As mentioned in the Introduction, local decision-makers have four opportunities to improve existing water supply conditions, and prevent future shortages in Loreto. They are water conservation, improvements to infrastructure, expansion of existing freshwater resources, and development of new water sources. Although the specific water savings that can be achieved through implementation of the first three measures cannot be quantified without additional study, all have well-documented track records as effective, cost efficient ways to stretch existing supplies. As a result, their potential should be thoroughly evaluated before resources are committed to developing more costly and potentially more environmentally damaging alternative water sources. The preparation of a regional water management plan is the first step in determining the applicability of conservation, infrastructure improvement and supply expansion measures to Loreto’s particular water supply and delivery conditions. Water management plans begin by quantifying existing water demands and existing sources of supply, and then establish service goals and make projections for anticipated future loads on the regional water system. These documents are often completed in conjunction with a planning effort or the development of an Urban Development Plan and can be extremely useful in determining if water supplies match plans for population growth[2].

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