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<br />OU13~5 <br /> <br />The Task Force strongly believes that a comprehensive, systematic <br /> <br />approach to federal water rights will pay far higher dividends than a <br /> <br />continuation of past approaches. There are several reasons for this. <br /> <br />First, the status ~ has Involved substantial variation among <br /> <br /> <br />agencies, even though many Issues -- such as quantification methodology <br /> <br />-- require common solutions. <br /> <br />Second, the status quo has Involved piecemeal and relatively hap- <br /> <br />hazard Identification and quantification of uses, mostly In response to <br /> <br />court adjudications. A systematic approach would simplify the task <br />and make It cheaper and quicker. <br />Third, the status quo has, to some extent, encouraged lItigation <br />and discouraged non-adjudicative means for establishing needed water <br />rights. Litigation Is an expensive and extremely time-consuming process. <br />If we are correct In our belief that many federal agency water rights <br />can be secured without controversy, sound adminIstration suggests that <br />It be done where possible without provoking or Instituting lengthy <br />adjudications. This Is, of course, consistent with the President's <br />directive to rely on negotiation where possible. <br />Fourth, the status quo could mean that many federal water rIghts <br />will not be Identified or quantifIed for many decades. Lengthy delay <br />substantially Increases the possibility that the exercise of federal <br />reserved rights would Impair or eliminate water rights previoUSly vested <br />under state law. Although the law Is clear that the Federal Government <br />has no obligatIon to compensate such water right holders, those whose <br />-25- <br />