Fire and Water in the Western United States

Across the West, wildfires have grown in both size and severity over the last half century—a trend that is expected to worsen due to climate change. One underappreciated consequence is the impact wildfires have on both the availability and quality of water.

Scientific evidence tells us that wildfires can increase the load of sediments and toxins in rivers and streams. They can heighten the risk of dangerous mudslides and debris flows, and even contaminate drinking water.

For communities dealing with the aftermath of wildfire—and the uncertainties of extended drought—these impacts carry tremendous consequences.

Addressing these risks will require limiting future climate change, managing forests to reduce the severity of wildfires, and increasing the resilience of water infrastructure.