In 1996, Reclamation created the Water Conservation Field Services Program (WCFSP). The WCFSP is designed to encourage water conservation, to assist water agencies with developing and implementing effective water management and conservation plans, to coordinate with state and other local conservation program efforts, and generally to foster improved water management on a regional, statewide and watershed basis.
 
The WCFSP is designed to be flexible, allowing area offices and regions to implement the program to fit local needs and to compliment and support other federal, state, tribal, and local water conservation efforts. Assistance can be provided in the form of technical advice or financial incentives.

Areas of emphasis for the WCFSP are:

• Water Management Planning
• Water Education
• Implementation of Conservation Measures
• Demonstration of Innovative Technologies

In cooperation with water users, states, federal agencies, local entities and others, the Snake River Area Office (SRAO) directs its water management and conservation efforts towards helping water users identify and implement water efficiency improvements that will improve the overall beneficial use of water and related resources.

Through successful implementation of the WCFSP, the SRAO seeks to demonstrate to the water user community, the public, states, other partners, and staff, the capability and commitment to managing and protecting water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner. Through the use of technical and financial assistance, technology transfer, and education programs, the SRAO works in the public interest by:

• Helping to remedy current problems by providing tools (education, training, outreach) to help resolve, and prevent, similar problems in the future.
• Finding ways to provide water for beneficial uses which are presently not being met.
• Reducing negative impacts resulting from inefficient water operations.
• Improving, enhancing, or enlarging current benefits for present beneficiaries.

Related Links

• Pacific Northwest Region Water Conservation Field Services Program

• WaterSMART Program

• Water Conservation Field Services Program Guidance:
  • Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (PL 97-293)
  • Directives and Standards: WTR 01-01 - Administering Water Conservation Plans Pursuant to Statutory and Contractual Requirements
  • Directives and Standards: WTR 01-02 - Administering the Water Conservation Field Services Program (WCFSP)

• Water Conservation Plan Preparation:
  • Achieving Efficient Water Management : A Guidebook for Preparing Agricultural Water Conservation Plans (Second Edition, September 2000)
  • EPA Water Conservation Plan Guidelines

• Water Conservation Plan Measures Guidance:
  • Incentive Pricing Handbook for Agricultural Water Districts
  • Reclamation's Water Measurement Manual

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Last Update: January 23, 2013 3:23 PM