Scientists analyzed water quality in 145 watersheds after wildfires and found dramatic spikes in contaminants.

Cities across the normally wet Northeast scrambled to reduce water use amid a 2024 drought. It was a reminder that drought isn’t a problem only in the West.

Just like fires can contaminate municipal water systems by melting pipes, farms’ and ranches’ water supply systems are at risk. A first-of-its-kind study after the Maui fires explores the harms.

Extreme downpours and droughts, both fueled by rising global temperatures, are taking a toll on water infrastructure. Communities trying to manage the threats face three big challenges.

These giant rivers in the sky are both destructive and essential for the Western U.S. water supply.

These giant rivers in the sky are both destructive and essential for the Western U.S. water supply.

These giant rivers in the sky are both destructive and essential for the Western U.S. water supply.

These giant rivers in the sky are also essential for the Western U.S. water supply. Their rain and snowfall is expected to become more intense as the planet warms.

These giant rivers in the sky are bringing more intense rainfall as the planet warms.

Rapid and accelerating groundwater level declines are widespread in dry climates where groundwater is used for irrigation. But some communities have found ways to turn things around.