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Show CHAPTER H - PROGRAM EVALUATION The comprehensive framework program responds as nearly as practi- cable to the projected needs of the social and economic activities of the Region. However, for some program activities, it is not practicable to satisfy all needs. Some water-related activities will require further studies to more clearly define the requirements, potential programs to satisfy requirements, and the limiting effects of available resources. Water Supply All visualized, reasonable means of water conservation, salvage, and reclamation, as well as maximum utilization of the Region's surface- and ground-water supplies for which there are tangible means of evalua- tion and which are reconcilable from an environmental aspect, have been considered in the development of the framework program. Where other recognized possibilities exist, further study has been recommended to develop adequate information to evaluate the potential. With the incor- poration of all known, practicable water conservation means and develop- ment of water resources within the Region, it appears that there will still be a significant regional water deficiency that can be met only through importation from outside the Region. At this time, it is difficult to place a finite value on the water deficiency because of the large number of variables involved and the lack of sufficient data. Therefore, using the data available, it was necessary to make numerous basic assumptions in order to estimate the general magnitude of facilities and costs for a program to satisfy, as nearly as practicable, projected regional needs. One of the major assumptions was that the average annual virgin flow of the Colorado River was represented by the 1906 to 1965 period of record. Although the 1906 to 19&5 period was selected as represen- tative of the average annual virgin flow of the Colorado River, use of shorter, more recent periods of record would have indicated greater water deficiencies. Because of the uncertain nature of long-term pro- jections of water requirements, they should not be regarded as exact or final. Such projections do, however, establish the order of magni- tude of future water supply deficiencies and the scope of required water supply programs. Periodic assessments of the water situation will be necessary to appropriately gauge future program response. The fact that large bodies of ground water exist and are not being utilized is evidence of the many problems and uncertainties connected with developing this water for beneficial use. The practicability of 105 |