The use of GIS Technology in the Smiths Fork Irrigation District

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an interactive mapping technology which allows users to overlay multiple themes (roads, political boundaries, streams, etc.) of spatially referenced information (maps) in electronic digital format accurately referenced to ground control points. GIS is an important foundation of the planning recommendations submitted to the 1999 Legislature.

As part of the 1998 water planning feasibility study, WWDC created GIS demonstration map projects based on USGS Quads to showcase various data display and modeling techniques.

History

In 1998, the Smiths Fork Irrigation District requested mapping assistance from the county planner, who in turn contacted WWDC. The Commission staff met with the District and Board members agreed to participate in the pilot project. The WWDC contracted with States West Water Resources to map irrigated lands and create an overlay of existing water rights and permits. The surface land ownership theme was provided by the Lincoln County Planning Office and incorporated into the GIS framework.

The District suspected that water use patterns had changed since original water rights were filed on the Smiths Fork over 100 years ago. To protect existing users, the district board needed credible information to petition for correction of discrepancies between water rights and actual uses. Also, the District needed accurate maps of irrigated lands cross referenced to ownership in order to make accurate assessments.

Results

This project served several purposes. The District was able to identify discrepancies between irrigated lands and water rights, and has petitioned the Board of Control for corrections.

The District also found irrigated lands within the district that were not being assessed, and water rights that were unused. Managers can now assess District members according to actual irrigated lands and land ownership. District boundaries may also be revised to improve management of resources.

Verifying the current relationships between water use, water rights and irrigation district assessment is a valuable tool for the Smiths Fork District. District operations are more efficient and managers know that records at the State Engineer's Office are current and reflect actual water use patterns.

Click here to view the demonstration Note: Requires a minimum of 800x600 resolution, frames and javascript capability.

Note: These comparisons of irrigated acres and water rights were done at the invitation of the water rights holders, in an effort to improve district operations and as a demonstration of the value of GIS technology to local water users. GIS will be an important component the state-wide basin planning work. However, basin planning use of GIS will not be as detailed and specific as the pilot project for Smiths Fork.

The Wyoming Water Development Commission would like to thank the Smiths Fork Irrigation District for their cooperation with this important demonstration of GIS technology.