Figure 4: Watersheds within the SJHU

Totals for municipal, industrial and agricultural demands for each watershed will be presented in the study.
These totals will be compared against total water supplies for the watershed to identify needs.

TASK 1 - WATER SUPPLY ASSESSMENT

Subtask 1.1 - Water Supply Data Collection

The first task in a regional water plan is to determine the available water supply for the region. This usually entails a significant data collection effort. Much of the data collection effort was completed in 1998 for the draft San Juan Hydrologic Unit Data Collection Study. Subtask 1.1 will begin with a review of the existing data files from that study. The data collection effort will focus on data gaps that are relevant to the water supply within the region. This will include incorporating data provided from the Navajo Nation.

Following is a description of the data to be collected for this subtask:

     A. Climatological and stream gage data in Colorado, within the SJHU. This may be used in evaluating and correlating surface water supplies for average and drought conditions. It may also be used for water supply frequency evaluations.

     B. Identification of the physical attributes for each watershed including:
          1. Topography,
          2. Location of irrigated lands,
          3. Stream mileage,
          4. Sources of stream flow,
          5. Location of gages, location of discharge areas and springs
          6. Municipal discharges

     C. Data to be collected on the surface water supply will include:
          1. Gage location,
          2. Period of record,
          3. Maximum and minimum monthly and annual discharges,
          4. Flow duration analysis,
          5. Notation of diversions above the gage(s),
          6. Hydrographs

     D. Water related facilities within the study boundary will be identified as to type, location, capacity, owner, and service area. If the owner does not know the capacity, an estimate of its capacity will be made. Typical water related facilities that will be inventoried include:
          1. River diversion structures
          2. Canals (major conveyance facilities only, minor ditches excluded)
          3. Water treatment plants
          4. Wells
          5. Pipelines (conveyance facilities only, pipe networks excluded)

        In addition to the above facilities, storage reservoirs, both raw water and potable water will be identified. Relevant information for these facilities includes:
          1. Location,
          2. Design capacity in acre - feet ,
          3. Primary purpose,
          4. Owner/operator,
          5. Average storage and surface area,
          6. Net evaporation and total losses to evaporation in acre - feet per year,
          7. Average releases

     E. Water quality data will be obtained for each surface water source where available.

     F. Navajo Indian Irrigation Project (NIIP) Water Resources data and other diversion data will be collected to evaluate the availability of water within sub-basins.

     G. Reclamation operation studies used to justify quantification of water rights.

     H. Geologic data on the defined groundwater aquifers (underground water basins) will be collected. Sources for this information will include:
          1. a masters thesis from NM Institute of Mining and Technology on the potential groundwater capacity.
          2. USBR siting studies of reservoirs in NM associated with the Animas-La Plata Project.
          3. The Oil Conservancy (Aztec) for publicly available geologic information.

        Data to be gathered from these reports includes:
          1. Geology
          2. Aquifer characteristics
          3. Pump test inventories,
          4. USGS Observation well data
          5. Trend analysis of M&I well field drawdown and recovery
          6. Effects of snowmelt on streamflow and recharge
          7. Return flows from water users
          8. Groundwater quality data

     I. Navajo Nation water supply data will be collected by the nation's staff.

     J. A water rights inventory was completed for the Data Collection Report and will be included in the regional plan.

     K. Jicarilla Apache Nation water supply and use data along with other available information will be collected by its staff and provided as a contribution to the planning effort.

Data will be obtained in hard copy form and digital form when possible so that it may be readily incorporated into the project GIS database. All GIS data will be documented in detail and maps will be developed to comply with the State of New Mexico mapping specifications.

The map products will be provided in both hard copy and electronic formats consisting of a CD ROM in ARC-INFO.

Subtask 1.2 -Analysis of the water supply data

As beneficial to the completion of this task, data not already available in GIS format will be incorporated into the GIS database. The GIS database will be maintained by the SJWC during the period of this study . The available water supply will be estimated from the following sources:
          1. Available water supply studies
          2. Stream flow data
          3. Updated estimates of return flows from municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses.
          4. The potential for using groundwater will be reviewed based on available groundwater studies.
          5. The current hydrographic determination from the Upper Colorado River Commission will be obtained and evaluated for applicability to Regional Water Plan purposes.

The available supply will be presented by watershed for comparison to water demands.

Subtask 1.3 - Preparation of the water supply assessment report

This subtask is the preparation of a report that updates the Data Collection Report and assesses the water supply of the region.

Subtask 1.3.1 : Deliverables

-Draft Water Supply Assessment Report including legal analysis of constraints to the water supply.

-GIS data and metadata , including maps, will be delivered on three different CD's:

          1. CD #1, ArcInfo coverages, ArcView shape files, FGDC Metadata, miscellaneous database files and a README CD index file

          2. CD#2, ArcInfo export files*.e00, ArcInfo graphic files, FGDC Metadata, and a README CD index file

          3. CD#3, Imagery files with headers as necessary, FGDC Metadata, and a README CD index file

TASK 2 - WATER DEMAND ASSESSMENT

Subtask 2.1 - Estimate Existing Demands
Existing water demand information will be collected from agencies, cities, rural water associations and the State of New Mexico. Some of this information is available from previous study completed by the SJWC and the State of New Mexico. Demands information will include:

     A. Zoning maps, and comprehensive plans for the communities in the study area will be collected. This information will provide the basis for determining buildout areas and population densities of the communities. Available master plans for communities or counties will also be obtained.

     B. Parcel data from county governments in GIS format. This information will be useful in siting facilities associated with proposed alternatives.

     C. Population projections
          -Current UNM - Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) population projections;
          -2000 Census data;
          -City projections;
          -County projections
     
D. Navajo Nation water demand data will be collected by the nation's staff. This will include population information, land uses, densities, and current and future demands.

     E. Jicarilla Apache Nation water demand data including current and projected uses, will be provided by its staff.
     F. Additional multi-spectral imagery. Imagery along the Animas and San Juan Rivers was obtained previously by SJWC. Imagery for the remaining areas of the SJHU will be obtained to complete the database for the area. This information is useful in determining and quantifying riparian areas, wetlands, and irrigated areas.

     G. Recent State of New Mexico studies to identify irrigated acreage and consumptive uses will be obtained.

     H. Agricultural demands. GIS data on irrigated acreage within the basin, including crop mix will be collected. In addition, the State of New Mexico is currently developing demands based on recent aerial photography. This information will be used as appropriate. The ISC will make a determination on whether to use modified or orginal Blaney-Criddle before this work starts.

     I. Municipal demands - SJWC completed a return flow plan and credit program for its member entities. This data will be updated to include the most recent demand data available. This information will be used to estimate the segregation of indoor and outdoor uses for other communities in the basin.

     J. Industrial demands based on information collected from industrial water users.

As part of this task, the aggregate demands within watersheds will be determined and summarized.

Subtask 2.2 - Economic Modeling and Population Projections

The relationship between the growth of employment and population is very important. More than correlative, most people move into and out of regions because of the availability of employment - or the lack thereof. Thus, the ability of the region to manage its water supply and to provide water to employers is key to the ability of the region to survive and grow.

A transparent employment water demand projection model for the San Juan Hydrologic Unit in 10-year increments through the year 2060 will be created. Transparency is defined as listing all assumptions to the model and providing simple methods for refining the model as those assumptions change.

Available population projections will be evaluated in preparing the projections for the model. Utilization of projections different from BBER will require justification. Projections of growth in industrial and agricultural areas were not made by previous studies. The proposed model will be used to develop these projections for the water plan. In addition, the geographical areas of anticipated future growth will be identified in Task 1 and used to evaluate build out population projections.

Projected conditions will be determined by analyzing existing conditions and trends. Those areas of most significant impact on the future water requirements for the study area are expected to be:

          1. Conversion of lands from agricultural use to urban development
          2. Development of new agricultural lands
          3. Conversion of lands from flood irrigation to higher efficiency irrigation practices
          4. Conversion of lands within city boundaries from irrigation by ditch to irrigation by the potable water sources
          5. Development of secondary water systems (raw water municipal supplies)
          6. Protection and maintenance of the existing riparian habitat and wetlands
          7. Potential economic development

The long-term population trends will be based on the 1960 through 2000 census. In addition, the economic model will provide high-medium-low projections, a "cohort component", and bracketing and constraining of population projections. The medium projection will be used for the water use projections.

Subtask 2.3 : Deliverables

          -Draft Water Demand Assessment Report to be incorporated into the TASK 3 deliverable.

TASK 3 - WATER BUDGET
Using the information developed in Tasks 1 and 2, a regional water budget will be developed. The projected water needs will be determine for a:

          1. 40-year planning horizon - indoor municipal uses, agricultural,industrial, fish and wildlife, and Native American reserved rights.
          2. 40-year planning horizon - outdoor municipal uses, municipal parks, golf courses
          3. Build-out planning horizon - Municipal (indoor and outdoor), agricultural and industrial for those communities for which growth will be geographically limited by geologic or political boundaries. Farmington's political boundaries are defined by adjacent communities.

An assessment of the reliability, quality, and quantity of available water supplies for the watersheds will be made. GIS techniques will be used when possible to correlate, link, and aggregate the various water use factors. These factors may include projected population, land area, available supply and type and level of use to determine the future water need projections for each watershed.

Using this information, demands and supplies will be plotted for each watershed.

Subtask 3.1 : Deliverable
-Draft Water Budget
-GIS database and metadata for data used in the preparation of the Water Budget

TASK 4 - PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

Subtask 4.1 Public Involvement

The public involvement component of this scope of work includes the following:
          1. The Planning Committee ("steering committee") will be created from interested agencies, water users, city representatives, tribal representatives, and other interested individuals.
          2. Development of a strategy for public involvement. The Planning Committee and staff will develop a strategy for involving stakeholders and the public.
          3. A list of stakeholders will be developed and expanded as needed. This list will be used as a tool for notifying specific individuals and agencies that have a direct stakeholding in the results of the regional water plan.
          4. A public involvement database will be developed that will contain the list of stakeholders, public notices, presentation materials and comments received during the public involvement process and during the public comment period for the reports.
          5. A Technical Committee will be created from local water experts. This committee will direct the efforts of the consultant and provide guidance, direction and criteria for selection of alternatives and determination of reliable supplies.
          6. A supply criteria will be developed with the assistance of the Technical Committee and the consultant. This criteria will identify acceptable levels of frequency of surface water supplies that will be used to determine shortages and needs for storage.
          7. Development of alternatives.
          8. Public Meetings. It is proposed that three public meetings will be held. The first public meeting will be to present findings of the demands and supply portion of the study. The identified needs will also be presented. In addition, public suggestions on alternatives to be considered will be received. The second public meeting will present information on potential alternatives to meet the needs. It will also present the recommendations of the Technical and Planning Committees for preferred alternatives. A third meeting will conclude the study and finalize its findings. Both the Navajo Nation and Jicarilla Apache Nation will also conduct their own public involvement program that they will develop.

Two advisory committees will be created. The Technical Committee will provide technical guidance to the consultants and staff. The Planning Committee will provide overall guidance to the study, including public involvement activities and identification of political, social, environmental and economic issues that need to be addressed. The strategy for public involvement will be developed as the first subtask of the public involvement task. This strategy will be developed under the direction of the Planning Committee.

Subtask 4.1.1 List of stakeholders and participants

A listing of stakeholders and participants has been developed. This list will be further evaluated by the advisory committees. Identified stakeholders who have participated in organizational meetings include:
-San Juan Water Commission
- New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission
-US Fish & Wildlife
-Environmental interests
-Irrigation interests
-Bureau of Reclamation
-Utilities (Gas and Electric)
-NM Parks and Recreation
-Mineral Extraction
-Rural Users
-Industry
-Public interest
-McKinley County
-Cooperative Extension Service
-Albuquerque
-NM Game & Fish
-Farmington
-Navajo Water Resources
-Bloomfield
-Aztec
-Shiprock Chapter and other Chapters
-Domestic Water Suppliers

Identified groups invited and contacted but not present at previous meetings:
-Rio Arriba County
-Trout fishery interests
-San Juan County
-Recreational interests
-NW Council of Governments
-Jicarilla Apache Nation
-NM Environment Department
-Animas River Agricultural Water Users Association
-New Mexico Office of the State Engineer
-Sandoval County
-Additional Navajo Chapters

Subtask 4.1.2 Through previous public meetings, interested stakeholders have been identified as possible representatives on the Regional Water Planning Committee. In early November 1998 a public meeting was held to review and accept the "Agreement to Organize the San Juan Basin Planning Committee for New Mexico" as the starting point for establishing the Committee. At this meeting names of individuals (groups) and the interests they represent were accepted for consideration. Public Notification and Comments

Public notification of the public meetings will be made by notice in the newspaper. In addition, stakeholders will be notified of meetings by mailings. Public comments will be received and included in a database for use in completing responses and incorporating those comments. Responses to comments will be initially developed by the consultant, and then reviewed and approved by the Planning and/or the Technical Committee, depending on the nature of the comment.

The public involvement strategy that will be developed as part of Task 4 may expand or modify any of the public involvement activities presented by this scope of work.

The establishment of the Planning Committee will provide a centralized body where information can be received, coordinated and disbursed. The Committee will evaluate interests and concerns that are expressed at public meetings. When the Committee has enough information to offer alternatives to the public for consideration, it will hold public meetings or workshops. The opinions and concerns voiced by the public will be evaluated by the Committee and the alternatives receiving the widest consensus of support will be further developed. Public comments will be maintained in a database. After further examination of the alternatives, the Committee will offer the preferred alternative(s) with their recommendations to the public for their consideration.

Subtask 4.1.3 Use of media

Media will be used by the SJWC, the Navajo Nation and the Jicarilla Apache Nation. Both the Navajo Nation and the Jicarilla Apache Nation will have the responsibility for developing a strategy to maximize public involvement within the lands and communities of both tribes. This will include local radio stations broadcasts in Navajo, the Navajo Times newspaper, the Navajo Nation Washington office, and a Navajo public affairs program that specifically interacts with the media. It will also include the use of the Jicarilla radio station in Dulce, NM, the Cheiftan, and the Nation's Public Affairs Office.

Subtask 4.1.4 Press releases

Press releases will be developed and released to local newspapers of general circulation. Specific news releases will be made to specific newsletters that have an interest in the plan's scope of work.

The Navajo Nation and the Jicarilla Apache Nation have responsibility for press releases on issues which affect both tribes or their lands and resources.

Subtask 4.1.5 Involvement of local governments

The San Juan Water Commission is a regionally organized Joint Powers entity. The SJWC member entities are the cities of Aztec, Bloomfield and Farmington, San Juan County, and nine rural water users associations. Through the Joint Powers Agreement, the entities provided a mechanism, by creating the San Juan Water Commission, for the parties to acquire, finance, protect and conserve additional water rights and water resources as though each entity were acting on its own authority. The entity members see the SJWC's association with the regional water planning effort as an integral part in protecting and conserving their water resources and fully support the SJWC's participation in the planning effort. The SJWC regularly invites all entity members to participate and consistently reports on the planning status and progress.

The Navajo Nation is committed to participating in this study and will provide resources, data and analyses to complete this regional plan.

Likewise, the Jicarilla Apache Nation is committed to participating and will provide resources, data and analyses to complete this regional plan.

Other local governments have been invited to participate on the Planning Committee. At a minimum, they will be listed as stakeholders and contacted throughout the planning process.

Subtask 4.1.6 Outreach efforts tailored to meet specific communities

The SJHU contains many diverse communities. All of these communities must be involved if the Regional Water Plan is to be successful.

As mentioned previously, a significant portion of lands within the western portion of the SJHU are within the Navajo Nation. The Navajo community of Shiprock is a major user of surface water. Other smaller Navajo communities within the SJHU also have water demands, including Crownpoint, Tohatchi, Two Grey Hills, and Newcomb. The Navajo Indian Irrigation Project is the largest user of agricultural water in the SJHU. In addition, the Navajo Nation is planning a major rural water supply project to serve communities in the eastern half of the Navajo Nation. Many of these communities are not located in the SJHU.

To represent these interests, the Navajo Nation has expressed strong support for working cooperatively with the SJWC on the development of a Regional Water Plan that includes Navajo interests. During the first year, the Navajo Nation hired a full-time public information office that informs community members and leaders about water planning concepts and about specific issues related to the SJHU.

The SJWC has worked closely with the Navajo Nation in the development of the Regional Water Plan framework. The SJWC sent copies of the "draft" Request For Proposal submitted October 16, 1998, for their review and comments. SJWC also requested that they make additions to the "draft" RFP to reflect Navajo interests, where appropriate. On September 14, 1998, Rick Cox of Parsons Engineering Science and Randy Kirkpatrick with the SJWC met with representatives of the Navajo Nation offering assistance in coordinating the planning effort to reflect the interests of the Nation.

Subtask 4.1.7 Other Indian Stakeholders

The SJWC completed outreach efforts to meet with other Indian stakeholders within the SJHU, specifically the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Jicarilla Apache Nation. The Jicarilla Apache Nation has actively participated in the general public meetings, including co-hosting a meeting in Dulce. During the time of the previous planning activities, the Nation was utilizing its resources primarily focusing on the requirements of the Jicarilla Apache Water Settlement Act and the San Juan Basin Recovery Implementation Program. Subsequently, the Nation could not actively participate in the regional planning process. However, the Nation has recently established the Water Commission and the Office of Water Administration that has water data and planning authorities. They have indicated that direct participation in this planning effort is important and are willing to dedicate staffing and other resources toward this effort.

The San Juan Water Commission works closely with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe on other issues and has asked the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe to participate in the planning process.

Subtask 4.1.8 Agricultural Stakeholders

SJWC created an outreach program to involve agricultural stakeholders in the update of the regional plan. Following are some of the agricultural interests contacted.

Subtask 4.1.9 Navajo Indian Irrigation Project

In addition to the association between the SJWC and the Navajo Nation, the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project (NIIP) project management was contacted for their assistance in developing a Regional Water Plan. They have attended and participated in the area public meetings.

Subtask 4.1.10 New Mexico State University and County Extension Service

The SJWC contacted the County Extension Service to secure their participation and involvement in the regional water planning effort. The involvement of the County Extension Service is critical as it has a detailed understanding of agricultural stakeholder interests. The Extension Service served as coordinator for other federal agencies such as Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation, Farmers Home Administration and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. These and other agencies, including the Forest Service, have also participated.

Subtask 4.1.11 Other Agricultural Stakeholders

During updating of the Regional Plan, the SJWC cooperated with other agricultural stakeholders in the SJHU. Some of the San Juan County irrigators have organized under the San Juan Agricultural Water Users Association to participate. Dry area interests from the outer edges of the SJHU, notably the Lindreth area, have selected representatives to participate.

Subtask 4.1.12 Industrial Users

The SJWC contacted the major users of industrial water to determine their interest in working with the SJWC on the development of a regional plan. This includes both major power generation facilities. The response has been positive, with identified representative at each meeting and a commitment to participate.

Subtask 4.1.13 Environmental

Known environmental groups within the study area were contacted through our outreach program. There have been representatives at all meetings to date.

Subtask 4.1.14 Other identified stakeholders

Other stakeholders not specifically mentioned continue to be identified at public involvement meetings. The SJHU includes areas within Rio Arriba, McKinley, and Sandoval counties. The SJWC cooperates with all stakeholders to insure the broadest possible involvement.

Subtask 4.2 - Develop Alternatives to Meet Needs

The water plan will include a section on potential solutions for water needs. Potential alternative solutions for meeting projected water needs will be identified through public participation and evaluated at a conceptual level. Detailed analyses of each solution will not be attempted, but concepts will be identified and evaluated sufficiently for the most promising alternatives.

Some solutions will be non-structural and will include such recommendations as changes in operating practices, sharing of resources, additional water rights applications, changes in zoning, development of water ordinances, transfers of water ownership, and implementation of conservation practices. Structural recommendations will include implementation of the Animas-La Plata Project, and may include the Navajo-Gallup pipeline, construction of new diversions and storage, development of groundwater recharge facilities, treatment facilities, new wells, pump stations, and conveyance and storage facilities.

Subtask 4.2.1 Evaluation of Aquifer Development Potential

The potential for use of the aquifer for water supply will be evaluated. Literature will be reviewed to determine potential locations for aquifer development. Once areas of development are selected for evaluation, based on literature review, the quantification of the aquifer develpment potential will be determined and required facilities identified.

Subtask 4.2.2 Other Alternatives Development Tasks

Besides evaluating the above alternatives for storage of water, there will be other alternatives developed during the public involvement process. These alternatives will be considered and, with direction from the Technical and Planning Committees, will be evaluated. Some of the tasks associated with development of these other alternatives are:
          1. Evaluation of regional municipal storage facilities. A survey of communities will be used to determine the areas within each watershed that have insufficient treated water or raw water storage facilities. When possible, regional municipal storage facilities alternatives will be developed and evaluated.
          2. Legal issues associated with the alternatives will be developed and presented in the plan as part of the evaluation of alternatives.
          3. Flood contingency - The 100-year FEMA flood maps will be used to evaluate the location of water facilities. Each water system will be analyzed to determine if water and wastewater treatment facilities are outside FEMA mapped flood plains. If a water treatment facility or any permanent structure has the potential of being flooded, additional studies for flood proofing the facilities will be required. These studies are outside the scope of the Regional Water Plan and would be completed by the operators of the facility. This subtask will only identify potential problems and present them to the facility owners.
          4. Drought contingency - The San Juan River Basin on occasion experiences significant drought conditions. Lesser drought conditions occur more frequently. Seasonal river flows do not naturally match the timing of seasonal demands. All of these factors result in short-term shortages for water user. Those watersheds that will experience significant shortages will be evaluated for potential drought contingency plans. Examples of potential elements of a drought contingency plan include:
               -Watering restrictions
               -Use of storage waters
               -Groundwater pumping to meet demands
               -Leasing of agricultural water supplies
               -Conservation audits
          This subtask will result in recommendations for drought contingency plans that would be developed by the communities. It is outside the scope of this regional plan to develop community-based drought contingency plans.
          5. A significant source of future water supplies for municipal use is associated with water used on agricultural lands that are urbanized. City provided maps of anticipated growth areas will be used to develop an estimate of how future municipal needs could be met from conversion of agricultural water to municipal uses.
          6. Environmental Alternatives - Potential solutions to environmental concerns related to the alternatives will be developed. Since environmental considerations are becoming critical to the success of water projects, these issues will need to be included in the water plan to adequately address the viability of alternatives.
          7. The development of the proposed Navajo-Gallup pipeline and the planned Navajo-Shiprock (ALP) will be considered by the regional water plan. This information will be developed by the Navajo Nation.
          8. On-reservation development needs of the Jicarilla Apache Nation will be provided by the Nation.
          9. Conservation - Chapter VII, Water Conservation, in the 1994 Plan will be updated to reflect local issues within the SJHU. Conservation measures will include a listing of potential conservation best management practices (BMP). This will include an audit of the amount of water produced versus the amount sold, conservation at public facilities, metering, rates, prohibition of waste, evaporation and seepage reduction in reservoirs, recycling programs, plumbing code restrictions relating to residential and commercial usage, landscaping, and park irrigation. Agriculture conservation measures will be reviewed and described in the Regional Plan without quantifying conservation volumes. Typically, changes in irrigation efficiencies are identified as conservation measures, however this will not significantly change the crop consumptive uses. It will only change diversion, return flow timing and perhaps water quality. Issues of changes in crop mixes for conservation are related to the ongoing effort by the Office of State Engineer to determine consumptive use and is outside the scope of the regional water plan to direct or recommend these type of conservation measures.

Future sources of water supply will be investigated. This work will be limited to evaluation of waters within SJHU. The San Juan River is fully appropriated and any future sources of water supply will be within rights already permitted or adjudicated. Groundwater will be limited to those few isolated communities who currently have an accessible groundwater supply. Groundwater in the region is generally of low quality and quantity. Without expensive treatment, the use of groundwater for large public water supply systems is currently impractical. The social implications (public welfare) of changes from one category of water use to another will be considered.

Subtask 4.2.3 Deliverables:
-Technical Memorandum of Public Involvement activities. The Technical Memorandum will include:
          1. Documentation of the Planning Committee and Technical Committee meetings and public meetings, the public comment database, and any other method to inform the public of the water planning process.
          2. The list of goals and objectives.
          3. The list of alternatives and alternatives evaluation criteria.
          4. The preferred (recommended) alternatives.
          5. The environmental, legal, economic cost, and political feasibility analysis of the alternatives.

TASK 5 - PREPARE REGIONAL WATER PLAN DRAFT AND FINAL REPORTS

A comprehensive water plan report, following the State of New Mexico's Regional Water Planning Handbook template, will be completed and will include supporting data in the Appendices. It will include maps, table and graphs to describe the report's findings. The report will be submitted in draft form for review and for determination and selection of a recommended plan. A review conference will be held with the Planning Committee to answer questions, to explain the study findings and alternative solutions, and to facilitate the selection of a recommended plan.

A public involvement database of all comments received during the public process will be developed. With the assistance of the Technical Direction Committee (TDC), consultants and staff will prepare responses to comments and incorporate comments at the direction of the TDC.

Following review, the draft water plan report will be revised to describe the recommended plan and incorporate review comments. Thirty copies of the draft and thirty copies of the final report will be prepared for distribution.

Subtask 5.1.1 Deliverable:

Draft and final Regional Water Plan

TASK 6 - QUALITY CONTROL AND ASSURANCE

Quality control and assurance is vital to the success of this project. The consultant will be required to provide quality control and assurance with the preparation of a project management plan and documented reviews by senior level staff to ensure the products developed meeting the highest standard.

In addition, the Commission and its consultant(s) will attend four ISC-OSE progress meetings. These meetings will be held quarterly. Agendas for the meetings will be prepared. Quarterly progress reports and deliverables will be presented.

TASK 7 - ADMINISTRATION
Project administration and budget control include monthly preparation of invoices and monthly reporting of project progress as it relates to the budget.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANNING PROCESS

The proposed planning process was presented as a flow chart on Figure 2. An important element includes public involvement by the Technical Committee, the Planning Committee, stakeholders and the public. The key technical elements include:
-Data collection and evaluation
-Population projections
-Demand estimates and future demand projections
-Supplies determination
-Needs analyses
-Alternatives development and evaluation
Following are questions and responses about the planning process that will describe it in more detail.

1. How will the regional plan approach the technical evaluation of the regional water supply?
Since the SJHU is primarily a surface water dependent region, all water allocated to the State of New Mexico not stored or used is lost when it leaves our region to downstream states. Approximately 727,000 acre-feet of depletions, of which it is estimated only 445,000 acre-feet is in use, is at stake. Water not in use at this time will need to be available as demand increases. The regional water planning process will identify future water needs and will secure the resources necessary for the region to address growth while maintaining its quality of life. Planning will allow a more accurate estimate of current and projected uses. The technical evaluation of the supply will be directed by the Technical Committee and will be based on developed supply criteria.

2. What will be the sources of data?
Since the principal supplies associated with the region are from surface water, the sources of data will be steam gage data. Groundwater data will be obtained from the 1994 Plan and from groundwater publications identified in its bibliography. In addition, a search of the NWRI library will be conducted. Finally, the Navajo Nation and Jicarilla Apache Nation have collected data on their respective supplies and demands that will be used in the Plan.

3. How will the data's adequacy be determined?
Stream gage data from USGS is by definition the best available data. Groundwater information obtained from literature research will be reviewed and compared between authors. This information will all be presented to the Technical Committee for consideration.

4. What hydrologic components does the region share with other adjacent regions?
The principal surface water sources, the San Juan, Animas and La Plata Rivers are all shared with Colorado. These sources will be disaggregated using the Upper Colorado River Commissions hydrologic determination and its accompanying depletion schedules as its basis. The Rio Grande Underground Water Basin is shared with the Upper Rio Grande basin but is a minor source and is far from major demand areas.

5. Are there water quality problems? How will they be addressed?
Water quality information found in Chapter III of the 1994 Plan pertaining to the San Juan Hydrologic Unit will be utilized. This section will be expanded to further evaluate and report use designations imposed by the NM Water Quality Control Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The material regarding water quality issues presented by the SJWC to the NM Water Quality Control Commission will be made available to the Planning Committee. The US Bureau of Reclamation and the US Fish & Wildlife Service have collected water quality data for the Animas- La Plata Project and the Recovery Implementation Plan, and this data is also available. The Planning Committee will use this material to analyze the use designations and the effect they could have on types of treatment, diversions and return flows by public water supply systems. The Committee will assess the significance that these use designations could have on potential water plan alternative's and include their analysis in this section's update.

Information reported by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority or the Public Health Service on wells within the Navajo Reservation will be included in the Regional Water Plan update.

The quality of the groundwater in much of the SJHU is not of sufficient quality for potable use without expensive treatment. In those watersheds where groundwater is the only significant water source, the water plan will identify viable treatment options.

6. How does the region plan to inventory current and historical water use?
Current water use (within the past 10 years) of many of the principal water uses has been inventoried by previous study conducted by the San Juan Water Commission and the Navajo Nation. There is very limited data on other historical uses, such as irrigation diversions. Therefore, it is proposed that historical uses not be determined for this regional water plan. Existing uses not available from direct measurement will be based on State of New Mexico estimates and GIS land use information.

7. How will the plan deal with specific legal issues relevant to water supply and demand?
Chapter VIII, Legal Issues of the 1994 Plan will be updated to incorporate recent activity. Those portions of Chapter VIII pertaining to the SJHU, will be used in full in the updated Regional Water Plan presented to the ISC. This section covers generally subjects addressed in the Template.

The legal issues will be expanded to include Native American concerns prepared by Tribal representatives and concerns by other stakeholders not reflected in the 1994 Plan.

8. How does the region plan to inventory population, demographics, and trends in basic economic section to project water demands?
Task 3 of the above scope of work describes in detail the proposed work effort. Essentially, a comparison of several sources of population projection will be made and an economic model will be developed.

Water availability will determine the growth of the San Juan Basin. Economic growth with and without water development will be analyzed. The model will be benchmarked to define the economic implications of not having water available.

9. How does the region propose to address environmental issues in the planning process?
The Planning Committee that is created from the regional planning public participation will evaluate the recommended alternatives with respect to local values, based on the Planning Committee's criteria, and present them to the public for their comments and concerns. After the public has commented on the alternatives, and any additional study of the alternatives has been completed, the Planning Committee will identify the alternatives best suited to the Region to assure quality of life.

The Planning Committee, with assistance from the environmental consultant, will develop a summary of environmental issues to be addressed by the regional water plan. This summary will follow through the planning process to evaluation of alternatives. During evaluation of alternatives, environmental issues associated with the recommended alternatives will be developed and included in the selection criteria. Mitigation measure may be identified at this point in the planning process.

10. What is the region's approach to develop and evaluate alternatives to provide projected future demands from available supplies?
Alternatives will be initially developed by the Technical Committee and evaluated by the consultants. This information will be presented to the Planning Committee, who will have the opportunity to develop additional alternatives. These alternatives will be presented at the public meeting, during which the public will have the opportunity to contribute other alternatives for consideration. One-on-one discussions with stakeholders by the public involvement staff will be conducted, as appropriate, to receive input and inform stakeholders of the issues and results of the study.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGIONAL WATER PLAN
Some of the Regional Water Plan's recommendations will likely be specific to communities or groups of communities within a watershed. Others may be general recommendations for all the water users. Therefore, implementation will become the responsibility of the entity or entities associated with a recommendation.
By including a broad public participation program with advisory committees, the potential that implementation will occur is improved. The greater the involvement of the participating entities, the greater the ownership of alternatives by those entities.

KEY PERSONNEL
As the sponsoring entity, the San Juan Water Commission will provide its staff to administer the Regional Water Plan. Following is a list of individuals and contractors that have agreed to work on this project

     San Juan Water Commission Staff:
          -Randy Kirkpatrick - Executive Director
          -Shaun Bishop - Planning Administrator
          -Aaron Chavez - GIS Database Coordinator

     Navajo Nation Representatives:
          -John Leeper - Water Resources Management - DNR
          -Michael Benson - Public Information Officer, Water Resource Mgmnt, DNR
          -Dorothy Smith - Accounting Manager, Financial Services Department

     Jicarilla Apache Nation Representatives:
          -Mike A. Hamman - Tribal Water Administrator
          -Kurt Sandoval - Chaiman, Water Commission
          -Stacey Sanchez - Public Affairs Officer

     Contractors:
          -Parsons Engineering Science - Ken Needham, Rick Cox, Kevin Needham
          -Taylor & Murray, P.C. - Legal Services - Elizabeth Taylor
          -SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. - Bill Leibfried
          -Water Consult - Tom Pitts

The contractor's have previously worked on the regional water plan under contract with the SJWC and continue to collect information for this project at SJWC direction. These contractors were selected through a competitive selection process approved by the SJWC. Resumes of the contractors are included in Attachment 3.

Assistance from ISC Staff
One water workshop is proposed for this regional water plan. The Planning Committee will determine with its Public Involvement Strategy (Task 4) what the workshop should include. It will make the request to ISC for assistance with the workshop.

POLITICAL FRAMEWORK AMONG MULTIPLE JURISDICTIONS IN THE REGION
In the 1994 regional water planning proposal, the SJWC committed to transfer, through a separate agreement, a portion of the ISC grant funds to the Water Management Branch, Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources Management, to perform certain tasks within the Navajo Nation water planning area in the San Juan Basin of New Mexico. The SJWC and the Navajo Nation Water Resources Management Department, Division of Natural Resources entered into the "Agreement for Regional Water Planning", Contract # C60435 on May 1, 1996 and the proposed work was accomplished. This "Agreement" (Contract # C60435) ended September 30, 1996. The limited funding granted to the SJWC by the ISC would allow only part of the planning work described in the 1994 SJWC proposal to be performed, with the balance of the work needed subject to the future availability of other funds. The Navajo Nation has continued to demonstrate their desire to be active partners with the SJWC in the regional water planning process and at a September 14, 1998 meeting, they agreed to supply the information on water supply and uses that had been developed for the Navajo Nation. The "Agreement" (Contract #C60435) will be for the development and implementation of those tasks as described in the "Scope of Work" that need to be performed within the SJHU within New Mexico that includes lands within the recognized boundary of the Navajo Nation.

Information received from the Navajo Nation and other Tribes, as well as the data collected from non-Indian sources will be assembled by the consultant. From this body of reports and recommendations, the Planning Committee will have the legal implications summarized and choose the alternatives that merit presentation to the public. Comments and concerns from the public regarding the alternatives will serve to guide the Planning Committee as they select those alternatives that warrant further discussion and professional study. Interested groups and the public will be able to directly communicate their comments and concerns to the Planning Committee through the representative serving their group or area of interest.

Simultaneously the Planning Committee will review water supply and demand issues that impact neighboring regions. Water resource assessments will be reported on and updated. This will provide the Planning Committee additional information as to the impact the alternatives might have on neighboring regions. The Committee will propose a series of meetings with the affected region(s) planning committee to articulate concerns and to design a format where issues and their alternatives could be discussed and acted on. This format would allow the affected entities to produce reasonably accepted solutions, which would be included in the San Juan Hydrologic Unit's final regional plan to be considered for inclusion in the State Water Plan.

BUDGET
The following budget includes the work identified in the scope of work and schedule above. It does not include the early data collection and planning efforts (Phase I).

The budget presented in Figure 3 and supporting information in Attachment 2 reflects the SJWC's estimate of costs required to complete the San Juan Hydrologic Unit Regional Water Plan. In-kind contributions from the Navajo Nation and the SJWC are included in the budget. The following table summarizes the costs of the participating entities.

Entity	Project Budget (Labor only)
San Juan Water Commission	$58,620
Navajo Nation	$14,880
Jicarrilla Apache Nation	$1,500
Engineering Consultant	$157,960
Legal Consultant	$9,775
Environmental Consultant	$3,200.00

San Juan County, as fiscal agent for the San Juan Water Commission, will disburse funds as the deliverable milestone documents are received. Once established, the Planning Committee will have the responsibility of contracting and coordinating the resources necessary for completing the scheduled work. The Planning Committee will follow an established procedure to ensure invoice accuracy and completeness of work before sending invoices to the SJWC for processing. The SJWC as Plan Administrator, will review and approve all documents before grant funds are distributed. A record of all expenses and disbursements will be kept by the SJWC, Plan Administrator.

SUMMARY STATEMENT
The completion of a San Juan Regional Water Plan is important to the future of the region. The SJWC, the Navajo Nation and, more recently, the Jicarilla Apache Nation have committed significant resources to its accomplishment and request that the ISC support this effort with the requested funding.

The plan to plan presented by this scope of work is a sound process for arriving at the desired goal of the project. Establishing the Planning and Technical Committees to guide the study will ensure that the final plan receives broad public support.

The schedule is tight but can be accomplished because much of the foundation for the work, including data collection, has been completed.