Skip to main content
Program Centers
Standing Committee

Water Science and Technology Board

The Water Science and Technology Board (WSTB) serves as the focal point for studies related to water resources at the National Academies. The board works to improve the scientific and technological foundation for addressing national- and regional-level questions and issues associated with efficient management, development, and use of water resources in natural and engineered environments. The interests of WSTB include scientific, engineering, economic, institutional, legal, and social aspects of water resources.

Work with us

In progress

News and Updates

Review of Central Valley and State Water Projects

Announcement

Billions of gallons of water flow daily through California’s Central Valley Project and State Water Project — critical systems that supply much of the state’s water and support millions of acres of farmland. A new National Academies report reviews three key management actions aimed at protecting endangered fish species and balancing water supply and ecosystem goals.

Nov 10, 2025
Numerous waterways snake through the delta where the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River meet. Visible in the photo is Bethel Island, Franks Tract State Recreation Area, Mandeville Tip County Park, and Brannan Island State Recreation Area.
About Events Projects Publications/Resources News and Updates

Projects

Advancing Sustainability of US – Mexico Transboundary Drylands – A Workshop

Workshop

Completed

Review of the New York City Watershed Protection Program

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Management of Legionella in Water Systems

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Improving the Next-Generation EPA Multi-Sector General Permit for Industrial Stormwater Discharges

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Future Water Resource Needs for the Nation: Water Science and Research at the U.S. Geological Survey

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Science Breakthroughs 2030: A Strategy for Food and Agricultural Research

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Grand Challenges and Opportunities in Environmental Engineering for the Twenty-first Century

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Urban Flooding in the United States

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Review of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Operations Support Tool for Water Supply

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Long-term Management of the Spirit Lake/Toutle River System in Southwest, Washington

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Independent Scientific Review of Everglades Restoration Progress VI & VII

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Effective Approaches for Monitoring and Assessing Gulf of Mexico Restoration Activities

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Review of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Program

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Risk-Based Methods for Insurance Premiums of Negatively Elevated Structures in the National Flood Insurance Program

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Affordability of NFIP Premiums

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed
Page 3 of 5
See All National Academies' Projects
Subscribe to Email from the National Academies
Keep up with all of the activities, publications, and events by subscribing to free updates by email.