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Observed Salinity Salinity of the River has fluctuated significantly over the period of record (19 o Figure 2-2). Salinity generally decreases in periods of high flow and increases in periods 0 1',) as can be seen in Figure 2-2. W (]I In the past two decades, the Colorado River has experienced both record high flows and sustained drought. Record high flows during the mid-1980's caused lower salinities in the Lower Basin (577 mg/L at Imperial Dam). Conversely, the period from 1988 to ~ 1992 was the driest five years on record. As a g 600 result, salinity at Imperial Dam gradually ~ increased. to 803 mg/L. Moderately high flows later in the 1990's caused salinity to decline again. Given that the hydrologic fluctuations over the past three decades are likely to be repeated in the future, it is expected that concentrations will fall within the observed range of 577-896 mg/L at Imperial Dam if appropriate salinity control measures are implemented. Similar ranges might be expected observed data at Hoover Dam (517 mg/L - 667 mg/L) and Parker Dam (535 mg/L - 671 1000 Colorado River at Imperial Dam 800 400 200 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 Figure 2-2. Salinity at Imperial Dam Water Use and Associated Impacts of Salinity The Colorado River, from its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains to its mouth in of California, is utilized for a variety of purposes. A significant portion of the average sup River is transported out of the Colorado River Basin for use in adjacent river basins. In the River Basin, irrigation, municipal and industrial, hydroelectric power generation, po cooling, fish and wildlife, and recreation are the major uses of the water. 2-4 - 41-1999; flow flow 40,000 . 30.000~ '3 ~ 0 20,000& ~ ~ 10.000U: 0 from the mg/L). the Gulf ply of the Colorado wer plant -