Performance of appropriative water-rights systems in the Western United States during drought
- Univ. of Colorado, Boulder
Present water-use patterns in the West allot 90% to agriculture and 10% to municipal, domestic, and industrial uses. If agricultural efficiency could be increased by only 10%, the quantity of water available for other purposes would double. Local initiative in establishing local climate patterns, identifying available local actions, and acting in a timely fashion is an important component of successful drought mitigation. State-wide and federal drought programs have a role to play, but these programs frequently discourage rather than stimulate local initiatives. Some institutional reforms to increase the flexibility and efficiency of water allocations are: (1) more flexible ownership rules, (2) acquisition and administration of water rights by conservancy districts, (3) the establishment of a state or interstate agency to develop a market in water rights, (4) development of climate information and forecasting programs specific to substate areas, and (5) extension and information programs. 14 references.
- OSTI ID:
- 6740138
- Journal Information:
- Nat. Resour. J.; (United States), Vol. 22:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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