The Water Report

 The Water Report is the monthly newsletter for water lawyers, engineers, regulatory agencies, tribes, municipalities, environmental organizations and anyone interested in water law, water rights, and water quality in the western United States. The Water Report has become the 'publication of record' in the water field and is cited frequently in law review articles, legal briefs, and water-related publications.

Celebrating our 12th Year of Publishing The Water Report in 2015

THIS MONTH'S ISSUE - TWR #138: August 15, 2015

In-Depth Water Articles:

Federal Water Policy & Indian Water Rights Settlements by L. Michael Bogert, Parsons Behle & Latimer (Boise, ID & Washington, DC)

Colorado Water Markets: “Alternative Transfer Mechanisms” by P. Andrew Jones, Lawrence Jones Custer Grasmick, LLP (Johnstown, CO)

Municipal Landfill Redevelopment - From Legacy Landfill to Watershed-Protective Sports Stadium in Astoria, Oregon by Stacy J. Frost, PE and Neil R. Alongi, PE (Maul Foster & Alongi, Inc. — Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA)

Water Briefs:

Curtailment Support in California - Court Ruling in State’s Favor on Enforcement
Agricultural Conservation: USDA Program Incentives & CRP-Grasslands Initiative
Civil Penalty for Unauthorized Diversion/Use in California: $1.5 million Fine Issued for Water District
Tribal Wastewater - Water Pollution Facility & Settlement Over CWA Violations by Tribal Utility
Drought Compliance in California: Urban Use Reduced By 27%
New Groundwater Guidance: “Focus on New Groundwater Uses: The Groundwater Permit Exemption”
Tribal CWA Authorization for Pueblo of Santa Ana in New Mexico
Desalination and Water Purification Research Program - Funding from Reclamation Announced
Rate Case Award for Illegal Water Rates: $188 Million in Damages
Cooling Water Intake Website Redesigned by EPA
The Wyoming Water and Climate Web Atlas Released
Oil Spill Settlement to Resolve CWA Violations Announced in Wyoming

Testimonial for The Water Report:

'I use your articles a lot in helping Members of Congress interpret various issues ongoing in the water world. You do a great job with quality, providing useful articles and valuable information.'

 Former Staff Director, Water and Power Subcommittee, U.S. House of Representatives

Editors: David Moon and David Light  

The Water Report: Water Rights, Water Quality and Water Solutions in the West

     Water rights, water quality, and innovative uses of water resources are increasingly vital issues in the western United States. The Prior Appropriation Doctrine guides western water law and The Water Report — a monthly water news digest for water professionals — covers the battles and changes shaping the future of water law. Water quality of surface water and groundwater, the laws that govern discharges into the waters of the United States, and the technology utilized to deal with the challenges are also a focus of The Water Report.

     Throughout the West the management of water resources faces formidable challenges. Some are more gradual, as with the relentless pressures arising from an ever-increasing population. Some are subject to abrupt change, as when evolving federal mandates — the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, Superfund, Hydroelectric Relicensing, etc. — collide both with each other and with the legal edifice of established western water law. Climate change has added a new dynamic to management concerns.

     Also throughout the West, innovative water professionals in both the private and public sectors are hammering out practical solutions. These solutions, due to historical, geographical, and regulatory similarities, benefit from a multi-disciplinary analysis of how the lessons learned can be applied elsewhere. This multi-disciplinary approach is an important provision provided by The Water Report, so that professionals in the different areas of the water world — be they engineers, attorneys, or regulators — can all understand the issues presented by other disciplines.

     The importance of water issues will only increase. A unique publication — The Water Report — will keep you informed about the latest successful negotiations, changing administrative policies, significant court cases, practical technological advances, and pertinent legislation relating to western water law and management. Each month, our major articles provide in-depth analyses by leading experts in the water field, while our 'Water Briefs' keep you up-to-date and provide contacts for additional information.

     Tracking water management developments throughout the West is vital to maximizing your options in this ever-changing arena. Tracking these issues is also a full-time job.