WSP02261

• File Number: 8282.600.10
• Description: Colorado River Operating Annual Reports
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 1/1/1990
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Operation of the Colorado River Basin 1990 Projected Operations 1991
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

Introduction

The operation of the Colorado River Basin during the past
year and the projected operation for the current year reflect
flood control, river regulation, benefici<;\1 consutnpti\e uses,
hydroelectric power generation, water quality control,
enhancement of fish and wildlife, recreation, and Colorado
River Compact requirements.

Storage and release of-water from the Upper Basin reservoirs
are governed by all applicable laws and agreements
concerning the Colorado River, including the impoundment
and release ofwaler in the Upper Basin required by Section
602(a) of the Colorado River Basin Project Act of September
30, 1968 (Public Law 90-537). The. operation of the Lower
Basin reservoirs reflects Mexican Treaty obligations and
Lower Basin contractual commitments.

Nothing in this report is intended to interpret the provisions
of the Colorado River Compact (45 Stat. 1057), the Vpper
ColoradoRi",r Basin Compact (63 Stat. 31),the Water Treaty
of 1944 with the V nited Mexican Slates (Treaty Series 994, 59
Stat. 1219), the United States/Mexico agreement in Minute
No. 242 of August 30, 1973,(TreatySeries 7708; 24 VST 1968),
the Decree entered by the Supreme Court oflhe U niled States
in Arizona v, California et al. (376 V.S. 340), the Boulder
Canyon Project Act (45 Stat. 1057), the Boulder Canyon
Project Adjustment Act (54 Stat. 774; 43 V.S.c. 618a), the
Colorado Ri"'r Storage Project Act (70 Stat. 105; 43 V.S.C.
620), the Colorado River Basin Project Act (82 Stat. 885; 43
U .S.C. 1501), the Colorado River Salinity Control Act (88
Stat. 266;43 V.S.C. 1951),or the Hoover Power Plant Act of
1984 (98 Stat. 1333).

Authority for Report

Pursuant to the Colorado River Basin Project Act (Public
Law 90-537) of 1968, 1 am pleased to present to the Congress,
and to the Governors oflhe Colorado River Basin Slates, the
twentieth annual report on the Operation of the
Colorado River Basin.

This report describes the actuaJ operation oflhe reservoirs in
the Colorado River drainage area constructed under the
authority of the Colorado River Storage Project Act, the
Boulder Canyon Project Act, and the Boulder Canyon Project
Adjustment Act during water year 1990, and the projected
operation of these reservoirs during \\'ater year 1991 under the
"Criteria for Coordinated Long-Range Operation of
Colorado River Reservoirs," (Operating Criteria) published
in the Federal Register June la, 1970.

The Operating Criteria and Section 602 of Public Law 90-537
mandate consultation with representatives of the Governors
of the seven Basin States and the Upper Colorado River
Commission relative 10 annual plans for operation of the
Colorado River reservoirs. The 1991 Annual Operating Plan
(AOP) was prepared by the Bureau of Reclamation in
consultation with the seven Basin States Governors'
representatives, the Upper Colorado River Commission, and
others.

Manuel Lujan, Jr., Secretary
United States Department of the Interior