2729 - Water. Streams with a domestic water use are generally given a designation of Class 1. Our management of such Class 1 streams requires "no degradation". Each of the Special Use Permits can have a significant effect on our management practices. The cumulative effect of the total number of permits must also be considered.

1. Policy. Unless unusually higher than average local costs are anticipated, domestic water sources should be developed on private land.

The evaluation of all requests for a new Special Use Permit or renewal and/or revision of such a permit for water collection and transmission lines or related developments are required to consider the following factors:

a. Costs to the applicant for obtaining water on private lands:

(1) Attach to existing water system.

(2) Drill a well.

b. Cost to Government for location on National Forest for:

(1) Planning of mitigation measures after system is in place.

(2) Cost of special measures taken for mitigation.

(3) Loss of revenue on watershed due to protective measures.

c. Alternative locations on National Forest.

All these factors must be carefully weighed before a decision is made on whether or not to grant or renew a Special Use Permit. The preferred alternative may not be that which is least costly to the applicant or even that which is least costly to the combination of the applicant and the Forest Service.

A copy of this wvaluation shall be submitted with the application and proposed permit.