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CHAPTER III ~ESOURCES . The possibility exists for local electrical utilities of Glenwood-Dotsero water for powerplant cooling through modified cooling towers. to make use the use of w ~ <.c .:.>. Water used to heat buildings could either be obtainecl at a collec- tion point before the water entered a potential conveyance system (dis- cussed in Chapter IV) or at specific taps along the system. Economical use of the hot water could probably be made at the Glenwood Sprin~s area only because insulation costs for conveying the water downstream would be prohibitive. The use of the water to heat highway structures could best he in- corporated along 1-70 structures from Dotsero to Fruita. The proximity of the conveyance system to the highway would minimize difficulties in making use of the water for heating. Use of the water for commercial bathing facilities is a proven and well-established business in Glenwood Springs. Since water collection would be accomplished as part of the unit plan, the total financial out- lay of any new commercial venture utilizing the collected water could be decreased. . Studies have been conducted by the Solar Energy Research Institute in Golden, Colorado, on the use of saline water to grow algae which could be used to produce food, fuel, and chemicals. Microalgae grow well in water of salinities of up to 232,000 mg/L. The Institute has cooperated with Reclamation in the studies to date and has indicated an interest in further cooperation if studies continue. OngoinK studies are being conducted to determine potential saline water uses for aquaculture and, possibly, in an endan~ered fish produc- tion hatchery. Research has been conducted by the Government of Israel, as well as by government and private interests 1n the United States, on the devel- opment of salt gradient ponds for enerKY production. Construction of the evaporation ponds could be desi~necl so the ponds could be used as wetland habitat. 'l.ana~ement of the ponds for such use would be the responsibility of Federal or State wildlife a~en- cies or a private entity through contract. Depending upon their size. some evaporation ponds could be suitable for recreational use. Within the constraints of darn safety and evapora- tion requirements, the ponds could be moclifiecl to permit this use. . All of the aforementioned potential uses would be compatible with either of the alternatives discussed in Chapter IV, even after construc- tion was completed. In most cases, however, some of the costs associated with implementation of the beneficial uses could be saved if development were coordinated with construction of Reclamation facilities. 16