The Water Efficiency and Conservation State Scorecard: An Assessment of Laws and Policies

The sustainable management of our fresh water resources is a crucial component of supporting future population and economic growth. State laws and policies can be a powerful mechanism to promote the efficient use of water. This report describes research efforts taken to identify and assess state-level laws and policies related to water efficiency and conservation. The analysis was based on a 20-question survey developed by the project team under the guidance of a project advisory committee. Each state was surveyed, and the responses for every question were scored. The results are framed in a style similar to a school report card. Presenting this information collectively provides a resource that policy makers, and other professionals active in the water efficiency and conservation movement, can utilize. The intention behind adding the report and assigning grades is to create concise and useful information, and to bring attention to exemplary policies that may be used as models for other states to emulate. Additionally, the outcomes will likely create a catalyst for dialogue about current and future water efficiency and conservation laws and policies, and generate friendly and healthy competition among states in regard to water efficiency and conservation efforts. After the 20-question survey was developed and approved by the advisory committee in April, 2011 the data collection effort began. Data collection proved to be a large undertaking and ran through the end of the calendar year. When the finished surveys were gathered, the project team began reviewing the answers for completeness and accuracy. Citations were required for a yes answer to be counted. Following preliminary efforts to verify responses and seek feedback from the states regarding any unverified answers"