Recommendation 5: Form a federal interagency working group
Problem
Water is currently managed by multiple, unequal jurisdictions (city, state, regional, and federal), based on political boundaries that fail to recognize how ecological boundaries extend beyond the visible surface waters. This situation often creates conflicting agendas among management groups and inhibits water conservation practices. Although many federal agencies have responsibilities for water management, the federal government currently lacks the ability to coordinate agency actions or interface efficiently with states and local interests. The collective knowledge, resources, and influence that could be marshaled by a coordinated interagency group could address water sustainability issues more effectively than could these same agencies working independently.
Goals
- To develop guiding principles for agencies that promote sustainable water management.
- To promote investment and participation in local initiatives.
- To use finite resources to maximize public benefits.
- To fulfill federal mandates and encourage the enforcement of water management regulations.
Recommendation
Establish a federal interagency group to work with states and local interests to address pressing water management and sustainability issues.
