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HIGHLIGHTS
On November 19, ICWP and WSWC jointly hosted a webinar on Water Workforce Development: Insights, Strategies, and Solutions. The virtual meeting explored pathways into water careers, featuring presentations and a panel discussion on workforce development strategies. Presentations highlighted strategies like utilizing digital literacy, internships, cross-training, and K-12 awareness initiatives to attract and retain talent in water-related careers. The discussion also addressed challenges, such as the aging workforce and the need for qualified technical candidates in local and rural areas. A follow-up virtual conversation is scheduled for January 29 at 12pm MST. Registration is available at: https://westernstateswater.org/events/icwp-wswc-water-workforce-development-workshop-no-2/
On December 2, EPA’s Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains hosted a webinar providing details on the Good Samaritan abandoned mine cleanup program, which offers long-term liability shields under the CWA and CERCLA for 15 pilot projects at low-risk sites. The rollout is planned in three phases from 2026 through 2028, and potential Good Sam applicants are strongly encouraged to engage in pre-application discussions at all levels of government.
On December 3-4, the Army Corps of Engineers hosted the first in-person meeting of the Western Water Cooperative Committee in Bismark, North Dakota. Western states raised concerns about persistent communications gaps; the need to work with states as sovereign partners rather than as stakeholders, particularly where water is concerned; the need for operational flexibility; several high stakes conflicts that need to be addressed; and some examples of successful Corp-State partnerships that might serve as models.
On December 3, EPA and ACWA hosted a virtual meeting for state regulators on water reuse for data centers. Presentations included information on state permitting, water treatment requirements, and water demands for cooling technologies. Regulators raised concerns about the impact of this rapid expansion on local water infrastructure, the need to clarify and harmonize regulatory frameworks, and challenges in data transparency and equitable negotiations with large data center corporations. A follow-up virtual conversation for state regulators is scheduled for December 16 at 11am MST.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
Thompson Hyatt Room WSWC Block Reservations
WSWC/ICWP Spring (209th) Meetings and Washington Roundtable Meeting Page