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A new report highlights a critical role for state and local leaders in addressing the growing financial and infrastructure challenges facing US water and wastewater utilities. With an estimated $110 billion funding gap in 2024, set to balloon to $194 billion by 2030, the sector is struggling to keep pace with aging infrastructure, rising operational…

California is making significant strides in its efforts to revitalize struggling salmon populations, according to a new progress report. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), in collaboration with other state agencies, has released an update on its “California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future,” revealing that a substantial majority of planned actions…

The United States has denied a request for a special water delivery from the Colorado River to Tijuana. This decision, announced by the State Department on Mar. 20, 2025, is a first and highlights the growing strain on the Treaty of 1944 which governs water sharing between the two nations. The Treaty of 1944 outlines…

The quest for innovative water conservation solutions has led Colorado to explore the potential of reducing reservoir evaporation through the implementation of floating solar technology. This approach aims to mitigate significant water losses from reservoirs and canals, particularly crucial in the drought-stricken Colorado River Basin.   A recent feasibility study conducted by the Colorado Water…

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is developing a pivotal Agricultural Climate Resilience strategy, aiming to safeguard the state’s diverse agricultural sector against escalating climate challenges.    The CDFA’s strategy marks a significant step in shaping California ag policy to address climate impacts. The goal is to create a unified framework that guides…

A recent study by the Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) has shed light on the critical issue of transboundary aquifer vulnerability along the US-Mexico border. This research pinpoints areas facing significant pressure due to overutilization and provides essential data for water management. The study focuses on identifying areas within 73 transboundary hydrogeological units that are…

The increasing frequency of wildfires in arid regions has brought to the forefront the critical issue of wildfire impacts on water. A new interdisciplinary study provides a crucial framework for understanding how these fires affect water quality and ecosystem recovery in arid watersheds.   Key findings from the study showed that precipitation patterns play a…

The dynamics of coastal subsidence are playing a crucial role in reshaping sea level rise projections along the California coastline. A recent NASA-led study has unveiled the significant impacts of localized land motion, highlighting the necessity for a refined approach to coastal water management.   Traditional sea level rise projections, often based solely on ocean…

The regulatory landscape of the US is facing a significant transformation, impacting how projects, particularly within the water industry, are permitted and executed. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), in particular, is currently undergoing dramatic alterations.   Recent executive actions (Executive Order 14154) have initiated a substantial NEPA reform. The revocation of a 1977 executive…