Publications

423 Resources


Climate Change and Rural Water for Frontline Communities in the Southwest United States 

March 26, 2024 | publication


This issue brief provides an overview of the escalating threat climate change poses to rural water for frontline communities in the Southwest United States. This region, defined by the US National Climate Assessment’s 6-state area (Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah), is facing increasing water challenges due to prolonged droughts, extreme temperatures, groundwater depletion, wildfire, flooding, and reduced mountain snowpack.

Water Resilience Assessment Framework: Guidance for Water Utilities

March 22, 2024 | publication


The "Water Resilience Assessment Framework: Guidance for Water Utilities" is the second in the series and empowers utilities to embark on a journey of resilience-building, enabling them to not only survive but thrive in the face of climate stressors and other uncertainties.

Untapped Potential: An Assessment of Urban Stormwater Runoff Potential in the United States

February 29, 2024 | publication


Urban communities across the United States face a range of water challenges. These include intensifying impacts of flooding and drought, water scarcity risks, constraints on traditional water supplies facing peak water limits, and water pollution. Novel approaches are needed to address these challenges and improve long-term water resilience.

Climate Change Impacts to Water and Sanitation for Frontline Communities in the United States: Water, Sanitation, and Climate Change in the United States, Part 1

January 30, 2024 | publication


The Pacific Institute and DigDeep in collaboration with the Center for Water Security and Cooperation, presents the first report in a series titled “Water, Sanitation, and Climate Change in the United States.”

Addressing Impediments and Incentives for Agricultural Reuse

December 13, 2023 | publication


Water systems across the United States are facing unprecedented levels of stress arising from challenges, such as a changing climate, aging infrastructure, and shifting patterns of water supply and demand. Agricultural water reuse has the potential to increase the resilience of water and agricultural systems through benefits. such as supply diversification, access to an additional water supply, nutrient management, and compliance with water quality permits. However, realization of these benefits and scaling reuse are hindered by broad ranging, but surmountable barriers and tradeoffs.

Climate Change and Flooding in Central Appalachia 

November 30, 2023 | publication


Communities in rural Appalachia face multiple water challenges that climate change is already impacting. These include extreme flooding events, lack of household water access, poor water quality, and lack of wastewater services.

Pathways and Barriers to Corporate Water Stewardship in the Colorado River Basin

October 24, 2023 | publication


Spanning across seven US states and two Mexican states, the Colorado River – often referred to as the lifeblood of the American West – nourishes ecosystems, communities, farms, cities, and 30 Native American tribes. Yet, a 23-year drought, over-allocation of water, and climate change contribute to a structural deficit, threatening the tribes, ecosystems, and communities within its basin.  

Pacific Institute 2022 Impact Report

September 11, 2023 | publication


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.

Benefit Accounting of Nature-Based Solutions for Watersheds Guide Version 2

August 23, 2023 | publication


This guide helps users account for and measure the stacked water,1 carbon, biodiversity and socio-economic benefits of an NBS project. Accounting for these benefits will improve a company’s impact reporting and help build the business case for green solutions, thereby supporting widespread investment, implementation and upscaling of NBS. This work will increase awareness of the value of NBS, not only for ecosystem health and community development, but also for companies directly.

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

May 16, 2023 | publication


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.

Reimagining Water Infrastructure in a Changing California

April 4, 2023 | publication


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.

Guide for Developing Onsite Water Systems to Support Regional Water Resilience

January 26, 2023 | publication


Onsite water systems have the potential to provide multiple benefits for a site, water and wastewater systems, ecosystems, and communities.

Potential of Oilfield Produced Water for Irrigation in California

January 9, 2023 | publication


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.

Stakeholder Engagement Guide For Nature-Based Solutions

November 17, 2022 | publication


Effective stakeholder engagement is paramount to the long-term success of any nature-based solutions (NBS) project. Drawing from a range of expert sources, this guide offers accessible and clear guidelines for broad stakeholder engagement, highlighting the diverse global contexts of NBS and identifying key principles and practical steps for incorporating stakeholders into projects.

Advancing Affordability through Water Efficiency

September 8, 2022 | publication


This paper examines the relationship between water conservation and efficiency and affordability. Specifically, it examines the near-term effect of water conservation and efficiency on utility bills, i.e., water, wastewater, and energy bills, for conserving households and the longer term effect on water and wastewater costs for the larger community.

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