New strategy positions water security as a cornerstone of U.S. economic prosperity and global competitiveness.

Washington, D.C., — A new Aspen National Water Strategy, published today by the Aspen Institute’s Energy & Environment Program, provides a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen water security across the United States and ensure that communities, economies, and ecosystems can thrive amid growing water-related challenges. The effort is co-chaired by Martin Doyle of Duke University and Newsha Ajami of the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.

The strategy emphasizes that securing America’s water future goes far beyond managing shortages or surpluses. True security depends on well-functioning, trusted, and affordable water systems; resilient communities able to withstand floods, droughts, and wildfires; and institutions capable of adapting to changing climates, economies, and social conditions.

"Water connects us all. Our economies, communities, and ecosystems thrive only when we treat water as an interconnected system and work collectively to achieve water security,” said Newsha Ajami of the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. “Last century’s strategies, policies, and solutions are no longer sufficient for today’s challenges. The Aspen National Water Strategy offers a framework to catalyze a paradigm shift, ensuring the long-term management and security of this vital resource."

“Water is foundational to our national economic security, yet we often treat it as an afterthought,” noted Martin Doyle of Duke University. “Water resources, and modern water infrastructure is as critical to data centers and AI as it is to agriculture and industrial manufacturing.” 

Developed through 18 months of collaboration among water leaders from across sectors, regions, and backgrounds, the Aspen National Water Strategy identifies six interconnected strategies essential to securing water for America’s communities, economies, and ecosystems:

• Elevating water security as a cornerstone of the nation’s economy.
• Reforming water governance to establish clear structures and standards while enabling flexible, locally appropriate implementation.
• Investing in rural water resources and services to strengthen rural communities and regional water security.
• Equipping communities to adapt to rising water-related climate risks.
• Modernizing water infrastructure while renewing existing assets.
• Accelerating the adoption of innovative water solutions at scale.

The strategy underscores that water security depends not only on infrastructure, but also on institutional capacity, effective governance, and coordinated action across federal, state, tribal, local, nonprofit, and private-sector partners. It recognizes that America’s water challenges are diverse and place-based, requiring solutions that combine national coordination with local flexibility.

"The Aspen Institute’s work is grounded in the belief that lasting solutions come from thoughtful collaboration. This strategy is the result of sustained dialogue among stakeholders and leaders with diverse experiences, priorities, and perspectives. Through our convening model, we have built a strategy rooted in shared goals and mutual understanding, with a clear urgency to secure water for future generations, while accounting for both national priorities and local realities,” said Kate Jaffee, Director, Policy, The Aspen Institute’s Energy & Environment Program. 

As communities across the country face intensifying climate impacts and increasing demands on water systems, the Aspen National Water Strategy offers a shared framework for action—one that aligns proven practices with innovation, technical expertise with community knowledge, and long-term national goals with local needs.

The full Aspen National Water Strategy is available at: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/energy-and-environment-program/aspen-nicholas-water-forum/. 

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The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.