March 20-26, 1960 "Water
IBENHSiWflNlfl <n j- National Wildlife Week, March 20-26, 1960 "Water... Cool, Cool, Water" "Water . cool, cool, water." This lament from a popular ballad symbolizes a need which is becoming more and more acute in the United States as our population continues to expand at an alarming rate. Arid parts of the west, which long have felt the pinch of low water supplies, are being joined by areas in the midwest, south and east in efforts to meet the growing shortages. Many types of industries require huge amounts of water—in the actual prep aration of products, for cooling systems and for the removal of waste materials. Municipalities use great amounts of water—for domestic services and waste re moval. Agriculture consumes still other significant amounts of water, especially for crop irrigation. Water generates power. It provides navigational highways for transportation. It offers recreation for millions of people. Water, in other words, is a vital resource. Many parts of the nation have reached the point where existing water sup plies are critical, with surface streams either in flood stage or dry during portions of the year. Underground supplies are rapidly depleted. And areas formerly with adequate supplies, are viewing the situation with alarm as demands in crease in proportion to mounting populations. What are answers to these questions? The National Wildlife Federation and its state affiliates, sponsors of National Wildlife Week being observed March 20-26, offer these possibilities: 1. Clean up existing water supplies in order that they may be used re peatedly for a variety of beneficial purposes.
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