Acquisition of Water From Federal Reclamation Projects For Industrial and Community Development

Water, universally known by its chemical formula H2O, is by far the most abundant natural resource on the face of our planet; yet it is a vital key to the growth and survival of nations and people.

History has shown great civilizations developing where water is abundant in a quality suitable for human needs and faltering when usable supplies are inadequate or misused to the point of exhaustion. While the need for capturing and utilizing water for human use is as ancient as man himself, conditions existing in the world today make this fundamental task of organized society more urgent than ever. Water is needed not only for production of food and fiber which are basic necessities, but for municipal and industrial development, hydroelectric and thermal power generation, fish and wildlife enhancement, and recreational enjoyment as well.

Being a renewable resource, the quantity of water in the world is not decreasing; nevertheless, there are real problems involved in providing clean, uncontaminated water where and when the need by man arises. Therefore, conservation and wise use of the existing supply is extremely important if present and future demands are to be met. This was very evident in the Eastern United States in the last few years when that area experienced one of the most severe droughts in its history. As a [338] result, many Easterners were rudely awak