COMMONWEALTH IRRIGATION COMPANY
CHANGE OF WATER RIGHTS

W. W. Wheeler and Associates, Inc. was retained by the Commonwealth Irrigation Company to assist them in changing Empire Canal direct flow water rights to allow storage. Commonwealth proposed to store these water rights during spring, for release as a supplemental irrigation supply during summer. Utilizing streamflow, diversion and water call records, Wheeler quantified the amount of water that could be diverted to storage in spring. Wheeler's investigation included analysis of irrigation under the Empire Canal and irrigation water from other sources. Utilizing the collected data, Wheeler performed analysis to determine crop evapotranspiration, irrigation water requirement, consumptive use requirement and the irrigation water supplied by other sources.

This data was then used to determine the impact upon return flows that the proposed change in use would have. In cooperation with the Division Engineer, Wheeler applied its engineering analysis together with its knowledge of Rio Grande water rights and the Rio Grande Interstate Compact, to develop terms and conditions for prevention of injury to other water rights. Wheeler was a key member in the negotiated settlement that resulted in Commonwealth obtaining a decree.