The public took a crack at the first subdistrict plan San Luis Valley water officials hope will stabilize area aquifers and protect senior surface rights users. It is  hoped this can eliminate the need for the state engineer's office to impose groundwater pumping rules as has been done in other basins around Colorado. Monte Vista's Doug Shriver, who sits on the Colorado Ground Water Commission, said the subdistrict plan was the best way to avoid having wells shut down by the state engineer's office. The subdistrict plan aims to stabilize the aquifer levels and protect the senior water rights of surface users by paying farmers to take land out of production.

To view the full article, visit the Pueblo Chieftain.  For a copy of the original articles contact the WIP at (970) 247-1302 or stop by the office at 841 East Second Avenue in Durango.