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ED TORML Water Research Update by Robert C. Ward Director of Colorado Water Resources Research Institute As humans we are constantly gaining new knowledge and insight. As a society, we are constantly learning new things that, hopefully, will improve our lives and reduce risks of natural and man-made disasters. As hurri- canes Katrina and Rita remind us, we still have a lot of learning to do as many of our cities remain highly vulnerable to disaster. Jared Orsi, an Assistant Professor in CSU's Histo- ry Department, published a book in 2004 entitled Hazardous Metropolis: Flooding and Urban Ecology in Los Angeles. The book describes the strange and often hazardous ways that engineering, politics, and nature interact as humans attempt to reduce the risks of flooding in and around Los Angeles. In the book, Orsi suggests a new paradigm for understanding the city's complex and unpredictable waterways (called 'the urban ecosystem') and offers lessons learned as other cities seek to improve their relationship with the extremes of nature. On page 21 of this issue, Prof. Orsi shares with Colorado Water readers some of the insight he gained in conducting the historical research re- quired to write the book Hazardous Metropolis. The research that Prof. Orsi conducted, and the insight he gained, is an example of the contribu- tions higher education can bring to society as it attempts to reconcile its increasingly complex re- lationship with water. While flooding is a highly complex issue (as the hurricanes have shown), we in Colorado are struggling with the complex relationships associated with a rapidly growing population in a semi -arid climate. The 2005 Colo- rado Legislative session established, via HB 1177, water roundtables in each river basin to begin a dialogue about meeting future water demands with limited supplies. Water research in higher education offers many perspectives on the supply and use of water in Colorado - perspectives that may facilitate dialogues at the water roundtables. For example, in this issue of Colorado Water the reader will find results from a study of the leach- ing of nutrients from irrigated turf as well as updates from the three current CWRRI Water Research Fellows - describing efforts to better understand the 'firm yield' of the Colorado River; the economic impact on rural communities when irrigation water is reduced due to overuse in the past or water is moved to meet growing urban needs; and an assessment of the presence of phar- maceuticals in and around on -site wastewater treatment systems. Future water research priori- ties of CWRRFs Advisory Committee are listed in the Call for Nominations for CWRRI's FY 2006 Water Fellowship competition. How does the water information in higher educa- tion reach the water dialogues currently taking place across Colorado? Cooperative Extension has organized a team to help the water roundta- bles gain ready access to higher educations water expertise. Serving on this team are: Thad Gourd (Adams County) serving the South Platte; Carl Wilson (Denver County) serving the Metro area; Jeff Tra- nel (Pueblo) serving the Arkansas; Marvin Reyn- olds (San Luis Valley) serving the Rio Grande; CJ Mucklow (Routt County) serving the Yampa/ White; Rod Sharp (Grand Junction) serving the Colorado River; Dan Fernandez (Dolores) serv- ing Dolores /San Miguel and San Juan; Deb Alpe (Jackson County) serving the North Platte; and Wayne Cooley (Tri River Area in Delta) serving the Gunnison. Lyn Kathlene and Reagan Was - kom will serve as campus coordinators for this effort. Contact information is on page 31. I want to personally thank these Extension staff members for offering their time and assistance to Colorado's water roundtables. Their willingness to connect local water information needs with the reservoir of water knowledge in Colorado's higher education system is a valuable service to Colorado.