Legislation Review 2025: Emerging Policies, Planning Frameworks, and Funding Tools Shaping the Future of Western Water Management

This year, Water Strategist tracked 37 major water bills across 10 states in the Colorado River Basin, Pacific Northwest, and Texas. No major water legislation was noted in Idaho or Wyoming. This year’s bills fell into seven broad categories—conservation, planning, governance, PFAs, groundwater, funding mechanisms, and public trust and environment—and together reveal how Western states are exploring diverse approaches to advance water security.