Wyoming Framework Water Plan - Living Rivers Home Page

Executive Summary
growth scenarios. The high scenario incorporates the most growth in each of the key sectors that
could potentially occur over the forecast horizon. The low scenario embodies the lowest growth
(or largest contraction) reasonably likely to occur. The mid scenario represents the most realistic
level of growth likely to occur. Following discussion of the various projections, Table 2 provides
a summary of projected water use.
AGRICULTURAL USE PROJECTIONS
Regarding agricultural water use, the high scenario projects a slight increase mainly due to a
slight increase in irrigated lands. The low scenario projects a significant decrease as agricultural
lands are converted to residential use. The mid scenario projects a 13 percent decline in irrigated
lands and a slight decline in the dairy industry, thus resulting in a slight decrease in agricultural
water use.
MUNICIPAL/DOMESTIC USE PROJECTIONS
The job market and economy in the Snake/Salt River basin are mainly driven by tourism.
Therefore growth projections
regarding municipal and domestic
water use are tied to projections
in tourism activity. The
high scenario projects growth in
tourism during summer, winter,
and shoulder seasons, which in
turn results in an increase in both
seasonal and year round residents.
As a result, the population
roughly triples during the planning
period. The low scenario
projects virtually no growth due
to a prolonged economic downturn,
thus resulting in only a small population increase. The mid scenario projects modest growth
in tourism, resulting in a projected population of nearly double that of today.
INDUSTRIAL USE PROJECTIONS
Due to the relatively small amount of industry in the basin, projections of future use have very
little impact on overall future water use projections. The high scenario assumes a very slight
increase in use, while the low scenario utilizes a decrease in industrial activity. The mid scenario
assumes that current industrial use levels remain relatively unchanged throughout the planning
period.
Snake/ Salt River Basin Plan
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