Water 2025: Preventing Crises and Conflict in the West

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Water 2025 has two purposes. First, it provides a basis for a public discussion of the realities that face the West so that decisions can be made at the appropriate level in advance of water supply crises. Second, Water 2025 sets forth a framework to identify the problems, solutions, and a plan of action to focus the conversation as the Department of the Interior works with states, tribes, local government, and the private sector to meet water supply challenges. This framework includes: Six principles to guide us as we address systemic water problems. J Five realities that drive water crises. J Four key tools to help us proactively manage our scarce water. The Six Principles -Solutions to complex water supply issues must recognize and respect state and federal water rights, contracts, and interstate compacts or decrees of the United States Supreme Court that allocate the right to use water. i .n- I ■Existing water supply infrastructure must be maintained and modernized so that it will continue to provide water and power. Enhanced water conservation, use efficiency, and resource monitoring will allow existing water supplies to be used more effectively. Collaborative approaches and market based transfers will minimize conflicts between demands for water for people, for cities, for farms, and for the environment. aResearch to improve water treatment technology, such as desalination, can help increase water supplies in critical areas. nExisting water supply infrastructure can provide additional benefits for existing and emerging needs for water by eliminating institutional barriers to storage and delivery of water to other uses while protecting existing uses and stakeholders. Since 1866, federal water law and policy has deferred to states in the allocation and administration of water within their boundaries. This policy will be honored and enhanced by Water 2025.