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.
Position #493 – Regarding the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978
Position #493 - Regarding the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 WHEREAS, the Bureau of Reclamation’s dams and reservoirs are the primary source of water for numerous regions and communities throughout the West; and WHEREAS, Reclamation’s dams and reservoirs...
Position #492 – Regarding Bureau of Reclamation Maintenance, Repair and Rehabilitation Needs
Position #492 - Regarding Bureau of Reclamation Maintenance, Repair and Rehabilitation Needs WHEREAS, the Bureau of Reclamation’s mission is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest...
Position #491 – Subseasonal to Seasonal Weather Research Forecasting Innovation May 2023
Position #491 - Subseasonal to Seasonal Weather Research Forecasting Innovation May 2023 WHEREAS, Western States experience great subseasonal, seasonal, and annual variability in precipitation, with serious impacts and consequences for water supply planning and...
Issue #2667
To view and download the newsletters, click on the link below: Issue #2667 HIGHLIGHTS On June 23-24, the Western Governors’ Association met in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for its annual meeting hosted by WGA Chair Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, joined by six other...
Federal Baseline Water Quality Standards (WQS) for Indian Reservations
On August 4, 2023, the public comment period ended for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule on Federal Baseline Water Quality Standards (WQS) for Indian Reservations (88 FR 29496). The WSWC Submitted a comment letter based on Policy Position #490,...
Testimony: NASA and Water Data
On June 21, the WSWC submitted written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. The testimony addresses the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Applied Earth Science...
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Topical Resources
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WIDS Spring Meeting – February 2018
WIDS Spring Meeting – February 2018 WIDS Spring Mtg – February 2018 – Meeting Agenda WIDS Spring Mtg – February 2018 – Meeting Minutes Meeting Summary: The WIDS group discussed the cloud survey results and report. The recent WIMS workshop was reviewed. A WaDE status...
Issue #2673
To view and download the newsletter, click on the link below: Issue #2673 HIGHLIGHTS On August 4, Colorado’s full congressional delegation urged the Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation to release $140M for 15 drought-response projects under the Upper...
Seasonal Forecasting – WSWC Workshops and Materials
The WSWC has long supported efforts to improve seasonal and mid-season forecasting, federal agency data-collection, and application development for more informed water resource management. Here is a collection of reports, workshops, and other materials related to the...
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
Office Manager
