A non-convective pond (NCP) as a solar energy collector can be an effective technological alternative in regions where problems of the disposal of highly saline water persist. In this paper, the use of NCP is studied as an alternative for the economically effective use of saline blowdown from a power plant. The problem considered concerns the determination of a rational scheduling of the construction period for NCP and is analyzed using an iteration procedure involving LP-programming as an iteration step. The results obtained for specific locations in the Colorado river basin are discussed