There are cheaper, quicker and greener alternatives to huge, expensive water projects. But this requires rethinking how to manage and consume our water. We've learned over the years how powerful the actions of individuals, industry and farmers can be at reducing water use.

After three years of work, an array of interest groups are poised to determine the future of more than 140,000 acres of some of California's most ecologically rich and endangered watershed lands, among the largest swaths to be preserved in decades. At stake are lands owned by Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

Nearly one million people lack drinking water in a southern Chinese province that is suffering its worst water shortage in more than 50 years due to insufficient rain, state media said.

Despite 40 years of growth, mega-mansions and the addition of snowmaking, Aspen has managed to reduce its water usage to mid-1960s levels. Customers of the city utility this year used an average of 150 gallons per ECU (equivalent capacity unit) per day. An ECU is a standardized measurement for the water demand of a two-bedroom, one-bath home.

The U.S. Senate Friday approved a $286 billion farm bill shepherded through by Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, who chairs the Agriculture Committee. The measure improves farm income protection and makes investments for the future in energy, conservation, nutrition and rural development initiatives.

For more information and/or to register visit the AWWA or call 1.800.926.7337.

Water use remained relatively flat from June, when Villaraigosa asked for a 10 percent reduction, through October, compared with the same period last year. City water officials said they planned to wait several more months to see if water supplies improve before resorting to harsher measures.

The emphasis on conservation — including higher-priced water above certain usage levels — is sending the message: Water in Colorado is a fickle, ephemeral commodity that has a real value, much like natural gas or oil.

Conservation efforts saved Southern Nevada 18 billion gallons of water annually from 2002 to 2006 — a 20 percent reduction during a period when nearly 330,000 more residents moved in and 40 million tourists visited.

A recent dry spell in which precipitation fell 71 percent short of normal has the city’s water suppliers reminding residents to conserve. Although Colorado Springs Utilities’ water storage is on track with the 30-year average, precipitation in October was only a quarter-inch, 29 percent of normal, Utilities spokesman Steve Berry said.