Release of ED AWAS 1 is an important milestone in the evolution of water accounting standards. WASB are confident that AWAS 1 will be a practical and useable standard enabling preparation of GPWAR for all types of water entities. However, water accounting is a new discipline and water accounting report users may need time to prepare for using a standard. Some of the concepts and principles in ED AWAS 1 will take time to absorb. Issuing AWAS1 as an ED allows: • the ED to be used by report preparers and any reporting or requirement issues can be addressed and resolved before a standard is issued • a formal feedback process for comments prior to WASB recommending AWAS 1 to the Director of Meteorology for issue • early adopters to broaden industry exposure to water accounting.