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Issue #2706
HIGHLIGHTS
EPA/WOTUS Supplemental Proposal
The EPA and Army issued a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to gather additional public input on the “waters of the United States” definition under the Clean Water Act. This supplemental proposal introduces new regulatory alternatives to be considered alongside their November 2025 proposal.
House Hearing On Data Centers and Drinking Water
The House held a hearing to review two legislative drafts addressing drinking-water infrastructure, cybersecurity, and the increasing water demands associated with data centers, including the Water Cost Accountability Act of 2026, and the Safe Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2026.
Nevada Colorado River Litigation
Nevada entities filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Department of the Interior’s post-2026 Colorado River operating decisions and its long-term Decision Framework. The complaint argues that the framework could severely reduce Nevada’s annual water entitlement by up to 71% during severe shortages without imposing corresponding mandatory reductions on Upper Basin states.
Utah Water Data Report
A report led by Utah State University found that while Utah produces high-value water data, fragmented systems and resource constraints currently limit integrated decision-making. To improve water-data accessibility and sustainability across western states, the report recommends stronger cross-agency coordination, shared-service approaches, and common data standards.
WSWC NEWS & ACTIONS
Farm Bill/WSWC Letter
The WSWC sent a letter to the Senate Agriculture Committee outlining western water priorities for the Agricultural Act of 2026, emphasizing support for adequately funded, voluntary conservation programs. The Council urged Congress to reconsider proposed funding reductions for specific conservation programs and to ensure flexibility and strong state partnerships.
NAWI/WSWC Webinar
An upcoming September 17 webinar hosted by the WSWC and the National Alliance for Water Innovation will allow state water managers to help shape future federal research priorities. The session will focus on regional water needs, existing data gaps, and the types of support required for non-traditional water supplies.
WSWC Fall Meetings/Las Cruces
The Western States Water Council (WSWC) will hold its 211th Fall Meetings on October 21–23, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Las Cruces, New Mexico (2550 Don Roser Drive, Las Cruces, NM 88011). Attendance is free, but advance registration and early hotel bookings are required.
Deadlines & Registration: The Hotel Block Cutoff ($135/night) is September 20, 2026.
The In-Person Registration Deadline is October 2, 2026.
Schedule of Meetings:
Wednesday, Oct 21 – Field Trip (10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.) and Off-Site Reception at La Posta (5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.)
Thursday, Oct 22 – All-Day Meetings & Lunch (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
Friday, Oct 23 – Executive Committee Breakfast (By Invitation Only) (8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.).
FEDERAL POLICY & PROGRAMS
EPA/Drinking Water Resilience and Workforce Grants
The EPA announced $11.75 million in funding for ten projects under its Midsize and Large Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Grant Program, with seven located in WSWC member states. Additionally, the agency made $10.8 million available for workforce education and training initiatives through its Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant Program.
EPA/Good Samaritan Mine Cleanup Pilot
The EPA recently closed the public comment period for a proposed pilot project allowing Trout Unlimited to voluntarily clean up the abandoned Bodie Mine in Washington. Under the Good Samaritan program, this project would remove contaminated soil and stabilize the streambank while granting the remediating party specified liability protections.
EPA/SRF Reporting
The EPA opened a public comment period regarding the renewal of information-collection requirements for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs. The agency estimates an overall decrease in the annual reporting burden due to the conclusion of supplemental Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act capitalization grants after FY2026.
Reclamation/Applied Research and AI
The Bureau of Reclamation announced funding for 17 new internal research projects designed to address priorities like Colorado River management, infrastructure, and invasive species. Several of these projects will explore the application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced modeling to enhance western water management.
RESEARCH & TOOLS
USGS/Groundwater and Streamflow Trends
A U.S. Geological Survey study spanning 1980 to 2020 revealed that surface-water and groundwater conditions often do not change in parallel, with individual sites frequently seeing increased streamflow despite declining groundwater levels. This divergence, which aligns more closely over longer periods and broader regional scales, highlights the necessity of managing groundwater and surface water as an integrated resource.
Iowa/Data Center Decision Tool
The University of Iowa developed a decision tool designed to help local governments evaluate the environmental and infrastructure impacts of proposed data center developments. Although tailored for Iowa, the tool provides valuable guidance for western communities negotiating utility agreements, water assessments, and conservation strategies with developers.
PEOPLE
ICWP/Executive Director Transition
Beth Callaway is departing from her role as Executive Director of the Interstate Council on Water Policy to join The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming as External Affairs Director. The ICWP is currently accepting proposals from independent contractors to fill the flexible-location Executive Director position.
WEBINARS & WORKSHOPS
Missouri River Basin Drought Early Warning System Partners Meeting
A September 14-16 meeting in North Dakota will convene partners of the Missouri River Basin Drought Early Warning System to discuss regional drought resiliency. The event is a collaborative effort involving NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System, the University of Montana, and local climate offices.
EPA Natural Hazard Technical Assistance Webinar
On October 14, the EPA’s Strengthening Water Infrastructure for Tomorrow initiative will host a webinar focused on updating emergency response plans for natural hazards. The session will highlight data resources, online tools, and free technical assistance available to utility planners.
