Innovations in Collaboration and Science
Changing hydrologic conditions and demographics along with competing demands for water are increasingly impacting our water supply and delivery systems. Consistent with the SECURE Water Act, Reclamation coordinates and collaborates with Federal, State, and local agencies; Tribes; non-governmental organizations; and stakeholders to ensure access to the best available science to support reliable water and power deliveries. This section highlights some innovative approaches leveraging collaboration and science to address water management challenges now and in the future.
Coordinating and Partnering
In the West, competing demands for water can lead to conflict, particularly during droughts, which are expected to become more frequent and severe with climate change. Identifying successful and often complex water management strategies requires input and cooperation with a multitude of customers, partners, and stakeholders.
Here are two examples of collaboration and partnering to avoid conflict over water. For more, visit the WaterSMART Basin Studies data visualization site.
Using the Best Science and Tools
Reclamation develops and uses the most up-to-date science, technologies, and information to carry out our mission, including fulfilling water supply contracts, operating reservoirs for multiple purposes, and complying with environmental requirements. This includes continuing to improve our forecasting tools, modeling capabilities, hydrologic data, and more. As hydrologic conditions become more variable with climate change, innovations in science and tools will help Reclamation and water managers in the West to identify and adapt to changing conditions.
Here are three examples of science and tools used to inform the SECURE Report.
“These projects are a result of the mindset central to Reclamation’s work: every drop of water matters—even the upward drops we cannot see. It is certainly impressive to experience the level of collaboration required to address such complex and dynamic issues working alongside well-established experts and innovators.”
Andrew Gelderloos
Hydrologist with Albuquerque Area Office’s Water Management Division
Water Reliability in the West -
2021 SECURE Water Act Report
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