Q:   Why is “Water 2025: Preventing Crises and Conflict in the West,” being announced at this time?
A:   In 2001 Secretary Norton asked the Bureau of Reclamation to prepare an assessment of where existing water supplies are likely to be inadequate to meet water demands for farms, ranches, cities, recreation and the environment over the next 25 years. Secretary Norton also asked the Bureau of Reclamation to look at current conditions in the West and identify the likely areas where the next crises over water may occur. Water 2025 provides a basis for public discussion of the realities that face the west, so that decisions can be made at the appropriate level in advance of a water supply crisis.

Q.   Does Water 2025 propose changes to federal or state environmental laws?
A.   No.

Q.   Will Water 2025 be used to take water away from agriculture?
A.   No. Water 2025 seeks to encourage voluntary water transfers through water banks or other willing buyer/willing seller measures. In fact, one of the goals of Water 2025 is to develop means by which agricultural producers can rent or lease their water in times of drought to municipalities or other users, and still have the ability to farm in most years.

Q.   Will Water 2025 transfer control over water from states to the federal government?
A.   No. Water 2025 can only work if it is implemented in accordance with state law.

Q.   How much will Water 2025 cost?
A.   In collaboration with local stakeholders, Interior will concentrate existing federal financial and technical resources on western watersheds with a potential for conflict over water by 2025 and in critical research and development. The President has requested $11 million for the Bureau of Reclamation’s budget for a Western Water Initiative in FY 2004, reflecting the Administration’s commitment to focus on the challenges later outlined more fully in Water 2025.

Q.   How can technology help?
A.   Water 2025 will seek to reduce the cost of water desalination and advanced water treatment through improved interagency coordination of research and focused investment in areas most needing planning support. Water 2025 also will facilitate the installation and implementation of new water management technologies by modernizing existing water storage and delivery systems, improving the efficient and effective management of vital water resources in the West

Q.   Will Water 2025 result in “winners” and “losers?”
A:   The only way anyone can lose with Water 2025 is if actions are not taken to address future conflicts over water. Water 2025 is intended to focus attention on the reality that explosive population growth in western urban areas, the emerging need for water for environmental and recreational uses, and the national importance of the domestic production of food and fiber from western farms and ranches is driving major conflicts between these competing uses of water.

Q.   In the end, what do you hope to achieve with Water 2025?
A.   We want to accomplish two things: First, Water 2025 recognizes the need for a vigorous public discussion over water issues. Doing nothing will have significant negative consequences, and the public must be able to make an educated choice about their future. Second, Water 2025 is a commitment to moving forward in strategically using the appropriate tools that will help minimize or prevent future water conflict and crises in the West.