Shared Vision Planning

Redirecting...

National Drought Study: Conclusion

Traditional responses to water supply problems, such as constructions of major water projects, are limited today by economic, environmental and social concerns…there is a shift in emphasis to improved operations and management of the existing facilities and systems and transfers of rights to new, more efficient uses.

— Western Governors Association

(Report on the May 16-18, 1991, Park City Workshop)

To produce more from our existing water infrastructure, we must pursue more sophisticated policies and operational procedures that are coordinated among many agencies. The cleverness that secures these gains will probably mean that water management policies will be more difficult for the average citizen to understand.   

The Drought Preparedness Study (DPS) method can help.  It adds the illustrative and analytical power of the shared vision model to water resources principles that are solidly established in theory and practice. But a good method does not obviate the need for excellent water managers; the DPS method cannot work without them.   

A truly interdisciplinary team is necessary. That means not only a team well schooled in the many requisite fields of learning, but one in which each professional recognizes that the perspectives and analytical tools of other professionals can improve the chances that the team will be successful.