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INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW Sound water policy must address the contemporary and l~ng-te~ nec;ds of humans as pan of Ihe ecological commu- nny. Nationally, we have not been using water in a manner ~ meers these needs on a sustainable basis. Examples mclude the endangered Columbia River salmon, the over- taxed San Francisco Bay Delta, the poisoned Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge, the salt-choked Colorado River the vanishing Ogalalla Aquifer, Louisiana's eroding De~ New ~ort's p~arious Delaware River water supply, and the dymg Flonda Everglades. The environmental costs of CUI'1'eIU water policy are extraordinary, both to this and future generations. In America's past, water seemed abwldam and nature forgiving. Federal funding was plentiful, and extensive subsidies for development encouraged inefficient use of water. Single interest water policies did not balance the diversity of human and natural needs in water. In1ensive eco~ic uses - agriculture, hydropower, flood control, navigation, and urban development - became the dominant forces in managing water. All too often, other concems - including sound fiscal policy and the needs of Indian tribes. other ethnic communities, and ecosystems - were ignored. Federally financed water projects were built to control most of the nation's surface water. These initiatives have accom- plished .Jnsiderable societal benefits but have resulted in enor" .5 expenditures and elaborate programs with inherent COOl; ~ons, inefficiencies, and a lack of coordination. The en of building major projects has passed. Neither the economy nor the environment can tolerate more such projects. It is time to reorient the federal role to satisfy new needs consistent with a policy of sustainability. A major movement toward water policy reform aiRady is afoot at the local. state, tribal, regional, and federal levels. Some examples of these innovations include stale and federal programs for insIream flow proteCtion, poDution prevention, recognitioo of the public interest, development of watershed and regional water management appmacbes. and comprehensive settlements of tribal reseJVed WIler rights. The 0iDI0n Administration should build upon this momentum, fulfilling A1do Leopold'. "Land Elhic" by taking firm and responsible action to help create a visionary approach toward America's waters. A national water policy based on sustainability must include a thorough re-examination of federal policies affect- ing water quality and aquatic systems consistent with social equity, economic efficiency, ecological integrity, and continued commibDem to federal trust responsibilities to tribes. Implementation of a truly national, DOt "federal. " water policy requires the federal government to facilitate. suppon. and help coordinate effons to optimize the effec- tiveness of all levels of government - federal, state, tribal, and local. 3 ... -- - ,- '