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Show the " short- term emergency" needs. Plans should identify events that activate the emergency plans. Environmental Considerations Water management and conservation plans should be carefully based on sound environmental principles. Environmental considerations should be addressed as part of the report. Examples of environmental considerations may include, but are not limited to, protection of wildlife and habitat, endangered species, wetlands, water quality and downstream uses. Benefits A WMC plan best serves consumers and water utilities when it is based on local conditions, needs and desires, and is used to help implement sound decisions on water supply, distribution and conservation. The mere development of a water management and conservation plan does not save water. A water management and conservation plan provides an overall framework for water conservation efforts by a water utility or company the same as a business plan provides a blueprint for a company to achieve its goals. Costs The cost of developing a water management and conservation plan consists mainly of the time spent collecting and analyzing data, projecting future needs, evaluating alternatives and making decisions to guide the efforts of the water utility. For small irrigation companies or utilities, the plan may require several hours of time by board members, interested shareholders or staff. Larger companies or utilities will need to budget staff time or consultant dollars to develop the water management plans commensurate to the size and complexity of the utility or company. Implementation Water utilities or companies should be determined to successfully develop and implement a WMC plan. The end user may resist change from familiar water usage patterns. Attempts to change the attitude of customers will often require extensive and long- range education programs and acceptance of a WMC plan by water utility managers and board members. Users are most likely to change attitudes when shown that water usage changes provide personal economic benefit. & 13 |