To successfully develop the geothermal resources of the Imperial Valley, adequate supplies of cooling water must be obtained. The primary sources of water include waste waters from agricultural lands, condensate from flashed-steam facilities, and irrigation water. The major advantages and disadvantages of these supplies are examined and then the consequences of adopting six sets of water policies to support three scenarios of geothermal energy production are assessed. The assessment includes analyses of potential constraints to development as a result of restrictive water policies. It also includes predictions of changes in the Salton Sea's elevation and salinity caused by the consumption of agricultural drain water for cooling.

The kinetics of precipitation reactions in geothermal brines can be studied accurately only if the brine samples are collected and examined under anaerobic conditions and with minimum cooling. Apparatus and techniques were developed that achieve this for brine temperatures below 100/sup 0/C. The concentration of suspended solids is measured gravimetrically after filtration, and the concentration of dissolved silica is measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data from Woolsey No. 1 well of the Salton Sea Geothermal Field illustrate typical results of the procedures.

Several methods for cleaning uranium samples prior to carbon analysis, using a Leco Carbon Analyzer, were evaluated. Use of Oakite Aluminum NST Cleaner followed by water and acetone rinse was found to be the best overall technique.