Trout Creek Alluvial Storage
A critical component to meeting the water supply needs of Colorado's growing population is water storage. While reservoirs store water above ground, alluvial aqiufer storage is a below ground alternative that offers many benefits. When water is stored below ground there is minimal water loss due to evaporation, there is more storage capacity, building and operating costs are reduced, and environmental impacts are minimized.
Preliminary engineering and ongoing studies of groundwater and surface-water interactions conducted by the District have shown a high potential for alluvial aquifer storage in Trout Creek Park. As part of the development of aquifer storage for the Trout Creek Park Multi-Use Project, in 2016 a recharge pond was constructed in partnership with the local land owner. Recharge ponds are the infiltration vessel for water to be stored in the aquifer. Initial analysis at the Trout Creek Park recharge pond location has concluded that the alluvium could store water in the aquifer for approximately 20-years, providing a great benefit to water supply needs in the Upper Arkansas River Basin.
In an effort to more accurately determine the available storage space in the aquifer and the timing of return flows to the river - which make up the storage component- the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District, in partnership with the local land owner and funding from the Colorado Water Conservation Board, is moving forward with a pilot project at Trout Creek Park. Once water has been successfully delivered to the recharge pond, infiltration rates and groundwater levels can be monitored. This pilot project will serve as an example of the innovative ways that the District is addressing our future water challenges and can provide a demonstration that can be transferable across the State on how to implement alluvial aquifer storage projects in the future.
Preliminary engineering and ongoing studies of groundwater and surface-water interactions conducted by the District have shown a high potential for alluvial aquifer storage in Trout Creek Park. As part of the development of aquifer storage for the Trout Creek Park Multi-Use Project, in 2016 a recharge pond was constructed in partnership with the local land owner. Recharge ponds are the infiltration vessel for water to be stored in the aquifer. Initial analysis at the Trout Creek Park recharge pond location has concluded that the alluvium could store water in the aquifer for approximately 20-years, providing a great benefit to water supply needs in the Upper Arkansas River Basin.
In an effort to more accurately determine the available storage space in the aquifer and the timing of return flows to the river - which make up the storage component- the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District, in partnership with the local land owner and funding from the Colorado Water Conservation Board, is moving forward with a pilot project at Trout Creek Park. Once water has been successfully delivered to the recharge pond, infiltration rates and groundwater levels can be monitored. This pilot project will serve as an example of the innovative ways that the District is addressing our future water challenges and can provide a demonstration that can be transferable across the State on how to implement alluvial aquifer storage projects in the future.
