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<br />002552 <br /> <br />Municipal and Industrial--The largest single demand for future <br />water supplies will be for municipal and industrial purposes. The <br />surging population of the Pacific Southwest is chiefly concentrated <br />in large metropolitan areas. Per capita water consumption will con- <br />tinue to increase as modern conveniences consume additional quanti- <br />ties of water. The dependable water supplies are largely developed <br />by the older and usually larger incorporated areas. Many new <br />communities have formed since 1950, and these areas will be the <br />first to feel the effect of inadequate water supplies. <br /> <br />Beyond the urban needs, additional water will be required for <br />development of mineral resource reserves in the Pacific Southwest. <br />Future nonferrous mineral production will be from lower-grade ores <br />that will require larger quantities of water for processing. <br /> <br />Outdoor Recreation--Coincident with the burgeoning urban <br />populations is the ever-increasing demand for water areas oriented <br />to outdoor recreational uses, such as fishing, boating, camping, <br />picnicking, and temporary or permanent home and cabin sites. These <br />water areas are also needed for aesthetic and passive enjoyment as <br />a counter to urban congestion and the ever-accelerating pace of <br />modern living. Much of the value of western living has lain in <br />the vast open spaces and in its lakes and streams. The preserva- <br />tion, enhancement, and extension of these presently limited water <br />facilities will assist in making available for future generations <br />the benefits that are only partially remaining today. <br /> <br />Water also is needed for specific fish and wildlife installa- <br />tions, such as wildlife refuges and management areas, and fish <br />hatcheries. Such facilities contribute to the preservation and <br />propagative needs of maintaining and stocking suitable environ~ <br />ments with fish and wildlife. <br /> <br />Quality Control--The problems of water quality are prevalent <br />today and will assume greater importance in future years. As <br />water uses increase, the quantities of return flows from agricul- <br />tural and domestic sources will increase. As local water supplies <br />are more fully utilized, the salinity of these return flows will <br />also increase. The need for desalting or dilution with other <br />supplies will require future consideration. <br /> <br />Effects of Public Land Disposition and <br />Use on the Water Problems and Needs <br /> <br />The Pacific Southwest public land uses and practices all <br />involve, in some way, the need for more efficient water utiliza~ <br />tion. The vast majority of public lands are not serviced by <br />external waters. The present utilization of the public lands is <br />almost entirely dependent on limited local ground-water sources, <br /> <br />11-13 <br />