrict No.1 of the RGWCD and identified well use within the district for irrigation. He also identified measures to stabilize groundwater levels in the subdistrict including retirement of irrigated acres and groundwater recharge. Currently, Subdistrict No. 1 is the only subdistrict in the San Luis Valley that is operating under an approved groundwater management plan and annual replacement plan that is remedying injurious stream depletions. He identified other areas of the Rio Grande Basin where subdistricts of the RGWCD are being developed. He also responded to questions from the committee about the economic impact of land fallowing on the local community and weed management on fallowed lands.