WSP08472

• File Number: 8270.100
• Description: Colorado River Basin Water Quality/Salinity -- Misc Water Quality
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 2/1/1972
• Title: Colorado River Water Quality Improvement Program - February 1972
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Project Overview

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that a gradual rise in the salinity of the river was occurring as the

water resources were developed.

Salt-concentrating effects were 'produced by evaporation, transpira-

tion, and diversion of high quality water out of the basin. Also,

salt-loading effects occurred through the addition of dissolved

solids to the river system from both natural and manmade sources.

Because of the wide fluctuations in concentration from natural causes,

the developments on the river, particularly the large reservoirs, pro-

duced offsetting beneficial effects by minimizing these fluctuations.

Prior to their authorization, it was known that the Colorado River

Storage and Participating Projects, Navajo Indian Irrigation Project,

San Juan-Chama Project, and the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project would

cause significant increases in salinity levels. This was expected

to arise primarily from the increased consumptive use of water and

transport of high quality water out of the basin. Recognizing the

concern of the Colorado River water users, Congress stipulated that

studies be made of the water quality in the basin and that control

plans be developed. The stipulation was expressed in the authoriz-

ing legislation for the projects.

As a result of the legislative requirements, a basic network of water

quality stations was established at principal points throughout the

Colorado River Basin. Analyses and studies were begun for the entire