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.