Eastern Plains farmers who had their irrigation wells shut off soon may have access to an emergency supply of water.
The Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District on Friday agreed to exchange about 10,000 acre-feet of water from its Windy Gap Reservoir for water that will ultimately be delivered to about 200 farms in Adams, Weld and Morgan counties.
“Even if this plan goes through, we still have some obstacles to overcome,” said Greg Hertzke, water-acquisitions manager for the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District.
Hertzke said the emergency deal still needs to be approved by several cities and the state engineer, who decided last week to shut off more than 400 wells to protect South Platte River flows.
It is not clear whether the 10,000 acre-feet will be enough to help the farmers. Some are completely well-dependent, while others also irrigate their crops with river water.
An acre-foot is 325,851 gallons, about enough water to supply two average households for a year.
“I was totally devastated earlier this week, but right now I see a little hope in the situation,” said Dave Petrocco, a Brighton vegetable grower. “I’ve been impressed by just how many people want to help.”
In addition to Windy Gap water, the central district may have access to more water from the city of Aurora.
The district already has a lease from the city for about 8,800 acre-feet of water, and there may be a way to extend that supply, said Peter Binney, Aurora’s utility director.
“We want to try to see if we can wring a few more acre-feet out of what they’re already receiving, and we will continue to work with them and the state engineer,” Binney said.
Without the water, farmers say their crops will die soon, costing them thousands of dollars in lost sales.
A 2003 Colorado State University study concluded that 3,500 irrigation wells along the South Platte contribute about $130 million to the state’s economy.
The wells were shut off last week after a state engineer ruled that the farmers couldn’t come up with enough water to replace what they would pump out of underground aquifers.
Following the drought of 2002, the state passed a law protecting river flows from being drawn down by wells.
The law required irrigators who pump water out of the aquifers to come up with plans to replace what they use.
While the central district’s temporary plan was ruled insufficient this year, a water court is set to take up its permanent plan next February.
Some South Platte water users have argued that groundwater users have had time to come up with a plan, and it should come as no surprise that water was curtailed this year.
On Wednesday, however, Gov. Bill Owens declared a state of emergency for the farmers, paving the way for federal aid.
Both Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave and Sen. Wayne Allard have asked President Bush to declare a national disaster for Weld, Morgan and Adams counties.
Staff writer Kim McGuire can be reached at 303-820-1240 or at kmcguire@denverpost.com.
