Utah’s agricultural program to reduce water use through improved efficiency is showing some encouraging results. Nearly 700 projects have secured funding under the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food’s Agricultural Water Optimization Program. To date, 250 projects have been completed resulting in annual savings of over 40,891 acre-feet of water! This volume of water could…
Severe weather events, particularly heavy rainfall, are becoming increasingly common. Having reliable assessments of location and timing for such occurrences is crucial for saving lives and property. Researchers have developed a new AI method that converts low-resolution global weather data into high-resolution precipitation maps. Researchers utilize historical weather model data, which describe global precipitation…
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paper, “Barrier Removal is a Strategy for Climate Resilience,” from Utah State University highlights how removing outdated or unsafe dams and barriers can improve…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…
A new algae system could revolutionize farming practices in Arizona, helping farmers achieve better crop yields with significantly less water. This approach – developed through a collaboration between Arizona State University and Phoenix-based soil health company MyLand – offers a vital solution for regions facing water scarcity. The aim is to create “more crop per…
New research from Colorado State University and Cornell University shows that solar arrays can actively reduce drought stress in Colorado’s grasslands. By casting partial shade, the panels boost moisture levels and drive plant growth, especially in dry years. The study strengthens the case for using solar arrays to stabilize ecosystems while producing renewable energy. …
Smart water metering has grown to a $6.8 billion global market, solidifying its position as a key driver of digital transformation for utilities. According to a new report, utilities are embracing advanced metering technologies to boost operational efficiency, recover revenue, and engage more actively with customers. Metering systems – including advanced meter reading (AMR)…
Nevada has launched a voluntary water rights buyback program to address the long-standing issue of groundwater over-pumping. Approved in June, the initiative allows the state to purchase and permanently retire groundwater rights in over-allocated basins. It’s a major step toward restoring balance in areas where groundwater use is exceeding sustainable levels. However, the program still…
A new report about Safe Drinking Water and Public Health across the globe emphasizes the steps the water sector must take to adapt to a quickly changing climate. It shows how floods, heatwaves, and aging infrastructure are threatening access to safe drinking water. As these risks grow, so does exposure to waterborne pathogens, especially in…
The water sector is presently facing a growing challenge: securing consistent funding for capital improvements. According to the latest State of the Water Industry report by the American Water Works Association, this issue has now overtaken source water protection as the top industry concern. Notably, only 41% of utilities report being able to fully fund…
Colorado is investing in turf replacement initiatives to cut outdoor water use. The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) is championing transformative landscape change to addresses climate and population pressures while seeking broader ecosystem benefits. The Colorado Water Plan directs CWCB to explore various water-saving strategies, including turf replacement. The primary goal is to decrease…
The escalating challenge of coastal flooding in low-lying areas like San Francisco Bay demands new solutions. As sea levels rise and storms intensify, traditional levees face growing challenges. A new study, however, points to promising nature-based ‘horizontal levees’. These hybrid structures, composed of wetland buffers that slope out before conventional levees, can reduce…
New research shows that active forest management (e.g., thinning and prescribed fire) significantly benefits water yield, especially during drought years. University of Nevada scientists found that thinning forests, often done for wildfire reduction, also increases mountain runoff. Thinned forests can provide an 8% to 14% increase in water yield when most needed. This finding offers…
New University of Utah research has shown that the darkening of snow from dust is impacting snowmelt rates across the Colorado Basin, severely affecting the West’s water supply. Analysis of 23 years of satellite data has shown that dust-darkened snow speeds up runoff. This is the first study to widely map the impact of…
New Michigan State University (MSU) research suggests farmers don’t need to choose between growing crops and installing solar panels; in fact, both can coexist. Leveraging this innovative land use approach can result in greater financial security and save water. As increasingly extreme weather threatens global food, energy, and water resources, new energy sources are…
The evolving landscape of PFAS regulations demands close attention. While federal guidelines solidify, individual states are increasingly taking their own measures to regulate PFAS and ensure compliance. Understanding these diverse state actions is crucial for effective water resource management and policy analysis. Federal efforts, like the EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap and the TSCA Section…
Subsidence – the gradual caving in or sinking of land – is significantly limiting California’s water delivery capabilities. A recent technical report confirms that this land collapse, primarily driven by groundwater over-pumping impacts, already affects deliveries and could drastically reduce them without immediate, substantial action. This subsidence occurs when excessive groundwater is withdrawn from aquifers,…
A new federal order to increased timber production nation-wide will impact all 18 of California’s national forests. While total areas impacted are unknown, this new initiative raises concerns about forest management impacts and potential risks to water resources. The order aims to increase total US timber output by 25%, citing economic benefits and wildfire risk…