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. . . ~ Q -J ...... EFFECTS OF SALINITY ON WATER USE (continued) 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 during the irrigation season are relatively lo~ except in local areas. The impact of salinity on irrigation in the Upper Basin is thus minimal and wilL continue to be in the future. In the Lower Basin, present peak salinity concentratiollS are approach- ing critical levels for some salt-sensitive Cl"OpS, and, while suitable fOL- irrigation of most 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 Uae Colorado River water has not 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 flo\<ls may require mor-e e){tensive pretreatment for some types of industrial uses. - The qual ity of water requ ired for industrial use varies ~idely and is dependent upon tl purposes for wh ich the water is ut ilized. With in any .;....A..~~<1~ l-HClIl1;"il wr.ter may have sever-al funct ions; however, cool ing is the largest s ifigle use of industrial water suppl ied from the Colorado River. Future industrial uses are expected to increase tremendously with the increased requirements for energy. D. Domest ic Use For domestic water use it is desirable to have a safe, clear, potabLe, aesthet ica lly pleas ing ~ater supply ~h ich meets the recommended I Units of the Nat ional Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations of December 24, 1975, and any other Federal or State drinking water standards. High salinity levels affect the taste of drinking ~ater and may affect the digestive system in 80me people. Water hardness, which may increase with increases in salinity concentrations, also requires more soap and laundry add it ives to ach ieve acceptab Ie clean ing resu Its. I f the water becomes too hard, softening of the supply in large-scale municipal plants or in individual home units may be required. Scaling of water heaters and cor- rOS ion of pipes also accelerate with increased salinity or hardness levels. Water quality in the Upper Basin will generally meet the Public Health Service standards with normal levels of treatment--settling, fil- tration, and disinfection. In Some cases only disinfection is required. 35