Grape Creek/DeWeese Efficiency Study & Enlargement Feasibility Study

The DeWeese Irrigation System Efficiency and Improvement Study was conducted in cooperation by the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District, the Deweese-Dye Ditch and Reservoir Company (DDDRC), and the Bureau of Land Management. The study was undertaken in order to upgrade irrigation efficiencies within the DDDRC system, which includes DeWeese Reservoir, enhance the stream health of Grape Creek, reduce losses in the management of water replacement deliveries, and improve exchange opportunities. Benefits to the general public include a reduction in both water loss and water fluctuation along Grape Creek, thereby improving not only the environment, but recreational opportunities as well. The Grape Creek/DeWeese Efficiency Study is a great example of a diverse group collaborating together for the benefit of multiple users.

The DeWeese Irrigation System Efficiency and Improvement Study concluded that more storage is needed in DeWeese Reservoir. Additional storage would provide the additional resources to allow for the development of a flow program that could support agricultural, municipal, recreational, and environmental needs. In an effort to pursue additional storage options the District has applied for a Colorado Water Conservation Board grant to conduct a feasibility analysis of storage potential. The objectives of the feasibility study are to 
  • Analyze current and future water demands and trends on Grape Creek
  • Determine partnerships and total capital contributions available for this project
  • Conduct Hydrologic and Topographic surveys of DeWeese Reservoir to determine sources of supply and storage feasibility levels
  • Analyze the current dam structures to create feasibility drawings for both the rehabilitation and dam raise alternatives
  • Assess potential adverse and beneficial effects associated with rehabilitating the DeWeese Dam or enlarging the reservoir
  • Develop an opinion of probable construction cost (OPCC) associated with the feasibility-level dam improvements
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The project has received the support of the Needs Assessment committee of the Arkansas Basin Roundtable and is moving through the grant process with the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Letters of support were received from the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District, the Bureau of Land Management, the DeWeese-Dye Ditch and Reservoir Company, and Round Mountain Water and Sanitation District. In September 2019 the Enlargement Feasibility Study was awarded a Water Supply Reserve Fund grant from the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Upon finalization of the contract with the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the UAWCD will contract with project engineers to move the Feasibility Study forward. Stay tuned for more information!