Rep. Neguse Secures Passage of the WATER Data Improvement Act Through Committee with Unanimous Support

Washington, D.C. — This week, Congressman Joe Neguse, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Colorado River Caucus, successfully passed the Water Monitoring and Tracking Essential Resources (WATER) Data Improvement Act through the House Committee on Natural Resources. The bipartisan bill aims to address water scarcity across the West by supporting United States Geological Survey (USGS) programs for water monitoring, measurement, and estimation including the National Groundwater Resources Monitoring Network and Federal Priority Streamgage Network through 2028. The WATER Data Improvement Act now heads to the House Floor for consideration. 

“In Colorado and across the West, too many communities are facing a historic drought crisis. This bill extends successful existing programs, bolsters drought resiliency, and improves water quality,” said Rep. Neguse. “We must keep up the effort to preserve our nation’s natural resources for generations to come, and I am thrilled to see the House Committee on Natural Resources move forward on this important bill. It’s time to get this bill across the finish line.” 

The bill is co-led by Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Colorado River Caucus, Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ). 

“Arizona leads the country in water management and innovative conservation practices, efforts which are built upon water data and drought management tools. I am thrilled to see the House Natural Resources Committee pass this legislation to extend crucial programs that provide our states with this much-needed information. Ultimately these programs allow us to be the best possible stewards of the resources we have available,” said Rep. Ciscomani. 

Congressman Joe Neguse, whose district includes the headwaters of the Colorado River, has been working to address water-related issues, enacting significant bills that invest in drought resilience and water management. In July of last year, he was able to secure passage of his monumental legislative package, the Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act, through the House of Representatives.  

Additionally, as founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Colorado River Caucus, Rep. Neguse has formed a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers each representing a state along the Colorado River Basin. The lawmakers are working to build consensus on critical issues plaguing the river and support the work of the Colorado River Basin states on how best to address the worsening levels of drought in the Colorado River Basin. 

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