OCR Text |
Show COMPACT-REPORT BY EMERSON----WYOMING A127 the Lower Basin, but will be nonetheless desirable when same can be accomplished. The present apportionment of the use of 7,500,000 acre-feet per annum to the Upper Basin is "in perpetuity." These two words are of especial significance as their use means that Wyoming and the other States of the Upper Division will find water supply available for the developments of the future whenever our projects may become economically feasible of undertaking, and whether the time be in the near future or a century or more from now. The Lower Basin is allowed to increase its use of water one million acre-feet per annum in addition to the 7,500,000 acre-feet apportioned for its use by reason of the possible developments upon the Gila River, and the probable rapid development generally upon the lower river. This additional development is at the peril of the lower division as no provision is made for delivery of water at Lee Ferry for this additional amount. The Compact provides that further apportionment of the use of water cannot be made prior to 1963. During the period of the next forty years Wyoming will have opportunity to develop as far as possible, and be able to determine any future possibilities of the use of the waters of the Green and Little Snake Rivers and tributaries that may not now be foreseen. Then when further apportionment is considered Wyoming will be in position to present any additional claims for use of water that may have been determined. The States of the Upper Division agree that the flow of the Colorado River at Lee Ferry shall not be depleted below an aggregate of 75,000,000 acre-feet for any period of ten consecutive years. This is an agreement that can surely be performed. Over 18,500,000 acre-feet of water is contributed annually to the river by the Upper Basin, and all of this amount could be once diverted and the return flow would still be sufficient to supply the specified delivery at Lee Ferry. The fact that the agreement for delivery of water is for a period of ten consecutive years places the burden of reservoir construction upon the lower river, and protects the Upper Division against years of low flow by full allowance for years of large discharge. Article III further makes provision for the supply of water to Mexico in event it is determined that Mexico has any rights to the use of water of the Colorado River. The Commission was very careful not to place any provisions in the Compact that would embarrass the international situation, but at the same time it was felt necessary to provide for any grant that might be made to Mexico through treaty between that country and the United States. The international situation is therefore left in statu quo, and no opposition from Mexico to the Compact need therefore be expected. Article IV provides for what may be termed "preferred uses" of water. As the Colorado River has ceased to be navigable in practical |
Source |
Original book: [State of Arizona, complainant v. State of California, Palo Verde Irrigation District, Coachella Valley County Water District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, City of Los Angeles, California, City of San Diego, California, and County of San Diego, California, defendants, United States of America, State of Nevada, State of New Mexico, State of Utah, interveners] : |