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4 RELEASE OF COLORADO RIVER WATER The only specific limitation on his discretion is that he must follow the priorities set forth in section 6 of the project act. The current sediment problem below Imperial Dam is one that must be corrected soon. Even after the releases for river regulation this coming winter, it will be necessary to put a small dredge in this section of the river to maintain the channel if further large scale releases of stored water for river regulation are to be avoided. This is the last opportunity for badly needed river regulation work before starting the filling of upper Colorado River storage reservoirs, and we are extremely fortunate that 1962 has been a good runoff year to date. I asked the Bureau of Reclamation to get the figures ready on the runoff this morning. The runoff into Lake Mead this calendar year through May 31 amounts to 7,937,000 acre-feet as compared to the 1923-58 average of 5,283,400 acre-feet, and last year's 2,745,800 acre-feet by June 1. On June 1 this year the active storage in Lake Mead stood at 21,920,000 acre-feet, compared to 17,987,000 acre-feet on that same date a year ago. I have with me today Commissioner Dominy, of the Bureau of Reclamation, who will be pleased to discuss with you in greater detail the method of handling sediment problems on the river, explain how we gained additional water in storage for this specific purpose, and review some of the future water conservation programs being planned for the lower Colorado River area. Senator ANDERSON. When you stated the following priorities set forth in section 6, to which you refer on page 3 of your statement, that refers to the apportionment of the waters between the various States. the upper and lower basin, and between the United States and Mexico; does it not? Secretary UDALL. That is correct. Senator ANDERSON. Anything you do you have to do is within the limits set forth there. You cannot increase the flow to Arizona or increase the flow to California or increase the flow to Mexico; is that right? Secretary UDALL. I think it is our view that our discretion is limited, with regard to the treaty, for example, as a river master and custodian of the river waters. to see that the treaty is observed. Senator ANDERSON. And discretion does not include the right to exceed the amounts provided in the treaty? Secretary UDALL. Not as far as treaty deliveries are concerned, this would be our view. Congress ratified the treaty and has the power in this matter. We are merely administering the treaty and trying to carry out its terms. Senator ANDERSON. The quotation from Mr. Rifkind, which, of course, I guess is still his opinion until the Supreme Court does something about it, states; He is specifically authorized to impound the water of the Colorado River in Lake Mead and exercise custody over the water. Custody does not mean distribution, does it? That does not give him power to change the distribution set forth in the compact or in the Colorado River law?Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 24 bit, 6,875,136 byte