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Running Out of Water and Time: How Unprepared is California for 2021’s Drought

Most of California is in Extreme or Severe Categories of Drought

From Dust Bowl to California Drought: A Climate Scientist on the Lessons We Still Haven’t Learned

Op-Ed: Yes, California is in a Drought — Even if Officials Aren’t Saying it out Loud

California is suffering from severe drought again. This winter produced water conditions far below normal for the second year in a row, the eighth year in the last 10, the 14th year in the last 20. Los Angeles has had 39% of normal precipitation; San Diego, only 30%; San Francisco, 37%; Sacramento, less than 40%.

State Water Project Takes Aim at Restoring Salton Sea, Alleviating Health Risks

Stormwater Could Become an Important Water Source – If We Stopped Ignoring It

California Now Has a Future Market for Water. Some Farmers Are Skeptical

Op-Ed: The Future Has Arrived. These Explosive Fires Are Our Climate Change Wakeup Call

Like millions of people in the western United States this week, I woke up to deep red, sunless skies, layers of ash coating the streets, gardens, and cars, and the smell of burning forests, lives, homes, and dreams. Not to be too hyperbolic, but on top of the political chaos, the economic collapse, and the worst pandemic in modern times, it seemed more than a little apocalyptic.

Ending Conflicts Over Water: Solutions to Water and Security Challenges

Water-related conflict and political instability are on the rise across the globe. But while intensifying water challenges and the threats they pose to security are well documented, relatively few solutions have been presented. This report fills the gap by exploring several dozen strategies to reduce water-related conflicts in key water-insecure hotspots around the world.

Decline in Hydropower Hampered by Drought Will Impact Utility Costs

An Assessment of Urban Water Demand Forecasts in California

In California, urban per capita water demand has declined dramatically over the past several decades, driven in part by greater uptake of water-efficient devices.

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

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

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

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.

Stormwater Capture is Undervalued in California

Urban stormwater is an important and undervalued alternative water supply in California. In two recent articles, Pacific Institute researchers examined how to better value urban stormwater capture and incorporate co-benefits provided by this water source.

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

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.

Corporate Water Stewardship in the Colorado River Basin

The Colorado River Basin is the lifeblood of the West, providing water to more than 40 million people in seven U.S. states and two states in Mexico. Irrigation using Colorado River water generates an estimated $8 billion annually in agricultural products like winter vegetables, cotton, and cattle and dairy. In addition, recreation along the river and its tributary streams (boating, swimming, hiking, camping, etc.) contributes $17 billion per year to local economies.

Economic Evaluation of Stormwater Capture and Its Multiple Benefits in California

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.

Pacific Institute Provides Comments on California Water Resilience Portfolio

In January 2020, California state agencies released a draft document meant to signify a new chapter in California water: the Water Resilience Portfolio. The Portfolio was developed in response to Governor Newsom’s Executive Order (N-10-19), which called for a comprehensive strategy to build a climate-resilient water system for the 21st century.

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

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

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.

Taps, Toilets, and Good Hygiene: Critical Ingredients for Resilient Agriculture

2019 was a critical year for climate and water. Major events – from hurricanes to droughts and brushfires – highlight that climate’s impacts are being felt now and that the world needs to take action to build resilience while also accelerating action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Myth About Huge California Fines for Shower and Laundry Usage Won’t Die. Here’s What’s True

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

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.

Wet, Wintry Weekend Storm Bringing Much Needed Rain to the Bay Area