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Importation of surface water from areas of possible surplus is another alternative that could be considered in the provision of new water for the Colorado River Basin. Other means of providing water that are not to be construed as augmentation but which are worthy of examination include the mining of ground water from several closed basins within the region; development of new adequate water supplies for cities now dependent upon the Colorado River such as Los Angeles (e.g., use of more water from northern part of the State or desalting sea water), Salt Lake City (e.g., use of Bear River water), and others, thus creating a release of their Colorado River water for use within the basin; new storage opportunities; and adjacent basin ground water pump exchanga programs. Advancing technologies in the energy field such as dry cooling towers and pumped-back storage should also be considered in the overall look at the water for energy scenario in the Colorado River Basin. Theoretically, in a total management concept of existing supplies, water conservation and reuse do not increase the natural water supply of a basin in contrast to what would occur through weather modification or importation. However, such practices generally permit increased beneficial use of the base supply. This more efficient use of the finite water supply to get more output per unit of water input extends the date when restrictions in water use may constrain desirable economic growth and development. It is a fact that total water management programs can only delay and not prevent water shortages from occurring eventually. Two options are available when shortages occur. One is to pattern the economic and social systems of the basin to the limits of the finite water supply. Under this option, there still can be economic and social choices through the transfer of water for agriculture or other uses such as energy resource exploitation. The other option would be to augment the natural flows of the river through one or a variety of means as discussed earlier in this section; thus increasing its water supply and permitting continued growth of water dependent developments. . 59