Western States Water Council
A Voice for Water in the West since 1965
What We Do
Our mission is to ensure that the West has an adequate, secure, and sustainable supply of water of suitable quality to meet its diverse economic and environmental needs now and in the future.
Western Water Policy Positions
Raise water as a critical public policy priority. Policy positions are vetted with the governors, adopted by the Council, and promoted on behalf of Western States.
Weekly Newsletter
Report and curate state and federal news on water-related issues, as well as other activities and events.
Federal Reserved Tribal and Non-Tribal Water Rights
Support authorization and funding of negotiated settlements between tribes, states, and federal agencies to resolved unquantified tribal and non-tribal water claims.
Water Infrastructure
Recognize and promote active asset management, including consistent funding to address aging infrastructure challenges, future water supply, and water and wastewater treatment needs.
Sharing of State-Level Water Data
Develop and grow the Water Data Exchange (WaDE) Program that streamlines access to water rights and water use data, water quality and other water related databases.
Enhance State and Federal Relationships and Encourage Collaboration
Serve as a forum for Interstate and State/Federal dialogue and action on emerging and ongoing water issues with our Western States Federal Agency Support Team (WestFAST).
Water Quality-Quantity Nexus
Recognize and promote efforts to better manage and balance the interrelationships between the development and allocation of water resources, wastewater treatment, and water quality.
Water-Related Observing Systems and Data
Support the maintenance and expansion of critical observing systems and promote innovation related to the monitoring and reporting of water-related parameters.
WSWC/ICWP/NWSA Washington, DC Roundtable (virtual)
WSWC Spring 2021 (195th) Meetings
WSWC Fall 2020 (194th) Meetings (held via webinar)
#467 – The “Dividing the Waters” Program
Position #467 - March 25, 2021 WHEREAS, the Dividing the Waters Program of the National Judicial College has served western judges overseeing complex water litigation for more than 20 years, providing information and training resources on water law and water conflicts...
#466 – State Primacy over Groundwater
Position #466 - March 25, 2021 WHEREAS, groundwater is a critically important natural resource that is vital to the economy and environment of the arid West; WHEREAS, the Desert Land Act of 1877 and the United States Supreme Court in California Oregon Power Co. v....
#465 – Universal Access to Reliable, Clean Drinking Water for Federally recognized Indian Tribes and Alaska Native communities
Position #465 - March 25, 2021 WHEREAS, access to reliable, clean drinking water is an essential human need that is critical to the public health, well-being, educational attainment, and economic development of all communities in the United States; and WHEREAS, lack...
Issue #2456
Issue #2456
Rural and Tribal Water Infrastructure
The Western States Water Council, Native American Rights Fund, and National Congress of American Indians sent a joint letter to various Congressional committees, urging them to prioritize federal funding to meet urgent tribal and rural water infrastructure needs as they consider potential infrastructure funding packages.
Testimony: Support for USDA Water Programs
On June 1, the WSWC submitted written testimony to to the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. The testimony focused on general support for several water-focused programs...
WSWC Spring 2021 (195th) Meetings – Presentations
Presentations and meeting materials from the 195th WSWC Meetings are available online, as well as the virtual field trip video of the Rio Grande. Meeting minutes will be posted in June.
Western Water Perspectives
In this section, we will post reflective articles on water-related topics that summarize and review what has been done on a particular theme of interest.
WIDS Kickoff Spring Meeting – April 2021
Water Information and Data Subcommittee (WIDS) Kickoff Spring Meeting – April 2021 We had an amazing and historic turnout with 36 attendees representing most of our member states and partners. Thank you! Meeting Summary In this kickoff meeting, the WIDS group was...
Stock Water Rights for Grazing Livestock on Federal Lands
A report on select western state and federal laws, policies, and perspectives on stock water rights, as well as some stock owner perspectives. The report is intended to serve as a useful tool to facilitate understanding, and as a springboard to continue conversations as we seek to reduce conflicts where possible.
Stock Water Rights for Grazing Livestock on Federal Lands
A report on select western state and federal laws, policies, and perspectives on stock water rights, as well as some stock owner perspectives. The report is intended to serve as a useful tool to facilitate understanding, and as a springboard to continue conversations as we seek to reduce conflicts where possible.
The Western States Water Council is the preeminent water policy organization in the western U.S. representing as it does 18 western states. From influential positions on federal rules and legislation to support of Landsat missions intended to acquire important water use information, the Council serves it member states like no other entity. My 18-year membership with the Council is one of the most memorable experiences of my service as Wyoming State Engineer.
I find the Council to be a provocative forum to discuss how State water supply and water quality program should interact. Western perspectives highlight the unique and confounding aspects of managing water quality in ways that defy uniform application of the Clean Water Act. And there may be no greater champion of the importance of water data programs of the USGS and NRCS than the WSWC.
The Western States Water Council is recognized as a national leader in developing and influencing national and western water policy, while serving as the water arm for the Western Governors’ Association. The Council provides an excellent forum for states and federal agencies to discuss water issues of mutual interest. I know that my time on the Council certainly enhanced my ability as a leader on state water issues.
Contact Us
Western States Water Council Office
682 East Vine Street, Suite 7
Murray, UT 84107-5501
(801) 685-2555
(801) 685-2559 (fax)
jgroat@wswc.utah.gov
Julie Groat
Administrative Assistant
