Governance

As defined by the UNDP Water Governance Facility, water governance is determined by the political, social, economic, and administrative systems that are in place. These systems can both directly and indirectly affect the use, development, and management of water resources and the delivery of water services delivery at different levels of society. Improving governance for economic, environmental, and social sustainability is possible through the establishment of stronger public and private institutions, policies, legislation, and processes. Topics addressed in this theme include the principles of equity and efficiency, water administration, the roles of government and other stakeholders, and the frameworks to balance water use between socio-economic activities and ecosystems.

Governance Resources

Drought Reporter

Publication date:
January 1, 2014
interactive display of drought impacts on state scale (agriculture, fire, water supply, society & public health, etc.)Read more

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center

Publication date:
January 1, 2014
Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska
The center researchers team with policymakers and other stakeholders to actively inform public policy. DWFI faculty fellow Alan Tomkins is the center's director.Read more

Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit

Publication date:
June 1, 2004
Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska
Several affiliated faculty work with natural resources management graduate students to create new information useful for management Read more

Sharing Colorado River Water: History, Public Policy and the Colorado River Compact

The National Institutes for Water Resources
The year 1997 marks the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Colorado River Compact. Delegates from the seven Colorado River Basin states met on November 9, 1922 in New Mexico to discuss, negotiate and ultimately work out the compact. It was then signed in the Palace of the Governors, Santa Fe,...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States
North America

USAID Water and Development Strategy, 2013-2018

Foundation Center
U.S. Agency for International Development
The first global Water and Development Strategy outlines the approach that will guide USAID's water programming through 2018. The Strategy emphasizes sustainability, working through host country systems, using emerging science and technology, and learning from past efforts.Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States
North America

Water and Development Strategy: Implementation Field Guide

Foundation Center
U.S. Agency for International Development
This periodically updated document is intended to serve as a reference tool to help USAID Operating Units understand and apply the agency's 2013-2018 Water and Development Strategy. By publicly sharing the document, USAID aims to ensure coordination of their efforts with the wider water sector.Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States
North America

Platte Basin Timelapse Project

Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska
A multimedia and time lapse photography project of the Platte River Basin led by DWFI faculty fellows Michael Forsberg and Michael FarrellRead more

Asset Management Resources

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
As the practice of asset management has grown in recent years, an extensive body of resources has become available to help develop the U.S. EPA's knowledge and practice of asset management. This includes resources for utilities, such as software and guidebooks, as well as resources to help our...Read more

Water Conservation Planning Introduction

Alliance for Water Efficiency
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
One of the first steps when starting a water conservation program is developing a water conservation plan.�Developing a sound water conservation plan is a multi-step process that requires thought and effort.� A number of conservation planning guidance documents are available to assist in the...Read more

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