Arkansas Groundwater Users Association

AGUA, the Arkansas Groundwater Users’ Association, is a non-profit organization established by a group of well users. It provides augmentation water for approximately 250 wells located in the Arkansas Valley from Leadville to Las Animas, Colorado. Since 1996, Schnabel has provided water resources consulting services to help AGUA identify, evaluate, and procure sources of replacement water through purchase or lease.

Over the years, we have prepared three feasibility studies to support the purchase of water rights and water storage and assisted AGUA by obtaining low-interest funding through the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Our staff prepares annual plans that provide the mechanism allowing continued use of AGUA member irrigation, commercial, and domestic wells. Without the replacement plan to mitigate out-of-priority diversions to the Arkansas River and its tributaries, the wells would not be allowed to pump.

These annual plans are prepared in accordance with rules established by the Division of Water Resources, also known as the Office of the State Engineer. We have a solid working relationship with state personnel at the division’s office in Pueblo, Colorado, which helps assure that adequate replacement water is provided to offset any adverse water rights impacts due to AGUA well pumping