Congressional Action Needed To Provide a Better Focus on Water-Related Research
CED-81-87
Published: Jun 05, 1981. Publicly Released: Jun 05, 1981.
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Highlights
The Nation faces serious water problems in the West and certain other areas of the country. Developing and implementing technologies that conserve or augment water supplies could help alleviate these problems. These efforts and other water-related research and development activities are fragmented among 28 Federal organizations that plan to spend about $380 million during fiscal year 1981.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should amend section 406 of the Water Research and Development Act to require the Federal organization Congress chooses to coordinate research to: (1) establish priorities for water conservation and augmentation technologies based upon the results of overall comparative assessments of these technologies; (2) provide leadership and guidance to other agencies in developing formal multi-agency and single-agency plans for the technologies with specific objectives, milestones, technology transfer goals, and provisions for independent, periodic evaluations; (3) make recommendations annually to Congress concerning the adequacy of the funding levels of water research, development, and technology transfer activities; (4) consider the data developed pursuant to section 103 of the act in coordinating research and establishing research priorities. |
Closed – Implemented
|
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information. |
| Congress should amend section 406 of the Water Research and Development Act of 1978 to require the Water Resources Council (WRC) to coordinate water-related research provided Congress believes it desirable to have an independent, full-time WRC chairperson and resolves the issue of continued existence of WRC. Otherwise, Congress should amend section 406 to establish a water resources research committee reporting directly to the Office of Science and Technology Policy. This committee should be composed of representatives from the major Federal organizations involved in water resources research. |
Closed – Implemented
|
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information. |
Full Report
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Topics
Interagency relationsPlanningResearch and developmentTechnology transferWater conservationWater qualityWater resources developmentWater treatmentWater supplyIrrigation project