Progress 07/01/23 to 12/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:This project's target audience encompassed water-users, policymakers, water resource professionals (including those from state and federal agencies, water resource research institutes, and conservation districts), and academics engaged in research, education, and extension. These stakeholders are integrally involved in the management of surface and groundwater resources, particularly at the nexus of agricultural water use, water infrastructure, ecosystems, policy, and water law. To reach our intended audience, we assembled and build upon facilitated sessions at the Universities Council on Water Resources (UCOWR) meeting, followed by a dedicated workshop immediately after the UCOWR meeting. These engagements were designed to connect directly with those involved in the multifaceted aspects of water management, fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse yet interconnected fields. ? Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We held the2023 Western Water Congress on June 15-16. The congress served as a critical forum for addressing the complex challenges of climate change and water scarcity in the western United States. Through a series of interdisciplinary discussions, breakout sessions on key water management topics, and the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, the Congress fostered a collaborative environment for stakeholders from various sectors. Following the Congress, we have engaged with participants to maintain the dialogue, worked towards finalizing synthesis white papers that draw on the insights shared, and continued efforts to establish the Western Water Network (WWN).
Publications
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Progress 07/01/23 to 12/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience: This project's target audience encompassed water-users, policymakers, water resource professionals (including those from state and federal agencies, water resource research institutes, and conservation districts), and academics engaged in research, education, and extension. These stakeholders are integrally involved in the management of surface and groundwater resources, particularly at the nexus of agricultural water use, water infrastructure, ecosystems, policy, and water law. To reach our intended audience, we assembled and build upon facilitated sessions at the Universities Council on Water Resources (UCOWR) meeting, followed by a dedicated workshop immediately after the UCOWR meeting. These engagements were designed to connect directly with those involved in the multifaceted aspects of water management, fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse yet interconnected fields. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The 2023 Western Water Congress provided several informal educational and training opportunities centered around addressing the challenges of climate change and water scarcity in the western United States. These opportunities were meticulously designed to cater to a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers, extension specialists, educators, and other participants involved in water management. Sessions and activities were structured to facilitate knowledge exchange, enhance understanding of water management complexities, and foster innovative thinking towards sustainable solutions. Here are the key educational and training opportunities highlighted during the Congress: Interdisciplinary Discussions and Brainstorming: The Congress facilitated un-siloed discussions among participants from various backgrounds. This approach encouraged the exchange of diverse perspectives and fostered collaborative thinking on the multifaceted nature of water management issues. Breakout Sessions on Specialized Topics: Participants engaged in focused breakout sessions covering a range of critical topics, including: Hydrologic Processes and Human Water Systems Planning for a Future with Uncertain Climate Valuing Environmental and Human Health Benefits in Water Management Addressing Educational Gaps in Water Management Interstate Collaboration and Barriers to Transboundary Water Management These sessions aimed at deepening the understanding of specific water management challenges and exploring potential solutions. Incorporation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): While not a standalone breakout session, DEI principles were integrated across all discussions, emphasizing the importance of inclusive approaches in addressing water management challenges. Collaborative Visioning for Water Security: Participants contributed to the development of a comprehensive vision paper for water security in the West. This activity provided a unique opportunity to engage in strategic thinking and visioning, crucial for long-term planning and policy development. Closing Plenary Session: The Congress concluded with a plenary session where insights from the breakout sessions were synthesized and discussed. This session served as a platform for participants to reflect on the collective knowledge gained and consider its application in authoring white papers and shaping the WWN's vision for future water management. Through these opportunities, the Congress aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to navigate the complexities of water management in the context of climate change. The focus was on fostering a collaborative environment where participants could learn from each other, identify gaps in current approaches, and brainstorm innovative solutions to enhance water security in the western United States. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Following the 2023 Western Water Congress, we have actively engaged in several critical follow-up activities to build upon the momentum and insights gained during the event. Central to our post-Congress initiatives has been the continuous engagement with participants, the diligent work towards finalizing the synthesis white papers, and the concerted efforts to establish the Western Water Network (WWN) as a cornerstone for collaborative water management research and action in the western United States. These endeavors reflect our commitment to not only address the pressing challenges of climate change and water scarcity but also to foster a sustained, collaborative community dedicated to innovative solutions and strategic water management. Engagement with Participants: In the aftermath of the Congress, we have maintained open lines of communication with the attendees, ensuring that the dialogue initiated during the event continues to thrive. This engagement has been instrumental in refining our approach to the white papers, incorporating diverse perspectives and insights that were shared during the Congress. Through newsletters, virtual meetings, and collaborative platforms, we have worked to keep the spirit of the Congress alive, encouraging ongoing collaboration and information exchange among the participants. Finalizing White Papers: The synthesis white papers, which are being authored to address various aspects of water management in light of climate change, are in the process of being finalized. These documents draw heavily on the discussions, breakout sessions, and collaborative efforts that took place during the Congress. The papers aim to provide actionable insights, innovative solutions, and a comprehensive overview of the current challenges and opportunities in water management. The process of finalizing these papers involves rigorous review, incorporating feedback from Congress participants, and ensuring that the documents reflect a wide range of viewpoints and expertise. Establishing the Western Water Network: The establishment of the WWN is progressing, with the network poised to play a pivotal role in facilitating research, engagement, and collaboration to tackle water challenges in the western U.S. The foundation of the WWN, inspired by the objectives and discussions of the Congress, is geared towards creating a platform for continuous improvement in water management practices, policy development, and community engagement. The WWN aims to embody the collaborative ethos of the Congress, serving as a beacon for innovation, sustainability, and equity in water resources management. These post-Congress activities underscore our belief that the 2023 Western Water Congress was not just an event, but a catalyst for enduring change and collaboration in the face of the complex water management challenges confronting the western United States. The success of these initiatives--ongoing participant engagement, the finalization of white papers, and the establishment of the WWN--would not have been possible without the foundation laid during the Congress. It was the collective effort, diverse insights, and shared commitment of the Congress participants that have enabled us to move forward with purpose and conviction. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We convened the 2023 Western Water Congress, held on June 15-16 in conjunction with the Universities Council on Water Resources (UCOWR) and National Institutes of Water Resources Annual Water Resources Conference in Ft. Collins, CO, marked a significant step forward in addressing the critical challenges of climate change and water scarcity affecting the western United States. As the region grapples with escalating temperatures, fluctuating water supplies, and prolonged droughts, the urgency for proactive measures and collaborative efforts has become increasingly evident. The Congress aimed to foster comprehensive discussions among a varied group of stakeholders, including researchers, extension specialists, and educators, focusing on the West's pressing water-related challenges. Guided by three primary objectives, the Congress sought to: 1) identify and propose innovative solutions to the barriers hindering the adoption of water management technologies; 2) enhance understanding of integrated water resource decisions that support agricultural sustainability, community well-being, and economic growth; and 3) promote outcomes that balance economic, environmental, and social considerations, highlighting the complex nature of water management. The event was designed to encourage open dialogue and contribute to the development of synthesis white papers and a unified vision paper on climate-smart water management strategies for the region. Despite its aim to convene a diverse and inclusive assembly of participants, the Congress did not intend to finalize any decisions or recommendations. Instead, it focused on gathering varied perspectives to inform the ongoing work on enhancing water security and the role of the Western Water Network (WWN) in facilitating collaboration and information exchange. Positioned immediately after the UCOWR annual meeting, the Congress benefited from specially scheduled sessions by UCOWR to enrich discussions on water management topics. The workshop format combined brainstorming, discussion, and analysis, introducing WWN's goals and fostering reflections on water security challenges and opportunities. Breakout sessions covered topics such as hydrologic processes, climate uncertainty, valuing water benefits, educational needs, diversity and inclusion in water management, and interstate collaboration on water issues. These sessions aimed to identify key issues and solutions for inclusion in a comprehensive vision paper for the West's water security, authored by the WWN. The Congress concluded with a plenary session where the insights from the breakout sessions were shared and discussed, informing the development of white papers and the WWN's vision paper, and charting a research and engagement vision to address the Western U.S. water challenges over the next decade.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Warziniak, T., Heinse, R., Fernald, A., Gaffney, M., Hansen, K., Hess, B., Houglum, L., Paige, G. and Zhang, Q. (2023), Western Water Network: A Case Study in Water Network Formation. Journal of Contemporary Water Research & Education, 178: 47-56. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1936-704X.2023.3391.x
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