SWSIWaterConservationAndEfficiencyTRTWhitePaper

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W I P 2 T ni R n S 5 ase ec ca ou ta e Water Conservation and Ef f icienc Y A icultural and Munici al & Industrial ~' p The Statewide Water Supply Initiative (SWSI) Report developed a number of findings and recommendations. These findings and recommendations were reviewed by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) and led to the adoption of two mission statements, which can be found in Section 11 of the Report. Based on the findings and recommendations, the CWCB mission statements, discussions with SWSI Basin Roundtables (BRTs) and stakeholders, and recommendations of the SWSI consulting team and CWCB staff, an initial set of priorities have been developed for further analysis. The purpose of SWSI Phase 2 is to further analyze, evaluate, and develop deeper consensus in four key areas. In order to do this, Technical Roundtables (TRTs) have been formed to continue the dialogue in a facilitated meeting forum and conduct technical work around four key areas: ^ Water Efficiency (Agricultural and Municipal 8~ Industrial [M&I]) ^ Alternative Agricultural Transfers to Permanent Dry-up ^ Prioritize and Quantify Recreation and Environment Needs ^ Addressing the 20 Percent M&I Gap, Agricultural Shortages, and Environmental and Recreational Needs Including Development of Alternatives It is recognized that significant overlap may occur between these topics/subject areas and that inf ormation exchange between TRTs should be facilitated and coordinated by the consulting team. The overall goal of SWSI Phase 2 is to develop reconnaissance level solutions to address the 20 percent M&I gap, agricultural shortages, and environmental and recreational enhancements. To the extent possible, multi-objective solutions will be sought/ developed. In developing various solutions/ alternatives, the final work product will help policymakers and stakeholders gain a deeper understanding of the relative role that water eff iciency, agricultural transfers, and new water development can play in meeting future needs and the trade-offs associated with these solutions. These solutions can then be considered in the context of ineeting human needs for water and providing f or the needs of Colorado's natural environment and recreation. The role of the TRT members is to provide insight and recommendations on the four areas described above. The information generated by the TRTs will be considered by the CWCB Board as part of any water policy that is developed as a result of the SWSI Phase 2 efforts. In addition to providing information to the CWCB board, the TRTs will also provide information to the House Bill 1177 -"Interbasin Compact" roundtables. HB 1177 outlines activities f or both a 25-member Interbasin Compact (IBC) Committee and Interbasin Compact Basin Roundtables (ICBRT). Many of HB 1177's preliminary activities f ocus on establishing logistics and operating procedures, followed by more detailed negotiations. As needed, SWSI will provide technical information to the HB 1177 IBC Committee and the ICBRTs. This ~F ~ DRAFT S:IMEETINGSITECHNICAL ROUNDTABLEITRT MEETING - SPECIFICIWATER EFFICIENCYISWSI WATER EFFICIENCY TRT BRIEFING.DOC