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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.

In progress

News and Updates

New Technologies and Approaches Needed to Shore Up Interconnected U.S. Energy and Water Systems, Says New Report

News Release

As demands on the nation’s deeply interconnected energy and water systems grow, potential disruptions can have far-reaching consequences for communities, the economy, and national security. A new National Academies report examines how the systems’ interdependencies create both risks and opportunities and how collaborative, coordinated approaches can strengthen resilience and reliability.

May 19, 2026
Tom Miller Dam, Lake Austin, Colorado River, Austin Texas. Lake Austin (formerly Lake McDonald) is a water reservoir on the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. The reservoir was formed in 1939 by the construction of Tom Miller Dam by the Lower Colorado River Authority.

New Report on Managing Highway Stormwater Quality

Announcement

Stormwater infrastructure plays an important role in protecting water resources, but contaminants from highway runoff are not adequately removed by current structures, and improved management of the various types and sources of pollutants is needed. A new congressionally mandated report from the National Academies recommends methods state departments of transportation could use in their strategies to manage highway stormwater quality.

May 21, 2026
Drenched road from heavy rainfall.

Description

The Water Science and Technology Board (WSTB) was established in 1982 to provide a focal point for studies related to water resources at the National Academies. The board's objective is to improve the scientific and technological basis for resolving important questions and issues associated with the efficient management and use of water resources.
The board's scope covers all dimensions of water resources, including science, engineering, economics, policy, educational issues, and social aspects.

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Contributors

Committee

Chair

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Sponsors

National Science Foundation

Staff

Deborah Glickson

Lead

Laura Ehlers

Lead

Stephanie Johnson

Lead

Jonathan Tucker

Lead

Noel Walters

Lead

Charles Burgis

Lead

Jeanne Aquilino

Maya Frey

Samuel Kraft

Dominique Jenkins

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