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VI. REGIONAL VIEWS OF PRESENT AND EMERGING NATIONAL ISSUES All water and re1aLed land programs are weighed by the indi- vidual citizens for the impact they will have upon his lifestyle. National concerns respond to the majoriLY viewpoint of Nation and State and local programs respond to the majority viewpoint of their citizenry. Naturally there will be some difference in viewpoints as there exists differences in cultures, lifestyles, aspirations, and resources. Support for basic needs are generally recognized such as food, clothing, shelter, protection from calamities and recreational outlet. Programs to assure the meeting of these needs must be formulated within the bounds of maintaining a strong National economy and a balance between development and the environ- ment. The Rio Grande Region is considered basically rural, however, 67 percent of the population is urban and 68 percent of the urban population is concentrated in eight of the larger cities. Agricul- ture is a basic industry that supports the urban population. Live- stock grazing (ranching) and intensive irrigated crop production comprise the main agricultural enterprise. The regional viewpoint therefore reflects concern about agricultural water supplies. The region is experiencing a surge in migration to its sun country environm2nt. Mining, mineral processing, and manufacLuring is 100ked to for providing employment for the growing population. Energy is avai1able to support these industries, but water supply is a basic concern. Conservation of the almost comp1etely committed water supplies is required. As the water supplies are used and re-used, water qualiLY deteriorates. Water quality is a current issue that presents a worsening potential. There has been identified within the region large non-beneficial water loss from evaporation and phreatophyte transpiration. Reduction of Lhese losses to improve water quality and supply conflicts with environmental and wildlife interests. Resolution of these trade-offs is a regional and National issue. The monitoring of water supplies and analysis of pending prob- lems relies upon an array of basic data as have been s~~rized in these SRF reports. The National data have been summarized on hydro- 10gic boundaries. Water administration relates to State bou~daries. Much of the data presented in the modified Central Case Studies is of no value in State considerations. The summarization and analysis of these data is a State and National issue. The States of the Rio Grande region recommend Lhat data be related to both hydrologiC and State boundaries. '-':-:1.(" " 'fool ~ ,.4.;.. 78