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The Kootenai River originates from glaciers in Canada and its watershed spans over 19,000 square miles across British Columbia, Montana, and Idaho. The river crosses the US-Canada border twice. Residents on both sides of the border share its waters and its pollution.   Researchers have recently launched a $4.9 million transboundary study aimed at promoting…

Aging dams and other river barrier infrastructure pose an increasing risk to communities. New research explains that dam removal can significantly enhance safety and resilience against extreme weather.    The research paper, “Barrier Removal is a Strategy for Climate Resilience,” from Utah State University highlights how removing outdated or unsafe dams and barriers can improve…

Droughts are having increasingly significant economic impacts. A new report shows that without effective adaptation, the costs associated with climatic events could surge by at least 35% by 2035.    The global land area affected by drought has doubled since 1900. In recent decades, nearly 40% of the planet experienced increased frequency and intensity of…

Wildfires devastate forests and watersheds leaving behind contaminants that continue to pollute rivers and streams longer than previously estimated. A new study offers the first large-scale assessment of post-wildfire water quality. It analyzed water quality in over 500 watersheds, aiming to identify trends in post-wildfire water quality across the entire US West.    Fire ash…

Storms coming from atmospheric rivers bring vital moisture to the US West Coast. However, they also cause most of the region’s floods. Storm size alone does not always predict flood risk, ground conditions also play a critical role.    New research explores the drivers of floods, by analyzing decades of atmospheric river storms. It examined…

Columbia River tribes have long recognized the importance and drastic decline of the Pacific lamprey.  Years ago, they began raising alarms, initiating action, and collecting data. This groundwork led to the development of the first Pacific Lamprey Restoration Plan in 2011.   After years of dedicated work, a new, more in-depth plan has arrived. This…

Complex environmental challenges demand integrated solutions. Multi-benefit projects, such as realigning levees to reconnect floodplains, can be powerful tools to help us address water challenges. They tackle climate adaptation, water management, and ecosystem restoration all at once. However, securing funding for these comprehensive initiatives often proves difficult. Traditional funding sources typically support single-purpose projects.  …

Irrigation (at some level) is essential for much of the US’s agricultural production. In the Great Plains region irrigation is used to supply water during dry periods, encourage crop growth, and maximize yields. A new study looks at how irrigation may affect summer heat stress (a combination of temperature and humidity) and public health impacts.…

Increasing water scarcity has resulted in more agricultural fields being left unplanted in California. The fallowed farmlands are now the state’s top source of human-caused dust. New research shows they account for 88% of anthropogenic dust events, especially in the Central Valley. Dust storms from these areas threaten public health, road safety, and long-term water…