Water School Fall 2023 in-person graduates. With the ongoing challenges of drought and climate change, Reclamation’s Water School is equipping staff from various disciplines to address water management in the West.
BOULDER CITY, Nev. - The Bureau of Reclamation concluded its third Water School class Oct. 27. Course developers, for the first time, offered a hybrid learning option for this highly successful school. Water School’s 250 students attended in-person and virtually for the week-long training. Among the unprecedented challenges of drought, climate change, and infrastructure limitations, this immersive program first launched in October 2022. It equips staff from various disciplines across Reclamation with an in-depth understanding of the intricate challenges involved in water management throughout the Western United States.
“Given the unprecedented supply and demand, and infrastructure challenges we are facing with drought and climate change, the need for interdisciplinary precision and skill in water resource management has never been higher to meet Reclamation's mission,” said Reclamation Deputy Commissioner for Operations David Palumbo.
Seventeen scientists and engineers from Reclamation, the United Kingdom, academia, and other federal agencies provide a wide array of subject matter expertise in water resource management. They deliver instruction on hydrology, water supply forecasting, reservoir operations, drought management, water rights, and enhancing water supply. Their diverse perspectives shed light on complex challenges encompassing Reclamation's day-to-day operations.
“We believe this hybrid format is critical to making the training accessible to Reclamation staff and our partners,” said Reclamation’s Research and Development Office Program Manager Ken Nowak. “Our team has worked diligently to adjust and adapt to deliver the same high-quality experience to in-person and online attendees.”
Since its inception, Water School has gained immense popularity among Reclamation staff and is elevating awareness about the multifaceted disciplines required to fulfill the agency’s critical mission. To meet the increasing demand for the program, Reclamation expanded the course to include a hybrid component. This first hybrid class consisted of 50 in-person participants and 200 virtual participants from Reclamation’s five regions and offices in Denver and Washington, D.C.
“It was a great opportunity to learn more about our operations,” said Reclamation Civil Rights Division Manager Lara Grillos. “I find it invaluable to learn the nuts and bolts of Reclamation's operations. I can be a better leader in an administrative function when I better understand the organization that I support.”
Success of the Water School marks a significant milestone in Reclamation's ongoing commitment to equip its employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle the intricate water management challenges of the 21st century and beyond. As the demand for effective water resource management continues to increase, Reclamation remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of innovation, ensuring a sustainable future for water in the West.
Virtual participant, Mike Benning, program coordination group chief from the Upper Colorado Region echoes the sentiments of those who participated in person. “Wow…Water School was a great learning experience, especially for those, like me, who may be new to the Bureau of Reclamation and water management,” said Benning. “It was a great opportunity to learn about what we do, why we do it, and how my efforts are part of that picture.”
Reclamation’s Water School staff plan to build on the success of the hybrid format and continue incorporating lessons learned to refine the curriculum for the upcoming spring 2024 class. Registration for Water School is currently open to Reclamation employees through DOI Talent and discussions are underway about expanding enrollment to include external partners.
