Water Recommendations: Overview
Effectively managing water resources in the West requires the consideration of complex conflicts involving multiple interests that are exacerbated by pressures from population growth and global climate change. To meet these challenges, the federal government must develop new policies and legal guidelines that resolve water conflicts and promote sustainable use and healthy landscapes.
We offer seven recommendations that will increase the effectiveness of the federal government in guiding sustainable water management at tribal, state, county, and municipal scales.
- Recommendation 1: Assess national water-related vulnerabilities
- Recommendation 2: Implement a strategic monitoring program
- Recommendation 3: Resolve conflicts over Indian water rights
- Recommendation 4: Reform operations of engineered water infrastructure
- Recommendation 5: Form a federal interagency working group
- Recommendation 6: Allocate federal funding for interagency cooperation
- Recommendation 7: Offer states financial incentives to improve water quality and achieve a sustainable water supply
