| Abstract |
Designation of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River as an instant wild river raised the question of whether or not the river could be maintained in a scenic and free-flowing state without endangering present and future water needs of communities, industries, and agriculture in Idaho. This report determines present water needs for municipal, rural, and industrial use in the state. For this purpose, Idaho is divided into seven regions. Panhandle, Clearwater, Salmon, Southwest Idaho, Upper Snake No. 1, and Upper Snake No. 2. Many tables list water withdrawal needs for these regions. From these data, and illustrated in other tables, projections of industrial and non-industrial water use for future years are made. The author concludes that the Wild Rivers designation for the Middle Fork of the Salmon River will have no effect upon present and future use of water in the Salmon River hydrological area nor upon needs of the entire state. (WRSIC Abstract) |
