Water for America
Water for America Initiative: Addressing 21st Century Water Challenges
Water for America Plan (520 KB pdf file) Transmittal Memo (198 KB pdf file)
Comment on Water for America Plan
In Fiscal Year 2009 and beyond, Reclamation will partner with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to implement the Water for America Initiative. Water for America is focused on securing water resources for future generations and coping with 21st Century water challenges, including decreasing water supplies caused by potential climate change and population growth. The President’s FY 2009 budget requests $31.9 million for Reclamation’s Water for America activities.
Reclamation’s efforts will focus on two of the Initiative’s three strategies: “Plan for Our Nation’s Water Future” and “Expand, Protect, and Conserve Our Nation’s Water Resources.” USGS will implement the third strategy to “Enhance Our Nation’s Water Knowledge.”
As part of the “Plan for Our Nation’s Water Future” component, Reclamation will initiate a new basin-wide studies program focused on comprehensive water supply and demand to assess the impact of increased water demands on finite water sources. The basin-wide studies will also examine the impact of various climate change scenarios on water supply and on the ability of existing facilities to supply water in the future.
Additionally, Reclamation will continue to implement its Investigations Program, that includes planning studies focused on specific water resources issues and opportunities within a relatively localized study area.
The “Expand, Protect, and Conserve Our Nation’s Water Resources” component incorporates the most successful elements of two existing water conservation programs, Water 2025 and the Water Conservation Field Services Program. Through these programs, Reclamation will use competitive grants and technical assistance, provided on a cost-share basis to willing partners, to stretch existing water supplies, help to avoid the listing of candidate species in high risk watersheds, and prevent future conflicts over water.
Additionally, Reclamation will accelerate critical Endangered Species Act compliance to maintain and improve Federally listed species and designated critical habitats affected by Reclamation’s projects and programs.
Reclamation has developed a plan to implement Water for America in FY 2009. This plan is now available to customers and stakeholders for comments and input. Please visit our Contact Us/Comments page to submit your comments.
Through these three strategies, the Water for America Initiative will provide the vision and leadership necessary to ensure sustainable western water supplies for the 21st Century.
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Last Updated: 9/2/08