1004

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 1004
• Author: Boyle, J., K. Covay and D. Bauer.
• Title: Quantity and Quality of Streamflow in the White River Basin, Colorado and Utah.
• USFW Year: 1984.
• USFW - Doc Type: Lakewood, CO.
• Copyright Material: NO

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Objective

ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE-WATER RESOURCES WAS MADE SO
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS CAN BE EVALUATED

Current stream quantity and quality data are presented to
describe the surface-water hydrology in the White River basin.

This report provides hydrologic information, using a brief text with
accompanying maps, charts, graphs, or other illustrations for each of a series
of water- resources re 1 ated topi cs. The i nformat ion is presented for use by
State and county planners, consulting engineers, and mine operators.

The purpose of this report is to describe selected stream-quantity and
stream-quality data within the White River basin. The report is part of a
4-year assessment of the White River basin from water years 1981 through 1984.
The objectives of the 4-year assessment are: (1) To describe the hydrology of
the basin prior to substantial energy development and (2) to evaluate some of
the envi ronmenta 1 effects of energy-resource development on the quantity and
quality of the surface water. Photographs (fig. 1.1-1) show U.S. Geological
Survey personnel collecting various types of hydrologic data.

There are continuing and increasing concerns regarding the water require-
ments for energy development within the Rocky Mountain region. The White
River basin, as part of the Rocky Mountain region, contains large energy
resources in the form of oil shale, coal, oil, and natural gas. Because of
the present and anticipated development of these resources, large quantities
of water will be required for mining, processing, transportation, and munic-
ipal and industrial uses. Increasing competition for available water is
expected between agricultural operations, planned mining operations, and
expanded municipal and industrial uses. It, therefore, becomes important to
assess existing water-resource information to enable planners to allocate
water based on the amount and quality of water available, and to establish a
baseline from which to measure changes in quantity and quality of water in the
future so to protect this resource.

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