Project Summary
The South Platte Storage Study (SPSS) investigated multi-purpose water storage possibilities in the Lower South Platte River Basin. Alternative storage ideas included new reservoirs, enlargement of existing reservoirs, and aquifer storage and recovery sites. As a sub-consultant to MWH, LRE:
- Prepared a literature review of Federal, state, and local laws and agreements that affected planning, permitting, and construction of potential storage options
- Characterized the amount, type of use, geographic location, and temporal distribution of water demands
- Characterized water quality requirements associated with the identified demands
- Updated the point flow model used to evaluate historical flow conditions
- Developed methodology to evaluate potential for conditional water rights affecting water availability at any point on the mainstem of the South Platte River in the study area
- Worked on conceptual development, screening, and cost-benefit analysis for all aquifer storage alternatives
- Screened all identified storage alternatives for permitting, water quality, and administrative constraints
The team presented a full report to the State that compiled all available data, as well as described storage options, constraints and opportunities, and cost estimates of each possibility. In mid-2018, the State allocated funding for a Phase 2 study.