Our Work

Creative Co-Funding for Positive Water Impact  

One out of every five Americans—approximately 60 million people—live in rural areas that provide critical water, energy, food, resources, and recreational opportunities for the entire country. Many of these Americans live in frontline communities—those that experience climate change impacts on their water systems “first and worst” due to a combination of socioeconomic, geographical, and infrastructure characteristics.

Joining Forces: Innovative Co-Funding to Enhance Corporate Water Stewardship Impact in the Colorado River Basin

The Colorado River Basin faces critical water supply limitations, threatening the economic, social, and ecological stability of the region. This report explores how leveraging corporate water stewardship spending with existing and emerging funding streams, referred to as co-funding, can increase positive water impact in the Colorado River Basin and beyond.

Moving Toward Equitable, Climate-Resilient Water Systems in Rural Communities in the United States

One out of every five Americans—approximately 60 million people—live in rural areas that provide critical water, energy, food, resources, and recreational opportunities for the entire country. Many of these Americans live in frontline communities—those that experience climate change impacts on their water systems “first and worst” due to a combination of socioeconomic, geographical, and infrastructure characteristics.

Harnessing the Power of Nature-Based Solutions to Invest in Our Planet’s Future

As Earth Day 2023 dawns upon us, we find ourselves immersed in a world where nature and humanity are inextricably linked. This special day serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that exists on our planet and seeks to explore our relationship and connections with nature. 

Historic UN Water Conference Concludes With New Cross-Sector Global Momentum, but Calls Emerge for More Binding Commitments

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prioritize ambitions on 17 interlinked sustainability issues to reach by 2030. Of these, SDG 6 focused on water is central to achieving the overall 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

A Wet California Boosts Water Allocations to 100% For First Time in Nearly 20 Years

Toilet Sensors Help Renters Reduce Water Waste From Leaks

You — Yes, You — Are Going to Pay for the Century-Old Mistake That’s Draining the Colorado River

Colorado River: Can Feds Legally Cut IID, Other Rural Water District Allotments?

Drought or No Drought? California Left Pondering After Record Winter Deluge

Record Snowpack, Nearly Full Reservoirs: Here’s the State of California’s Drought After an Epic Winter

Amid Conflicts and Climate Change, U.N. Puts Focus on ‘Deep Trouble’ in Water Worldwide

Water, War, & Peace Webinar

Explore strategies for reducing the risks of water-related violence and promoting peaceful and sustainable water management practices worldwide.

A Shrinking Reservoir Signals Ukraine and Russia Are Waging a Dangerous Water War

Harnessing the Power of Water Efficiency and Reuse

Water-use efficiency and water reuse are powerful, albeit still underutilized, strategies for enhancing water sustainability and resilience. Together, they can substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity (SDG 6.4); enhance water quality (SDG 6.3); protect and restore water-related ecosystems (SDG 6.6); and reduce energy use (SDG 7.3) and associated greenhouse gas emissions (SDG 13), among other benefits.

Pacific Institute Approaches Historic UN 2023 Water Conference Through Lens of Water Resilience

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prioritize ambitions on 17 interlinked sustainability issues to reach by 2030. Of these, SDG 6 focused on water is central to achieving the overall 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Saving Water, Time, and Money by Fixing Leaks in Affordable Housing

Climate change is accelerating the water and wastewater access gap faced by millions of people in the United States. While no one region or group of people will be spared from the impacts of the climate crisis, frontline communities—those who experience climate change first and worst—are those most at risk.

A Pivotal Moment for Water

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prioritize ambitions on 17 interlinked sustainability issues to reach by 2030. Of these, SDG 6 focused on water is central to achieving the overall 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Water Districts Aim to Go Greener by Cutting Out Ornamental Grass

The Climate Crisis is a WASH* Crisis

Climate change is accelerating the water and wastewater access gap faced by millions of people in the United States. While no one region or group of people will be spared from the impacts of the climate crisis, frontline communities—those who experience climate change first and worst—are those most at risk.

Salton Sea Salinity Webinar

California’s Salton Sea – the state’s largest lake – contains more than 470 million metric tons of dissolved salts. It’s more than twice as salty as the ocean and getting saltier. An unknown amount of additional salt – likely measuring in the hundreds of millions of tons – lies on the lake bottom and along the shore. Some three million tons of salts – enough to cover a square mile of land three feet deep – flow into the Sea every year.

How Onsite Water Systems Can Contribute to Regional Water Resilience

Across the United States and the world, communities are facing more severe and frequent extreme weather events. Companies undertaking new development projects are considering ways to make their sites more resilient to disruptions caused by these extreme events.

Winter Storms Fill Hetch Hetchy, Renew Debate About Reservoir’s Future

Senators Form Bipartisan Colorado River Caucus as Tensions Rise in West Over Water Crisis

Examining California’s Role in the Colorado River Water Conflict