Water Monitoring and Tracking Essential Resources (WATER) Data Improvement Act
Dec 23, 2024
Dec 23, 2024
Summary
Continues funding for government programs that collect water data, updates technology, and makes sure Native American Tribes are included in these efforts.
What problem does this solve?
Authorization for key water monitoring programs was about to end, and the programs needed to include Tribes and new technology. This law extends the programs until 2028, adds Tribal governments as partners, and includes modern precipitation sensors.
Who does this affect?
- United States Geological Survey
- State and Tribal governments
- Water resource managers
What does this law do?
Extends water programs until 2028
Continues the authorization for several USGS water data and monitoring programs through the fiscal year 2028.
Includes Tribal governments
Adds Tribes and Tribal lands to the program, allowing them to partner with federal and state agencies on water resource data collection and management.
Renames the main streamgage program
Changes the name of the 'national streamflow information program' to the 'Federal priority streamgage program' throughout the law.
Updates monitoring technology
Specifies that the streamgage network should be enhanced with modern sensors, including precipitation sensors.
Authorizes specific funding
Approves funding of $4,000,000 per fiscal year from 2023 through 2028 for a key water data program.
Updates guiding documents
Replaces a reference to a 2004 National Research Council review with a 2022 USGS report for prioritizing program needs.
What is the real world impact?
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Ensures continuous water data collection
Provides funding and authority for the USGS to continue gathering vital data on the nation's streams and rivers, which is essential for flood prediction, drought management, and environmental health.
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Includes Tribal nations in water management
Amends the original law to formally include Tribes as partners, ensuring that water data collection and management activities respect and incorporate their lands and interests.
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Modernizes monitoring technology
Updates the program to include modern equipment like precipitation sensors, improving the quality and usefulness of the data collected for understanding the water cycle.
When does this start?
The law's changes and authorizations take effect on December 23, 2024, and extend through 2028.
Federal priority streamgage program authorization
The authorization for the main streamgage program is extended to 2028.
Water data program funding
Funding of $4,000,000 per year is authorized for fiscal years 2023 through 2028.