Tributaries of the Rio Grande and the Colorado River Basins: The Role of Groundwater

Protecting shared water resources begins with understanding how rivers, tributaries, and groundwater systems are connected. Exploring effective ways to conserve water requires looking beyond surface flows and recognizing the critical role groundwater plays in sustaining ecosystems, communities, and water supplies throughout the Rio Grande and Colorado River basins.
To promote this conversation, the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters invites the scientific community and the public to a new Science Talk titled Tributaries of the Rio Grande and the Colorado River Basins: The Role of Groundwater. The virtual event will take place on Thursday, August 27, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM Central Time, bringing together experts whose research focuses on hydrology, groundwater, watershed science, and habitat restoration.
The discussion will be moderated by Samuel Sandoval Solis, Professor at the University of California, Davis. Joining him are Kevin Urbanczyk, Senior Research Scientist at the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water; Elia Tapia, Associate in Extension at the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center; Karem Abdelmohsen, Associate Research Scientist at Arizona State University; and Jeff Bennett, Habitat Restoration Hydrologist at the American Bird Conservancy.
Throughout the session, participants will explore how tributaries and groundwater interact across two of North America’s most important river systems. The speakers will discuss current research, watershed processes, and the importance of groundwater in maintaining streamflow, supporting ecosystems, and improving long-term water resilience in the U.S border region.. These scientific perspectives help identify alternative cooperation efforts, promote innovative ways to conserve water while strengthening the sustainable management of shared water resources.
The Science Talk will also examine how groundwater contributes to river health, habitat conservation, and regional water security. As climate variability, population growth, and increasing water demand place additional pressure on shared basins, understanding these natural connections becomes increasingly important. Scientific collaboration provides valuable information that supports informed decision-making and encourages ways to conserve water that benefit both people and the environment.
By bringing together researchers from leading academic institutions and conservation organizations, the event creates an opportunity to exchange knowledge across disciplines and borders. Conversations like these strengthen collaboration between Mexico and the United States while highlighting innovative research that supports resilient water management and practical ways to conserve water for future generations.
Whether you are a researcher, water professional, student, policymaker, or simply interested in the future of shared water resources, this Science Talk offers an opportunity to learn from experts working at the intersection of groundwater science, river systems, and environmental conservation.
Join us on Thursday, August 27, and become part of the conversation exploring how tributaries and groundwater shape the future of the Rio Grande and Colorado River basins.