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<br />These standards reflect the river's salinity levels in <br />1972. It must be realized that they are relatively <br />arbitrary and were selected more as a political expedient <br />than as a result of any technical environmental or <br />economic analysis. A careful reevaluation of these <br />standards could result in their either being relaxed or <br />tightened. A relaxation could enhance damages from <br />salinity and complicate the United states' relationship <br />with Mexico. On the other hand, tightening the standard <br />could increase substantially the costs of salinity <br />control and very possibly reduce or eliminate <br />opportunities for further development in the Upper Basin. <br />c. Choices to be Hade <br />Salinity is one of the major obstacles to <br />further development of the waters of the Colorado River. <br />Three principal factors determine the salinity level of <br />the water: development, mostly in the Upper Basinl <br />runoff 1 and land and water management practices affecting <br />the natural and human-caused sources of salt. Although <br />two of these factors - development and salinity control <br />measures - can be controlled, runoff, while it might be <br />al tered, remains a function largely beyond human control. <br />While many choices have already been made concerning <br />salinity control, these choices must be reviewed and <br /> <br />-31- <br />