Our Work

Pacific Institute Strategic Plan

A Deep Dive into the Pacific Institute’s DEI Commitment in Action

Reflections on Three Decades of Working With Water

Pacific Institute 2022 Impact Report

Reflecting on our 35th year, the Pacific Institute continued its dedication to addressing pressing water issues through rigorous, science-based research and policy analysis. In the face of environmental and geopolitical crises, including extreme droughts, increasing water scarcity, and unprecedented flooding events, our mission became even more vital. Highlights of the year included the launch of numerous research reports & tools, lauding a US$250 million commitment for both the Colorado River Basin and the Salton Sea, and the initiation of a national Water and Climate Equity strategy. Our global impact was underscored by our significant participation in events such as the Stockholm World Water Week, the World Economic Forum annual meeting, and COP27. With the CEO Water Mandate welcoming 38 new endorsing companies, we continued to amplify corporate water stewardship when it's needed the most.

Reimagining Water Infrastructure in a Changing California

In the article, Pacific Institute Director of Research Heather Cooley, emphasizes that water is a crucial resource for California, supporting its population, ecosystems, agriculture, and economy.

Potential of Oilfield Produced Water for Irrigation in California

Facing the increasing severity of droughts due to climate change and ongoing depletion of groundwater, this project investigates the potential of Oilfield Produced Water (OPW) for agricultural irrigation.

Pacific Institute’s Michael Cohen Issues Statement Regarding Imperial Irrigation District’s Approval of Landmark Salton Sea Agreement

Imperial, California — November 29, 2022 — At a special meeting that started late this afternoon, the Imperial Irrigation District’s (IID’s) Board of Directors voted to approve a landmark agreement with the federal and state governments known as the “Commitment to Support Salton Sea Management Related to Water Conservation in the Lower Colorado River Basin at the Salton Sea.”

Left Out in Drought: California Fish

More than 97% of California is now experiencing severe drought. While California is known for extreme hydrologic variability, climate change has increased the severity and frequency of droughts significantly intensifying the crisis many fish species face.

California non-functional turf irrigation ban provides businesses an opportunity to step up on sustainability

A new ban on non-functional turf irrigation in California—part of recently announced emergency drought regulations—provides a unique opportunity for California’s business community to demonstrate sustainability leadership through proactive drought response.

In the Face of Megadroughts, L.A. is Transforming How it Uses Water

To Survive Drought, Parts of SoCal Must Cut Water Use by 35%. The New Limit: 80 Gallons a Day

More Water Restrictions are Coming to Southern California. How to Conserve.

New East Bay Water Restrictions: What Residents Need to Know

California Drought in Third Year

Drought Boon or Boondoggle? Critics Blast Poseidon Desalination Plan as Crucial Vote Looms

Presentation: The Untapped Potential of California’s Urban Water Supply

In this presentation, Pacific Institute experts provided a deep dive into the untapped potential of California's alternative water supplies: urban water efficiency, water reuse, and stormwater capture...

Opinion: The Good News in California’s Growing Water Crisis

Study Details How to Reduce Urban Water Use for Potential Drought Relief Throughout CA

Study Details How to Reduce Urban Water Use for Potential Drought Relief Throughout CA

The Untapped Potential of California’s Urban Water Supply: Water Efficiency, Water Reuse, and Stormwater Capture

Persistent challenges and severe drought have shone a spotlight on the vulnerability of California’s water systems. They also offer an opportunity to rethink the state’s water supplies and strategies for the 21st century and beyond. 

Running on Empty: Is California Doing Enough on Drought?

California Could Shrink Water Use in Cities by 30% or More, Study Finds

Californians Urged to Save Water as State Faces Dismal Snowpack in Sierra Nevada

Californians Urged to Save Water as State Faces Dismal Snowpack in Sierra Nevada

Snowpack Report Signals Bad News for California’s Drought