A University of Arizona-led research team found that using different flood datasets for insurance decision-making can dramatically change when index-based flood insurance is paid out, how fast it is paid, and how predictable program costs are. These findings show that data choice can shape real world outcomes for communities that rely on insurance as a financial safety net after disasters.

This month, the WRRC welcomes back Research Associate Anna Msigwa, who was previously hosted by the WRRC in January–February 2025 through the PEER2PEER fellowship program on a transboundary water security project. Now she rejoins the WRRC to conduct postdoctoral research supported by the Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future Program.

This year, WRRC staff are working with Tribal and community colleges across Arizona, including Tohono O’odham Community College, Pima Community College, Diné College, and many more, to promote student attendance at the 2026 annual conference on April 14–15. The conference will be an amazing opportunity for students to learn about water and connect with professionals in the field. Discounted conference registration prices are available to students.

On Tuesday, February 10, water infrastructure security expert Charles Stack presented a WRRC webinar on the evolution of water security since 9/11. Stack started by summarizing the history of terrorist threats to water infrastructure, highlighting several innovative technologies developed to mitigate threats.

In a February 3, 2026, press release, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) announced the success of four projects mitigating per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination in drinking water. Exposure to contamination in the private water systems of communities in the City of Globe and the Town of Star Valley was resolved by connecting them to the local municipal systems.

This year’s Tucson Festival of Books on March 14-15 will include two panel presentations on PFAS contamination in water. The first panel, titled The Hidden Environment: What We Breathe, Drink, and Hear, will be moderated by WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal and will feature environmental journalist Sharon Udasin.

On Thursday, February 12, WRRC welcomed colleagues and guests to share chocolate treats and to celebrate the finalists of the 2025 Photo Contest. Winning photos were selected within several categories. The Chocolate Fest program also featured remarks from WRRC’s student workers about their outreach and research activities.

As rules for dealing with water shortages in the Colorado River and consequent allocations to water users are set to expire at the end of this year, the governors of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, and a representative from California, met last Friday to negotiate a plan.