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HIGHLIGHTS
On September 23-26, 2025, the Western States Water Council (WSWC) held its 208th Meetings, hosted by the State of California in San Pedro, beginning with a groundwater workshop that focused on state updates, addressing the cumulative impacts of exempt wells, and exploring Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) programs. On September 25, members attended a deep dive on water data, emphasizing the necessity of federal data networks while voicing concern over underinvestment. During the Joint Committee Meeting, they received updates on Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) and the capabilities of the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite mission. During the Full Council Meeting, members revised and readopted several positions, including support for the implementation of the SECURE Water Act and supporting critical water data programs, and a Resolution of Appreciation for Tony Willardson. The meetings were kicked off by new Executive Director J.D. Strong, who stressed the organization’s role as an invaluable voice for water in the West.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
On October 20 at 11:00 AM (MDT), WestFAST and WSWC will host a webinar with the Idaho Department of Water Resources. Phil Blankenau will discuss how Idaho uses Landsat data to manage water resources, including evapotranspiration mapping since 2000. Idaho was an early Landsat user and successfully advocated to retain the Thermal Infrared Sensor on Landsat 8 and 9 to support ongoing water management needs. Please register at the link below.