WSP08013

• File Number: 8027
• Description: Section D General Correspondence - Federal Agencies - US DOI-BOR - Region 7
• State: CO
• Basin: Statewide
• Date: 11/2/1966
• Author: DOI-BOR
• Title: Plan to Develop Technology for Increasing Water Yield from Atmospheric Sources - An Atmospheric Water Resources Program
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240

November 2, 1966

Memorandum

To:

The Secretary

From:

Assistant Secretary, Water and Power Development

Subject: Nationwide Atmospheric Water Resources Program
for the Department of the Interior

Recogniziug the potential of the atmosphere as an emerging new factor
of immense potential in future water resources planning, you asked
me on May 31, 1966 to take the leadership in developing a comprehensive
national plan of research and development necessary to make weather
modification an operational technique in water resources management.
Our report entitled: "Plan to Develop Technology for Increasing Water
Yield from Atmospheric Sources" is attached.

We .have had the assistance of the best scientific and engineering talent
available from the Department, the academic community, and private
research organizations in developing this program. Producing this
report has reinforced my conviction that the Department of the Interior
must continue to provide leadership in national weather modification
efforts because of its wide-ranging responsibilities related to resources
and environment. I am also convinced that a comprehensive National
program is inevitable.

This report outlines an aggressive program for achieving a'practical
capability to increase precipitation. When this has been accomplished
a new tool will be available to help meet the country's rapidly accelerating
demand for water. Already we are beginning to experience water prob-
lerns forecast by the Senate Select Committee on National Water Resources
in 1960. Better management and protection of present useable fresh water
supplies is a vital necessity to national health and life. Development of
new supplies is imperative.

We have developed this :report on the premise that any research and
development must take full advantage of existing technology and should
provide new opportunities to expand technology through basic and

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