Posts by shaina

A new map, developed by a collaborative team from the University of Nebraska, depicts the legal water rights systems across the US. This innovative tool shows the variability of surface water and groundwater rights systems, which provide the foundation for water management and policy development.   Understanding these boundaries becomes essential when developing and evaluating…

Tidal rivers provide essential water for drinking and irrigation. However, a new international study confirms these vital sources are facing increased vulnerability to saltwater contamination.    The research shows that climate-change-induced drought and sea-level rise are intensifying salinity issues. And localized human activities such as channel deepening and excessive road salt use contribute to the problem. …

A University of California San Diego study has uncovers a hidden driver of global crop vulnerability: the origin of rainfall itself. The research traces atmospheric moisture back to its source, whether it evaporated from the ocean or from land surfaces. Understanding this balance provides a new tool to predict rainfall source vulnerability before drought strikes.…

A new study shows that the regulatory costs for lettuce growers in California has surged by over 1,300% in under two decades. This sharp financial increase now consumes 12.6% of total production costs ands adds to mounting pressure on the state’s agriculture.   Labor, healthcare, and food safety drive the largest cost increases. Labor-related regulations,…

When buying property in Arizona, access to water can impact decisions, especially in rural areas. Unreliable communication about water security impacts buyer’s confidence. Ensuring licensed agents are equipped to communicate accurately about water resources is critical for clients and communities. This necessity motivated the REAL Water project, a new initiative reimagining Arizona water education.  …

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) has launched the Small Storage Program grant, promoting federal assistance to enhance water storage opportunities across the Western United States and its territories. Authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), this initiative aims to secure water resources for future generations. This program represents a critical tool for developing…

A new study reveals that Nevada groundwater is declining as a result of intensifying drought and rising demand. This decline is jeopardizing groundwater-dependent ecosystems and long-term reliability in the state. Roughly half of Nevada’s counties rely on groundwater for over 80% of their water supply and about 20% of Nevada’s groundwater basins currently suffer from…

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a planning toolkit that water utilities can use to prevent and respond to cyber incidents.    Cyberattacks are a threat to national security and a water utility’s ability to provide water. These tools offer help to public water systems that need protect themselves and aid in risk…

Millions of people across the US are being served drinking water polluted by chromium-6, arsenic, and nitrate – contaminants known to cause cancer and other health problems. A new report and interactive map from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reveal the contamination hot spots.   The report claims that many regulations are outdated and focus…

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) shares a warning that the global water cycle has become increasingly erratic, swinging violently between deluge and drought. A new WMO report, called the State of Global Water Resources, highlights the cascading impacts of this instability on economies and communities across the globe.   In 2024, only about one-third of…