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-3- II. PROJECT IMPACT ON WATER QUALITY To evaluate the impact of a water resources development project on water quality. it is necessary to examine the various factors that influence water quality. The economy and water supply in an area affect the amount and ~ype of water use. Data must be developed on the present and pro,iected economy of the study area to estimate future municipal and industrial use of Project water and the resulting \1aste loads. The same economic and demographic data may also be useful in evaluating any water quality control measures incorporated into the Project plan. The water use influences waste sources and the quality of water downstream from the point of use. Any changes in the quality of water may have an economi C' impact on downs tream water users. LOtAL EtONOM' Agriculture is the principal economic activity on Project lands. Fruit ~rowing accounts for most of the agricultural income. Dairying and cattle raising occupy lesser roles. ^ farm management survey completed by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1969 analyzed 32 Project area farms operated by 36 families. The farms surveyed make up 7,800 acres. irrigated and non-irrigated. and are considered representative of Project lands. The farms consisted of 11 full-time fruit farns, 5 livestock beef farms. 2 "Grade A" dairy fams. 1 sheep fann. 3 gen- eral farns. and 10 part-time fanns. The lands supported a total of 1.241 beef cattle. 204 hogs. 244 sheep. and 217 dairy cattle dispersed over more than 4.000 acres. Because the climate in the Grand Mesa area is favorable to growing fruit, it is expected the trend \1i11 be from livestock farmin(J and toward fruit grol1inq when a full water supply is provi ded by the Pro.iect. Limited employment is provided on Project lands by several small coal mines, sawmills, and fruit packing companies. The area is lo- cated near Grand r~esa, the world's largest flat-top mountain and knovm for its outstandina recreational facilities. Tourism and vaca- tioners are a ma,ior revenue source to the merchants of Cedaredge and Orchard City durin" the summer months. The mild winters and pleasant summers attract numerous retired people to the area, and it is for this reason trlat population in the Pro,iect area is increasinq faster than in the remainder of Delta County. Cedared(Je and Orchard City are the only incorporated communities IJithin the Project area. The t011l1 of Delta. located about ten miles southwest of the Project area is the principal tradinq center for the area and is the County Seat for Del ta County.