Mid-Columbia Drought Team Shares Regional Insights and Collaborative Approach at 2026 NW Groundwater Conference

March 17–18, 2026 | Boise, Idaho

Members of the Mid-Columbia Drought Preparedness Plan team recently presented at

the American Groundwater Trust 40th anniversary conference held in Boise on March

17–18, 2026. While relatively small in size, the conference brought together a

passionate group of professionals deeply committed to education, awareness and

technology behind groundwater challenges across the Northwest.

Mid- Columbia Drought Preparedness team (left to right): Sarah Weeks, Landau Associates, Inc; Curtis Cude, Water Insecurity Solutions; Kevin Lindsey, GeoEngineers; Brean Nieman, LCCD; Alicia Candalaria, GeoEngineers.

Brean Nieman of the Lincoln County Conservation District (LCCD) and Sarah Weeks of

Landau Associates, Inc. presented on Collaborative Approaches to Groundwater

Sustainability in the Columbia Basin.

Brean Nieman presenting at the NW Groundwater Conference.

The presentation began with an overview of the Mid-Columbia Basin Drought

Preparedness Plan, funded by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Key

themes included the region’s heavy reliance on groundwater for drinking water, as well

as a broader look at the FLAG (Franklin, Lincoln, Adams and Grant)

communities—focusing on who we are, climate conditions, water availability, long-term

groundwater declines, and the region’s history of drought.

Sarah Weeks presenting at the NW Groundwater Conference.

The presentation highlighted the work of the Columbia Basin Sustainable Water

Coalition (CBSWC), including its origins and ongoing efforts and underscored how

water insecurity—especially during prolonged drought—can significantly impact

communities across the region.

In addition, several current and future project opportunities were shared, aimed at

securing funding and resources for local communities. These efforts are intended to

support practical, community-driven solutions to groundwater sustainability challenges.

Through funding support from the Washington State Department of Ecology, this

regional initiative is advancing the development of a comprehensive drought

preparedness plan. A central focus of the plan is meaningful community engagement,

particularly with overburdened and historically underserved populations—including, but

not limited to—farmworkers, agricultural producers, municipal water systems, and Tribal

communities.

LCCD and CBSWC are the project leads for the drought effort; Landau Associates, Inc.,

GeoEngineers, and Water Insecurity Solutions are contributing technical expertise

through report development, well monitoring data, and public health perspectives.

Key Takeaway

The message from this conference was clear: ensuring a sustainable water future will

require current and future generations to stay informed, engaged, and open to

evidence-based solutions.