OCR Text |
Show recreational use of the Federal lands. Many oppor- tunities exist which only await adequate funds for facilities and maintenance. Pollution Abatement and Insect Pest Control Primary treatment of all raw sewage is needed. This is emphasized by the already dense and still growing population of the central California area, future possibilities of industrial development in the valley, th_e seasonal nature of natural water flow, and the danger inherent in use of polluted water for irrigating some vegetable and fruit crops. Some pollution abatement can be obtained by the release of water from reservoirs for other purposes, like prevention of salt water encroachment from San Francisco Bay into the lower reaches of valley streams. Such flow, however, is not thought to be sufficient to remove all hazards from bacterial in- fection during low water periods. Treatment appropriate to local conditions and downstream water uses of all raw sewage and harmful industrial wastes therefore is an element of a full plan. Maintenance of adequate mosquito prevention measures also is included. Unified Planning and Operation Nearly all reservoirs included in the compre- hensive water plans for the Central Valley serve two or more purposes. This is primarily due to the fact that runoflf can be predicted accurately, permitting multiple-u.se of reservoir space without too serious conflict. Operation of these reservoirs on a com- mon stream system must be coordinated with each other and with related canals, flood channels, and power facilities in order to meet the irrigation, flood control, power, and related needs of the basin. Because tlrese reservoirs affect or are affected by the use or treatment of watershed lands or their re- sources, it as essential that operating plans for water developments include consideration of or provision for the related watershed operations as well. A fully coordinated plan of operation is essential to the success of a program. Work toward that end should be continued and a suitable organiza- tional arrazngement achieved which will assure full attainment of the major objectives. Wasteful con- fusion, wh_ether caused by conflicting State and Federal statutes or by organizational misunder- standings, zis not in the public interest. The Rate of Development No detailed guide for the rate of completion of stages in a plan for full development can be pre- sented for any river, since much depends upon events which may not be foreseen. Economic trends, international affairs, and technological dis- coveries can influence the composition of any de- velopment plan in a significant manner. One ele- ment of a desirable plan for the Central Valley, therefore, is flexibility and adaptability to future trends. The main objective, namely the greatest public good, should be kept constantly in mind and in the forefront of comprehensive plans. The major purposes to be served by future water resources developments in the Central Valley are irrigation, flood control, and power. Multiple- purpose projects will be key developments in meet- ing major objectives. Most potential reservoir projects will serve at least two of the major purposes noted, and many will serve all three. The construction of multiple-purpose reservoirs therefore is fundamental to future plans for each of the individual functions to be served. Conse- quently, the question of rate of development and stages in the plan cannot easily be separated by function; the several functions are inextricably tied together in the multiple-purpose reservoir projects. All available evidence points to the need for ad- ditional electric energy in the Central Valley and adjoining San Francisco Bay area which can be met by construction of power facilities in conjunc- tion with multiple-purpose water projects. The need for additional irrigation water is also great. The initial features of the Central Valley Project were intended primarily to meet the first of these needs, particularly to replenish ground water in the San Joaquin Valley. However, the project has been long in building, because of its magnitude and delays occasioned by World War II. In the 13 years since it was started, additional needs for supplemental water have developed. Further- more, there is an insistent demand within the basin for water for new irrigation, which should be met insofar as is compatible with: (a) a program of providing needed increments of agricultural prod- ucts in the region or in the Nation as a whole; (b) demonstrated need within the region for addi- tional agricultural products, farm employment op- portunities, and balance of urban and industrial development; and (c) an accepted basin-wide plan for most efficient use of water. 152 |