In a recent article published in academic news outlet The Conversation, WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal and co-author Colorado Water Center Director Karen Schlatter address the complex issues surrounding ongoing Colorado River negotiations.

At the conclusion of the WRRC 2026 annual conference, two presentations will offer important perspectives on the current and future challenges and opportunities of industrial water use. A Tribal keynote and a conference wrap-up will help conference participants reflect on the broader implications of the discussions and carry key insights forward. Register now to hear these presentations and more at the WRRC 2026 annual conference on April 14–15.

March 22 is designated by UN Water as annual World Water Day, with the 2026 theme being “Water and Gender.” World Water Day is coupled each year with the release of the World Water Development Report, this year titled Water for all people: Equal rights and opportunities. To explore these important themes, MDPI Water and the WRRC collaborated to deliver the March 23, 2026, webinar, “Water for All People – Governance, Security, and Access.”

The deadline to register for the WRRC 2026 conference at the standard registration rate has been extended! Interested readers can register for the WRRC 2026 Annual Conference, Water for Tech, Mining & Energy: Pathways to Arizona’s Future, taking place on April 14–15, 2026, with the standard ticket rate of $200 now through Friday, April 3. Thereafter, attendees can still register for the late rate of $225. Discounted, pre-paid parking is available until Monday, March 30.

All of the submissions to our 2025 photo contest are now available to view on our website. Our next photo contest will be starting early this year, so keep an eye out and get ready to enter again. We’ll announce the opening date and the 2026 submission deadline at our April conference on April 14–15.

University of Arizona hydrologist Dr. Laura Condon was recently awarded the 2025 James B. Macelwane Medal, one of the most respected honors for early-career scientists in Earth and space sciences. The award recognizes researchers whose work demonstrates exceptional impact, creativity and leadership in advancing scientific research.

The week of March 23 is full of events at the WRRC, starting off with our World Water Day webinar on Monday, “Water for All People – Governance, Security, and Access.” WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal will be joined by Dr. Laura Imburgia of the UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme, Dr. Róisín Burke of Utrecht University, Dr. Heather Tanana of University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and Professor Corinne Schuster-Wallace of the Global Institute for Water Security to discuss the themes of World Water Day 2026.

WRRC 2026 Conference Sessions 6 and 7 will bring a strong conclusion to the conference with examples of community collaboration and interactions with mining and technology organizations. These sessions will give attendees valuable understanding of the necessary building blocks in creating partnerships between corporations and communities. Don’t miss out — register now!

On Wednesday, March 4, Governor Katie Hobbs announced an Alternative Designation of Assured Water Supply (ADAWS) for Arizona Water Company. The signing ceremony took place at Casa Grande City Hall in Pinal County, the fastest growing county in Arizona.

WRRC graduate student, Noah Rios, a Master of Public Health student and Peace Corps Coverdell Fellow, presented a poster at the recent Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Showcase. His poster, titled “WIFA Water Conservation Factsheets: Building Water Conservation Capacity in Underserved Rural and Indigenous Communities,” described the work he is pursuing with his fellowship.