Issues:

  • Water shortages exist, and are likely to worsen, resulting in competition for limited water supplies.
  • Water licensing decisions need to account for the water needs of fish, fish habitat and aquatic ecosystems.
  • Water allocation planning, which includes information and analysis of seasonal water flows, licensed use, and ecological requirements, is needed.
  • An inventory of available water (e.g., quantity and flow information) for agricultural and industrial development, domestic use, storage, conservation purposes, and fish, is needed.
  • Development plans and decisions need to consider potential impacts to water quality and quantity.

Goals:

  • Balanced water management that provides for:
    • safe, reliable and accessible drinking water,
    • industrial development; and
    • fish, fish habitat and aquatic ecosystems