A new report from the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University outlines how a variety of emerging technologies can help water managers, landowners and policymakers improve western water management in the face of severe, ongoing drought.

From blockchain and satellite telemetry to improved sensors and advanced aerial observation platforms, the report finds that many emerging technologies have the capability to enhance the monitoring, management, conservation and allocation of water with great benefit to Colorado and beyond.

The release of “Emerging Technologies to Improve Water Resource Management in Colorado” comes amidst a growing water crisis in the West: the worst drought in 1,200 years and a crackdown from the federal government on annual allocation of water in the Colorado River, from Colorado to California.