The 2016 Little Thompson Watershed Coalition, Water Supply, Use and Planning Study – Needs Assessment for the Little Thompson River/Watershed is available Here.
This study will assist the communities and stakeholders in making informed choices and decisions regarding Little Thompson River water supplies. The mission of the LTWC includes additional goals related to floodplain restoration and engaging stakeholders to identify cooperative solutions to watershed management issues. The reporting provides characterization of the current water supply situation in the Little Thompson River watershed. The first objective of this study is to characterize water uses in the Little Thompson River watershed with emphasis on the river’s “native” supplies. The native water supplies originate in the watershed. The water use characterization includes types of use, water supply sources, quantities, timing, and place of use. The reporting discusses agricultural, domestic, municipal, and industrial uses.
The second main objective of this study is to characterize the stream flows in the Little Thompson River. The stream flow information includes the timing and amount of native flows, water volumes imported into the watershed, and water diversions. The reporting describes stream flows with hydrographs, text, and water supply accounting methods.
Other stated objectives in the Scope of Work for this study are to identify gaps in water supplies, describe non-consumptive water needs, determine dry reaches, discuss impacts due to droughts, discuss impacts due to changes in use of Colorado Big-Thompson Project water supplies, determine supplies necessary to “stabilize” certain uses, and develop a stream monitoring plan.
A primary goal of this study is to develop initial water supply plans and processes for the watershed. The plans and processes are projects, studies, designs, and other actions meant to address consumptive and non-consumptive water supply needs/concerns. This study directs these evaluations to the “native” Little Thompson River sources and uses. This report provides a preliminary list of plans and processes to address the water supply needs/concerns. These suggested plans and processes were identified during the research for this study, based on discussions with the Project Management Team (PMT), or suggested by the public and other entities interested in the Needs Assessment.
This report includes a draft Scope of Work and Budget for Phase 2 Needs Assessment. At this time, the Phase 2 Scope is a work-in-progress. So for now, the report presents a “menu” of potential investigations and Phase 2 activities. The PMT and stakeholders must direct and prioritize any Phase 2 work. Since the information developed under this study is important in helping stakeholders evaluate and set priorities, the draft Phase 2 Scope of Work will be finalized as the process continues.
