USDA’s Southwest and California climate hubs launch new resource

Researchers at USDA’s Southwest Climate Hub and California Climate Hub have launched the Water Adaptation Techniques Atlas, a map-based resource designed to help water managers in the U.S. Southwest address water scarcity.  

WATA compiles over 200 case studies on various research and practical solutions for effective water management. 

Urban areas and agricultural activities have expanded in the Southwest, putting a strain on the region’s water resources, according to the climate hub’s release on WATA.  

Historically, water needs were met through the construction of dams, canals and groundwater extraction. However, the region’s arid conditions, coupled with severe droughts and rising temperatures, have increased the need for adaptive water management strategies. 

WATA provides information from USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and other sources, offering insights into traditional and modern water conservation techniques. These include practices used by indigenous peoples and technologies like aquaponics and agrivoltaics. The atlas also features tools for optimizing irrigation based on soil moisture, remote sensing and weather data. 

The goal of WATA is to provide practical solutions to enhance water efficiency in agricultural practices across Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. This tool is part of a broader effort to disseminate critical adaptation information, enabling individuals and communities to proactively address water scarcity. 

The development of WATA began in 2020 through a collaborative effort involving USDA-ARS, USDA Southwest Climate Hub, USDA California Climate Hub, UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences and USDA’s Economic Research Service.