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 #532 – Preservation of Radio Frequencies Necessary for Weather Forecasting and Water Management
Position #532 - Preservation of Radio Frequencies Necessary for Weather Forecasting and Water Management WHEREAS, the Western States Water Council (WSWC) is a government entity representing eighteen states, with members appointed by their respective governors; and ...
Position #531 – Regarding Clean Water Act Jurisdiction
Position #531 - Regarding Clean Water Act Jurisdiction WHEREAS, the Western States Water Council (WSWC) is a government entity representing eighteen states, with members appointed by their respective governors; and WHEREAS, the WSWC’s mission is to ensure that the...
Position #530 – Supporting Migratory Birds and the Management of State Water Rights and Resources
Position #530 - Supporting Migratory Birds and the Management of State Water Rights and Resources WHEREAS, the Western States Water Council (WSWC) is a government entity representing eighteen states, with members appointed by their respective governors; and WHEREAS,...
Issue #2678
To view and download the newsletter, click on the link below: Issue #2678 HIGHLIGHTS Weather Act Reauthorization ActOn September 10, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology passed an amended version of the Weather Act Reauthorization Act (H.R. 5089)....
WSWC Letter to EPA Regarding §401 Certification Implementation Federalism Consultation
On September 7, 2025, WSWC sent a letter to EPA to engage in the federalism consultation triggered by the establishment of the public docket on Implementation Challenges Associated with Clean Water Act (CWA) §401. WSWC referenced the policies in Position #521,...
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure – Water and Power Subcommittee Hearing
On February 11, 2025, the Western States Water Council submitted written testimony to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Water and Power Subcommittee on the Clean Water Act (CWA) Permitting and Project Delivery. Feb 2025 WSWC Testimony to the...
WSWC Seeking New Executive Director
The Western States Water Council (WSWC) seeks an engaging and strategic leader with the experience and skill necessary to strategically guide the organization into the future, while building value for its members and effectively managing its operations and staff. The...
Western Water Perspectives
In this section, we will post reflective articles on water-related topics that summarize and review what has been done on a particular theme of interest.
Topical Resources
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Users Engagement Report: Western States Water Data Access and Analysis Tool (WestDAAT)
Download Executive Summary This report summarizes the Western States Water Council (WSWC) engagement campaign with users pre- and post-development of the Western States Water Data Access and Analysis Tool (WestDAAT),[1] mainly from September 2021 through September...
Issue #2678
To view and download the newsletter, click on the link below: Issue #2678 HIGHLIGHTS Weather Act Reauthorization ActOn September 10, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology passed an amended version of the Weather Act Reauthorization Act (H.R. 5089)....
Wild & Scenic Rivers Workshop
On September 14, 2021, the Western States Water Council and WestFAST jointly hosted a Wild & Scenic Rivers Workshop. The Non-Tribal Federal Water Rights Workgroup, comprised of WSWC and WestFAST members, has as its primary purpose to facilitate state-federal...
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
