Problems in Integrating Water Programs

Water quality management was for many years considered to be an entity apart from other professional disciplines involved in water resource management. The recent national focus on water quality problems has resulted in the development of a nationally uniform body of law setting forth national goals, a detailed planning process, and mechanisms for implementing these plans. In contrast, fragmentation is the principal hallmark of the water quality field, and there is no similar body of law dealing with the quantitative use or management of our water resources. This fragmentation is evident at all levels of government. Massive reorganization of the Federal water resource agencies might (or might not) provide a better framework for the nation's water resource program. It appears that the Water Resources Council offers the best hope of program articulation at the Federal level. At the state level, the policy approach now being used by Virginia may be helpful-but additional experience will be necessary.