434 Resources
Serving the Public Interest: Corporate Water Stewardship and Sustainable Development
September 28, 2015 | publication
The adoption of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), at the 2015 United Nations Development Summit, lays out a compelling framework for collective action by government, the private sector, and civil society to address social and environmental issues that inhibit economic development and shared prosperity.
Impacts of California’s Ongoing Drought: Agriculture
August 25, 2015 | publication
In 2015, California was in the midst of the most severe drought in nearly 120 years of instrumental record, with far-reaching effects in the state. This report examines the impacts of the drought on California’s agricultural sector through 2014.
Guide for Bringing Integrity to Companies’ Water Stewardship Initiatives: A Framework for Improving Effectiveness and Transparency
August 25, 2015 | publication
Today, the UN Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate announced the first comprehensive guide on forming multi-stakeholder water stewardship initiatives with integrity.
An Independent Scientific Assessment of Well Stimulation in California and Fracking Issue Briefs
July 9, 2015 | publication
This study, prepared by the California Council on Science and Technology in partnership with the Pacific Institute and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, consists of three volumes. It explores well stimulation treatments in California; the risks these technologies pose to water, air, seismic activity, wildlife, plants, and human health; risks by geographic region within the state; and areas where there are information gaps.
California Agricultural Water Use: Key Background Information
April 29, 2015 | publication
California is a key producer of agricultural goods that are consumed all over the world.
Comment Letter on the Status of the Salton Sea Management Program
April 28, 2015 | publication
This comment letters sent to the California State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) urged the Water Board to direct the Salton Sea Management Program to review and act upon previous recommendations and suggestions, as well as those described in the letter, and to accelerate efforts on behalf of California’s Salton Sea and the people and wildlife who depend on it.
Water Use Trends in the United States
April 15, 2015 | publication
This report analyzes and explains the factors contributing to the positive trend of decreasing water use, and examines the implications for future water demand. National water use remains high, and many freshwater systems are under stress from overuse. Climate change will exacerbate existing challenges, affecting the supply, demand, and quality of the nation’s water resources.
Impacts of California’s Ongoing Drought: Hydroelectricity Generation
March 17, 2015 | publication
California’s hottest and driest drought in recorded history, from 2012 to 2016, shifted the sources of energy for electricity with adverse economic and environmental consequences. This report focuses on the period of drought from 2011 to 2014.
The Water Footprint of California’s Energy System, 1990–2012
March 11, 2015 | publication
A new article by Julian Fulton and Heather Cooley evaluates the amount of water consumed in meeting California’s energy needs – also referred to as the water footprint of energy.
Guidance for Companies on Respecting the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation
January 16, 2015 | publication
In 2007, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) was created as a strategic policy initiative for businesses committed to aligning their operations and strategies with 10 principles related to human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.
California Urban Water Suppliers Water Use Map
January 14, 2015 | publication
This web app from the Pacific Institute shows how different California cities are responding to the ongoing drought. This web feature brings to life newly-released data on residential and system-wide water use, and allows users to explore trends and patterns in that use.
Insights into Proposition 1: The 2014 California Water Bond
October 23, 2014 | publication
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Proposition 1, the Water Quality, Supply and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014, which was approved by California voters in November 2014.
Corporate Water Disclosure Guidelines: Towards a Common Approach to Report Water Issues
September 29, 2014 | publication
The UN Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate initiative has released the finalized Corporate Water Disclosure Guidelines – a common approach for companies to effectively and intelligibly disclose the many elements of their corporate water management practice to key stakeholders. The Guidelines are available as a PDF report and web-based tool.
Testimony: Desalination Impacts before the Assembly Select Committee on Coastal Protection
September 25, 2014 | publication
On September 25, 2014, Pacific Institute Water Program Director Heather Cooley testified before the Assembly Select Committee on Coastal Protection. Heather spoke separately on desalination intakes and broader policy issues of desalination facilities.
Metering in California – Need to Know Fact sheet
September 18, 2014 | publication
This fact sheet examines the effectiveness of water metering as a tool to reduce excessive or wasteful water use by both utility companies and customers.
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