The La Plata-Archuleta Water District is interested in buying 500 to 1,000 acre-feet from the state if Colorado
acquires Animas-La Plata water.
Dick Lunceford, president of the water district's board, said A-LP water is part of the district's master plan.
“We plan to have two treatment plants - one at the base of Lake Nighthorse and the other as part of a joint project
with the town of Bayfield," Lunceford said.
The water district estimates it needs 2,750 acre-feet of water from A-LP and the Pine River to serve residents in a
400-square-mile area - first in southeastern La Plata County and, eventually, southwest Archuleta County.
Federal, state and tribal land and properties of landowners who opted out of the district - although within the 400
square miles - won't receive water.
The district's consulting water engineer Steve Harris said the time to act is now.
“Getting A-LP water is a one-shot opportunity," Harris said. “There won't be another time."
The district must have a source of water available when the time comes to use it, Harris said.
No other nearby districts have expressed immediate interest, but a marketing study due in July could identify other
potential buyers.
daler@durangoherald.com
Reader Comments