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HIGHLIGHTS
On October 15, Colorado filed a response urging the U.S. Supreme Court to dismiss Nebraska’s July complaint over the 1923 South Platte River Compact, arguing that Nebraska’s claims are “speculative and premature.” Nebraska contends Colorado has failed to curtail junior diversions and obstructed the state’s efforts to construct the Perkins County Canal, while both states dispute whether eminent domain should be exercised in federal or state court.
On October 7, Governor Katie Hobbs celebrated Arizona’s first Alternative Designation of Assured Water Supply (ADAWS), expanding housing while preserving groundwater protections.
On October 1, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum acknowledged Scott Cameron as acting head of the Bureau of Reclamation, while he continues as the Trump Administration’s lead on Colorado River negotiations. The order also acknowledged the roles of Andrea Travnicek, William Doffermyre, Leslie Beyer, and Brian Nesvik, following the withdrawal of Ted Cooke’s nomination as Reclamation Commissioner
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Newsletter Changes
The Western States Water newsletter will switch to biweekly publication beginning with this issue (WSW #2683). Following recent strategic directions discussions, WSWC staff have determined that publishing the newsletter every other week will allow for more robust analysis of priority topics while freeing staff time to advance other objectives. No issue will be released next Friday. The next issue (#2684) will be released on October 31, 2025.
WSWC Spring Meetings
The WSWC Spring (209th) Meetings and Washington Roundtable, jointly hosted by the Interstate Council on Water Policy (ICWP), will be held from April 21-24, 2026. TTuesday will be reserved for Congressional visits. All ICWP/WSWC meetings on Wednesday and Thursday will take place at the Xylem Reservoir Center for Water Solutions, located at 301 Water Street SE, Washington, DC 20003. The location of the WSWC-WestFAST Principals Meeting on Friday morning is still pending.
A limited room block for Monday-Thursday has been secured for WSWC members at the Thompson Hyatt in Washington D.C., located at 221 Tingey Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. The special guest room rate is $276.00 per night, plus tax. You can call the hotel directly at (202) 916-5200 and mention our room block code: G-WSWC or click the link below to make reservations. The deadline for our room block is March 19. Reservations requested after this date will be subject to availability. Further information about the meetings, including agendas and registration, will be provided on our meeting page (link below) as it becomes available.
Thompson Hyatt Room WSWC Block Reservations
WSWC/ICWP Spring (209th) Meetings and Washington Roundtable Meeting Page
ACWA/EPA Water Reuse For Data Centers Webinar
The Association of Clean Water Administrators and the Environmental Protection Agency will host a Water Reuse for Data Centers Webinar on December 3, 2025 at 2:00 pm ET. Presentations and discussions will include considerations for permitting, treatment and cooling technologies, as well as an audience/presenter Q&A. Participation in this event will be limited to state and federal regulators. Please reach out to Ashley Harper, harper.ashley@epa.gov, if you have any questions.
State and Federal Regulators can register for the webinar HERE.
WestFAST Landsat Webinar
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.