From Science to Decisions: Supporting Water Management with Earth Observations

Now more than ever it is critical for both researchers and decision makers to work together to improve how we manage and preserve our planet’s most precious natural resource, water. Innovative technologies, such as satellite-based Earth observations, are increasingly used to improve our ability to make water-management decisions. However, driving the uptake and sustained use of these data and tools is not simple. Successful transition of science to decision making requires building partnerships and overcoming technical, cultural, resource and organizational barriers. This presentation will highlight how NASA’s Western Water Applications Office (WWAO) creates pathways to transitioning science to operations in the field of water management. From understanding stakeholder needs, connecting those needs to NASA capabilities, funding partner-led projects, and supporting the transition of solutions to sustained use, WWAO has refined its processes to maximize successful outcomes. These approaches, at their heart, are user-centric and rely on meaningful partnerships, technological and institutional support, and a commitment to reflection, adaptation, and sustainability. WWAO is helping build a science-to-decisions community of practice by bringing together federal agencies, water managers, and private organizations to forge a collaborative vision around effectively delivering impactful and sustained solutions.