Skip to main content

GlobalChange.gov

Utility

  • About USGCRP
  • Agencies

Global search

  • Understand Climate Change
  • Assess National Climate Assessment
  • Explore USGCRP Highlights
  • Browse Reports & Resources
  • Engage Connect & Participate

You are here

  • About USGCRP
  • Highlights

Addressing water supply challenges in the American West

Posted
Feb 11, 2022
Water Resources, Adaptation

Collaborative studies among scientists and decision-makers are identifying strategies to meet current and future water demands.                                                  

The western United States faces growing water challenges. Drought, population change, aging infrastructure, and ecosystem needs all strain existing water and power infrastructure, and future climate change is expected to further increase stress on water supplies. Through the WaterSMART Basin Study Program, the Bureau of Reclamation works with states, tribes, non-governmental organizations, other Federal agencies, and local partners to identify strategies to adapt to and mitigate current or future water supply and demand imbalances, including the impacts of climate change and other stressors on water and power facilities. Since 2009, Reclamation has funded 27 Basin Studies in 15 western states, 18 of which are now complete.

Each Basin Study examines projections of future supply and demand by river basin, analyzes infrastructure performance in the face of changing supplies, and develops strategies to meet current and future demands. Basin Studies have involved coordination with other Federal agencies, including the USGS, EPA, DOE, and DoD. These collaborative efforts aim to support decision-makers as they plan for and implement measures to meet current and future water demands.

A straight-on view of unsettled water flowing through the All-American Canal, the Southern Californian landscape framing both of its sides.

Water recycling and reuse offsets the demand for imported water in Southern California, such as the diversion of Colorado River Water through the All-American Canal. Credit: Andrew Pernick/Bureau of Reclamation.

Highlight Agency: 
Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency
Source Report: 
Our Changing Planet: The U.S. Global Change Research Program for Fiscal Year 2022

Other Highlights

Monitoring snowpack change

Posted
Feb 11, 2022

Monitoring forest carbon storage

Posted
Feb 11, 2022

Learning from climate disasters

Posted
Feb 11, 2022
GlobalChange.gov is made possible by our participating agencies
Thirteen Agencies, One Vision: Empower the Nation with Global Change Science
  • USDA
  • DOC
  • DOD
  • DOE
  • HHS
  • DOI
  • DOS
  • DOT
  • EPA
  • NASA
  • NSF
  • SI
  • USAID

Get Our Newsletter

Get Social

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • RSS
  • Contact Us
U.S. Global Change Research Program
1800 G Street, NW, Suite 9100
Washington, D.C. 20006 USA

Tel: +1 202 223 6262
Fax: +1 202 223 3065
Privacy Policy