The State of US Water2026
A comprehensive analysis of 4,143,595 water assets across North America. Aquifer depletion, drought, regulatory trends, and market activity — all in one report.
Key Findings
aquifers at risk of significant depletion over the next decade based on current withdrawal rates.
active regulatory alerts affecting water assets — EPA violations, drought, and enforcement actions.
water assets tracked across all 50 states — the most comprehensive database in North America.
verified assets with field-confirmed data from state surveys and direct observation.
Executive Summary
The 2026 State of US Water report synthesizes data from USGS, EPA, state water boards, and verified field observations across all 50 states and territories. Over the past year, Hi3 Water has scored every tracked water asset on five dimensions: flow rate, geological stability, legal accessibility, sustainability, and rarity.
Three trends dominate the 2026 data:
- Western aquifer depletion is accelerating. The Ogallala Aquifer continues to decline, with measurable drops in Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. Colorado River Basin water rights are trading at record prices.
- Regulatory complexity is increasing. California's SGMA implementation, Colorado compact negotiations, and the Great Lakes compact are all reshaping water markets. Hi3 Water tracked over 320,000 active alerts at year-end.
- Market activity is shifting east. Traditionally dominated by western prior appropriation states, water rights transactions are now increasingly active in Florida, Texas, and Georgia as aquifer stress spreads.
Methodology
Every water asset in the Hi3 Water database is scored 0-100 on five weighted components:
- Flow Rate (25%): Measured or estimated discharge in gallons per minute
- Geological Stability (20%): Rock type, aquifer confinement, recharge rates
- Legal Accessibility (20%): Water rights type, priority date, transferability
- Sustainability (20%): Long-term viability, drought resilience, depletion risk
- Rarity (15%): Fossil water, unique chemistry, confined aquifers
Data sources: USGS National Water Information System, EPA ECHO, state water boards (all 50 states), state geological surveys, USDA Drought Monitor, NRC nuclear facility database, and verified field reports. Scoring methodology published at hi3water.com/library/hi3-water-intelligence-score-explained.
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Explore the Data Behind the Report
Every number in this report links back to the source assets in our live database. Browse the map, drill into state reports, or explore by basin.