According to researchers in an experiment, plants that were genetically engineered had stronger resistance to drought. The article, taken from Science Daily and published in Nature, features the discovery of a protein called PYR1 which could open up a whole new approach to increasing crops’ resistance to water shortages. LINK:Water Conservation News

Founded in 1949, the Irrigation Association (IA) is  a leading membership organization for irrigation equipment and system manufacturers, dealers, distributors, designers, consultants, contractors and end users. The organization is dedicated to promoting efficient irrigation to its members and the irrigation industry through  continuing education and educating the public on sound practices and water management, serving as a centralized clearing house for research and innovation and lending expertise to water-use public policy at the local, state, regional and national level to name a few. LINK: Irrigation Association

The Water Research Foundation is a member-supported, international, nonprofit organization that sponsors research to enable water utilities, public health agencies and other profesionals and other professionals to provide safe and affordable drinking water to consumers. The organization’s mission is advancing the science of water. LINK: Water Research Foundation

Reclamation is a contemporary water management agency with strategic plans outlining numerous programs, initiatives, and acitivities that meet new water needs and balance the multitude of competing uses of water in the West. The Agency’s mission is to assist in meeting the increasing water demands of the West while protecting the environment and the public’s investment in these structures. They place great emphasis on fulfilling water delivery obligations, water conservation, water recycling and reuse, and developing partnerships as well as finding ways to bring together the variety of interests to address the competing needs for the limited water resources.

Reclamation awarded over $1.7 million for 16 desalination research and cooperative agreements. Including matching contributions, the total investment in desalination research amounted to over $6 million. Published reports may be downloaded at their site LINK: Reclamation

International Water Association (IWA) is comprised of leading water professionals in science, research, technology and practice worldwide.  There are 10,000 individual and 400 corporate members, spread across 130 countries. To join IWA and become  part of  a fellowship of like-minded water sector specialists operating at the heart of innovation in both research and practice, go to LINK: IWA MEMBERSHIP

The 2009 WITS Conference provides a number of opportunities for its participants, including: opportunity to present your research/company technology & innovation to professionals from around the world, professional growth and development, networking with researchers and professionals from around the world. Opportunity to learn about the latest trends in water technology/innovation and sustainable strategies related to the conference topics. For a brochure and more information about the event go to LINK: WITS CONFERENCE