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
#450 – Supporting NOAA Data, Forecasting, and Research Programs
Position #450 – July 22, 2020 WHEREAS, federal agency data and research programs provide an important foundation for supporting water management decision-making by western federal, state, and local agencies and tribes;and WHEREAS, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric...
#449 – Regarding Preemption of State Law in Federal Legislation
Position #449 – Regarding Preemption of State Law in Federal Legislation (July 22, 2020) WHEREAS, the future growth, prosperity and economic and environmental health of the West and the Nation depend upon the availability of adequate quantities of water for myriad...
#448 – Supporting National Dam Safety Programs
Position #448 – July 22, 2020 WHEREAS, access to, and availability of, water profoundly influences growth and development, economic and environmental well-being, and the quality of life for the population; and WHEREAS, across the Nation, dams and reservoirs store...
Issue #2668
To view and download the newsletters, click on the link below: Issue #2668 HIGHLIGHTS At the recent Western Governors’ Association meeting in Santa Fe, Utah Governor Spencer Cox was selected as Chair and announced his 2024–2025 initiative: Energy Superabundance:...
Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Rule
On August 2, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) closed the comment period for its Intention to Reconsider and Revise the Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Rule (Docket #EPA-HQ-OW-2021-0302-0001). EPA’s notice of intent indicated that its revisions would...
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Topical Resources
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Position #537 – Support for the SECURE Water Act
Position #537 - Support for the SECURE Water Act 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 West has...
WGA releases the ‘Water Transfers in the West’ report
“Voluntary water transfers have occurred for decades,” said Governor Gary R. Herbert (Utah), Chairman of the Western Governors’ Association. “But with so many new citizens and industries settling in the water-scarce West, now is the time to evaluate how we use...
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
