Based on previous research, it is evident that stakeholders involved in ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ water policy may define the word ‘conservation’ differently. The two potential definitions of this word carry vastly different connotations for policy outcomes: one promotes using less water while the other promotes diverting more water. It is, therefore, important to understand whether these definitions are pervasive throughout the water community in ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ and whether there are demographic differences in who uses the different definitions. This research will also attempt to understand whether participants in one important stakeholder negotiation process in ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ have actually encountered any difficulties with policy discussion groups based upon differing interpretations of the word ‘conservation’.