Utilization and conservation of USSR water resources: Fid-Bau Portal

Utilization and conservation of USSR water resources

Razin, N. V. / Gangardt, G. G.

Conclusions 1. Difficulties in securing fresh water for certain regions of the country are beginning to hold back the normal increases of production. 2. The studies of the integrated utilization and conservation of water resources in the USSR have demonstrated that the problem of a guaranteed fresh water supply to industry, urban settlements, and rural and fishing economies, assuming the 1970 level of consumption, can be solved to a great extent by utilizing local water resources provided that the pollution by waste and sewage disposal is drastically reduced and that the decisions of federal and republican governments concerning the safeguard of water resources are strictly observed. Without a resolute fight against the pollution of fresh water supplies, the planned capital expenditures in the field of water management projects will not give the expected results. 3. As a consequence of the development of our national economy, the demand for fresh water has increased considerably and the withdrawal of irretrievable waters from inland seas-Caspian, Azov, Aral-will increase also one and a half times. As for the disturbances affecting the hydrological regime, they will lead to further lowering of the Caspian Sea and to a greater concentration of salt in the Azov Sea. The Aral Sea will also dry up with gradually increasing salt content. The preservation of these unique water bodies, which are of primary importance for the fishing, navigation, chemical industry, and other branches of industry and for the conservation of the natural environment, is possible by partially diverting the flow of northern rivers located in the European part of the country into the catchments of the Caspian and Azov Seas, and those from West Siberian rivers into the Aral Sea. 4. The situation is urgent enough that the introduction of payments for water usage should be considered. Payment should also be required (at higher rates) for the disposal of sewage wastes. 5. The documents prepared by Gidroproekt on integral utilization and preservation of USSR water resources have made it possible, for the first time, to assess the state of the country’s water resources management, to determine the best order in which studies of planned water management measures should be carried out, and to calculate the influence of the water factor in the distribution of productive forces in the country. 6. Further analysis of the above-mentioned material must continue, with new projections into the future and periodical adjustments and corrections concerning the immediate future.