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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently unveiled a framework to guide the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in critical infrastructure sectors, including water systems. This significant step underscores the growing recognition of AI’s potential to revolutionize water management.   By adhering to the principles outlined in the DHS framework, water…

Water markets have the potential to increase the efficiency and resilience of water use in the United States, especially in the Southwest. However, accurate and reliable information on water diversion and use is essential to ensuring their effectiveness.   A recent report by Berkely Law, “Information Needs for Water Markets: Fair and Effective Water Markets…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated a regulatory process to address the growing concern over 6PPD and its toxic byproduct, 6PPD-quinone, which has been linked to significant harm to aquatic ecosystems, particularly salmon populations.   To gather essential information, the EPA has issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) under the Toxic Substances…

The Colorado River Basin, a vital water resource for millions of people, is facing increasing pressure due to climate change and growing water demands. Corporate funding has emerged as a significant force in supporting restoration efforts within this critical watershed.   One notable example is the Colorado River Connectivity Channel project, which was officially completed…

Federal and state agencies in California have signed an agreement to enhance collaboration on landscape-scale floodplain water projects in the Sacramento River Basin. This agreement aims to increase funding opportunities for large-scale projects and improve the efficiency of planning, designing, implementing, monitoring, and sharing information about projects located on floodplains. These projects will enhance flood…

On Nov. 9, the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) signed a new agreement aimed at ensuring more regular water deliveries between Mexico and the United States. Minute 331, titled “Measures to Improve the Reliability and Predictability of Rio Grande Water Deliveries to Benefit the United States and Mexico,” provides Mexico with tools and flexibility…

California is taking a pioneering step in addressing flood risks by launching a community-based flood insurance initiative in the city of Isleton. This innovative approach, funded by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), aims to provide financial resilience to residents in vulnerable areas.   Traditionally, flood insurance has been offered through the National Flood…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently proposed to add 16 individual per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 PFAS categories representing more than 100 individual PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). The proposal aims to address the concerns surrounding the health and environmental impacts of these persistent contaminants.   This update will require…

The US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) has launched a comprehensive online resource dedicated to sea level rise: SeaLevel.GlobalChange.gov. This website, developed by the US Interagency Task Force on Sea Level Change, offers the public a one-stop shop for information on this critical issue.   The new website offers the latest scientific research on sea…