WSP08199

• File Number: 8112.600
• Description: Arkansas White Red Basins Interagency Committee - AWRBIAC -- Reports
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 6/1/1977
• Title: Specific Problem Analysis Summary Report - 1975 National Assessment of Water and Related Land Resources - Part 1 of 2
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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3. Continued requirements to meet standards as a result of
legislation or interpretation of legislation without full knowledge
of facts and data presents additional ?roblems. Funding require-
ments and available funding are not always compatible.

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LOUISIANA

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The Red River has been identified as one of the greatest assets
of the Louisiana portion of ASA 1107. It slso presents a multitude
of problems. One of the primary problems associated with the Red
River is periodic flooding as well as erosion of valuable agricultural
lands. The sedimentation not only harms the fish and wildlife produc-
tion but makes the river unattractive as a recreational water. Bank
stabilization measures associated with the Red River Waterway Project
will help remedy erosion and sedimentation problems presently in exist-
ence, as well as making the Red River navigable. This alone will
benefit the area by providing an economic stimulus. Implementing
the findings of the "Red River Below Denison Dam, Comprehensive Basin
Study," would aid the Louisiana portion of ASA 1107 as well as Texas
and Arkansas. The Red River also has naturally high chloride quan-
tities, which renders the water unfit for municipal and agricultural
uses without extensive treatment.

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Another key water issue in this portion of Louisiana is the
limited availability. of high quality groundwater. Water is seldom
found in quantities sufficient for large pumpages. This problem
hinders large water using industrial development and in some in-
stances proves troublesome to municipalities. There will be an
increased reliance on surface water in this area if economic de-
velopment is to continue. Also, water transfers within the region
may have to be studied in the future as well as the need for in-
dustry to increase reuse of water.

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A key institutional issue in northwestern Louisiana is the
failure of the states contained in the Red River Basin to come to
terms on an Interstate Compact. The absence of an agreement on the
apportionment of the Red River waters leaves doubt as to what future
supplies will actually be available. In all of the plans envisioned
for northwestern Louisiana, the Red River will playa major role
whether it be water supply, navigation, or recreation. Failure to
secure an adequate share of this water resource for the State of
Louisiana would have a detrimental impact on the continued economic
and social progress of the area. There is no immediate impact
because of the failure to agree on a Red River compact, however,
all states would stand to lose if apportionment of the waters de-
veloped in a piecemeal manner.

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Louisiana would like to go on record as opposing the restudy
of the importation of Mississippi River water to the High Plains
Region. The money authorized under Public Law 94-587 should be
spent studying other alternatives to solve the water supply problems
of the region.

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