Water

In partnership with Chilean experts, scientists are working to help policymakers integrate long-term environmental and social changes into water governance.

In California’s Central Valley, depleted groundwater threatens communities, agriculture, and ecosystems. Researchers have found one potential remedy by identifying areas where water released on the surface could rapidly flow into aquifers.

Historic rains filled Greater Los Angeles reservoirs and shallow aquifers nearly to capacity in 2023. But according to a new analysis, drought conditions persisted in deeper aquifers.

ORCA, an open-source tool developed by Stanford researchers, will allow more scientists to study ice sheets, at a fraction of the cost.

As power grids rely more on renewable energy sources like wind and solar, balancing energy supply and demand becomes more challenging. A new analysis shows how water systems, such as desalination plants and wastewater treatment facilities, could help enhance grid stability and create new revenue streams.

Soaring utility bills force many U.S. households to ration water for essential needs, but a new metric could help agencies identify and aid those most at risk.

Energy and food systems depend on stored water to generate hydropower and feed irrigation, but a new study finds dams and reservoirs won’t be able to keep up with the demand.

The future of water in the Southwest was top of mind for participants and attendees at the 10th Annual Eccles Family Rural West Conference.

Stanford engineers Zhiye Li and Michael Lepech discuss the potential for reusing discarded plastic in infrastructure applications.

Switching from hydropower to fossil fuels during droughts has led to higher carbon emissions and cost 11 Western states tens of billions of dollars over the past two decades, Stanford research finds.