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…
Advancing sustainable groundwater management financing is a critical hurdle in the successful implementation of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). While SGMA provides a flexible framework for local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to manage groundwater resources, the financial aspects of developing and executing Groundwater Sustainability Plans (Plans) require careful attention. The implementation of these…
The changes to PFAS regulation significantly impacts the water and wastewater industries. Understanding the current status of drinking water MCLs, CERCLA PFAS liability, and wastewater discharge limits is crucial for informed decision-making. What hasn’t changed: Drinking water MCLs, finalized in April 2024, remain the standard for PFAS regulation. Water systems are in the process…
A comprehensive global study on flooding has revealed the significant (and long-term) health impacts. It shows a 26 percent higher risk of hospitalization for various diseases up to seven months after a flood. This research, which analyzed over 300 million records across eight countries, underscored the widespread consequences of these increasingly common events linked to…
There are 7 states in the Colorado River Basin (Basin), all which employ various levels of water reuse. For example, Arizona has a robust water recycling program. Research indicates that Arizona recycles over half of its treated wastewater, placing it at the forefront of water recycling efforts within the Basin, second only to Nevada. …
The Texas Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 7, prioritizing Texas water supply development through funding for desalination, Texas-produced water treatment, and reservoir projects. The Bill aims to address the state’s growing water needs amidst population growth and drought concerns. The bill focuses on diversifying Texas water supply development by investing in new sources of…
A new report highlights a critical role for state and local leaders in addressing the growing financial and infrastructure challenges facing US water and wastewater utilities. With an estimated $110 billion funding gap in 2024, set to balloon to $194 billion by 2030, the sector is struggling to keep pace with aging infrastructure, rising operational…
California is making significant strides in its efforts to revitalize struggling salmon populations, according to a new progress report. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), in collaboration with other state agencies, has released an update on its “California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future,” revealing that a substantial majority of planned actions…
The United States has denied a request for a special water delivery from the Colorado River to Tijuana. This decision, announced by the State Department on Mar. 20, 2025, is a first and highlights the growing strain on the Treaty of 1944 which governs water sharing between the two nations. The Treaty of 1944 outlines…
The quest for innovative water conservation solutions has led Colorado to explore the potential of reducing reservoir evaporation through the implementation of floating solar technology. This approach aims to mitigate significant water losses from reservoirs and canals, particularly crucial in the drought-stricken Colorado River Basin. A recent feasibility study conducted by the Colorado Water…
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is developing a pivotal Agricultural Climate Resilience strategy, aiming to safeguard the state’s diverse agricultural sector against escalating climate challenges. The CDFA’s strategy marks a significant step in shaping California ag policy to address climate impacts. The goal is to create a unified framework that guides…
A recent study by the Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) has shed light on the critical issue of transboundary aquifer vulnerability along the US-Mexico border. This research pinpoints areas facing significant pressure due to overutilization and provides essential data for water management. The study focuses on identifying areas within 73 transboundary hydrogeological units that are…
The increasing frequency of wildfires in arid regions has brought to the forefront the critical issue of wildfire impacts on water. A new interdisciplinary study provides a crucial framework for understanding how these fires affect water quality and ecosystem recovery in arid watersheds. Key findings from the study showed that precipitation patterns play a…
The dynamics of coastal subsidence are playing a crucial role in reshaping sea level rise projections along the California coastline. A recent NASA-led study has unveiled the significant impacts of localized land motion, highlighting the necessity for a refined approach to coastal water management. Traditional sea level rise projections, often based solely on ocean…
The regulatory landscape of the US is facing a significant transformation, impacting how projects, particularly within the water industry, are permitted and executed. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), in particular, is currently undergoing dramatic alterations. Recent executive actions (Executive Order 14154) have initiated a substantial NEPA reform. The revocation of a 1977 executive…
A new study reveals significant impacts from insecticide use US butterfly populations, signaling broader risks to ecosystem health. The research highlights a 22% drop in butterfly abundance between 2000 and 2020. This decline raises critical questions about the health of our ecosystems and the role of chemical use. The study utilized data from 35 monitoring…