Narrowing streamflow distribution can alter water allocation timing and quantity

Nature Water, Published online: 30 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s44221-026-00639-4 Shifting seasonal water availability and variation in societal demands for surface water challenge water resource management. This study reveals that where streamflow timing becomes more narrowly concentrated, junior water right holders could benefit with greater shares of water within a priority system like that applied across much of the Western USA.