Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/791013
58 POTATO GROWER | MARCH 2017 58 POTATO GROWER | MARCH 2017 HIGH AND (NOT SO) DRY Colorado growers collaborate to make the most of a scarce water supply Colorado Potato Administrative Committee By Jim Ehrlich Executive Director this precious water source for over a century now through a patchwork of conservancy districts, irrigation canal companies, drainage districts, water user associations and the state water engineer's directives. But after a severe drought in 2002, it became apparent that despite the best efforts of all involved changes in water use, something drastic needed to happen to ensure a sustainable irrigation supply for future generations. In 2003, legislation was passed to allow growers to form water subdistricts. These subdistricts would allow growers to create a plan to achieve a sustainable irrigation aquifer level over a 20-year period. With the guidance of many The high mountain desert known as the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado has been home to farmers and ranchers since the mid 1800s. Water is the life blood of potato production in the San Luis Valley. In this region, surrounded and isolated by the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, we receive less than 7 inches of precipitation annually. Early pioneering farmers quickly realized the importance of harnessing the tributary surface waters that flowed from the high peaks surrounding the valley into the Rio Grande. As early as the 1850s, farmers began constructing irrigation canals and later reservoirs to store water for irrigation of their crops, which included potatoes from the beginning. Today's growers utilize the finest center pivot technology available to water their thirsty potatoes. Valley farmers have worked together to manage Colorado's San Luis Valley receives a mere 7 inches of precipitation annually. But thanks to a concerted conservation effort, enough water is supplied to area growers, communities and other entities. Photo by Sarah Ehrlich