The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will hold two public meetings today (Thursday) in Yuma to provide information and answer questions about its proposed rule to regulate the use of lower Colorado River water without an entitlement.

 The proposed rule applies in particular to those who may be taking water from the Colorado River aquifer by well or river pump who don't have an entitlement to the water.

  The meetings will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. and again from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Quartermaster Depot state park, 201 N. 4th Ave. Other meetings are being held in Laughlin, Parker and Blythe.

  "We encourage well owners and river pumpers along the lower Colorado River, as well as other interested parties, to attend one of these meetings," said Lorri Gray, USBR's Lower Colorado Region director.

  "A primary goal is to legalize the use of this water so it can be properly accounted for. We believe that most, if not all of the estimated 9,000 to 15,000 acre-feet of water being unlawfully used can be legalized through the development of new contracts, by making a user a customer of an existing entitlement holder or through some other means."

  A copy of the proposed rule and maps showing the aquifer boundary within which a well is presumed to be using Colorado River water can be viewed at www.usbr.gov/lc/region/programs/unlawfuluse.html. The rule is identified by the number 1006-AA50. The proposed rule can also be accessed at www.regulations.gov.

  USBR is seeking public comments through Sept. 15 on the proposed rule and associated documents. To submit comments on the proposed rule No. 1006-AA50:

  • Use the federal e-rulemaking Web site, www.regulations.gov. The proposed rule has been assigned the docket ID number BOR-2008-0001.  Follow the instructions for submitting comments using this docket ID number.

  • Mail to: Bureau of Reclamation, P.O. Box 61470, Boulder City, NV  89006-1470, Attention: Area Manager, Boulder Canyon Operations Office, Mail Code BCOO-1000. Include the number 1006-AA50 and the docket ID BOR-2008-0001 in your correspondence.