The Bureau of Reclamation will revise the 2002 Water Conservation and Efficiency Criteria (Criteria) for the development of Water Management Plans (Plans). These Criteria were developed by Reclamation in accordance with the Central Valley Project Improvement Act of 1992 (CVPIA) and the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982.

The CVPIA requires Reclamation to review the Criteria periodically, but 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. In preparation for the 2005 Criteria, Reclamation is asking all interested parties for their comments, suggestions, and recommendations. The Criteria is available online at: www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/.

Written comments must be received by close of business on Monday, February 28, 2005, and should be sent to: Mr. Jerry Townsend, Bureau of Reclamation, MP-410, 2800 Cottage Way, 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 2002 Criteria, please contact Leslie Barbre at 916-978-5232 (TDD 916-978-5608).

After February 28, 2005, Reclamation will develop Draft Criteria and schedule workshops, giving the public an opportunity for comments and questions. After the public workshops, the Draft Criteria will be entered in the Federal Register, the public will be given 30 days in which to comment, and then the Draft Criteria will be finalized. All Plans received will be reviewed based on the 2005 Criteria.