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CALIFORNIA: IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM . SYNOPSIS H:.story This program was formed in the 1975-75 fiscal year by merging the Water Use Program (created in 1954 under Section 266E of the State Wat.er Coae) and the More Effective Use of Water Program that began in 1973. In the 1981-82 fiscal year, this activity was separated out as an independent component. In April 1981, the S',ffiCB granted $1,290,000 in Proposition 2 Bond Funds (State Assistance Program) for three approved agricultural water conservation projects to be initiated :n fiscal year 1981-82. One of these projects was completed by the end of fiscal year 1983-84, the second by. the end of fiscal year 1984-85, and the third in fiscal year 1985-86. In January 1985, $273,000 in unspent Proposition 2 Funds were approved by the State Water Resources COntrol Board to fund the Westside Drainage Reduction Program. In July 1982, a shift of data gathering and analytical activities from the Urban Water Conservation Component to the Agricultural Water COnservation and Planning Component was instituted. .!hese planning programs were incorporated in a new component entitled ~fectiveness of Conservation Practices and Programs, which has now become part of the Technology Transfer element of this component. . In July 1983, the landscape programs relating to irrigation management of large expanses of turf were added to the Agricultural Water Conservation ccmponent. In November 1983, responsibility for the management of the In-School Education Program element was delegated from the Urban Water Conservation Branch. The program, renamed Water Education, is now an element of this component. Need Improvi:"lg the efficiency with which water is used in certain areas of California makes water available for new and beneficial purposes. This already developed water can contribute to new jobs, more industry, greater agricultural output, and generally, to growth of the econCllllY. DWR planning studies1!indicate that approximately 643,000 acre- feet of water are potentially conservable through improved agricultural water management. Furthermore, water supply savings are possible in the urban sector throu~~ improved irrigation management of turf. In addition, public water agencies, private water purveyors, and local governments are all concerned with practicing sound fiscal management to help solve local water problem:l. More efficient use of water often results inmonetary savings. . 1/ Dw~ Bulletin 100-83 1114