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. . . l- N 1'-; HISTORY OF ~ATER RESOURCE DEVELOP~~T :..:"., Intensified development of mineral resources in recent years has created new employment opportunities, including off-the-farm work for many farmers. The most extensive and commercially important mineral resources of the Upper Basin are coal, oil. and natural gas. The Upper Basin is also the leading domestic source of vanadium, uranium, radium ore, and molybdenum. Copper. zinc, lead, silver, and gold are also com- mercially important. In recent years mining of trona has become exten- sive in the State of Wyoming. The recent shortage of energy has resulted in an intense search for new sources. As a result, investigations are underway for the commercial development of shale oil in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. Fossil fuel powerplants are either being constructed or are in the planning stage for construction in the Upper Basin States. Coal gasification is an emerging industry in northwestern New Mexico where several billion tons of strippable coal are available. These developments have already and will continue to provide job opportunities throughout the area. The increase in population resulting from new job opportunities has created new markets for locally produced and imported products, has taxed muni- cipal facilities and water supplies in several areas, and has increased demands for electricity. Raw materials are also stimulating industrial activities in areas adjoining the upper drainage basin, particularly areas near Denver, Pueblo, Provo, and Salt Lake City. These adjoining areas all import water from the Colorado River Basin and without the imported water their economic growth would be limited. Tourism as an industry has increased significantly in recent years because of the recreational developments and the many natural attractions. Manufacturing as a basic industry is of relatively minor importance in the Upper Basin. The irrigated lands in the Lower Basin that use Colorado River's main stream water are some of the most highly productive lands in the United States because agricultural practices are generally year long and highly intensified. The average gross crop income per acre in 1974 was about $800 per acre for the 849,000 acres irrigated by main stem waters in the Lo....er Basin. The Southern California area 1s one of the most rapidly developing regions both industrially and population-wise in the Nation. Colorado River water for municipal and industrial purposes is supplied to approxi- mately 130 incorporated towns and other communities in this area with a population of about 10 million people. The Metropolitan Water District diverted 1,116,700 acre-feet of Colorado River water in 1974. Flows to the Metropolitan Water District will be reduced when the Central Arizona Project starts diverting. State project water was blended with Colorado River water to provide a better quality water for the southern California area. The Colorado River supplies about 36 percent of all of the developed water in the 4,900-square-mile service area. This water ranges from a ~inor supply for some entities co a complete supply for others. . 26