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(j 0 H 5 ~' . One of the many problems affecting both ground water and surface water is water conservation and prevention of waste by the adoption of improved irrigation practices and water conservation measures. This overall objective is the purpose alike of water conservancy districts, soil conservation districts j\nd irrigation districts. These districts need additional powers n<;>t~i~ th.e ground water field, but also in the pre- vention of waste, and promoting more efficient use of water. Pollution of ground water aquifers is a growing problem. Action sh.ould be taken to prevent ground water pollution. Upon th.e question of theory of law to be adopted by Colorado, perhaps a majority of th.e advisory committee felt that the doctrine of prior appropriation as now applied to streams could not be applied with- out modification to ground water. Most members favored prior appro- priation in some form. '.' A study of the papers presented at the Ground Water Section of the Western Resollrces Conference demonstrates that the adoption of the doctrine of prior appropriation in and of itself does not solve the ground water problem. An overall water management program for an entire river basin for both ground and surface water is desirable. A combined administration of ground water and surface water throughout the entire state on a uniform basis would not be feasible. It was also felt that if the Ogallala Formation in the high plains in eastern Colorado were to achieve its optimum development, a state agency covering the entire area with a large measure of local autonomy would be required. . " The success of any ground water program and the success of efforts to adopt a workable ground water law depend upon public accept- ance and cooperation. Our efforts to work out a solution tothis problem must be brought down to the local level. The active cooperC\tion of the surface owner, the well owner, and the local community is an absolute prerequisite to success. Summary presentation of established scientific facts should be given to the ground water users, the local businessmen, and community organizations in each area. Some of this has already been done by Morton W. Bittinger of C. S. U. to the V'ell Protective Association of Weld County, and to the Underground Water Users Association in the Wiggins area. Programs of this nature should be given in all the critical areas as well as in the entire area in which ground water has been developed. A thorough program of public information should be carried out. Likewise, a procedure should be established whereby the local well . - 11 -