On May 23, the WSWC wrote a letter of support to Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) who introduced the Water Data Act (H.R. 7792). The letter noted the WSWC “…supports leveraging state and federal resources to build a national water data framework for sharing, integrating, and utilizing water data and supporting the development of innovative water data technologies and tools. Water and water-related data must be recognized as a critical public policy priority given the importance of the resource to our public health, economy, food security, environment, and western way of life. All levels of government must prioritize the collection, analysis, and open sharing of reliable data regarding water availability, quality, and usage given its importance to research for sound science and data-driven decision making. Developing common standards will help expand and unlock existing and future data, leading to further innovation and the creation of new tools to empower water users, managers, and administrators. Critical and vital information is gathered and disseminated through a number of important federal programs. The WSWC has a long history of support for federal data-related observation, analysis, assessment, and dissemination efforts.”
Western States Water Council
A Voice for Water in the West