AWRA 2011 SUMMER SPECIALTY CONFERENCE Snowbird, Utah

June 28, 2011

Presenters: Amy Verbeten, Veronica Orosz Co-Authors: Rob Van Kirk, J. Mark Baker, Yvonne Everett, Lora Liegel, Kimberly Peterson, Brian Apple

Overview Study Area

Research Objectives & Methods

Findings

Action Steps

This research was funded by: U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research, Education, and

Extension Service grant number 2008-51130-19555

For more information, go to: www.humboldt.edu/henrysfork

Henry’s Fork Watershed ID/WY border

Arid to semi-arid climate

3,200 sq. mi.

Population: 50,000

Irrigated agriculture has dominated land use since 1900

Irrigated Agriculture Late 1800s: European settlement and agriculture

Earthen canals developed to transport surface water (250,000 acres irrigated by 460 miles of canals)

Pre-1960s, water was applied by flooding fields

1970s-1990s: Conversion to sprinkler systems

Development of irrigated lands Residential

development on land previously irrigated by canal systems

Limited scale watershed-wide, but high local concentrations

Development is highly fragmented

Research Objectives & Methods Calculate canal system water budget & quantify

effects of changing water management

Field measurement of canal seepage

Hydrologic analysis & modeling

GIS analysis

Identify mechanisms & create tools to manage hydrologic impacts of development

Stakeholder interviews

Develop educational materials

Work with watershed council to develop management strategy

Results: Surface Flow Mean number of days of continuous surface flow in losing reach of Teton Creek under varying irrigation practices

Changes in irrigation practices have a substantial effect on surface water supply

Diversion of water into canals alters hydrology of streams

Increases in efficiency decrease diversion

Natural hydrology supports riparian vegetation and native species

Results: Groundwater Recharge Total basin-wide groundwater recharge under varying irrigation practices

Changes in irrigation practices have a substantial effect on groundwater levels

Canal seepage is the single largest contributor to groundwater recharge

Increases in efficiency decrease aquifer recharge

Groundwater recharge acts as a storage mechanism, provides water for down-gradient irrigators, and supports spring-dependent wetlands and habitat

Results: Water Use & Management

Canal system not designed to irrigate small parcels

Fragmentation makes it difficult for remaining farmers to flood or sub-irrigate

Availability of surface water doesn’t guarantee use

Increase in domestic wells

Increasing groundwater withdrawal + decreasing recharge

Results: Water Use & Management

Lack of communication between water managers & land planners

Canal companies face monetary and physical challenges in urbanizing landscape

Land use planning and water management values & priorities vary by county

Hydrologic changes not

intentional – they “just happen” Responsibility for management

decisions falls disproportionately on canal companies

Hydrologic & Sociologic Implications Changes in irrigation practices lead to hydrologic changes that

impact humans and ecological processes

Management responsibility currently falls on canal companies, which lack resources to proactively manage this change

To manage proactively, local land use planners, agricultural irrigators, canal company managers, subdivision residents, homeowners associations, and developers need to work together to conjunctively manage ground and surface water

Choice of future water management actions will depend on understanding of local hydrogeology, stakeholder values, and effects on downstream water rights holders & native species

Action Step: Develop targeted educational materials in order to • Increase understanding of impacts of water

management changes • Increase communication between water managers

and land planners • Introduce tools for managing hydrologic impacts

of development

Action Step: Develop targeted educational materials

Identify Target Audiences

“New” Water Users

Local Decision Makers

Canal Companies

Identify Overall Messages

Water Cycle – Ground and surface water interactions

Changes to the landscape have impacts on the aquifer and streams

Enhance communication between the three audiences to plan for these changes

Educational Materials Cont. Identify Target Messages

“New” Water Users

Know about water rights

Realize that your water usage has impacts on the entire system – human and natural

Local Decision Makers

Communicate with canal companies

Plan for the impacts of development on water resources

Canal Companies

Ensure that assessments cover increased operating costs

Work with shareholders to balance aquifer recharge and streamflow

Educational Materials Cont.

Delivery Mechanisms

Booklet

Brochure

Project Website

Future Work: Work with Henry’s Fork Watershed Council to develop management strategy

Questions?