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.
2024 WSWC Spring (203rd) Meetings and Washington Roundtable
New Mexico Integrated Water Financing Plan: Introductory Webinar
WSWC 2023 Fall Meetings
#453 – Regarding Water Related Federal Rules, Regulations, Directives, Orders and Policies
Position #453 – July 22, 2020 WHEREAS, Presidential Executive Order 13132, issued on August 4, 1999, requires federal agencies to “have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory policies...
#452 – Supporting the Water Resources Research Institutes and the USGS Water Resources Research Act Program
Position #452 – July 22, 2020 WHEREAS, in the West, water is a vital and scarce resource the availability of which has and continues to circumscribe growth, development, our economic well being and environmental quality of life; and WHEREAS, the wise use,...
#451 – Regarding the Reclamation Fund
Position #451 – July 22, 2020 WHEREAS, in the West, water is indeed our “life blood,” a vital and scarce resource the availability of which has and continues to circumscribe growth, development and our economic wellbeing and environmental quality of life – the wise...
Issue #2594/Special Report
To view and download these newsletters, click the links below: Issue #2594 Issue #2594 Special Report
Continuing Support for WestFAST
On April 21, 2020, the WSWC wrote to various federal agencies with water-related responsibilities to "express our strong continuing commitment to working together to address the serious water resources challenges facing the West and the Nation." Further, we would like...
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Topical Resources
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Issue #2600
To view and download the newsletter, click the link below: Issue #2600
Western State Water Program Capabilities Assessment Report
The WSWC is excited to release their most recent publication, the "Western State Water Program Capabilities Assessment Survey Report." The completion of the survey and report is a major step forward for the Water Data Exchange (WaDE) program as it shows similarities...
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
