Publications

59 Resources


Incorporating Multiple Benefits into Water Projects: A Guide for Water Managers

June 28, 2020 | publication


Adapting to climate change, coupled with the need to address aging infrastructure, population growth, and degraded ecosystems, requires significant investment in natural and built water systems. These investments present a significant opportunity to support not only water, but to provide economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Scaling Green Stormwater Infrastructure Through Multiple Benefits in Austin, Texas: Distributed Rainwater Capture on Residential Properties in the Waller Creek Watershed

June 28, 2020 | publication


The City of Austin, Texas is facing an increasingly uncertain water future, from decreasing water supplies and more intense droughts to periodic flooding and water quality impairments. Austin is addressing these challenges head on, from investments in water efficiency and water reuse to rainwater harvesting and stormwater management.

The Impact of Using Low-Saline Oilfield Produced Water for Irrigation on Water and Soil Quality in California

May 12, 2020 | publication


In California, drought and a reduction in natural water availability in recent decades have led to a search for alternative water sources for agriculture. One controversial potential source is oilfield produced water, a byproduct of oil extraction.

Scaling Corporate Water Stewardship to Address Water Challenges in the Colorado River Basin

April 6, 2020 | publication


The Colorado River Basin states face significant water challenges, including the overallocation of water, long-term drought, and climate change. This report, commissioned by the Walton Family Foundation, explores the potential for corporate water stewardship to help solve these challenges.

Economic Evaluation of Stormwater Capture and Its Multiple Benefits in California

March 31, 2020 | publication


Urban stormwater is becoming an increasingly important alternative water supply in California. However, current economic analyses do not adequately evaluate co-benefits provided by different stormwater investments. As a result, urban stormwater capture is undervalued.

Comment Letter on the Draft Water Resilience Portfolio for the State of California Regarding a Multi-Benefit Approach

February 13, 2020 | publication


This comment letter focuses on how the California Water Resilience Portfolio can incorporate multiple benefits when prioritizing and funding water management strategies throughout the state.

Comment Letter on the Draft Water Resilience Portfolio for the State of California

February 13, 2020 | publication


This comment letter conveys summary comments and suggestions on the draft Water Resilience Portfolio released by California state agencies, drawing on the considerable experience Pacific Institute has around themes of water efficiency, stormwater management, and the Salton Sea.

Op-Ed: When It Comes to Climate-Change Adaptation, As Goes California, So Goes…the World

December 7, 2019 | publication


It’s almost biblical: Apocalyptic images of fires sweeping through communities. The worst droughts in recorded history, followed by floods overwhelming dams and levees. Homeless encampments. Power outages for millions of people.

When the River Meets the Sea

July 10, 2019 | publication


This presentation on the Salton Sea presented by Michael Cohen at the 2019 GWC Summer Conference covers progress at the sea, the Colorado River and the sea, new bargains, and potential solutions.

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.

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.

Impacts of California’s Five-Year (2012-2016) Drought on Hydroelectricity Generation

April 26, 2017 | publication


The severe five-year drought afflicting California from 2012 to 2016 was the driest and hottest in the instrumental record. This report is a comprehensive assessment of the costs to California of lost hydroelectricity during the five years of drought.

Drought and Equity in California

January 13, 2017 | publication


California’s climate is prone to prolonged periods of drought that are exacerbated by the effects of climate change.

Water Risk Hotspots for Agriculture: The Case of the Southwest United States

September 27, 2016 | publication


Despite being the United States’ most arid region, the US Southwest – Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah – is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. Yet nearly 75% of total cropland in the region, and an even higher percentage of total agricultural productivity, depends on supplemental irrigation.

Page 2 of 4
  • Reset

From the Blog

Scroll to Top