ABSTRACT

At present, a diverse assemblage of groups and agencies is evaluating the waters of the Upper Colorado River Basin for a variety of uses. This variety is possible because, to date, water developers in the upper basin have selected only the most valuable, available and easily exploited resources. This has resulted in only scattered irrigation, energy development, and flood control projects. But now the best damsites and most easily irrigated fields are in use, and demand for the remaining water is rapidly increasing. Planners are looking to the Upper Colorado River Basin for the water needed to develop future energy supplies of coal, shale oil, and hydroelectric power. A growing population needs water to drink and water to grow food; reservoir recreation is becoming very popular; and native, endangered fish need habitat. Potential uses for the remaining upper basin waters are highly competitive because of these expanding needs, and the demand is rapidly approaching and perhaps even exceeding the supply. All uses alter the resource, some of course more than others, and all changes place limitations on future options. When water is used for one purpose, its potential use is limited for others. The use itself changes the nature of the resource.