北コロラド水管理区の水利転用
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概要
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The concept of water as an economic resource is gradually emerging as water becomes more scarce in relation to urban demand. Even where water exists in abundance in Japan for existing uses, a shift to new uses is a problem just as in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. But, some irrigation districts in Japan are beginning to feel the necessity to use irrigation water for urban demands. The water transfers will become a more serious problem in urbanized areas. This essay will be some contribution in solving the problem of water transfer.The writer examined the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District which was the prototype of organizational arrangements for Water Transfers. This district stemmed originally from a financial need to carry out the Colorado-Big Thompson Water Project following the passage of the Conservancy District Act of 1937. This district had 2, 315 square miles containing seven counties.Water transfers are often a problem because Water Management Organizations have different water rights and geographical scopes, particularly, in the western states in U.S.A. The Colorado-Big Thompson water is allocated as additional water, producing 310, 000 acre-feet in a year. The concept of additional water has no particular legal problems. Water allocations were made at a charge of 1.5 per acre-foot at the beginning, but in 1955, the charge changed to 2 per acre-foot, and also from 1959 the charge has been changed according to various kinds of water demands. For example, in 1972, a charge was made of $ 250 per acre-foot for domestic water in this District. The problem of changing water cost has been solved in this area with the transfer rules adapted by the districts own financial problems and existing urban demand.There are two types of water transfers. First are transfers of a permanent nature which may occur within the irrigation sector. Second are transfers which are seasonal in nature. The latter transfers may be thought of as water rental. But, this district is forbidden by statute to sell water outside its boundaries. All the permanent water transfers of the District were to municipalities.In this area, water is a critical factor in the continued urban growth. For example, the population growth of Boulder City increased from 37, 718 to 66, 870, 1960-1970, and also Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, Longmont etc. increased their populations and their employment by urbanization. So the demand of water for municipal and industrial uses needs more supply, and the value of urban water is much higher than the value of water in agricultural use. However, from the point of view of environment conservation of an area, like Boulder City, this district needs to restrict the expansion of the city. I would like to support an idea of the new employee tax in Boulder City which Prof. Seckler has pointed out.
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