WSP07975

• File Number: 8278.100
• Description: Title I - Yuma Desalting Plant
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 10/1/1987
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Yuma Desalting Plant Operations Study - Draft Special Report
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

I

I

I

GROUP C - PLANS THAT REQUIRE INSTITUTIONAL CHANGES

I

These plans require changing treaties, legislation, or the way
water is managed throughout the Colorado River Basin.

I

Plan C-l. Comoensate Mexico.
Cost $35.5 million, TVS 999 points, Category V.

I

Operation of the YDP would be terminated. During years when
water quality would normally require production from the YDP,
arrangements would be made to compensate Mexico for lost crop
yield resulting from use of poorer quality water. This would
require readdressing provisions of Minute 242. Since all
drainage water would be returned to the Colorado River, Arizona
would not lose return flow credits.

I

I

Advantages:
"None.

I.

Disadvantages:
"Difficult to administe~ and dete~mine losses and compensation.
.Opposition from Mexico would be expected.
.Probable high cost.

I

Plan C-2.
Cost $39.5,

Comcensate Arizona.
TVS 890 points, Category

v.

I

I

Operation of the YDP would be terminated. Drainage water would
either be bypassed to the Santa Clara Slough or recycled and
mixed with Colorado River water for reuse in southern Arizona.
Arizona would be compensated for losses caused by reduction in
return flow credits and/or production lost by using recycled
drainage water. Administration of the plan appears difficult and
strong opposition to this plan is considered likely.

I

I

Advantages~
"Does not require reopening negotiations with Mexico.
Disadvantages:
.Loss of water in Basin (if bypassed) .
.Opposition from State of Arizona expected.
"Difficult to administer.
.High cost.

I

I

Plan C-3.
Cost $12.4

Neaotiate Maximum Allowable Salinitv Level
million, TVS 1005 points, Category IV.

at NIB.

I

Through Negotiations with Mexico,
be changed. Adherence to the 115
differential would not be required
exceeded 1,000 p/m. The 1,000 p/m

provisions of the Minute would
<:1:. 30) p/m salinity
until the salinity at NIB
assumes the standard of 879

I

34

I