Allocation reforms require a holistic view of the system, since the reform of only one aspect of allocation can have unintended impacts on other parts of the system. In terms of sequencing, the cases attest to the importance of determining a sustainable baseline (to determine how much water is available for allocation), before introducing changes to an allocation regime. Similarly, ensuring the hydrological integrity in the allocation system by accounting for return flows is important, especially when introducing trading that can shift water among uses with different rates of consumption. For instance, if entitlements are based on total withdrawals and a transfer is made from a user that has low consumptive use to one that has high consumptive use, return flows to the basin are reduced, putting pressure on the sustainability of the resource.