WSP01897

• File Number: 8270.100
• Description: Colorado River Basin Water Quality/Salinity -- Misc Water Quality
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 1/1/1977
• Author: USDOI
• Title: Quality of Water - Colorado River Basin - Progress Report No. 8 - January 1977
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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HISTORY OF WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

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relating to the salinity problem, including tile drainage.
In order to comply with the above-mentioned purposes, both
countries will undertake negotiations as soon as possible.

"8. The United States and Mexico shall recognize the under-
takings and understandings contained in this Resolution as
constituting the permanent and definitive solution of the
salinity problem referred to in the Joint Communique of
President Richard Nixon and President Luis Echeverria dated
June 17. 1972.

"9. The measures required to implement this Resolution shall
be undertaken and completed at the earliest practical date.
"10. This minute is subject to the express approval of both
Governments by exchange of Notes. It shall enter into force
upon such approval; Provided, however, That the provisions
which are dependent for their implementation on the construction
of works or on other measures which require expenditure of
funds by the United States, shall become effective upon the
notification by the United States to Mexico of the authorization
by the United States Congress of said funds, which will be
sought promptly."
The passage of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act, Public
Law 93-320, on June 24, 1974, authorized construction of the Yuma desalting
plant and other works necessary for the United States to comply with the
provisions of Minute 242.

4. Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act

On June 24, 1974, Public Law 93-320 of the 93rd Congress was signed
into Law by the President. This Act is cited as the "Colorado River
Basin Salinity Control Act." The Secretary of the Interior is authorized
to construct several projects for the improvement, and enhancement, and
protection of the quality of water available in the Colorado River for
use in the United States and the Republic of Mexico, and to enable the
United States to comply with its obligations to Mexico under Minute ~o.
242 of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States
and Mexico. The passage of this law ended the temporary operating criteria
provided by Article 2 of Minute ~o. 242 and on June 25, 1975, the United
States began complying with the provisions of Article lea) of Minute No. 242.

E. Economic Conditions

The prosperity of agriculture in the Upper Colorado River drainage
basin generally parallels the prosperity of the livestock industry. With
vast areas of fine rangeland available for summer grazing, livestock
production is limited by the production of hay for winter feed.

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