News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces the Availability of the Draft 2005 Water Conservation and Efficiency Criteria

Media Contact: Jeffrey S. McCracken, 916-978-5100, jmccracken@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: July 18, 2005

The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review and comment the Draft 2005 Water Conservation and Efficiency Criteria (Draft Criteria) used in the development of Water Management Plans (Plans). The Central Valley Project Improvement Act of 1992 (CVPIA) requires entities who contract with Reclamation for Central Valley Project water to submit Plans which meet established criteria.

This is the fourth revision of the criteria developed by Reclamation in accordance with the CVPIA and the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982. The CVPIA requires Reclamation to review the criteria "no less than every 3 years with the purpose of promoting the highest level of water use efficiency reasonably achievable by project contractors using best available cost-effective technology and best management practices."

The Draft Criteria will be presented at three public workshops, giving the public an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments. The workshops will be held:

Wednesday, August 3, 1-3 p.m. South-Central California Area Office 1243 N Street Fresno, CA

Thursday, August 4, 1-3 p.m. Mid-Pacific Regional Office 2800 Cottage Way , Rm C-1001/1002 Sacramento , CA

Tuesday, August 9, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. MP Construction Office 1140 West Wood Street Willows, CA

The Draft Criteria will be posted in the Federal Register. If no significant changes are made based on comments received, the review process will be complete, and the criteria will be finalized. All Plans received after the criteria is finalized will be reviewed based on the 2005 Criteria.

The Draft Criteria is available online at www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare. All comments must be received by close of business Friday, September 30, 2005, and should be sent to Mr. Jerry Townsend, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-410, Sacramento, CA 95825-1898. Comments may also be faxed to Mr. Townsend at 916-978-5290 or e-mailed to gtownsend@mp.usbr.gov. For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft Criteria, please contact Ms. Leslie Barbre at 916-978-5232.

# # #

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Availability of the Draft 2005 Water Conservation and Efficiency Criteria