Clear Creek Exchange Thornton, Colorado
The City of Thornton previously owned water rights in South Park and a
significant interest in the Burlington/ Wellington system.
Development of a spreadsheet model to evaluate the City of Thornton's
Clear Creek exchange potential in Case No. 83CW081. Litigation
support, including expert witness testimony, was provided by our
staff to assist Thornton in obtaining a decree from the Water County.
To add operational flexibility to Thornton's raw water delivery system, the
City sought to exchange their South Platte River water up Clear Creek to the
Lower Clear Creek Ditch headgate, which feeds the West Gravel Lakes and to the
Church Ditch, Croke Canal, and Farmers High Line Canal headgates which feed
Standley Lake.
A point flow spreadsheet model was developed by the Deere & Ault staff
to determine the exchange potential on Clear Creek. The Clear Creek point flow model
included the stream flows, diversions, and tributary inflows from the South Platte
River confluence to the Clear Creek at Golden gage.
The results of the spreadsheet model were utilized to support Thornton's Clear Creek
exchange filing in Case No. 83CW081, including negotiations with objectors, preparation
of Court exhibits, participation in depositions, and providing expert witness testimony.
The District Court in Water Division 1 awarded Thornton the right to exchange water from
the South Platte River to Clear Creek in Case No. 83CW081.
