Maintaining a healthy ecosystem requires sustainable use of water resources. The tools traditionally used to manage water for public use involve construction of water supply dams and reservoirs, tapping of groundwater aquifers, and diversion of surface water and groundwater from areas of abundance to areas of need. After use, wastewater is treated and discharged, most often to the nearest waterbody. Water efficiency, conservation, or recycling measures historically have taken a back seat.  

For decades, this approach has provided sufficient water for drinking, irrigation, hydroelectric power, industrial production, recreation and other uses. Unfortunately, disrupting natural hydrological conditions produced harmful environmental consequences. Reservoirs compromised healthy habitat for riverine species, diminished water quality, and impaired transport of nutrients and sediments. Evaporation from reservoirs reduced the water available to support aquatic species.