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Show Conclusions In comprehensive basin programs, it is essential that the problems of depressed areas be adequately recognized. These must have different treatment from that accorded economically sound parts of the basin. The latter can meet problems of reimburse- ment and cost sharing, whereas the former need special aid if they are not to suffer further poverty and economic hardship. The Federal and State Governments are carrying forward programs in the basin. These, however, are inadequate for a region of such distress, and are handicapped by slow local adaptation of the econ- omy to present-day conditions. More needs to be done and will be done when the full implication of the problem is understood. A decision must be taken, for some of these communities have gravi- tated to a. state of near helplessness. A program of aid to small irrigation enterprises, as under the Water Facilities Act of 1937, should be undertaken immediately. Farm consolidation with long-term repayments as under reclamation and other laws should be provided. Credit should be provided and cooperatives encouraged. The solution calls for more than a single-purpose agricultural remedy. Rural reconstruction is neces- sary to create opportunities for greater production per man in crops. Opportunities for employment in industries such as processing of agricultural crops, in craftsmanship, and in various services, should be made available. Community welfare activities under enlightened and understanding leadership also are required. 6. Extent of Federal and State Concern With Water Pollution Control The Problem What sliould be the extent of Federal and State Government concern with water pollution control? The Situation Rivers and streams have been the most commonly used means of disposing of municipal and indus- trial water wastes. When the nature of these wastes, whether treated or untreated, interferes with the use of the river for other purposes, a con- flict in water use develops. Water pollution in the Rio Grande Basin differs in some respects from that in several other basins, but its control is no less important. Pollution can adversely affect irrigation, public water, industrial water, hydroelectric power development, recreation, and sport fishing. As the Rio Grande is an inter- national stream for over one-half of its length, pol- lution of the river might affect adversely our rela- tions with Mexico. The Rio Grande is an interstate stream draining parts of Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. By far the greatest water use is for irrigation. Control of chemical quality is of importance to irrigated agriculture throughout the basin. Sanitary conditions in the crowded rural areas of the upper Rio Grande are critical. Some of these affect the quality of the water. Dysentery and other acute diarrheal diseases are health problems in many areas where drinking water is obtained from irrigation ditches. In addition to sediment and salt pollution, other problems of pollution are expected to increase as population and industrial activity increase in the basin. Some minor pollution in the headwaters is now caused by mine tailings. Pollution prob- lems of a local nature exist immediately below a few communities. At El Paso where public water is taken from surface sources, considerable trouble has been experienced with taste and odors caused by industrial wastes. State agencies are aware of the situation. Industrial waste problems of consequence are found in the lower Rio Grande Valley. These problems are yet to be solved. Comprehensive pro- grams of water pollution control have not been prepared. Conclusions As the Rio Grande drains parts of three States and Mexico, the Federal Government should en- courage efforts to abate pollution whether of inter- state or international origin. The Federal Government, in cooperation with the States, should accelerate a program of pollution control as a component part of a comprehensive basin program. The States concerned should strengthen their pollution control laws to accom- plish this objective. There is need for establishing standards of sani- tary quality to determine the suitability of water for irrigation use. The Public Health Service should complete studies leading to the establishment of such standards and strive diligently for their application. 342 |
