Groundwater Source Assessment
Sinbad Valley, Mesa and Montrose Counties, Colorado
Western Water & Land performed a groundwater source assessment to investigate the tributary status of groundwater flowing from two horizontal wells constructed within a ridge above Sinbad Valley in Mesa and Montrose Counties, Colorado. The assessment was conducted in response to opposition raised in a water rights diligence case for which Western Water & Land was providing technical support. The opposing party in the case claimed that the groundwater was tributary to Roc Creek and diversions through the wells would cause harm to his Roc Creek water rights. The opposition’s claim was based on his consultant’s position that well diversions would result in depletions to Roc Creek. Western Water & Land performed a detailed study of groundwater occurrence and flow in the vicinity of the wells and successfully demonstrated that groundwater flowing from the wells in fact was not tributary to the nearby stream in question. The study involved comprehensive research of hydrologic investigations in the area, compilation of water level data, and preparation of potentiometric surface maps describing groundwater level elevations and flow directions using ArcGIS™. As a result of Western Water & Land’s study, the opposition was dropped and the court issued the diligence decree noting that the Applicant had proven the tributary status of the water right.
Sinbad Valley, Mesa and Montrose Counties, Colorado
Western Water & Land performed a groundwater source assessment to investigate the tributary status of groundwater flowing from two horizontal wells constructed within a ridge above Sinbad Valley in Mesa and Montrose Counties, Colorado. The assessment was conducted in response to opposition raised in a water rights diligence case for which Western Water & Land was providing technical support. The opposing party in the case claimed that the groundwater was tributary to Roc Creek and diversions through the wells would cause harm to his Roc Creek water rights. The opposition’s claim was based on his consultant’s position that well diversions would result in depletions to Roc Creek. Western Water & Land performed a detailed study of groundwater occurrence and flow in the vicinity of the wells and successfully demonstrated that groundwater flowing from the wells in fact was not tributary to the nearby stream in question. The study involved comprehensive research of hydrologic investigations in the area, compilation of water level data, and preparation of potentiometric surface maps describing groundwater level elevations and flow directions using ArcGIS™. As a result of Western Water & Land’s study, the opposition was dropped and the court issued the diligence decree noting that the Applicant had proven the tributary status of the water right.