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<br />"9901 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />instream flows will vary <br /> <br />The impact of water conservation on <br /> <br />with local hydrology and the reach of the river examined. Reducing <br />seepage, deep percolation and runoff may lower ground water tables <br />and reduce return flows, ultimately decreasing instream flows. <br /> <br />On the other hand, simultaneously reducing withdrawals from surface <br /> <br />or ground water supplies may help maintain instream flows, which <br /> <br />increase fish and wildlife habitat and aethetic benefits. <br /> <br />Obviously, the overall impact of various water conservation <br /> <br />measures can be very complex where losses are ultimately recoverable. <br /> <br />An understanding of the potential hydrologic impacts and related <br /> <br />affects on other users and uses is necessary in order to determine <br /> <br />whether or not specific programs and measures are desirable. There <br /> <br />are no net water savings, though other benefits may make implementation <br /> <br />of conservation measures worthwhile. <br /> <br />Where irrecoverable losses can be prevented, net savings are <br /> <br />possible. Unfortunately, such savings may be impractical or <br /> <br />insignificant. Again, with reference to the illustration, <br />irrecoverable water includes that lost through percolation to deep <br />aquifers where recovery is not physically possible or economi- <br />cally practical, perhaps because of excessive pumping lifts and <br /> <br />energy costs, or because the water reaches unusable saline sinks_ <br /> <br />The efficient application of irrigation water can reduce such <br /> <br />losses. <br /> <br />Irrecoverable losses also occur due to evaporation from lakes, <br /> <br />streams, reservoirs, canals, ditches, and irrigated fields. Some <br /> <br />evaporative losses are unavoidable. Others can be eliminated. <br /> <br />I~ <br />