WATER AND ENERGY IN THE WESTERN COAL LANDS

Solutions to problems of water quality and quantity are critical to energy resource development in the western U.S. According to various independent surveys, the Upper Colorado River Basin will experience severe water availability problems by 2000 if projected energy and agricultural development occurs. The shortage could be averted if existing water resources are conserved and managed properly. Conversion and cooling technologies and careful siting can greatly reduce the water requirements of energy development. Agricultural water conservation strategies include: improving irrigation and cultivation practices; removing phreatophytes; removing marginal lands from production; and changing crop patterns. To achieve significant conservation, however, there must be changes in water laws in the western U.S.changes that would increase incentives to conserve water. (4 graphs, 1 map, 18 references)