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. -- N (oJ C'; EFFECTS OF SALINITY ON WATER USE in the root zone is exceeded. Because of the many factors affecting the salinity concentration in the root zone, an exact irrigation water con- centration that will damage a crop cannot be determined. For economic studies to determine Lower Basin damages, a salinity level of 750 mg/l was assumed as the level at which losses begin to occur. Damage to salt-sensitive crops can be prevented by applying additional irrigation water to flush the salts from the soil. If natural drainage or an existing drainage system is inadequate to remove the additional water, it may be necessary to install additional drains. In the Upper Basin. salinity concentrations season are relatively low except in local areas. on irrigation in the Upper Basin is thus minimal. during the irrigation The impact of salini~y In the Lower Basin, present peak salinity concentrations are ap- proaching critical levels for some salt-sensitive crops, and, while suitable for irrigation of mos~ crops, are high enough that special irrigation practices are used in some cases. Economic losses will occur as salinity levels increase throughout the basin. . C. Industrial Use Colorado River wa~er has no~ yet been widely used for industrial purposes within the basin but extensive use has been made of this water from transmountain diversions outside the basin. Since the quality of the water diverted from the Upper Basin is relatively high, only minimal pretreatment is required for most industrial uses. In the Lower Basin, the higher salinity levels in the diverted flows may require more extensive pretreatment for some types of industrial uses. The quality of water required for industrial use varies widely and is dependent upon the purposes for which the water is utilized. Within any industrial plant, water may have several functions; however, cooling is the largest single use of industrial water supplied from the Colorado River. Future industrial uses are expected to increase tremendously with the increased requirements for energy. D. Domestic Use . For domestic water use it is desirable to have a safe, clear, pot- able, aesthetically pleasing water supply which meets the recommended limits of the Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards of 1962 and the na~ional interim primary drinking water standards of P.L. 93-523. High salinity levels affect the taste of drinking water and may affect the digestive system in some people. ~ater hardness, which may increase with increases in salinity concentrations, also requires more soap and laundry additives to achieve acceptable cleaning results. If the water becomes 35