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-16- <br />The lowest average flows for the Colorado River in the area generally occur <br />from September to March of each year, with February usually being the lowest <br />flow month of the year. Highest flows are generally experienced in the month <br />of June. Suspended solids levels within the Colorado River increase with <br />increased flow. The opposite relationship exists with total dissolved solids, <br />with the highest levels of TDS occurring during low flow. <br />The Colorado River is a major source for irrigation water in the area. In <br />general, the irrigation season is from April through October of each year. <br />During these months, the levels of total dissolved solids are generally below <br />500 mg/1. During September and October, the TDS level in the Colorado River <br />begins to rise to a point approaching or above 500 mg/1. This level is <br />generally accepted as an indicator of moderate salinity hazard to plants, <br />i.e., plants with a low salinity tolerance will experience decreased yield. <br />There are thick alluvial bodies present along the Colorado River in the area <br />of the mines. This alluvium is often used for agriculture. Water within the <br />alluvium is a major source of shallow ground water for the region. The <br />quantity and quality of water within the alluvium is intimately related to the <br />water of the Colorado River, as the Colorado River is the major source of <br />recharge for the alluvium. Conversely, this alluvium releases water back to <br />the Colorado River during law-flow periods. <br /> <br />