Publications

423 Resources

Moving Toward a Multi-Benefit Approach for Water Management

April 3, 2019 | publication

There is broad recognition that adapting to climate change, coupled with the need to address aging infrastructure, population growth, and degraded ecosystems, will require rethinking programs and policies and investing in our natural and built water systems.

Comment Letter on the Progress of Phase 1 of the Salton Sea Management Program

March 1, 2019 | publication

Comment letter on the progress of Phase 1 of the Salton Sea Management Program sent to the California State Water Resources Control Board by Alianza Coachella Valley, Audubon California, Defenders of Wildlife, Environmental Defense Fund, KDI, the Pacific Institute, and the Sierra Club.

Comment Letter on the State Water Board’s Low Income Water Rates Assistance Draft Report

February 28, 2019 | publication

This comment letter provides feedback and recommendations on the draft report “Options for Implementation of a Statewide Low-Income Water Rate Assistance Program.”

Sustainable Landscapes on Commercial and Industrial Properties in the Santa Ana River Watershed

February 15, 2019 | publication

Pressures on water resources are intensifying due to aging infrastructure, population growth, and climate change, among other factors. With vast expanses of water-intensive turf grass and large impervious surfaces, most urbanized communities are ill-adapted to these pressures.

Comment Letter on the Proposed North Lake Project at the Salton Sea

January 1, 2019 | publication

This comment letter sent to Phil Rosentrater, Executive Director of the Salton Sea Authority, on behalf of Alianza Coachella Valley, Audubon California, Defenders of Wildlife, Environmental Defense Fund, Kounkuey Design Initiative, the Pacific Institute, and Sierra Club California discusses the proposed North Lake Project at the Salton Sea.

Water Service Disconnections in California

October 15, 2018 | publication

When a person fails to pay their water utility bill, their water service can be disconnected. Lack of water in the home compromises health, and renders housing legally uninhabitable and untenantable. Shutoffs also pose a financial burden; in addition to the original debt, there are usually fees associated with late payment, notice of an impending shutoff, and service reconnection.

Measuring Progress Toward Universal Access to Water and Sanitation in California: Defining Goals, Indicators, and Performance Measures

September 14, 2018 | publication

In 2012, California’s Human Right to Water was passed, calling for safe, clean, affordable, and accessible water for all citizens. Yet while this statute has served as the touchstone for drinking water and sanitation efforts in the state, access to this basic right remains unrealized in many California communities.

Water, Security, and Conflict

August 29, 2018 | publication

This issue brief summarizes the current understanding of water and security threats and their links to conflict, migration, and food insecurity.

Integrating Water Efficiency into Long‐Term Demand Forecasting

August 15, 2018 | publication

Per capita water use in the United States has fallen by more than 40% since the 1970s. In some areas, reductions in per capita water use have offset continued population and economic growth, such that total water use has remained constant or even declined.

Stormwater Capture in California: Innovative Policies and Funding Opportunities

June 1, 2018 | publication

Stormwater has traditionally been managed to mitigate flooding and protect water quality. However, its potential as a local water supply has gained recent attention in water-stressed areas. As climate change increases the risk of both floods and droughts in California, urban stormwater capture also offers a significant opportunity to enhance community resilience.

A Survey of Efforts to Achieve Universal Access to Water and Sanitation in California

April 19, 2018 | publication

In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly recognized the human right to water and sanitation. Two years later, in 2012, California became the first state in the nation to enact legislation recognizing the human right to water for consumption, cooking, and sanitary purposes.

The World’s Water, Volume 9

February 28, 2018 | publication

The newest volume in this highly regarded series, The World’s Water, Volume 9 continues to offer insights into critical global water problems, overviews of data and analysis around water use and management, and case studies of some of the greatest water challenges around the world.

Op-Ed by Peter Gleick: We Have Seen The Future Of Water, And It Is Cape Town

February 9, 2018 | publication

Cape Town is parched. Severe drought and high water use have collided in South Africa’s second largest city, and unless the drought breaks, residents may run out of water in the next few months when there simply isn’t enough water left to supply the drinking water taps.

Commentary: Cape Town Is Running out of Water. Could More Cities Be Next?

February 7, 2018 | publication

After more than three years of severe drought, Cape Town, a city of nearly 4 million people, is running out of water. “Day Zero”—the day city officials estimate the water system will be unable to provide drinking water for the taps—is less than three months away, and substantial rains are not expected before then.

Comment Letter on State Water Board Proposed Low-Income Rate Assistance Program

August 28, 2017 | publication

This comment letter to the California State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) was sent in response to the proposed Low Income Rate Assistance (LIRA) program implementation scenarios prepared pursuant to AB 401 (Dodd, 2015).

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