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.. . . N ,-n . '" r.o Salinity Control Program The plan of implementation as set forth by the Forum is designed to reduce salinity by the most cost-effective means in order to offset the expected increase in salinity caused by future basin \vater use. The plan consists of more than implementation of the facilities identified in Title II, P.L. 93-320. Although these units constitute the major salt reduction efforts, additional control will be achieved by placing effluent limitations, principally under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, reformulation of previously authorized but unconstructed federal water projects to reduce salt loading, and other non-federal actions. Studies conducted by the Forum in establishing the standards showed that without construction of the units specified in P.L. 93-320, it would be impossible to meet the established standards, while tlle basin states continue to develop their compact-apportioned waters. The amount of salt in water directly influences the utility of the water, and increased salt concentrations have detrimental impacts on water users. Such detriments include either decreas0d productivity or increased production costs or botil for agricultural and industrial users. Urban water users also suffer significant detriments. Current studies by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and "niversity researchers show that significant economic benefits will accrue from maintaining salinity at the 1972 levels. The lower basin alone will realize benefits ranging from 90-100 million dollars annually. Benefits will also be realized by some Upper Basin users, 3 .t_~