It is estimated that by 2050, Colorado could face up to a 1 million acre-foot water supply shortage.

Based on population projections for 2050 (estimated between 8.7 million and 10.3 million), water needs for energy development, water needs for recreation and endangered species, and the impact of climate changes — the shortages projected are alarming.

One of the key components of future water supply planning is water conservation. This is among other approaches that either create new water (like cloud seeding), capture existing water (like more reservoirs to hold back excess water in times like this spring), or transfer water from one use to another use.

It has been estimated that transfers of water from agriculture to the cities could result in 65 percent of Colorado's irrigated agriculture disappearing by 2050.

Is the demise of irrigated agriculture something we as Colorado residents wish to see? And, with agriculture gone, what would we eat?

Additionally, but not so draconian: Will we see the last of the many green fields that has made Colorado a beautiful state and the reason many of us moved here in the first place?

Water conservation, in its broadest sense, is anything that stretches water supplies. The idea is to keep water, which you already have, in place, and not use it until you absolutely have to.

This happens in a number of ways like installing water efficient appliances, not running water while brushing your teeth, replacing lawns with xeric landscaping, or making improvements to water distribution systems by repairing leaks.

So water conservation seems like something we can do to stretch our supplies without too much inconvenience or discomfort. Keep in mind that every acre foot saved should be used to make up for shortages in precipitation during times of drought, and not used to supply water to future population increases.

To do so only puts us into a deeper hole when drought does occur. Less water, but more people with nothing to drink.

The projected water shortages are being taken seriously by the state, and as a result all drinking water providers in Colorado who sell more than 2,000 acre feet of water per year are required to develop a water conservation plan. That plan must be submitted to the Colorado Water Conservation Board for approval. The group is the state's main water policy board.

In 2004, the Colorado Water Conservation Board established steps for the development of a comprehensive conservation plan and water providers are required to address each of the following elements:

•Characterize water use and forecast demand

•Profile proposed facilities

•Identify conservation goals

•Identify conservation measures and programs

•Evaluate and select conservation measures and programs

•Integrate resources and modify forecasts

•Develop implementation plan

•Monitor, evaluate and revise conservation activities and the conservation plan

The city of Grand Junction, Clifton Water District and Ute Water Conservancy District, which are the three major water providers in the Grand Valley, have a long history of working together to provide the Valley with reliable drinking water.

Instead of each of the water providers developing a water conservation plan for their systems, as had been done in the past, the three water providers decided to take a unique approach to water conservation planning and develop a Regional Water Conservation Plan.

In 2009 the water providers applied for and received a $50,000 grant from the Colorado Water Conservation Board to develop the plan. The plan is scheduled for completion by the end of the summer 2010.

The stakes are high. The loss of agriculture, the continued planning of increased transmountain diversions to eastern slope cities, reduced stream flows for fishing and other recreation, and reduced water quality have serious implications for state residents and the quality of life here in Colorado. The valley's water conservation plan will need local support of the residents.

Grand Junction, Ute Water Conservancy District and Clifton Water District have been working on many other cooperative efforts to ensure the Grand Valley is protected in times of shortages.

For example, the three systems are interconnected. If there is a water shortage for one entity, it is considered a shortage for the others. Crews train together as well as have the authority to open up valves to supply water from other areas of the system.

Water is a precious resource, especially here in the desert. The drinking water providers in the Grand Valley are working hard to ensure there is adequate water for all of our residents for generations to come.

For more information on area water conservation efforts, visit the Drought Information Response Project website at www.thedripwebsite.com.