OCR Text |
Show Implementation of the long-range program requires early initiation of planning for importing water to the Region. Studies should be included for evaluating the relative merits of all potential means of importation. Implementation of a water import program should be accomplished by year 1990 to provide about 2.25 million acre-feet. This should be increased to k.15 million acre-feet by year 2020. The initial stage of the impor- tation program would include the national commitment l/ to relieve the Colorado River Basin States of the Mexican Treaty burden, estimated to be 1.8 million acre-feet annually including associated losses. Table A-l provides a summary of the present and projected water requirements and supplies. Water Quality Maintenance of an acceptable level of water quality is vital to the economy, environment, and general well-being of the people of the Region. Presently deficient water supplies and the probable cost of future imported water dictate maximum water utilization, including recycling, with little or no allowance for transporting salts or waste loads from the Region. The water quality program includes waste treatment facil- ities for urban centers, treatment of water from saline sources, and major water reuse facilities. Augmentation of the Colorado River with high quality imported water would also provide major improvement in the quality of this principal water source. Continuing studies of the Region's increasingly complex water quality problems are recommended. Land Resources and Use The land resource base of the Region appears to be sufficient in variety and amount to satisfy the projected land use requirements through the year 2020. There will be need to be widespread adoption of the multiple-use principle in order to satisfy the requirements of all uses. 1/ 90th Congress, Public Law 90-537, An Act to Authorize . . . the Colorado River Basin Project . . • , September 1968. ix |