Delaware River Basin regional water availability assessment timeline

Integrated Water Availability Assessments (IWAAs) examine how much water is available in the United States and identify where and when the Nation may have challenges meeting its demand for water. These assessments evaluate water quantity and quality in both surface and groundwater, as related to human and ecosystem needs and as affected by human and natural influences. Some regional water availability assessments are conducted in medium-sized watersheds that are representative of larger regions throughout the Nation, known as Integrated Water Science (IWS) basins.

The Delaware River Basin (DRB) Regional Water Availability Assessment is divided into the pilot project, a planning phase, and two additional phases. The Delaware River Basin pilot was conducted in 2019-2022, and Phase 1 of the Regional Water Availability Assessment began in 2023. Completion of Phase 1 is anticipated by 2028. Phase 2 will be conducted concurrently with Phase 1 and will be completed by 2025.