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The Bureau of Reclamation contracted in fiscal year 1982 a two-dimensional reservoir model of Lake Powell and Lake Mead to improve temperature and salinity modeling capability for reservoirs. Two-dimensional reservoir model i ng, together with a comprehens i ve samp 1 i ng program, shoul d provide valuable data for more accurately predicting salinity levels throughout the river/reservoir system. Various mathematical models have been developed in an effort to project future water quality conditions at Imperial Dam. The CRSS (Colorado River Simulation System), a comprehensive model, was developed so it could be adapted to other basins as well as the Colorado River Basin, simulating both water quality and quantity. An assessment began in 1978 to identify the rel ative magnitude of the economic, environmental, and social impacts on the Lower Colorado River Basin resulting from the incremental water use for energy development using emerging technologies in the Upper Colorado River Region. The development was 1 imited to coal gasification and oil shale. The results of the study showed that with an acce 1 erated rate of energy development and high water depletion, the salinity levels at Imperial Dam could increase 18 mg/L. A similar study in the Lower Basin showed that energy development would have little impact on the salinity at Imperial Dam. There is little or no coal or oil shale to develop in Lower Basin. Another research project is "Surface Water Quality of the Upper Colorado River Basin: Concentration and Load of Inorganic Solutes as Functions of Streamflow and Time.1I The study will determine if recent declining salt loads result from a physical change to the system, rather than a short-term aberration. If so, prediction of future salinity will be inaccurate using current data base projections. The final report will discuss the results and provide conclusions regarding long-term trends and the salinity- streamflow relationship. Cooperative Programs Several agenci es of the Federal Government have contributed effect i vely to the CRWQIP in addition to the research efforts already discussed. Reclamation works closely with the USDA to coordinate the salinity control program. Each agency plans, funds, and implements its own programs. USDA-SCS's onfarm irrigation improvement program is underway with two units in operation: Grand Valley in Colorado and Uinta Basin in Utah. USDA expects to remove approximately 840,000 tons of salt from the river system, which will reduce the salinity concentration at Imperial Dam by about 85 mg/L. With Congress I recommendation, USDA has spent over $9 million for cost-sharing practices for salinity control over the past 3 years. Research through USDA-ARS (Agricultural Research Service) is concentrating on level basin irrigation systems, effective irrigation scheduling, and the xx i i