Water Resources
Mission
Supporting science and engineering to improve our ability to predict, manage, and improve availability of fresh water.
Overview
This initiative focuses on science and engineering problems related to the monitoring and management of water resources as well as the treatment of water. We aim to develop new tools to accurately measure surface and underground water resources, and how these resources change over time. Based on the best science available, we aim to provide capabilities that will inform decision support tools and expand our understanding of built and natural water systems while at the same time design and engineer new and innovative water treatment technologies.
Important Questions
- How do we use remote sensing tools to improve our understanding of aquifer systems including the impact of natural and anthropogenic activity?
- How do we direct and track water reinjected into the earth?
- How can we enhance our understanding of groundwater interactions with surface waters to best replenish underground reservoirs and optimize their use?
- How can we improve treatment options for both salt and wastewater to increase fresh water supply?
- How do we make smart nanostructured materials to efficiently extract salt from water?
- Water Resources Initiative Lead; John W. and Herberta M. Miles Professor of Geophysics; Jet Propulsion Laboratory Chief Scientist
Mark Simons
Ensuring sustainable supplies of fresh water to meet human and environmental needs, which are stressed by changes in climate, land use, and population, requires a dynamic understanding of both natural and human systems, and how they interact. Gaining this understanding is the overarching goal of the Water Resources Initiative.