One of the first steps when starting a water conservation program is developing a water conservation plan.�Developing a sound water conservation plan is a multi-step process that requires thought and effort.� A number of conservation planning guidance documents are available to assist in the process. The 1998 US EPA Water Conservation Planning Guidelines (EPA-832-D-98-001, August 2008) serve as a basis for many of the available guidance documents.�The American Water Works Association M52 Water Conservation Programs - A Planning Manual (available for purchase at www.awwa.org) offers a detailed description of the planning process.�Additional free planning resources can be found on this page.