270 THE FUTURE OF ARID LANDS 
and Social Council, entitled ‘““The Development and Utilization of 
Water Resources,’’ concisely detailed the world’s needs for 
solution of water problems. The document was prepared by the 
Secretary General of the United Nations in compliance with the 
resolution submitted by the Council. Although this report was 
not specific as to the world saline water conversion needs, many of 
the recommendations contained therein are applicable to de- 
sired cooperative action for solution of the water supply need in 
arid and semi-arid regions everywhere. The descriptions of world 
conditions presented in the document and the suggested pro- 
gramming of future action deserve thoughtful study as they relate 
to the pressing demand for fresh water in areas where only saline 
supplies are available. 
These general recommendations can be carried out only if 
backed by trained administrative and technical organizations 
furnished with adequate funds for financing continued research, 
statistical studies, design development, and allied endeavors. 
Voluminous data on saline water separation processes have 
been acquired from the research sponsored by the Saline Water 
Conversion Program. Valuable as this program is proving to be, 
it is merely one step leading to realistic development of practical 
processes applicable to specific conditions. The knowledge being 
acquired is pointing out the potential merits of several processes 
being investigated. Invaluable fundamental and practical in- 
formation has been, and is being, obtained which should be 
translated into the design of commercial or semi-commercial 
installations as rapidly as possible. There still is need for further 
research in this field, but sufficient knowledge has now been 
acquired in one or two processes to minimize the financial risk 
of proceeding to the next step of installing pilot or demonstration 
plants for further development of these schemes. The need of 
further action is realized and one process is now under test on a 
small pilot model in Arizona and South Dakota. 
The Saline Water Program should be extended by Congressional 
action beyond the termination date of July, 1957. 
The overall program should also include cooperative action by 
state grants and other assistance from industry and public 
