Arkansas Valley water district opposes Aurora farm water purchase
A major southern Colorado water district voted unanimously last week to oppose an $80.4 million agricultural water purchase by Aurora in the Arkansas Valley, saying the deal violates a 2003 agreement that prohibits the fast-growing city from taking more water out of the valley. Aurora would lease the water back to Arkansas Valley farmers in most years, using it periodically in dry periods. During a special meeting April 9, the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District said it had numerous concerns with the purchase, which is set to close this month. Southeastern manages the federally owned Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, which includes the Pueblo Reservoir.