OCR Text |
Show More Efficient Uses and Management Practices The demands on the water resources of any area necessitate that thorough planning and efficient management be made an integral part of all development plans. The process of increasing management efficiency and the efficiency of physical features is continuous because of ever- changing water uses and the development of new and better materials, equipment, methods, and technological advances. Therefore, increased efficiency should not be an alternative to water development plans such as the Bonneville Unit, but should already be incorporated as part of the plan. Many of the methods and concepts available for more efficient water uses are resisted by the public because a change from the traditional would be required. Numerous programs are already planned and other methods are available for more efficient water uses. Bureau of Reclamation irrigation scheduling and water management programs have been initiated in other areas and are due to be implemented in the Uinta Basin area in a pilot program during fiscal year 1973. This program would provide for improvement of farm irrigation efficiencies by assuring the proper amount and timing of water applications to the crops. Irrigation- systems improvement is another program being initiated in the Uinta Basin. This program includes automation of water- control structures, installation of sprinkler irrigation systems, lining of canals, replacing open canals with pipe systems, coordinating operation of reservoirs, improving maintenance of existing structures, replacing obsolete farm structures, and providing education in proper use and maintenance of these facilities. In some cases it would be more efficient to consolidate a number of small irrigation companies, municipal water utility companies, or conservancy districts into one or two larger units in a particular area. This would form an organization with the financial ability to provide better facilities and management. Municipal water systems should be kept in proper repair. In some communities as much as 50 percent of the water supply is wasted because of leaking and defective systems. 533 |