Western Water Assessment (WWA) is CIRES’ signature integrating activity, relying on multidisciplinary teams of experts in climate, hydrology, ecology, law, and policy to work with decision makers across the Rocky Mountain West to produce policy-relevant information about climate variability and change. WWA is one of 10 NOAA-funded Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (RISA) programs across the country. 

Through relationships with decision makers and other stakeholders, WWA develops practical research programs and useful information products. WWA’s mission is to conduct innovative research in partnership with decision makers in the Rocky Mountain West, helping them make the best use of science to manage for climate impacts. WWA addresses NOAA’s mission, strategic goals, and crosscutting priorities, as well as other Congressional NOAA mandates, including the U.S. Global Change Research Act and the U.S. Climate Change Science Program.