CO HB1278

The Colorado Water Conservation Board shall conduct a comprehensive study of the South Platte River alluvial aquifer in consultation with the State Engineer and Colorado Water Institute, examining historical hydrologic data through water year 2011.

The study will evaluate whether current water laws and rules achieve dual goals of protecting senior water rights and maximizing beneficial use of surface and groundwater in the South Platte River Basin.

The Colorado Water Institute shall investigate specific factors including alluvial well locations, curtailed wells, artificial recharge facilities, groundwater levels, augmentation plans, and impacts of transbasin supplies and conservation practices.

A progress report must be presented to the General Assembly during the 2013 legislative session, with a final report due by December 31, 2013, and presented in 2014.

The bill appropriates $910,900 from the Colorado Water Conservation Board construction fund for fiscal year 2012-2013 to conduct the study.