Are augmentation ponds the culprits? Here’s a report from the Sterling Journal Advocate (Forrest Hershberger):
Wednesday’s meeting was designed for homeowners experiencing water problems to meet with state water engineers to discuss options. Dick Wolfe, a state water engineer, was among the officials meeting with homeowners. He said the state’s response will depend on what can be learned locally. “What we want to do is gather the facts,” Wolfe said. “We have similar events occurring other places in the (South Platte) basin.”[…]
One resident noted that the flooding started about seven years ago, about the same time ponds were built west of the subdivision [Pawnee Ridge]. Rod Zwirn, of Iliff, said some of his pivot irrigation customers are getting stuck in mud, due in part to the rising water table…
Jim Yahn, manager of the North Sterling Irrigation company, is a multi-faceted issue. The focus cannot be limited to just one issue. “To point your finger at just one thing is not the correct thing to do,” Yahn said…
Wolfe encouraged property owners to monitor water levels, document changes in the area such as new ponds or wells, or unusual precipitation.
More South Platte River basin coverage here.