Hydrologic Science Opportunities to Better Understand Water Quality: A Community Perspective

The use of satellite-derived water quality measurements can be used for decision support efforts in the areas of public health (e,g, harmful algae blooms) and environmental monitoring. In addition, satellite information helps support aquatic science efforts in the areas of primary productivity, sediment transport and biogeochemistry. To advance water quality information needs, a multi-satellite constellation providing daily, hyperspectral (or carefully selected ~20+band “superspectral”) observations at ≤20-30m spatial resolution to resolve optically complex inland and coastal waters needs to be developed. Secondly, to build trust and confidence in the generated data, implement community-wide validation methods, shared equipment access, and multilingual training to ensure global data equity. Lastly, develop a “water quality suite” of integrated, multisource data sets along with community-based open-source models to support gap free data sets for multiple end user needs. The use of responsible AI may expand the list of constituents generated via satellites into indirect measures such as pathogens, dissolved oxygen, and toxic metals. This white paper is an outcome of a community-led, community-engaged effort to elevate hydrologic science opportunities which would have significant benefit to support decision-making for drought, floods, water quality, water supply and water demand. Water quality is critical for human and ecosystem health.

Suggested citation:

Seegers, B., Greb, S., et al. (2026). Hydrologic Science Opportunities to Better Understand Water Quality: A Community Perspective. Aspen Global Change Institute. https://doi.org/10.69925/WAXL4673