Duke, Harold R. (Harold Ray), 1940-, authorLongenbaugh, R. A. (Robert A.), authorCivil Engineering Department, Colorado State University, publisher2019-09-172019-09-171966-05https://hdl.handle.net/10217/198063CER66HRD-RAL19.May, 1966.Prepared under contract with Colorado Water Conservation Board.Includes bibliographical references.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.technical reportsengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.Groundwater -- Colorado -- Kiowa Creek Watershed (El Paso County-Morgan County)Groundwater -- Colorado -- Bijou Creek WatershedWater-supply -- Colorado -- Kiowa Creek Watershed (El Paso County-Morgan County)Water-supply -- Colorado -- Bijou Creek WatershedText