A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words

We have all heard the coined phrase, "a picture's worth a thousand words." Review the graph below, in conjunction with the text, for a `picture' of the water situation in the SJWCD service area. The graph illustrates the necessity for additional water storage, and why the District and the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) have been working hard to meet these needs.

As illustrated in the graph above, the current water storage capacity in the PAWSD is 2,900 acre-feet (AF) or 4,000 AF when the Stevens dam enlargement is complete. To meet the water needs of area residents, studies indicate that a total of about 12,000 AF of storage capacity will be necessary by 2043. The Dry Gulch reservoir site has a total potential storage capacity of 35,000 AF. The reservoir could be constructed in two phases, depending on the economic conditions and water demands. It may make sense to construct 12,000 AF in phase I and the remaining potential 23,000 AF in phase II.

The Dry Gulch Reservoir plays an integral role in the SJWCD's long-term plans to meet the water supply needs within the community. The Reservoir will provide a critical safety storage supply to buffer area residents and businesses from the effects of severe drought. The reservoir development is necessary for the health and welfare of District constituents now and to meet projected growth.

An extensive inventory and review of more than 13 potential reservoir sites within the County revealed that there were two geotechnically, topographically, and cost effective sites to choose from that have the least environmental concerns associated with them. One site has since been purchased by others for development. Therefore, it has been determined that the most feasible site in the County that meets most requirements is the Dry Gulch Reservoir site. Unless the land is immediately purchased, it could be lost to other development interests and/or become financially prohibitive.

The Dry Gulch Reservoir will be an off-stream facility located approximately one mile north from the historic downtown area of Pagosa Springs along US Highway 160 and in close proximity to the San Juan River. The drainage basin will not yield adequate water to fill the reservoir and will require diversions from the San Juan River. District flow and storage rights have been acquired for the reservoir and diversion from the San Juan River. The water supply developed for the reservoir is provided by Colorado's allocation under the Colorado River Compact. The project would allow Colorado to continue to utilize that allocation by allowing the District to store entitled rights. Storage of this up stream water also preserves water quality and provides drought protection. The diversion from the San Juan River into the reservoir is junior to a CWCB in-stream flow water right. To protect the river, no diversions may be made to the reservoir when the San Juan stream flows are at 50 cubic feet per second (cfs) or less from March 1 to August 31 and 30 cfs from September 1 to February 28.

The Dry Gulch Reservoir project meets the following water management objectives: 1) it will sustainably meet municipal and industrial demands; 2) it will sustainably meet agricultural demands; 3) it optimizes existing and future water supplies; 4) it will substantially enhance recreational opportunities; 5) it promotes cost effectiveness as the most economically viable site location; 6) it will comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and water rights; and 7) it provides an excellent location and supply of raw water for forest fire suppression.

The Dry Gulch Reservoir can also augment the water needs for: Archuleta County, Park Ditch Water Company, and other potential downstream users. The development of the Dry Gulch Reservoir will assist Park Ditch Water Company with water delivery, thereby preserving agricultural practices. In addition, the reservoir will help support economic vitality to Archuleta County with enhanced tourism potential/visits to the reservoir and associated facilities. Strong consideration is being given to open space with planned parks and recreational facilities.