Full Description

This paper provides a summary of the benefits water conservation has for the states and gives methods for integrating water conservation programs into state water policy. Water conservation may be the only alternative in helping states deal the increasing water supply pressures caused by a variety of water quantity and quality problems. Conservation programs can benefit states by providing additional water to meet growing municipal and industrial demands; maintaining agricultural operations; providing water for increasing recreational needs; reducing chronic water supply shortages; protecting endangered species and riparian areas through increased and regular streamflows; maintaining water quality through decreased groundwater withdrawals and reduced surface water runoff; and increasing streamflows to comply with interstate stream compact requirements. Although beneficial, integrating water conservation programs into State Water Policy must take into consideration several important factors: water reuse and return flows, relationship of water quantity and water quality, ownership of conserved water, use of conserved water, environmental and hydrologic impacts, and several social considerations. The author concludes with a recommendation for the incorporation of water conservation programs into all state water management decisions to help assure that our water supply is secure for future generations.

Product Details

Published: 01/01/1995 ISBN(s): 0898678323 Number of Pages: 5File Size: 1 file , 200 KB