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Show Sub-basin Communi- ties with inadequate water Population Communities which could be served by- reclamation projects Population Upper Missouri above Fort Peck...... Missouri, Fort Peck to Sioux City..... Yellowstone River................... Western Tributaries above the Niobrara Total......................... 34 201 13 49 62,148 225,083 23, 040 84, 326 22 66 5 23 36, 587 131, 072 7,464 49, 728 297 394, 597 116 224, 851 ment through the sandstone outcrops in the upper part of the basin is very much slower than the flow from artesian wells, many of which must now be pumped. It is believed that natural replenishment can be increased by reservoirs, irrigation, and water spreading in these outcrop areas. Replenishment cannot be accomplished from reservoirs and canals in or near the artesian basins. In some parts of the basin the use of ground water has increased significantly in recent years. In the Platte Valley, Nebr., for example, there has been a notable increase of pump irrigation. This has been true even in some areas which could be supplied by surface water systems. Pump irrigation has been installed because of its lower cost and capacity for more flexible operation. However, large-scale ex- tension of pumping has the possibility of introducing problems of ground water control, as it has else- where. At present there is no uniform code of laws gov- erning the appropriation, use, and conservation of ground water in the basin. Some States have enacted no laws whatever, while others have only rudimentary or very inadequate codes. Kansas and Wyoming have enacted satisfactory ground water codes. Legal control and compacts are important, as in many instances aquifers extend across State boundaries, and overpumping of an aquifer in one State may adversely affect users in an adjacent State. Conclusions Maximum use of ground water resources in the basin, without depletion or damage, requires that: (1) basic studies of ground water occurrence should be intensified and expanded so that essen- tial data will be available for use by Federal agen- cies, State and local governments, private firms, and the general public; (2) State governments should adopt ground water codes consistent with sound hydrologic principles governing the occurrence of ground water. These should be as nearly uniform as possible, for better basin-^vide use and conserva- tion of ground water; and (3) means of water spreading into aquifers sbiould be studied and undertaken. 5. Adequacy of Present Programs and Laws Relat- ing to Pollution Control The Problem Whether prevailing legislation and methods of enforcement are sufficient to control pollution. The Situation Water pollution and resultant deterioration in water quality can significantly influence such varied water uses as: domestic and municipal water sup- ply, irrigation, industrial water supply, recreation, game, and commercial fishing; and to a lesser de- gree, navigation, hydroelectric power, and wildlife refuges. All of these water uses are highly impor- tant in the basin. The following figures give some indication of the extent of the use: 209 municipal water supply sys- tems serve about 2,300,000 persons; about 10 mil- lion acres of lands (including authorized projects) are irrigated; more than 1 billion gallons of water are used daily for industrial purposes; between 15,000 and 30,000 cubic feet per second of water are needed for navigation In the Lower Missouri River, depending upon the final plan adopted. More than 13 billion kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric power are produced annually (including authorized projects). About 15 million man-days per year are spent in recreation. 204 |