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The Tijuana River Valley has faced ongoing challenges due to pollution stemming from untreated wastewater and significant debris flows originating in Mexico. Recent developments indicate a multi-pronged approach to address this issue.   Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades: Senator Padilla and the San Diego Congressional delegation secured a significant allocation of $250 million for the International…

Utah has initiated a Demand Management Pilot Program aimed at conserving water within the Colorado River Basin. This program incentivizes farmers to temporarily cease irrigation in designated fields, a practice known as fallowing. Participating farmers receive financial compensation while maintaining their existing water rights.   The program’s core feature is a focus on meticulously tracking…

The Department of the Interior announced on Jan. 7, a $41 million investment in 21 water resource projects across the United States. This funding, allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support initiatives aimed at improving water resource management, enhancing ecosystem health, and building community resilience to climate change impacts.   Projects receiving funding will…

The passage and approval of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) by the House of Representatives’ and Senate in December 2024, signified a meaningful development in the nation’s water infrastructure landscape. This bipartisan legislation was signed into law by President Biden on January 4, 2025 and offers a multifaceted approach to improving water resources management.…

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a new rule aimed at modernizing and streamlining the process for state and tribal involvement in Clean Water Act (CWA) implementation. This long-awaited update focuses on Section 404 of the CWA, which regulates the discharge of dredged or filled material into waterways.   The new rule, titled…

The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) has initiated a public comment period on proposed revisions to its rules governing several key programs. These revisions are intended to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of these programs in achieving their goals of protecting and restoring Oregon’s water resources.   The specific programs affected by the proposed rule…

The Lower Snake River, a vital waterway in the Pacific Northwest, is at the center of a significant debate. The potential removal of four dams on the river has sparked discussions about the future of this iconic waterway.   To inform this debate, the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office and the Army Corps of…

The San Francisco Bay Area, a region renowned for its diverse ecosystems, thriving economy, and iconic landmarks, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly sea-level rise. In response to this growing threat, the region has developed a comprehensive Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan (RSAP) to protect its valuable coastal resources and communities.  …

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new initiative to address the growing threat posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants in drinking water. This initiative, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to provide technical assistance to small and disadvantaged communities.   By providing technical assistance, the EPA…