Water scarcity solutions in a changing southwestern United States

Authors: Elias, Emile

Submitted to: American Water Resources Association Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2023
Publication Date: 11/8/2023
Citation: Elias, E.H. 2023. Water scarcity solutions in a changing southwestern United States. American Water Resources Association Conference Proceedings. Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A decade ago, the United States Department of Agriculture established a network of ten regional Climate Hubs to support farmers, ranchers, and foresters in climate adaptation and mitigation. The regional organization of the network reflects variation in both the Nation’s agriculture and forestry, and variations in observed and expected climate impacts. In the West, as demand for scarce water continues to increase, so does the need for research-informed solutions to relieve pressure on water resources while sustaining agricultural, urban, and wildland uses and ecosystem health. Despite often dire water scarcity, exacerbated by increasing population and a changing climate, solutions are emerging at individual, community, and regional levels in response to these challenges. This talk will highlight three efforts to document and promote these solutions in which the Southwest Climate Hub is a key partner. The Southwest Drought Learning Network (DLN) evolved in response to the exceptional drought that persisted over the Colorado Plateau for nearly all of 2018. The DLN continues to grow, based on a model of self-formed and directed teams addressing the most pressing drought challenges. The Water Adaptation Techniques Atlas (WATA) emerged from recommendations of resource managers active in the DLN who advocated for peer-to-peer knowledge exchange. WATA continues to expand and provides both decision-relevant information and diffusion of solutions. Finally, a recent Water Research Vision offers a path to advance water research and water security over the next 30 years. Despite a western water system that typically fosters competition rather than collaboration, relationships and partnerships underpin our ability to advance water solutions and build systemic resilience in the midst of a changing climate.