Glacier Preservation: World Water Day 2025
World Water Day (March 22, 2025) celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water, and this year, we reflect on the 2025 theme: Glacier Preservation.
While “glaciers” may initially spark visions of Antarctica, did you know there are “mini glaciers” in California, Washington, Colorado, and other parts of the western U.S.?
These are essentially small ice formations existing in high-altitude mountain ranges, such as the Sierra Nevadas, that contribute to the region’s hydrological cycle by storing frozen water that gradually melts and feeds into rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. They are a major freshwater source for a large portion of California’s water supply, plus many dams generate electricity (hydroelectric power) using the flowing meltwater.
In dry years, the reduced snowpack leads to water shortages, affecting water storage, agriculture, and even wildfire risks. And with climate change, the water cycle is more unpredictable and extreme – changing meltwater flows can cause floods, droughts, landslides, and sea level rise.
Kleinfelder understands the importance of our water resources to our clients, communities, and families.
We deliver solutions to sustainably manage vital water resources such as dams and levees by providing critical infrastructure expertise in geologic, geotechnical, structural, and civil engineering, in addition to our planning, construction materials engineering and testing, and construction inspection and management services. We also provide many services related to the analysis of surface water and groundwater resources, including environmental permitting and project certifications.
