WSP11590

• File Number: 8021
• Description: Section D General Correspondence-Western States Water Counci
• State: CO
• Date: 5/3/1964
• Author: WestStatesWaterCounc
• Title: Resolution of Comprehensive Study of the Water Resources of the Western States
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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HlliOW'rION

WESTERN GOVERNORS' CONFERENCE, MAY 3-6, 1964
I. COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE WATER RESOURCES OF THE WESTERN STATES

WHEREAS, The fUture growth, prosperity and general well-being of the
western states depend upon the availability of adequate quantities of water of
such quality as to permit its use for myriad purposes, including, but not limited
to, irrigation, domestic ~.d livestock, human consumption, industrial, navigation,
mining, power development, fish and wildlife, recreation, and pollution abatement,
all of which are recognized as beneficial uses; and

WHEREAS, Population, economic, and other forecasts indicate water supplies
may become increasingly short in arid and semi-arid regions of the West, and may in
the fUture be far from abundant, even in those areas where current supplies may appear
to be in excess of the needs of local users and consumers; and

WHEREAS, For the past 15 years, individual studies have considered the
feasibility of transporting water from areas of relatively high annual precipitation
to areas where supplies are naturally deficient or have become so because of heavy
withdrawals and use; and

WHEREAS, There is need for an accurate and unbiased appraisal of present
and future water requirements of each region of the West, and for development of
a comprehensive plan for equitably meeting such needs; and

WHEREAS, Any proposal for transporting water from one region to another
ought to include recognition that needs of the supplying region are paramount to
those of any consuming region;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED By the Western Governors' Conference that
it recommends that a comprehensive study of the water resources of the 13 western
states be undertaken jointly by the states through the Council of State Governments
and its affiliates, the several states agreeing to cooperate in every appropriate
manner toward early completion of the study; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That such study shall give particular attention

to:

1. The feasibility of inter-regional water utilization.

2. Alternative methods of meeting the needs of water-deficient areas,
now and in the future.

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3. An equitable means of maintaining the security of the water rights
of each state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED By the Western Governors' Conference that there

be:

1. Early authorization by the Congress of the United States of legis-
lation to permit comprehensive investigation of water resources and
requirements throughout the West, for the purpose of developing an
integrated plan of physical works to meet present and anticipated
needs.