Capture mouse clicks on the page. Therefore, the end users of much of the research completed within this Center will be policy makers, managers of water utilities, operators of reservoir systems, farmers, recreational activity providers, and other major water users. In managing water resources, both quantity and quality are critical for long-term sustainable development. Unfortunately, these regulations do not address the issue of adequate water quality. Conjunctive use of surface water and ground water can increase the efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of water use, particularly where spatial and temporal imbalances exist between water demands and natural supplies.
Conflicts also exist between competing users.
Inter-regional transport of surface water is another important component of water supply for the greater Southwest and could increase in the future. Promising Innovations Stakeholder involvement in defining research to meet the needs of decision makers and use of established social science methods to identify user perceptions, vulnerabilities, needs and priorities. Because competing demands are an increasing challenge for sustainable water resources management we would also use innovative methods to integrate hydrologic and social information including integrated assessment, conflict resolution, geographic information systems, optimization and other decision support systems. Applications Improved seasonal to interannual forecasts, long-term climate projections, and better procedures for scaling of the hydrology and climate, including estimates of uncertainty, will provide the foundation for improved management of water resources. A combination of regulatory control, supply enhancement, improved decision-making, and market forces will be needed to maintain the balance between supply and demand.