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.
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.
2026 WSWC Spring (209th) Meetings and Washington Roundtable
ICWP/WSWC Water Workforce Development Workshop No. 2
Landsat Data for Water Resource Decision Making in Idaho
Position #495 – Regarding the National Levee Safety Act of 2007 and Levee and Canal Structures
Position #495 - Regarding the National Levee Safety Act of 2007 and Levee and Canal Structures WHEREAS, floods are among the Nation’s most frequent and costliest hazards – every year the costs to taxpayers are in the billions and continue to increase; and WHEREAS, all...
Position #494 – Regarding the Transfer of Federal Water and Power Projects and Related Facilities
Position #494 - Regarding the Transfer of Federal Water and Power Projects and Related Facilities WHEREAS, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act (P.L. 116-9) was signed into law on March 12, 2019, and Title VIII provides the Bureau of...
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...
Issue #2683
To view and download the newsletter, click on the link below: Issue #2683 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...
WSWC Letter to WH PCAST Groundwater Working Group
On July 1, the WSWC sent a letter to the White House President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) regarding state groundwater management and protection. WSWC Letter to WH PCAST Groundwater Working Group
Testimony: Support for USDA Water Programs
On June 1, the WSWC submitted written testimony to to the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. The testimony focused on general support for several water-focused programs...
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Topical Resources
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WIDS Fall Meeting – October 2017
WIDS Fall Meeting – October 2017 WIDS Fall Mtg – October 2017 – Meeting Agenda WIDS Fall Mtg – October 2017 – Meeting Minutes Meeting Summary: WIDS group members reviewed the States’ Use of Cloud Platforms Survey results and also gave feedback on the January 2018 WIMS...
Issue #2690
To view and download the newsletter, click on the link below: Issue #2690 HIGHLIGHTS On January 12, the Department of the Interior established a new U.S. Wildland Fire Service to consolidate wildfire mitigation and response functions previously managed by BIA, BLM,...
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
