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09!2H CHAPTER I II REGIONAL AND LOCAL NEEDS . Some portions of the project water distribution and drainage facilities are unsightly, unsafe, or interfere with other developments of the area. Replacement of deteriorated structures and placement of lining or pipe in canals, laterals and drains would improve the general appearance an,l safety, reduce costs to land owners, reduce seepage losses and the resultant salinity contribution to the river system, and increase the utility of various areas, particularly those being converted to residential use. Small domestic water companies provide water for portions of the Uncompahgre Valley area and most of the remaining portions will be supplied by the systems now being planned or constructed by the Tri- County Water Conservancy District. Towns and rural districts in the Grand Valley area surrounding Grand Junction are supplied domestic water through piped systems developed by the towns, small water com- panies and the Ute Water Conservancy District. The supplies are gener- ally adequate for existing needs and for some future development but any significant population increase or industrial expansion will require provision of additional water. Sewage systems have been provided in the towns and some rural areas. The need for additional sewage systems for the rural areas will become more acute as develop- ment continues. . Water salinity is not a major problem within the local areas but the Uncompahgre Valley and Grand Valley areas have been determined to be two of the principal areas contributing soluble salts to the Colo- rado River. Reduction of salinity of stream flows is a moral respons- ibility and need in ~ll contributing areas. The few small reservoirs in the lower valleys that are suitable for swimming and water skiing are heavily used and often overcrowded. There is a need and great potential use for additional water-oriented recreation areas near the larger population centers. Areas immediately adjacent to the Colorado River in and near Grand Junction and extending both upstream and downstream from the mouth of the Gunnison River contain deteriorated neighborhoods and other unsightly developments. Plans have been announced by local groups involving acquisition of the areas for several miles&ong the river with the goal of cleaning up and improving the areas as a "Green Belt" for recreation use. The development should result in greatly improving the appearance and utility of the area. One factor that will periodically detract from the esthetics of the area will be the silt and debris laden flows of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers during and following snow melt and rainfall periods. There is a need to trap the sediment and debris loads of the rivers to improve the appearance and increase the utility of the streams for fishery and recreation. . 44