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A new study sheds light on how wildfires are impacting water availability in the Western US. The research, conducted by a team from Colorado State University, focused on the aftermath of the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire, the largest wildfire in Colorado’s history. Key Findings: Earlier Snowmelt on South-Facing Slopes: The study revealed that snowmelt occurred…

As the world transitions to renewable energy sources, balancing energy supply and demand becomes increasingly challenging. A new Stanford study explores how water systems, often overlooked in energy discussions, can play a crucial role in enhancing grid stability and creating new revenue streams.   The study presents a framework to measure the value of energy…

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released several new tools to assist small, rural, and tribal communities that rely on lagoon systems for wastewater treatment. These tools aim to empower local decision-makers to navigate the complexities of lagoon management, ensuring public health protection, environmental compliance, and efficient asset management. Lagoon systems represent a significant…

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has completed a feasibility review of the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir project. This reservoir would be located on the Sulphur River in Northeast Texas. The review examined the project’s timeline, costs, land acquisition needs, and potential economic impacts.   A draft report outlining the findings of this review is…

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently unveiled a valuable tool for citizens and environmental advocates: the Water Quality Indicators (WQI) platform. This web-based screening tool offers a comprehensive and accessible way to explore water quality data from monitoring stations across the United States. By providing detailed information on nutrients, pathogens, and potential pollution…

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has taken a significant step towards mitigating flood risk in the state by adopting the first-ever statewide flood plan. This comprehensive plan provides a detailed assessment of flood hazards and offers recommendations for effective flood control strategies.   The plan incorporates the findings of 15 regional flood plans, providing…

The Galveston Bay area faces a significant threat: toxic flooding. This occurs when floodwaters carry harmful chemicals from nearby industrial facilities, posing risks to the environment, public health, and infrastructure.   A new website provides valuable insights into toxic flooding vulnerabilities in the region. Developed through the collaboration between the Environmental Defense Fund, the Galveston…

The Nevada Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is currently accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), a valuable initiative designed to safeguard and restore agricultural lands and wetlands within the state.     ACEP offers two distinct programs: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE). ALE focuses on preserving cropland and grassland…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new round of funding for water infrastructure projects through its Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. This program offers low-interest loans to communities for investment in drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.   The $7.5 billion announced will be used to fund projects across…