Education, Research & Advocacy Groups

A tremendous variety of educational, research, and advocacy organizations are focused on western water resources.  The following list provides a sampling of key organizations and their web sites, many of which contain links to additional organizations and resources.

Water Education Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create a better understanding of water issues and help resolve water resource problems through educational programs.

The Universities Council on Water Resources  is a coalition of “universities and organizations leading in education, research and public service in water resources.” One product is the Universities Water Information Network (UWIN), which contains information on research, conferences, experts, and job announcements.

American Water Resources Association is “a non-profit professional association dedicated to the advancement of men and women in water resources management, research, and education…. It is the professional home of a wide variety of water resources experts including engineers, educators, foresters, biologists, ecologists, geographers, managers, regulators, hydrologists and attorneys.”

The National Water Resources Association is a nonprofit federation of state organizations whose membership includes rural water districts, municipal water entities, commercial companies and individuals. It is concerned with the appropriate management, conservation, and use of water and land resources on a national scope.

Western States Water Council is comprised of representatives appointed by the governors of 18 western states “to accomplish effective cooperation among western states in the conservation, development and management of water resources, maintain vital state prerogatives while identifying ways to accommodate legitimate federal interests, provide a forum for the exchange of views, perspectives, and experiences among member states, and provide analysis of federal and state developments in order to assist member states in evaluating impacts of federal laws and programs and the effectiveness of state laws and policies”

Western Governors’ Association (WGA), an organization serving the 19 westernmost states and 3 US-Flag Pacific Islands, addresses important policy and governance issues in the West (including water issues), and seeks to protect and advance the interests of the West within the US federal system.

Western Water Project, an effort of Taxpayers for Common Sense, works with grassroots activists, Members of Congress and the Administration, to reform water policies across the nation and make sure that U.S. taxpayers receive a fair return on their substantial investment in the nation's water infrastructure.

The Colorado River Water Users Association is a non-profit, non-partisan organization, formed to plan, study, formulate and advise on ways to protect and safeguard the interests of all who use the Colorado River.

Trout Unlimited’s Western Water Project “works to protect and restore water in rivers for healthy fisheries and to open up state decisions on water allocation to meaningful public participation.”

Colorado Foundation for Water Education (CFWE) is dedicated to promoting a better understanding of Colorado's water resources and issues by providing balanced and accurate information and education. 

The Natural Resources Law Center (NRLC) at the University of Colorado-Boulder School of Law is a non-profit research and educational organization committed to improving the governance and management of water and land resources in the western United States.  The NRLC is collaborating with the Western Water Assessment in exploring how growth influences water resources development, allocation, and management, and the innovative strategies being devised to address these challenges. The Center is also evaluating the legal and institutional issues that influence the vulnerability of the Interior West's water resources to climate change and variability. 

Colorado Water Congress (CWC) “promotes the wise management and stewardship of the State's water resources for the benefit of Colorado's present and future generations.  [It] provides a forum where water users strive to reach consensus on water issues; advocates positions on water policy; provides education and information on water issues affecting Colorado; and promotes a broad base of membership.”

The Colorado Water Resources Research Institute publishes a variety of water resources research as well as the Colorado Water newsletter, and provides a useful water links.

River Network focuses on river protection and restoration through grassroots level education and action.

Click here for an expanded list of water-related organizations and resources.