ABSTRACT
When residents of the arid western United States turn on their faucets, they expect to draw from an abundant, clean, good-tasting water supply. Current policies focus on water as a commodity that should be used efficiently to promote a prosperous economy for current generations; the resource, however, has additional values. All non-marine species depend upon freshwater for basic survival. Water in healthy ecosystems provides food, water purification, flood mitigation, drought mitigation, wildlife habitat, soil fertility maintenance, nutrient delivery, beauty, recreation opportunities and biodiversity conservation. (Postel, 2003). Many Indians revere water for its spiritual properties, depending on the presence of fish for sustenance and traditional ceremonies. Indians, acequia members (Rivera, 1998), farmers and ranchers and urban dwellers all find that possession of an adequate water supply provides community security.
