Water management for the area downstream from the Imperial Dam on the Colorado River.

Abstract

The Colorado River is the major supplier of water in the area of the lower Colorado below Imperial Dam. In this area the water is used in the United States -- by the states of Arizona and California -- and also in the Republic of Mexico. The water of the Colorado River is divided in accordance with various agreements. The Colorado River Compact guarantees the delivery of water to the Lower Basin States. The Boulder Canyon Project Act provides for the division of the water among these states. The Treaty of 1944 stipulates the quantity of water which must be delivered to Mexico. It now seems likely that there will be a shortage of water in this area within the next thirty years. On the other hand, water of poor quality flows abundantly in the drain canals. In fact, the discharge of the drainage water into the river channel is the principal factor contributing to the deterioration of the quality of the Colorado River. The increased salinity of the river water creates local as well as international problems. Further comprehensive study is needed in order to evaluate the alternative solutions to these problems.