Common use of WATER CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY PROGRAM Clause in Contracts

WATER CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY PROGRAM. 1. Within two years of the signing of the Agreement, the Regional Body shall identify Basin-wide Water conservation and efficiency objectives to assist the Parties in developing their Water conservation and efficiency program. These objectives shall be based on the goals of: a. Ensuring improvement of the Waters and Water Dependent Natural Resources; b. Protecting and restoring the hydrologic and ecosystem integrity of the Basin; c. Retaining the quantity of surface water and groundwater in the Basin; d. Ensuring sustainable use of Waters of the Basin; and, e. Promoting the efficiency of use and reducing losses and waste of Water. 2. Within two years after Article 200, paragraphs 1 and 2 come into force (Prohibition of Diversions and Management of Exceptions), each Party shall develop its own Water conservation and efficiency goals and objectives consistent with the Basin- wide goals and objectives, and shall develop and implement a Water conservation and efficiency program, either voluntary or mandatory, within its jurisdiction based on the Party’s goals and objectives. Each Party shall thereafter annually assess its programs in meeting the Party’s goals and objectives, report to the Regional Body every five years and make this annual assessment available to the public. 3. Beginning five years after Article 200, paragraphs 1 and 2 come into force (Prohibition of Diversions and Management of Exceptions), and every five years thereafter, the Regional Body shall review and modify as appropriate the Basin-wide objectives and the Parties shall have regard for any such modifications in implementing their programs. This assessment shall be based on examining new technologies, new patterns of Water use, new resource demands and threats, and the Cumulative Impact assessment under Article 209. 4. Within two years after Article 200, paragraphs 1 and 2 come into force (Prohibition of Diversions and Management of Exceptions), the Parties commit to promote Environmentally Sound and Economically Feasible Water Conservation Measures such as: a. Measures that promote efficient use of Water; b. Identification and sharing of best management practices and state of the art conservation and efficiency technologies; c. Application of sound planning principles; d. Demand-side and supply-side Measures or incentives; and, e. Development, transfer and application of science and research. 5. Each Party shall implement, in accordance with paragraph 2 above a voluntary or mandatory Water conservation program for all, including existing, Basin Water users. Conservation programs need to adjust to new demands and the potential impacts of cumulative effects and climate change. 1. The Regional Body is composed of the Governor or Premier of each of the Parties, or a person designated by each of them. 2. The Regional Body is established to undertake the following duties and responsibilities: a. Ensure, in accordance with this Agreement, a formalized process with respect to Proposals that require Regional Review and thereby provide an opportunity to address concerns within the Basin; b. Declare whether or not a Proposal subject to Regional Review meets the Exception Standard; c. Declare whether a Party’s Water management programs meet the provisions of this Agreement; d. Facilitate the development of consensus and the resolution of disputes on matters arising under this Agreement; e. Monitor and report on the implementation of this Agreement by the Parties, including: data collection; the implementation of each Party’s program to manage and regulate Withdrawals, Consumptive Uses and Diversions; promotion of Water conservation; and, the assessment of Cumulative Impacts; f. Establishment of Basin wide goals and objectives for Water conservation and efficiency, the review of those programs and recommendations and declarations in respect of them; g. Periodically review the Standard and Exception Standard and their application including new scientific information relating to groundwater; h. Recommend options to Parties with respect to the development and enhancement of their Water management programs; i. Develop guidance for the implementation of the Standard and the Exception Standard and in particular the review of a Proposal, the preparation of an Application and the review of the Parties’ Water management programs; j. Propose amendments to this Agreement; and, k. Perform any other functions or duties necessary to implement this Agreement.