Pacific Southwest Water Plan August 1963

Document: "Pacific Southwest Water Plan- Corrected to 8/19" Chapter II, August 19, 1964, page 13Municipal and Industrial--The largest single demand for future water supplies will be for municipal and industrial purposes. The surging population of the Pacific Southwest is chiefly concentrated in large metropolitan areas. Per capita water consumption will continue to increase as modern conveniences consume additional quantities of water. The dependable water supplies are largely developed by the older and usually larger incorporated areas. Many new communities have formed since 1950, and these areas will be the first to feel the effect of inadequate water supplies. Beyond the urban needs, additional water will be required for development of mineral resource reserves in the Pacific Southwest. Future nonferrous mineral production will be from lower-grade ores that will require larger quantities of water for processing. Outdoor Recreation--Coincident with the burgeoning urban populations is the ever-increasing demand for water areas oriented to outdoor recreational uses, such as fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, and temporary or permanent home and cabin sites. These water areas are also needed for aesthetic and passive enjoyment as a counter to urban congestion and the ever-accelerating pace of modern living. Much of the value of western living has lain in the vast open spaces and in its lakes and streams. The preservation, enhancement, and extension of these presently limited water facilities will assist in making available for future generations the benefits that are only partially remaining today. Water also is needed for specific fish and wildlife installations, such as wildlife refuges and management areas, and fish hatcheries. Such facilities contribute to the preservation and propagative needs of maintaining and stocking suitable environments with fish and wildlife. Quality Control--The problems of water quality are prevalent today and will assume greater importance in future years. As water uses increase, the quantities of return flows from agricultural and domestic sources will increase. As local water supplies are more fully utilized, the salinity of these return flows will also increase. The need for desalting or dilution with other supplies will require future consideration. Effects of Public Land Disposition and Use on the Water Problems and Needs The Pacific Southwest public land uses and practices all involve, in some way, the need for more efficient water utilization. The vast majority of public lands are not serviced by external waters. The present utilization of the public lands is almost entirely dependent on limited local ground-water sources, II-13Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 1,258,289 byte