FACTS AND IRONIES OF THE WATER SITUATION IN THE SOUTHWEST.

THE SOUTHWEST IS SEEN AS A REGION LONG DOMINATED BY RANCHING, MINING, AND IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE. RAPID URBANIZATION AND INDUSTRIALIZATION IS RESULTING IN WATER PROBLEMS SIGNIFICANT TO A SOCIOCULTURAL AND A PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT. THE FIRST GROUP OF PROBLEMS IS CHARACTERIZED BY INDIFFERENCES TO DROUGHT AND WATER DEPLETION POTENTIAL SINCE WATER USERS DO NOT COOPERATE IN CONSERVATION OF WATER. THE LATTER GROUP OF PROBLEMS INCLUDE DECLINING WATER TABLES, EROSION, SALINATION, AND SEDIMENTATION OF RIVERS. THIS PAPER CALLS FOR--(1) CAREFUL UTILIZATION OF EXISTING WATER SUPPLIES, (2) A THOROUGH HYDROLOGICAL SURVEY, (3) WISE LEGISLATION ON WATER USE AND RIGHTS CONTROL, AND (4) PROGRAMS OF EDUCATION TO INFORM INHABITANTS OF WATER PROBLEMS. THIS PAPER WAS PREPARED FOR PUBLICATION IN "WESTERN REVIEW," AUGUST 1964. (SF)