Arizona has taken a strong stance in the ongoing Colorado River negotiations, with Gov. Katie Hobbs formally requesting that the federal government impose mandatory water cuts, particularly targeting Upper Basin states like Colorado. In her letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Hobbs argued that resistance from these states has created a deadlock, hindering progress toward a collective agreement. This move highlights Arizona's push for more decisive federal intervention amid persistent disagreements over water reductions.

The Potomac River has received a "B" grade for water quality from the Potomac Conservancy for the fifth consecutive year, showing significant improvement from a "D" in 2011 but indicating stalled progress. Efforts to further improve the river's health include increasing riparian buffers to reduce runoff from development. Recreation on the river has increased by 10% since 2020, highlighting the community's growing interest in maintaining the river's health.

The Great Lakes region faces a significant water security challenge as its aging infrastructure, originally designed for snowy winters, now struggles to handle frequent, intense rainfall driven by climate change. This shift has led to increased nutrient runoff from agricultural land, causing flooding, water pollution and harmful algal blooms. Experts at the recent Great Lakes Water Conference emphasized that current voluntary and incremental management approaches are insufficient, calling for integrated, evidence-based strategies to ensure safe, reliable water supplies for both people and ecosystems.

Pittsburgh Water has unveiled the ABC Project, a $193 million effort to modernize water infrastructure by 2029. The project includes major upgrades to the Aspinwall and Bruecken pump stations and the Clearwell Bypass, aiming to enhance water reliability and resilience. Funded by state grants and low-interest loans, the initiative is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs and generate $300 million in economic impact.

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kan., has partnered with CIS on a $150 million water infrastructure program aimed at modernizing stormwater and collection systems. The initiative, part of a 25-year, $900 million plan, focuses on flood resilience, water quality and job creation while fulfilling Environmental Protection Agency consent decree requirements.