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~~M:H< 1Enuirnnmental anll 1Energl1 Srtulll1 lInstitute 122 (!l iMreet. N.m.. ~ite 7D0 lIIIlDBIJingtDn. m.ll!. 2DDDl (202) 628-1400 INTRODUCTION TO WORKSHOP Marilyn L. Arnold Environmental and Energy study Institute On behalf of the Environmental and Energy Study' Institute (EESI), I am happy to welcome you here today to Denver, Colorado. The purpose of today's workshop is to explore the obstacles and opportunities in agricultural water conservation to improve water quality and in-stream flows and" to provide other environmental enhancements and benefits. Today, our nation is facing recurring drought conditions and increasing demand on limited water supplies. This is coupled with serious concerns over environmental degradation and pollution of our nation's ground- and surface waters. It is under these circumstances that the more efficient use of our nation's water becomes more crucial -- from all sectors of demand. Today's workshop is being sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency with the joint cooperation and financial support of the Bureau of Reclamation, the Soil Conservation Service and the USDA's Extension Service. Since late last year, representatives from these agencies have worked cooperatively in a steering committee to layout the objectives and format of this workshop. Many of the steering committee members are here today in support of this important project. Agricul ture is vital to the economic and social fabric of rural America -- yet agricUlture may be facing a new crossroad. '.1 While municipal and industrial uses of water are increasing, consumptive water use in the United States continues to be dominated by irrigated agriculture. Al though irrigated farms represent only about 15% of all agricultural lands, these lands contribute more than a quarter of the total value of crop production. Irrigated acreage now represents more than 60 million acres in the United states; while 80% of irrigated lands are in the 17 Western states, irrigation is currently expanding more rapidly in the southeastern and midwestern regions of the country. At the same time, concern is increasing over non-point source pollution, groundwater overdrafts, and surface- and groundwater quality and quantity. Recognition of the value and need for in- stream flows for fish and wildlife, recreation and pure aesthetic values has grown in recent years. With increasing demand and limited supply, water conservation issues will become more complex and efforts towards more efficient use of these resources, in all demand sectors, will become more critical. ft (.... lOO~ RetvCled Peper