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. . . -- WATER CONSERVATION AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY BACKGROUND . Water plays a vital role in Colorado's economy and quality of life. As water demands by urban, agricultural, recreational and environmental interests increase, greater water use efficiency and water management improvements will be helpful in meeting those demands. Throughout the country during the past two decades, water conservation has typically been practiced only in times of drought, emergency or when delay in construction of a primary water facility hindered adequate water delivery or treatment. Today water conservation is widely considered a key element in effective water resource management and is integrated into water resource planning. Water conservation is also recognized as economically and environmentally desirable. Issues such as limited water supplies, groundwater depletion and poor water quality are but a few additional reasons spurring the implementation of water conservation measures. WATER CONSERVATION IN COLORADO In years past, water conservation referred to the impoundment of water. This historic definition has prevailed in the western United States. The contemporary meaning broadens the concept by adding demand management and improving efficiency of existing water supplies. In Colorado the first laws governing contemporary water conservation occurred in 1989 with the passage of Senate Bill 116, the Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures bill, and House Bill 1169, Water Conservation in State Landscaping. In 1990 House Bill 1106 concerning metering of water delivery was signed into law. Then in 1991, the Colorado General Assembly enacted House Bill 1154, known as the Water Conservation Act of 1991. This law authorized the establishment of an Office of Water Conservation and outlined duties of the Office. Passage of HB 1154 begins a new era with a specific State policy emphasizing water use efficiency. In Colorado, many communities currently have water conservation programs in place. The vast majority of communities,. however, lack the necessary staff to provide the service of water conservation planning and program implementation. As the value and importance of water becomes more apparent throughout Colorado and the west, the benefits of water conservation measures will be more attractive to all communities and water providers. Provisions of the Water Conservation Act of 1991 offer a way for the State to assist local governments and water providers in achieving greater water use efficiency.