Water Diversion in Colorado
As travelers pass through the majestic landscapes of Nebraska, many often wonder about the intricate water systems that supply life-giving water to this semi-arid region. One of the key factors in this complex network is the diversion of water from Colorado, which has far-reaching implications for both states. This practice has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century, and has been crucial for supporting agriculture, municipalities, and ecosystems.
One of the most iconic water diversion systems in Colorado is the transmountain diversion, which redirects water from the Western Slope to the Eastern Slope. This is accomplished through a network of tunnels and canals, such as the Moffat Tunnel, which spans over 15 miles and can transport up to 1,000 cubic feet per second of water. The Moffat Tunnel, located approximately 35 miles west of Denver, supplies water to the city of Denver and surrounding cities.
Another example is the Homestake Project, which diverts water from the Holy Cross Wilderness in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains, located approximately 110 miles west of Colorado Springs. This project began construction in 1959 and diverts a total of 123,000 acre-feet of water annually. The water collected is then delivered through a 27-mile-long tunnel to the Homestake Creek, and eventually, to the Arkansas River, where it provides irrigation and municipal water supplies for the Arkansas Valley.
Water diversion in Colorado is primarily governed by the doctrine of prior appropriation, also known as the "first in time, first in right" principle. This means that water rights holders who obtained their rights first have seniority over others in times of drought. As a result, many water diversion operations are driven by an intricate hierarchy of senior and junior water rights holders, where those with senior rights have priority access to the water supply.
For instance, the city of Colorado Springs holds senior water rights to the Homestake Project, while water rights holders in the Arkansas Valley hold more junior rights. During periods of water scarcity, the city of Colorado Springs is guaranteed its full water allocation, while junior water rights holders are often subject to restrictions or curtailment. This seniority system has historically been a point of contention, as changes in water supply and demand have led to protracted disputes over water allocation.
The impact of water diversion in Colorado extends beyond state borders, affecting neighboring states like Nebraska. Under the Interbasin Compact, Colorado has agreed to deliver an annual average of 500,000 acre-feet of water to Nebraska from the South Platte River. However, during periods of drought, water diversion for consumption within Colorado can limit the amount of water available for delivery to Nebraska.
One of the most iconic water diversion systems in Colorado is the transmountain diversion, which redirects water from the Western Slope to the Eastern Slope. This is accomplished through a network of tunnels and canals, such as the Moffat Tunnel, which spans over 15 miles and can transport up to 1,000 cubic feet per second of water. The Moffat Tunnel, located approximately 35 miles west of Denver, supplies water to the city of Denver and surrounding cities.
Another example is the Homestake Project, which diverts water from the Holy Cross Wilderness in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains, located approximately 110 miles west of Colorado Springs. This project began construction in 1959 and diverts a total of 123,000 acre-feet of water annually. The water collected is then delivered through a 27-mile-long tunnel to the Homestake Creek, and eventually, to the Arkansas River, where it provides irrigation and municipal water supplies for the Arkansas Valley.
Water diversion in Colorado is primarily governed by the doctrine of prior appropriation, also known as the "first in time, first in right" principle. This means that water rights holders who obtained their rights first have seniority over others in times of drought. As a result, many water diversion operations are driven by an intricate hierarchy of senior and junior water rights holders, where those with senior rights have priority access to the water supply.
For instance, the city of Colorado Springs holds senior water rights to the Homestake Project, while water rights holders in the Arkansas Valley hold more junior rights. During periods of water scarcity, the city of Colorado Springs is guaranteed its full water allocation, while junior water rights holders are often subject to restrictions or curtailment. This seniority system has historically been a point of contention, as changes in water supply and demand have led to protracted disputes over water allocation.
The impact of water diversion in Colorado extends beyond state borders, affecting neighboring states like Nebraska. Under the Interbasin Compact, Colorado has agreed to deliver an annual average of 500,000 acre-feet of water to Nebraska from the South Platte River. However, during periods of drought, water diversion for consumption within Colorado can limit the amount of water available for delivery to Nebraska.
