Evaluation of water resources in Kiowa and Bijou Creek basins, Colorado
Date
1966-05
Authors
Duke, Harold R. (Harold Ray), 1940-, author
Longenbaugh, R. A. (Robert A.), author
Civil Engineering Department, Colorado State University, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
This report describes the water resources of the Kiowa and Bijou Creek drainages in northeastern Colorado. These intermittent tributaries to the South Platte River drain some 2130 square miles lying within six counties. The area has a semi-arid climate with an average annual precipitation slightly over 15 inches, most of which falls during the summer months. Since the streams within the study area flow only during storm periods and since there is no water imported into the area, the principle source of water for irrigation is from ground water. It was estimated that the alluvial aquifer contained 2,373,000 acre-feet of water in 1965, and that it receives 55,800 acre-feet of water annually through natural recharge of precipitation. The Fox Hills sandstone formation was considered to be the only bedrock aquifer capable of supplying moderate quantities of water to wells within the study area. This formation contains an estimated 2,000,000 acre-feet of recoverable water within the area, and could be an important future water source. The first significant pumping in the area began in the 1930's, and the annual withdrawal has increased to a maximum of 130,000 acre-feet from about 700 wells for the year 1964. This development has caused ground water level declines as great as 45 feet in some areas. Based upon present management practices, it is anticipated that water levels will continue to decline in the study area, with resultant decreases in the amount of water pumped. Within fifty years, it is expected that the aquifer will be depleted to the point that only recharge water is available for pumping. By this time, however, technology will likely develop such methods as artificial recharge and weather modification to feasibly increase the useable water resources of the area.
Description
CER66HRD-RAL19.
May, 1966.
Prepared under contract with Colorado Water Conservation Board.
Includes bibliographical references.
May, 1966.
Prepared under contract with Colorado Water Conservation Board.
Includes bibliographical references.
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Subject
Groundwater -- Colorado -- Kiowa Creek Watershed (El Paso County-Morgan County)
Groundwater -- Colorado -- Bijou Creek Watershed
Water-supply -- Colorado -- Kiowa Creek Watershed (El Paso County-Morgan County)
Water-supply -- Colorado -- Bijou Creek Watershed