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<br />OfjDH? <br /> <br />REVIEW COPY <br />SUBJECT TO REVISION <br /> <br />Water conservation involves both water use efficiency improvements and some <br />constraints on the quantity of water removed from the Ogallala Aquifer on an annual <br />basis. Research from the High Plains Study indicates that improving water use efficiency <br />can result in a reduction in the rate of expected decline in irrigated acreage in the <br />foreseeable future. Constraints on ground water withdrawals without improved water <br />use efficieney could result in economic failure of irrigation in the near future, with <br />devastating results to the region. CCllversely, improved water use efficiency without <br />constraints on withdrawals could hasten aquifer depletion, according to the results of <br />this study. <br />Regulation of ground water withdrawal is a state respCllsibility. The High Plains <br />Study Council recognizes that recommendations on water conservation can only be <br />implemented by each individual state, and in some cases may require changes in state <br />laws, especially if consel'Vation involves the regulation of ground-water withdrawals. <br />Recommendations pertaining to the Region's economy and natural resources are <br />presented for the following major areas or groups of public and private programs and <br />actions: <br /> <br />Water CCllservation Technology, Research, and Demonstration; <br />Public Information, Education, and Technical Assistance; <br />Energy; <br />Legal and Institutional; <br />Water supply; <br />Environmental; <br />General Economic Development; <br /> <br />The High Plains Study Council feels that the implementation of the following recom- <br />mendations in whole or in part will be beneficial to the High Plains region, the High <br />Plains States, and the Nation. <br /> <br />-16- <br />