The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers launched the Building Strong Collaborative Relationships for a Sustainable Water Resources Future initiative to strengthen how water resources are planned, managed, and sustained across the United States. The effort recognizes that today’s water challenges, ranging from climate variability and aging infrastructure to competing demands and ecosystem protection, cannot be solved by any single agency or jurisdiction alone.

At its core, the initiative promotes collaboration, shared responsibility, and integrated water resources management (IWRM) by bringing together federal agencies, states, Tribal Nations, regional entities, local governments, and stakeholders. Through coordinated planning and knowledge sharing, the program seeks to improve outcomes for water supply, water quality, flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem health.

Additional background and resources are available through the initiative’s public information portal.

Key Reports and Resources

National Report: Responding to National Water Resources Challenges
This report is based on a two-year national assessment of water resource challenges facing states and the nation. It examines the social, technological, economic, political, and security drivers shaping U.S. water management. The report identifies nine overarching national themes and recommends practical actions to address water challenges through coordinated implementation.

Water in the American West: 150 Years of Adaptive Strategies
Prepared as a policy report for the 6th World Water Forum, this publication reviews the historical evolution of water resources development in the American West. It highlights the adaptive strategies Western states have used to respond to scarcity, growth, and variability, offering lessons that remain relevant for future planning.

Building Strong Collaborative Relationships for a Sustainable Water Resources Future: Federal Agency Assessment
This assessment summarizes the roles of 12 key federal water resources agencies, highlighting existing initiatives that leverage shared resources and support collaborative federal assistance for state and regional water planning. It also identifies gaps, opportunities, and pathways for improving integrated water resources management nationwide

State and Commission Water Planning Summaries
Concise summaries for all 50 states and four regional river basin commissions describe:

• State water planning processes
• Water management approaches and governance structures
• Strategies for meeting future water demands
• Key challenges and barriers to effective planning and management

Together, these summaries provide a nationwide snapshot of how water resources are being addressed at the state and regional levels.

Together, these summaries provide a nationwide snapshot of how water resources are being addressed at the state and regional levels:

• Western States Water Council – Publications and policy resources supporting Western state water priorities
• South Florida Water Management District – Regional water management, restoration, and planning initiatives
• International Water Management Institute – International research on sustainable water and land management
• World Water Council – Global platform for water policy dialogue and cooperation