Conjunctive management of surface and ground -water resources on state and local levels is a relatively new political phenomenon. This type of management has evolved, in part, in response to growing populations with ever -increasing, and often conflicting, water demands. In addition, a more sophisticated technical understanding of the physical link between groundwater and surface waters has led water managers to reconsider historical strategies for solving water supply problems. In light of growing demand and improved technology, some western states have begun the transition from crisis- oriented water management to one of long -term planning for population growth and environmental protection. This planning process requires that the constituents of a region define their water use goals and objectives so that various approaches to conjunctive management may be evaluated for their suitability to that particular physical and socio- political environment.