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Show 66 The Colorado River Aqueduct was completed in 1940 and the first actual delivery of water occurred in June, 1941. The 18-month lapse between completion and delivery was attributable to the filling of the reservoirs.76 The aqueduct as finally constructed diverts water at Lake Havasu, the reservoir created by Parker Dam. Water passes through an intake pump lift of 295 feet at the lake and flows two miles west to the Gene Wash Pump Lift which has an approximate lift of 296 feet. The aqueduct then proceeds 60 miles to the Iron Mountain Pump Lift of 140 feet, thence by gravity, through tunnels and canals, to the Eagle Mountain Pump Lift, which raises the water 440 feet, and finally to the Hayfield Pump Lift of 441 feet. Thus, the total lift of the Colorado River Aqueduct is approximately 1,612 feet. From the Hayfield Pump Lift to the end of the aqueduct water travels by gravity.77 Ninety-eight per cent of the length of the aqueduct lies on a right of way obtained from the Federal Government and 2% traverses private land. Its nominal designed capacity is 1,605 c.f .s. but its actual carrying capacity is only 93% of that, or roughly 1,500 c.f.s. The 7% difference is accounted for by operational shutdowns, inspections, cleanups and repairs. As of 1957 actual carrying capacity with the pumps then installed on the aqueduct was 1,000 c.f.s. However, at that time additional pumps were being installed to increase the capacity.78 There are a number of small reservoirs and wasteways along the route of the aqueduct. The Gene Wash Reservoir, used for canal regulation to avoid wasting water, is two miles from the Colorado River and has a usable active 76Tr. 9535 (Elder). 77Tr. 9527-9528 (Elder); see Calif. Ex. 449. 78Tr. 9528-9531 (Elder). For a detailed description of the Aqueduct see Calif. Ex. 455. |
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Original Report: State of Arizona, complainant v. State of California, Palo Verde Irrigation District, Imperial Irrigation District, Coachella Valley County Water District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, City of Los Angeles, California, City of San Diego, California, and County of San Diego, California |