Climate variability and water in the Interior West

Climate variability in the Interior West has an important influence on the region's water quantity and quality. The region's water supply is primarily determined by precipitation in the form of snow at high altitudes and its subsequent run-off to semi-arid lands during the spring. This run-off determines the flow in the rivers and the health of aquatic species and ecosystems. The Interior West also contains the primary headwaters for water supply to other regions, including the Southwest and California. As a result, there is a large institutional framework that supports the water delivery system. This infrastructure is potentially vulnerable both to the variability of water supply and the increase in demand associated with population growth in regions, which rely on the headwaters.

The NOAA/CIRES Western Water Assessment was developed to tackle the issues surrounding climate variability and its impact on water in the Interior West. The initial idea came from a grass-roots discussion within CIRES on the impacts of regional climate variability. In order to develop this idea, affiliations with different disciplines and organizations were established. Management structures were put into place to facilitate interaction and pilot projects were proposed. The initial projects were chosen carefully with thought given to climate variability impacts on water supply and ecosystems, water demand trends, and system vulnerability. Coordination with other NOAA/OGP regional assessments has begun.

We have been developing this assessment for the past three years, and while still in its infancy, certain lessons are already apparent. These include the need for carefully framing interdisciplinary questions, understanding and appreciating differing research techniques, and an early integration of end users into the research process. In a broader context, these lessons can be applied toward a synthesis that beneficially augments traditional science methodologies.