The responsibility for making the water available is jointly shared by the upper and lower basins, and accordingly a minimum of 8.23 maf is annually released from Glen Canyon Dam to meet this obligation. An average 20,000 acre-feet from the Paria River flows into the Colorado below Glen Canyon. This total upper basin 8.25 maf annual flow provides 7.5 maf for the lower states and 750,000 acre-feet for Mexico. The latter figure, when combined with another 750,000 acre-feet from the lower basin, forms the minimum annual treaty delivery to Mexico. Recreation Reclamation projects have created some of America's premier recreational opportunities.
Activities abound, both above and below the various dams.
From the small, remote reservoir providing a near wilderness experience, to those at our back doorstep, Reclamation provides abundant opportunities for boating, camping and fishing. At many reservoirs, one may find wind surfing, mountain biking, jogging, watching wildlife, viewing beautiful scenery, archeological and cultural interpretive opportunities, and well designed facilities for persons with disabilities. Most reservoirs meet local and regional recreational needs, but several, including lakes Mead and Powell on the Colorado River, have become international destination areas. The action doesn't stop at the dam. Excellent trout fisheries have been created in the cool, clear waters released from the dams.