The U. S. Bureau of Reclamation has a major responsibility, in partnership with water users, States, and other interested parties, to help improve water resource management and the efficiency of water use in the western United States.
With passage of the Reclamation Act of 1902, Reclamation's
original challenge was to promote the settlement of the West by providing the necessary infrastructure for the irrigation of small family farms.
Extensive tracts of arid and semi-arid lands have become some of the most productive agricultural area and urban centers in the world.
And, in addition to irrigation, Reclamation projects provide water for homes and industries, recreation, fish and wildlife, power generation, and flood control.
Now, after more than 100 years, Reclamation's primary role has evolved from one of water resource development to one of water resource management.
More efficient water use is a key component of Reclamation's water resource management strategy.