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.
WSWC Webinar: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers FIRO National Screening Updates with Cary Talbot
WSWC Summer (210th) Meetings
2026 WSWC Spring (209th) Meetings and Washington Roundtable
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 #2688
To view and download the newsletter, click on the link below: Issue #2688 HIGHLIGHTS On December 18, the President signed the National Defense Authorization Act into law after bipartisan passage in both chambers. The Act includes multiple water-related provisions...
WSWC Letter of Support for Landsat Next
On August 16, the WSWC sent a letter to Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Brain and Deputy Administrator Melroy, expressing strong support for the timely development and launch of the Landsat Next mission given its increasingly critical importance to western water...
Testimony: Appropriations for NASA and NOAA
On May 8, 2020, the WSWC submitted written testimony to the Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies regarding appropriations for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National...
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Topical Resources
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WIDS “Kick-off” Meeting – August 2017
WIDS “Kick-off” Meeting – August 2017 WIDS Kickoff Mtg – August 2017 – Meeting Agenda WIDS Kickoff Mtg – August 2017 – Meeting Minutes Meeting Summary: WIDS group members gave feedback on the current status of the WaDE program, a draft survey on states’ use of cloud...
Reauthorization of the 2026 Farm Bill
On April 22, the WSWC sent a letter to the leadership of the House Committee on Agriculture in support of the prompt reauthorization of the 2026 Farm Bill, which contains several key provisions for water conservation, water quality improvement, water supply...
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
