TEMPORARY WATER TRANSFERS FOR DRY-YEAR WATER-SUPPLY

Temporary transfers of water for dry year water supply are analyzed fo r cost and operational feasibility. The temporary transfer is implemen ted as part of a water rights option agreement (WROA) between a lessor and a lessee. First, engineering analysis determines the technical fe asibility and operations plan under the Colorado doctrine of prior app ropriation. The cost of the WROA to a water utility is estimated. Othe r considerations in the agreement are discussed. The WROA is compared to other dry-year supply alternatives using a water system simulation model to obtain expected cost and operational performance characterist ics.