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<br />I, <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />of salinity in the lower mainstem, the high level of <br />~ reservoir storage, the volume weighted salinity of the water <br />eft in storage and the present level of water use in the Basin, <br />c.o it is clear that the criteria will not be exceeded during the <br />~ next twelve-month period. <br /> <br />The flow-weighted average annual salinity values <br />(Calendar year) at Hoover, parker and Imperial Dams decresed <br />significantly because of the 1983 through 1987 record high <br />runoff. During this period of high runoff, salinity <br />concentrations decreased. aowever, with lower than average <br />flows in 1988 and 1989 (estimated at percent of normal), <br />salinity concentrations are now showing some increases. <br /> <br />Implementation of Reclamation and Agriculture salinity <br />control activitIes is continuing on the Grand valley, Uinta <br />Basin, Paradox Valley, Lower Gunnison Basin, and Big Sandy <br />Unit. However, it will be a number of years before <br />significant effects are felt at the three lower mainstem <br />stations. <br /> <br />Although current salinity levels in the Colorado River <br />System are below the criteria level, studies by the Forum and <br />Reclamation show that salinity concentrations will again <br />increase. If planned salinity control measures are <br />implemented, the man caused increases in salinity can be held <br />within the prescribed numeric criteria through the year 2010, <br />based on average water supply conditions. While the levels <br />of salinity concentrations will increase slowly, efforts to <br />control salinity take many years to accomplish. Once <br />completed, a salinity control project will take a number of <br />years (4-5) for the full impact of the control measures to <br />show results at Imperial Dam. Planning and implementation of <br />the salinity control program also requires considerable time <br />because of the many uncertainties associated with the complex <br />and unique technologies required for salinity control. <br />Therefore, it is imperative that the salinity control program <br />as set forth in 1987 Review be carried out as scheduled. <br /> <br />-17- <br />