WSP04752

• File Number: 8281.960
• Description: Colorado River Studies and Investigations -- Lower Colorado Comprehensive Framework Study
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 6/1/1971
• Title: Lower Colorado Region Comprehensive Framework Study -- Main Report
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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Implementation of the long-range program requires early initiation
of planning for importing water to the Region. Studies should be included
for eValuating the relative merits of all potential means of importation.
Impleinentation of a water import program should be accomplished by year
1990 to provide about 2.25 million acre-feet. This should be increased
to 4..t5 million acre-feet by year 2020. The initial stage of the impor-
tation program would include the national commitment !I to relieve the
Colorado River Basin States of the Mexican Treaty burden, estimated to
be l.~ million acre-feet annually including associated losses.

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'l1able A-I provides a summary of the present and projected water
requirements and supplies.

Water Quality

Maintenance of an acceptable level of water quality is vital to the
economy, environment, and general well-being of the people of the Region.
Presently deficient water supplies and the probable cost of future
imported water dictate maximum water utilization, including recycling,
With little or no allowance for transporting salts or waste loads from .
the Region. The water qUality program includes waste treatment facil-
ities for urban centers, treatment of water from saline sources, and
major water reuse facilities. Augmentation of the Colorado River With
high quality imported water would also provide major improvement in the
quality of this principal water source. Continuing studies of the
Region's increasingly complex water quality problems are recommended.

Land ReSources and Use

The land resource base of the Region appears to be sufficient in
variety. and amount to satisfY the projected land use requirements
through'the year 2020. There will be need to be Widespread adoption
of the multiple-use principle in order to satisfY the requirements of
all uses.

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!I 90tb Congress, Public Law 90-537, An Act to Authorize. . . the
Colorado River Basin Project . . . , September 1968.

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