The public purpose of the project to reduce salinity in the colorado river system which will help prevent economic damages in the lower colorado river basin

Excess salinity that which is greater than the standard set to protect beneficial uses poses a growing threat to food production and drinking water quality. Salts increase the cost of urban drinking water and wastewater treatment, which are paid for by residents and businesses. IT is anticipated that this project will result in the annual reduction of approximately 3,432 tons of salt in the colorado river at a cost-effectiveness value of $73.02 ton. The north delta irrigation company (ndic) delivers irrigation water to acreage located in austin, orchard city, and delta, colorado in the gunnison river basin. The north delta canal receives the majority of its water from the gunnison river at a diversion structure located about 2.6 miles east of austin. The north delta canal totals 18 miles in length and diverts water to 55 turnouts, 10 of which are laterals. Approximately 6.1 miles of open canal have been replaced with pipe upon completion of phase 1 improvements funded by an award from the 2015 basinwide salinity control program FOA. Phase 2 will continue those improvements along the canal.