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PPIC Water Policy Center

The PPIC Water Policy Center spurs innovative water management solutions that support a healthy economy, environment, and society—now and for future generations.

Nov 14
photo - Sunrise at Joshua Tree National Park
2024 Annual Water Conference — In-Person and Online

Is California Ready for Climate Change?

Upcoming November 14, 2024 · 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Each year brings more record-breaking heat to California—and rising temperatures already are affecting water for the state’s communities, farms, and ecosystems. Is California ready for the effects of a warming planet? We gather a panel of experts to envision how the state can best adapt to the changes already underway. Join us for a special lunchtime program.

Featured Blog Post · August 5, 2024

How Have California’s Water Issues Changed in the Past Thirty Years?

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Fact Cards

30 million people and 6 million acres of farmland depend on water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta watershed.
Landscaping accounts for about half of California’s urban water use.
About 40% of water used by California cities and farms comes from underground aquifers.
Southern California’s cities and suburbs rely on the dwindling Colorado River for about one-third of their water.
Who uses water in California?
240+ The number of endangered or vulnerable California freshwater species.
Most California water systems that fail to meet safety standards are in rural, low-income communities of color.
California added more than 5 million people since 1990, yet urban water use changed little.
The past 20 years have been the warmest in California history, making droughts more intense.
Two-thirds of dams in California are more than 50 years old.
1 in 5 Californians are vulnerable to flooding.