HB 14-1332: South Platte River Basin Water Management

• Directs the Colorado Water Conservation Board to conduct a comprehensive study of the South Platte River alluvial aquifer building on a 2012 study, including water movement analysis, groundwater modeling, and installation of real-time monitoring well networks.

• Creates a study advisory board with representatives from seven entities including water conservancy districts, roundtables, and the state engineer's office to oversee the research through the Colorado Water Institute.

• Establishes the South Platte Aquifer Management Plan Pilot Program authorizing approval of up to five pilot aquifer management plans in high groundwater areas near Gilcrest, LaSalle, and Sterling to test strategies for mitigating damaging high groundwater levels.

• Allows dewatering wells to pump groundwater back to the South Platte River without replacement obligations, provided pumping stays within approved plan limits, and permits the state engineer to issue well permits consistent with approved management plans.

• Allocates $614,100 from severance tax revenue to the South Platte Aquifer Study Fund for fiscal year 2014, with the fund operating through July 1, 2020, and requires annual progress reports to legislative committees.