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Western States Water Council Water Resources Committee Minutes Sheridan, Wyoming October 5, 2006 . Louis Mauney: Much of the Water Resources Account spending is supported by the Reclamation Fund. Weir Labatt: "What is Congress' purpose with the fund?" Louis Mauney: Originally, it was intended to finance all Reclamation needs, but revenues in 1902 were not sufficient to fund many projects. Jim Davenport: "To what extent are the revenues dedicated?" Louis Mauney: While earmarked for the Reclamation Fund, receipts must still be appropriated. Otherwise, while the unobligated balance continues to grow, it is not the same as a personal savings account where the funds earn interest. Rather, in reality, the money in the account is spent on other national priorities or it is not spent, but reduces the government's borrowing requirements. The discussion with Mr. Mauney was extensive. [Mr. Mauney can be reached at (202) 513-0652]. A NATIONAL WATER CONSERVATION PROTOCOL Sue Lowry explained that the idea was to charge a group to write a "white paper," defining water conservation and a protocol outlining its appropriate role, beginning with Hal Simpson's definition, and . differences with saved and salvaged water, expanded use, etc. Such an undertaking, defining state water law, could be a lengthy paper. Sue once prepared a rough outline of a protocol, which would address definition issues, agricultural issues, and include a "laundry list of items," drawing on notes from earlier meetings. The purpose of such a document and the proposed audience were discussed. The importance of water conservation is implied in our "Needs and Strategies" report, but not explicitly addressed. Sue also reported the "Bridging-the-Headgate Partnership" has legs again. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) participated in a workshop in Boise in August 2002, and has FY2007 funding tentatively set aside for another workshop next year, in Boise, on August 22-24th. The target audience would be state and federal folks, field service office and that level mostly for information sharing and show and tell. The NRCS lead is Jerry Walker, out of the Ft. Worth office. The WSWC could cosponsor the meeting. Reclamation's Water 2025 money has also been going to support water conservation projects. Questions and Answers Weir Labatt: "Do state water plans use conservation as part of the water supply equation?" Sue Lowry: Most apparently do. There is a need to include all the different water use sectors in the discussion of water conservation. Also, it is important to realize and be careful to recognize that water conservation may not make more water available for new uses, and water rights permits don't make more water available. Phil Ward: "What's the scope of the question?" . 16