The Permanent Forum of Binational Waters (PFBW) and the International Association for Water Law (AIDA) are proud to announce the release of their joint Policy Brief: Emerging Policy Themes for Interconnected Waters: Integrated Approaches for the Connection Between Surface Water and Groundwater.
This publication by the joint Environment Working Group addresses one of today’s most critical water governance challenges—the disconnection between hydrological systems and regulatory frameworks for surface water and groundwater.
Drawing directly from the two series of expert Coffee Breaks hosted in November and December 2024—“Hydrologic Realities and Delusions at the Domestic Level” and “Hydrologic Realities and Delusions at the International Transboundary Basin Level”—the Policy Brief distills the core insights, debates, and recommendations that emerged during these events.
It integrates diverse perspectives from global water experts and provides actionable insights for national and transboundary water policy. Both event recordings are available on the PFBW YouTube channel.
First Coffee Break: Hydrologic Realities and Delusions at the Domestic Level: Regulating Interconnected Surface Waters and Groundwater
Second Coffee Break: Hydrologic Realities and Delusions at the International Transboundary Basin Level: Regulating Interconnected Surface Waters and Groundwater
As water scarcity intensifies across many regions, the report calls for an overhaul of outdated legal models that manage groundwater and surface water as separate entities. It delves into urgent topics such as recharge zones, data interoperability, land use regulation, sovereignty, and international legal gaps.
Co-authored by Paul Stanton Kibel, Raquel Neri Barranco, Rosario Sanchez, and Gabriel Eckstein —renowned experts in water law and governance— the report highlights the importance of coordinated, science-informed strategies to ensure water security across the U.S.–Mexico border and other transboundary regions.
This collaborative work reflects the mission of the PFBW and AIDA Environment Working Group for Law Policy to align scientific knowledge with legal frameworks and institutional action.
It is an essential resource for decision-makers, researchers, and civil society stakeholders shaping the future of water governance.
The full report is downloadable in both English and Spanish.
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