WaterSMART Basin Studies

Basin Studies are collaborative studies, cost-shared with non-Federal partners, to evaluate water supply and demand and help ensure reliable water supplies by identifying strategies to address imbalances in water supply and demand. Each study includes four key elements:

  • State-of-the-art projections of future supply and demand by river basin.
  • An analysis of how the basin’s existing water and power operations and infrastructure will perform in the face of changing water realities.
  • Development of strategies to meet current and future water demands.
  • A trade-off analysis of strategies identified.

Documents

Contacts

For more information regarding the Basin Study Program, please contact Ms. Stephanie Micek at 720-799-3158 or send an email to smicek@usbr.gov.

Regional Basin Study Program Contacts:

  • Interior Region 5: Missouri Basin & Interior Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas Gulf - Marlena Lanini, 406-247-7743 or mlanini@usbr.gov
  • Interior Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin - Dagmar Llewellyn, (505) 462-3594 or dllewellyn@usbr.gov
  • Interior Region 8: Lower Colorado Basin - Deanna Morrell, (702) 293-8589 or dmorrell@usbr.gov
  • Interior Region 9: Columbia-Pacific Northwest - Jessica Peters, (208) 270-1462 or jepeters@usbr.gov
  • Interior Region 10: California-Great Basin - Mike Dietl, (916) 397-4483 or mdietl@usbr.gov

If you are unclear what Region you are located in, please see Reclamation’s regional map, available at: https://www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html.

You may complete this form to receive WaterSMART program notification from the Bureau of Reclamation.

Announcements


  • Reclamation provides $1.8 million for comprehensive water study in American Samoa

    The Bureau of Reclamation, in partnership with the American Samoa Power Authority, is making $1.8 million available to conduct a basin study on the American Samoa island Tutuila. American Samoa is facing challenges related to climate change, water distribution system losses, and reliance on freshwater aquifers, which are susceptible to saltwater intrusion. Read More →

  • Reclamation Announces Upper Red River Basin Study Complete

    North fork Red River downstream of Lugert-Altus Reservoir.The Bureau of Reclamation released the Upper Red River Basin Study report outlining the findings of a seven-year comprehensive study of the upper reaches of the Red River in Oklahoma. The report identifies a range of operational, administrative, and legal strategies that could address water supply imbalances as well as strategies to develop supplemental water supplies. Read More →

    The report is available on Reclamation's Basin Study website.

  • Reclamation releases West Salt River Basin Study

    CAP Canal in Phoenix, AZ.The study indicates the demand for water in the area will increase over time,and without new supplies, imbalances between renewable supply and demand will also grow. This study will help water managers determine water resource management priorities and investments in the future. Reclamation partnered with the West Valley Water Association to complete the study. The report is available on Reclamation's Basin Study website.

Last Update:  2/22/24