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Water Science and Technology BoardWater Science and Technology BoardNational Research CouncilNational Research Council
Henry Vaux, University of California at BerkeleyHenry Vaux, University of California at Berkeley
Confronting the Nation’s Water Problems: the Role of ResearchConfronting the Nation’s Water Problems: the Role of Research
2001 WSTB report Envisioning the Agenda
for Water Resources Research in the 21st
Century
2001 WSTB report Envisioning the Agenda
for Water Resources Research in the 21st
Century
43 high priority research needs in the areas of:
Water availabilityWater useWater institutions
Organizing for water research
43 high priority research needs in the areas of:
Water availabilityWater useWater institutions
Organizing for water research
Excerpt from Conference Report on FY2002 Interior Appropriations Bill
Excerpt from Conference Report on FY2002 Interior Appropriations Bill
“The managers concur with the House direction to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to examine water resources research funded by all Federal agencies and by significant non-Federal organizations."
“The managers concur with the House direction to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to examine water resources research funded by all Federal agencies and by significant non-Federal organizations."
Statement of TaskStatement of Task
Refine and enhance findings of the Envisioning report
Examine current and historical patterns of investment in water resources research and generally assess its adequacy
Address the need to better coordinate the nation’s water resources research enterprise
Identify institutional options for the improved coordination, prioritization, and implementation of research in water resources.
Refine and enhance findings of the Envisioning report
Examine current and historical patterns of investment in water resources research and generally assess its adequacy
Address the need to better coordinate the nation’s water resources research enterprise
Identify institutional options for the improved coordination, prioritization, and implementation of research in water resources.
Committee on Assessment of Water Resources ResearchCommittee on Assessment of Water Resources ResearchHenry Vaux, University of California, Chair (economics)
David Allan, University of Michigan (stream ecology)
James Crook, consultant (water reuse)
Joan Ehrenfeld, Rutgers University (wetland ecology)
Konstantine Georgakakos, Hydrologic Research Center (hydrology, climate change)
George Hallberg, Cadmus Group (drinking water, agr., water quality)
Debra Knopman, RAND (hydrology; policy; public administration)
Lawrence MacDonnell, Porzak, Browning & Bushong (water law)
Thomas MacVicar, MacVicar, Federico & Lamb (water management)
Rebecca Parkin, The George Washington University (public health)
Roger Patterson, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (states)
Frank Schwartz, Ohio State University (groundwater hydrology)
Amy Zander, Clarkson University (environmental engineering)
Henry Vaux, University of California, Chair (economics)
David Allan, University of Michigan (stream ecology)
James Crook, consultant (water reuse)
Joan Ehrenfeld, Rutgers University (wetland ecology)
Konstantine Georgakakos, Hydrologic Research Center (hydrology, climate change)
George Hallberg, Cadmus Group (drinking water, agr., water quality)
Debra Knopman, RAND (hydrology; policy; public administration)
Lawrence MacDonnell, Porzak, Browning & Bushong (water law)
Thomas MacVicar, MacVicar, Federico & Lamb (water management)
Rebecca Parkin, The George Washington University (public health)
Roger Patterson, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (states)
Frank Schwartz, Ohio State University (groundwater hydrology)
Amy Zander, Clarkson University (environmental engineering)
Motivations (Chapter 1)Motivations (Chapter 1)
U.S. water problems growing in frequency and intensity
Research necessary to solve tomorrow’s water resources problems needs to be initiated today
The type and quantity of research needed are unlikely to be adequate if no action is taken at the federal level
Responsibility for water resources research has devolved to the states, resulting in neglect of long-term basic research
U.S. water problems growing in frequency and intensity
Research necessary to solve tomorrow’s water resources problems needs to be initiated today
The type and quantity of research needed are unlikely to be adequate if no action is taken at the federal level
Responsibility for water resources research has devolved to the states, resulting in neglect of long-term basic research
Water Resources Research in the 20th Century (Chapter 2)Water Resources Research in the 20th Century (Chapter 2)
Fluctuated in response to scientific, political, and social movements
Numerous research agendas have been produced since the early 1960s
Reappearance of topics over and over suggests research is not being done
No structure is in place to take advantage of research agendas of various groups—everything ad hoc
Why bother with yet another proposal?
Fluctuated in response to scientific, political, and social movements
Numerous research agendas have been produced since the early 1960s
Reappearance of topics over and over suggests research is not being done
No structure is in place to take advantage of research agendas of various groups—everything ad hoc
Why bother with yet another proposal?
National Water Resources Research Agenda (Chapter 3)National Water Resources Research Agenda (Chapter 3)
The 43 research topics from the Envisioning report are the current best statement of research needs, although this list is expected to change as circumstances and knowledge evolve.
An urgent priority for water resources research is the development of a process for regularly reviewing and revising the entire portfolio of research being conducted.
The 43 research topics from the Envisioning report are the current best statement of research needs, although this list is expected to change as circumstances and knowledge evolve.
An urgent priority for water resources research is the development of a process for regularly reviewing and revising the entire portfolio of research being conducted.
A Set of Criteria for Updating a National Research AgendaA Set of Criteria for Updating a National Research Agenda
Federal role?
Expected value?
National significance?
Fill a gap in knowledge?
How well is this research area progressing?
Does it complement the overall portfolio?
Federal role?
Expected value?
National significance?
Fill a gap in knowledge?
How well is this research area progressing?
Does it complement the overall portfolio?
Time scaleFocusSource of expertiseSource of problem statement3 Envisioning categories4 themes
Survey of Water Resources Research Funding (Chapter 4)Survey of Water Resources Research Funding (Chapter 4)
Similar to FCCSET exercise in 1965–1975
71 subcategories of water resources research (11 new)
Requested total expenditures for FY 1999–2001
Other questions:
current and projected future activities
how research performance is measured
mix of research in terms of fundamental vs. applied, internal vs. external, and short-term vs. long-term
Similar to FCCSET exercise in 1965–1975
71 subcategories of water resources research (11 new)
Requested total expenditures for FY 1999–2001
Other questions:
current and projected future activities
how research performance is measured
mix of research in terms of fundamental vs. applied, internal vs. external, and short-term vs. long-term
Participating Agencies and OrganizationsParticipating Agencies and Organizations
InteriorUSGSUSBR
EPANASANSF
AWWARFWERFThe Nature ConservancyState Water Resources Research Institutes
NVPATXUT
InteriorUSGSUSBR
EPANASANSF
AWWARFWERFThe Nature ConservancyState Water Resources Research Institutes
NVPATXUT
AgricultureARSCSREESERSFS
CommerceNOAA
DefenseCorpsONRSERDP/ESTCP
EnergyHealth and Human Services
ATSDRNCINIEHS
AgricultureARSCSREESERSFS
CommerceNOAA
DefenseCorpsONRSERDP/ESTCP
EnergyHealth and Human Services
ATSDRNCINIEHS
Modified FCCSET CategoriesModified FCCSET Categories
VII. Resources Data
VIII. Engineering Works
IX. Manpower, Grants, and Facilities
X. Scientific and Technical Information
XI. Aquatic Ecosystem Management and Protection
VII. Resources Data
VIII. Engineering Works
IX. Manpower, Grants, and Facilities
X. Scientific and Technical Information
XI. Aquatic Ecosystem Management and Protection
I. Nature of Water
II. Water Cycle
III. Water Supply Augmentation and Conservation
IV. Water Quantity Management and Control
V. Water Quality Management and Protection
VI. Water Resources Planning and other Institutional Issues
I. Nature of Water
II. Water Cycle
III. Water Supply Augmentation and Conservation
IV. Water Quantity Management and Control
V. Water Quality Management and Protection
VI. Water Resources Planning and other Institutional Issues
Trends in Total Funding 1964–2001Trends in Total Funding 1964–2001
Total Water Resources Research Funding
0
200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1964 1969 1974 1979 1984 1989 1994 1999
Year
Fu
nd
ing
To
tal (
K$)
)
Federal Agencies
Nonfederal Organizations
USDA17%
NOAA4%
DoD15%
DOE4%
DHHS1%
18%
USBR2%
EPA15%
NASA2%
NSF22%
USGS
Agency Breakdown for FY2000 FundingAgency Breakdown for FY2000 Funding
Category Breakdown for FY2000 FundingCategory Breakdown for FY2000 Funding
II. Water Cycle22%
I. Nature of Water1.6%
VII. Resources Data 1.3%
IV. Water Quantity Management and Control
7%
III. Water Supply Augmentation
and Conservation2%
XI. Aquatic Ecosystem Management and Protection 23%
VIII. Engineering Works 9%
IX. Manpower, Grants, Facilities 4%
X. Scientific and Technical Information 0.2%
V. Water Quality Management and Protection
28%
VI. Water Resources Planning 1.5%
Conclusions—Total FundingConclusions—Total Funding
Real levels of total spending remained relatively constant (around $700 million in 2000 dollars) since the mid 1970s.
When Category XI (aquatic ecosystems) is subtracted, the total funding level has declined over the last 30 years.
Funds have declined severely since the mid 1970s for
III (water supply augmentation and conservation)V (water quality management and protection)VI (water resources planning and institutional issues)VII (resources data)
Real levels of total spending remained relatively constant (around $700 million in 2000 dollars) since the mid 1970s.
When Category XI (aquatic ecosystems) is subtracted, the total funding level has declined over the last 30 years.
Funds have declined severely since the mid 1970s for
III (water supply augmentation and conservation)V (water quality management and protection)VI (water resources planning and institutional issues)VII (resources data)
Conclusions—Total FundingConclusions—Total Funding
Water resources research funding has not paralleled growth in demographic and economic parameters such as population, GDP, or budget outlays.
Water resources research funding has not paralleled growth in demographic and economic parameters such as population, GDP, or budget outlays.
Comparison of Funding in Water Resources
Research: mid 1970s to late 1990s
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
1973-1975
1999-2001
WRR/capita ($)
0
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.05
0.06
0.07
0.08
WRR/GDP or budget (%)
WRR/capita WRR/GDP WRR/budget
1973–1975
1973–1975
1999–2001
1999–2001
Conclusions—Topical AreasConclusions—Topical Areas
The topical balance has changed since the 1965–1975 period, such that the present situation is inconsistent with current priorities.
Underfunded: water demand/usewater law and other institutional topicswater supply augmentation/conservation
If enhanced funding to support research in these categories is not diverted from other categories, the total water resources research budget will have to be enhanced.
10 percent of the total water resources research budget should be allocated to combined water use/institutional topics.
The topical balance has changed since the 1965–1975 period, such that the present situation is inconsistent with current priorities.
Underfunded: water demand/usewater law and other institutional topicswater supply augmentation/conservation
If enhanced funding to support research in these categories is not diverted from other categories, the total water resources research budget will have to be enhanced.
10 percent of the total water resources research budget should be allocated to combined water use/institutional topics.
Conclusions—Overall MixConclusions—Overall Mix
The current water resources research portfolio appears heavily weighted in favor of short-term research. A mechanism should be developed to ensure that long-term research accounts for one-third to one-half of the portfolio.
The current water resources research portfolio appears heavily weighted in favor of short-term research. A mechanism should be developed to ensure that long-term research accounts for one-third to one-half of the portfolio.
Data Collection (Chapter 5)Data Collection (Chapter 5)
Key legacy monitoring systems in areas of streamflow, groundwater, sediment transport, water quality, and water use have been in substantial decline and in some cases have nearly been eliminated.
The consequences of the present policy of neglect associated with water resources monitoring will not necessarily remain small.
Key legacy monitoring systems in areas of streamflow, groundwater, sediment transport, water quality, and water use have been in substantial decline and in some cases have nearly been eliminated.
The consequences of the present policy of neglect associated with water resources monitoring will not necessarily remain small.
Coordination and Organization (Chapter 6)Coordination and Organization (Chapter 6)
The multiple looming water crises across the U.S. suggest that the $700 million currently spent on water resources research is not sufficiently focused or is not effectively addressing national needs.
Water resources research across the federal enterprise has been largely uncoordinated for the last 30 years, although there have been periodic ad hoc attempts to engage in interagency coordination.
The sum of individual agency priorities does not add up to a truly comprehensive list of national water resources research needs.
The multiple looming water crises across the U.S. suggest that the $700 million currently spent on water resources research is not sufficiently focused or is not effectively addressing national needs.
Water resources research across the federal enterprise has been largely uncoordinated for the last 30 years, although there have been periodic ad hoc attempts to engage in interagency coordination.
The sum of individual agency priorities does not add up to a truly comprehensive list of national water resources research needs.
Coordination ActionsCoordination Actions
conduct a regular survey of water resources research using input from federal agency representatives
advise OMB and Congress on the long-term national water resources research agenda every three to five years
advise OMB and Congress on the adequacy of mission-driven research budgets of the federal agencies
advise OMB and Congress on key priorities for a competitive grants program ($20 million per year for water institutions, $50 million per year for water use)
engage in vertical coordination with states, industry, and other stakeholders
conduct a regular survey of water resources research using input from federal agency representatives
advise OMB and Congress on the long-term national water resources research agenda every three to five years
advise OMB and Congress on the adequacy of mission-driven research budgets of the federal agencies
advise OMB and Congress on key priorities for a competitive grants program ($20 million per year for water institutions, $50 million per year for water use)
engage in vertical coordination with states, industry, and other stakeholders
3 Models for Coordination3 Models for Coordination
Subcommittee on Water Availability and Qualityarrangements in place and agency roles definedapproach has yet to demonstrate that it can be an effective forum for looking beyond agency missions
Neutral third party independence from the agenciesmay engender resentment from the agencies or disinterest from OMB
OMB-runformally tied to the budget processpotential conflicts of interest
Subcommittee on Water Availability and Qualityarrangements in place and agency roles definedapproach has yet to demonstrate that it can be an effective forum for looking beyond agency missions
Neutral third party independence from the agenciesmay engender resentment from the agencies or disinterest from OMB
OMB-runformally tied to the budget processpotential conflicts of interest
Last ThoughtsLast Thoughts
The creation and maintenance of a coordinated, comprehensive, and balanced national water resources research agenda, combined with a regular assessment of the water resources research activities sponsored by the federal agencies, represents the nation’s best chance for dealing effectively with the many water crises sure to mark the 21st century.
The creation and maintenance of a coordinated, comprehensive, and balanced national water resources research agenda, combined with a regular assessment of the water resources research activities sponsored by the federal agencies, represents the nation’s best chance for dealing effectively with the many water crises sure to mark the 21st century.
