Welcome to the Water Report Blog
While The Water Report publication provides in-depth analysis, we also offer curated summaries of the hot topics, emerging trends, and opportunities you need to know about empowering you to tackle today's complex water issues with the most up-to-date information.
‘Bucket 2’ Funding – $700 Million for Colorado River Basin Water Conservation
The Department of the Interior announced a $700 million investment to fund long-term water conservation projects across the Lower Colorado River Basin. This significant investment, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aims to save over 700,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead and enhance the region’s drought and climate resilience. The funding is…
EPA Releases New Climate Adaptation Plan to Build a More Resilient Nation
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled its 2024-2027 Climate Adaptation Plan. This plan outlines the agency’s strategy for addressing climate change impacts and building a more resilient nation. Below are some of the key components of this plan. Climate-Ready Workforce: EPA is investing in employee education and training to ensure staff understand climate…
The BASF Settlement: A Step Forward in Addressing PFAS Contamination in Public Water Systems
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have become a major concern for public health and water quality. These man-made chemicals have been linked to various health problems and are increasingly being detected in drinking water supplies. A recent development in the ongoing…
New EPA Rule Strengthens Protections for Tribal Water Rights
A recent rule finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes a national framework for considering tribal treaties and reserved rights when setting water quality standards under the Clean Water Act. Key takeaways: Clear Framework for Tribal Rights: This rule replaces a case-by-case approach with a consistent national framework for considering tribal rights in…
Clean Water Act Lawsuit Targets Industrial Facilities in Seattle for Damaging Local Waterways
The health of the Lower Duwamish River and Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington, is at the centre of a recent lawsuit filed by the United States Department of Justice. The lawsuit names Crowley Marine Services, Inc., 8th Avenue Terminals, Inc., and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) as defendants, alleging they are responsible for…
San Francisco Faces Legal Action Over Untreated Sewage Discharges
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Attorney General, on behalf of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, filed a civil complaint against the city for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA). This lawsuit centers on the discharge of billions of gallons of untreated sewage from San Francisco’s…
The Public Lands Rule: Balancing Conservation and Development on America’s Public Lands
The Department of the Interior recently announced a new rule aimed at guiding the balanced management of America’s public lands. The Public Lands Rule, implemented by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), has significant implications for anyone concerned with the future of our public lands. This new rule prioritizes a holistic approach to public…
A New Era in Understanding Our Rivers: A Look at a Groundbreaking NASA Study
For decades, our understanding of Earth’s river systems lacked a crucial piece of the puzzle: a comprehensive picture of the volume of water they hold and how it fluctuates. A recent study led by NASA researchers and published in Nature Geoscience is revolutionizing this field. This groundbreaking research provides the first global accounting of Earth’s…
Arizona and the Colorado River Indian Tribes Forge Historic Water Agreement
On April 26th, 2024, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and other prominent figures participated in a signing ceremony that finalized agreements allowing the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) to market a portion of their Colorado River water allocation to entities outside of their reservation. This landmark agreement represents a critical step forward in implementing the…