WESTERN WATER-RESOURCES - THE DESERT IS BLOOMING, BUT WILL IT CONTINUE

The arid Southwest of the United States is confronted with increasing water demands and a limited resource. Past efforts to meet water deman d have been directed toward development of scarce water resources. Whi le development programs have been successful in stretching available s upply, few feasible development options remain. Furthermore, heavy wat er utilization has affected water quality within drainage basins. It s eems likely that water management will play a much more significant ro le in water resource allocation in the future. This paper will examine water development activity in the Southwest to date. Attention will b e given to several of the problems that have arisen. The paper will th en examine water management options. Particular attention will be give n to water management options being implemented in the State of Arizon a.