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Water in the West is an increasingly scarce and precious resource, given population growth and an expanding range of often competing economic and ecological demands, as well as changing social values. Surface and ground water supplies in many areas are stressed, resulting in a growing number of conflicts among users and uses. A secure and sustainable future is increasingly uncertain given our climate, aging and often inadequate water infrastructure, limited knowledge regarding available supplies and existing and future needs and uses, and competing and sometimes un-defined or ill-defined water rights. Effectively addressing these challenges will require a collaborative, cooperative effort among states and stakeholders that transcends political and geographic boundaries.
The WSWC is a policy advisory body created in 1965, affiliated with the Western Governors’ Association. Members serve at the pleasure of their governor. Since 2006, the Council has focused its efforts on implementing recommendations from two water policy reports entitled Water Needs and Strategies for a Sustainable Future. A revised 2012 Water Report is being prepared for the governors' consideration, which will include a vision and principles for address and managing our water needs and developing strategies to reduce the uncertainties surrounding the future sustainability of water uses in the West. Building bridges between the science and research community and state water managers,policymakers and the governors is a key to success.
The 2006 Water Report, a 2008 Next Steps Report and 2010 Update are available online at:
http://www.westgov.org/reports/312-water-drought and more information on the Council is at www.westgov.org/wswc