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<br />SAlinity Concentrations <br /> <br /> <br />~-" <br />CD <br />CJl <br />I--~ <br /> <br />Salt-routing studies were conducted for the 1993 Review using the Colorado River <br />Simulation System (CRSS) developed by Reclamation.3 The CRSS is a package of computer <br />programs and databases developed by Reclamation as a tool for use by water resource managers <br />dealing with water-related issues and problems in the Colorado River Basin. The central feature <br />of the CRSS is a computer program which simulates the flow of water and salt through the <br />system and the operation of the major reservoirs including hydroelectric power plants. Two <br />studies were conducted to provide estimates of future flow-weighted average annual salinity <br />concentrations for each year of the study period at Hoover, Parker and Imperial Dams in the <br />Lower Basin. The first study used the future water depletion projections described earlier, the <br />average of 78 historic hydrologies which approximate the average annual long-term water supply <br />of 15 maf, and the salt load reduction currently in place. <br /> <br />The second study used the same future water depletions and long-term water supply, <br />except that it included the salt load reduction from the salinity control units which constitutes <br />the Forum's recommended plan of implementation. The purpose of the first study was to <br />determine the future salinity levels and salt load tonnage requirements needed to maintain salinity <br />levels at or below the numeric criteria through the year 2015. Based on the salt load reduction <br />requirements determined by the first study, the implementation plan was developed. The second <br />study was to validate the plan's ability to meet the objective. <br /> <br />Using the 78 years of historic hydrology in the CRSS data bank, Reclamation determined <br />the mean salinity levels for each year of the study period through the year 2015. The results <br />of the two studies are presented in Figures 2.4, through 2.6. In addition, Reclamation also <br />projected the minimum and maximum salinity values in the year 2015. Table 2.4 presents those <br />values. <br /> <br />3Detailed information on CRSS is presented in the following Bureau of Reclamation reports: <br />Colorado River Simulation System. An Executive Summary (October 1981); Colorado River <br />Simulation System. Users Manual (June 1982); and Colorado River Simulation System, System <br />Overview (1984). <br /> <br />2-10 <br />