Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Filing of a Water Court Application for Appropriative Rights of Exchange from Points on the Arkansas River and its Tributaries Upstream to Pueblo Reservoir
Presenter:
Pat Wells, Water Resources and Demand Management General Manager
Eric Tharp, Acting CEO, Colorado Springs Utilities
Body
Summary:
Utilities has negotiated a water sharing agreement with the Lower Arkansas Water Management Association (LAWMA), which is the first step toward diversifying Colorado Springs Utilities’ water supply portfolio through the use of Alternative Transfer Methods (ATMs). The water sharing agreement contemplates Colorado Springs Utilities’ acquisition of water shares in LAWMA and the filing of a water court application that is necessary for Colorado Springs Utilities to utilize the water derived from the LAWMA shares, both of which require City Council approval by resolution.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
Colorado Springs Utilities has had informal water sharing agreements with LAWMA for many years. Through the subject acquisition, Colorado Springs Utilities will purchase 2,500 LAWMA shares (2,000 acre-feet of water) from Arkansas River Farms for use in five out of every 10 years; LAWMA will receive the water in the remaining five years. The transaction will benefit Colorado Springs Utilities’ customers by addressing storage recovery following drought years. It also is an important step toward achieving the water supply goals defined in the Integrated Water Resource Plan (IWRP).
In order for Colorado Springs Utilities to utilize the water represented by the 2,500 LAWMA shares and other ATM water it subsequently acquires, it will need to file a water court application for conditional appropriative rights of exchange that will allow it to exchange the water derived from the LAWMA shares and other ATM water it acquires in subsequent transactions from points on the Arkansas River and its tributaries above John Martin Dam to Pueblo Reservoir. Such water can then be moved into Colorado Springs Utilities’ water system via its decreed and pending exchanges. City Council authorization to file the water court application is necessary to reserve a priority date for the proposed exchange. Colorado Springs Utilities hereby seeks City Council approval of the attached resolution authorizing it to file the water court application.
Financial Implications:
Colorado Springs Utilities will incur costs and expenses involved in prosecuting the water court application.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
Approve or not approve the attached resolution authorizing Colorado Springs Utilities to file the subject water court application.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move approval of the attached resolution authorizing Colorado Springs Utilities to file the subject water court application.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A