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.',. , r' \It ~1 t r ,. ~, r,'...,', ., il " i' " l '" The Dwa does have a responsibility to future Metro growth -- no other municipality can duplicate the extremely expensive structure -- or the existing water claims -- developed by the DWB; it must be the center of any rational plan to develop and store additional water for the Metropolitan area. DOWNSTREAM: HOW THE LOWER BASIN VIEWS ITS OWN UPHILL BATTLES Even though Colorado stands at the "head of the ditch", the private and public viewpoints of our neighbor and potential rival over water -- Arizona -- are very important. Arizona is not significantly concerned about Colorado's use of Upper Colorado entitlements. It does, however, keep an eagle eye on energy development and other growth of water users in Western Colorado. Its attitude is that Western Colorado will never be able to use Colorado's unused River entitlements, and growth in the Front Range Colorado could not possibly utilize anything near 500,000 acre-feet additionally in the next 30 years. Thus, Colorado is not perceived as a threat to full utilization of CAP in Arizona. The official position within Arizona's water policy offices is that every state needs to develop a statewide integrated water policy of its own. Colorado would do well to follow Arizona's example and use its experience as a model in setting up Colorado's statewide policy. 'I .v When Colorado finds a way to unify its own water management, Arizona might be a welcome neighbor in relation to the pragmatic answers required to balance development and utilization of the Colorado River's resources. IN CONCLUSION Water conflicts will no doubt continue under present State policies. What is abundantly clear, if history is any guide, is that "available" water in the State will be developed by someone, whether in Colorado or Downstream in neighboring states. The history of semi-arid societies is clear: they use the water available to them. Equal to the need for water development is the need to use water as efficiently as possible; for no matter how much water Colorado diverts, it won't be enough as long as water is not used with a focus on conservation. What is not folly is to insist water development be pursued in such manner as to be least damaging to the environment. A balance can be reached; society's technical and engineering expertise has advanced to the point mitigation measurers can insure the coexistence of natural life with the human need for water. - 8 -