In 2002, a significant number of non-exempt domestic wells providing water for household use within the District were subject to curtailment as a result of a Gunnison Tunnel call on the Gunnison River. Curtailment of these wells by a Gunnison Tunnel call during 2002 was averted by the District in two ways: (1) by releases of water stored in priority under the Refill Decree in Taylor Park Reservoir; and, (2) by releases of storage from Blue Mesa Reservoir pursuant to resales of water acquired by the District under a Temporary Water Service Contract with the Bureau of Reclamation. In 2003, to provide long-term protection the District filed an application for approval of a plan for augmentation. The plan relies on releases from Blue Mesa Reservoir pursuant to resales of water acquired by the District under a long-term Water Service Contract with the Bureau for 500 acre-feet of water. The District operated this plan under a substitute water supply plan that prevented curtailments in 2003 during the Gunnison Tunnel call. The plan for augmentation was approved by the water court (Case No.03CW49) and as of April 30, 2019 the District has sold 277 acre-feet of water to augment domestic wells, lawn and garden irrigation, pond evaporation, stockwater, commercial and industrial uses within the District.
