Report A New Approach to Accounting for Environmental Water: Insights from the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta By Greg Gartrell, Jeffrey Mount, Ellen Hanak, Brian Gray Nov 12, 2017 How water is apportioned to California’s cities, farms, and the environment can lead to conflict and competition in times of drought. Allocation of water to the environment in particular is poorly accounted for and poorly understood—shortcomings that can affect water policy, decision making, and public perception. This report reviews the state’s long-standing methods for defining and accounting for environmental water and proposes reforms to improve the timeliness, transparency, and detail in the accounting of environmental water allocation.
Report Managing California’s Freshwater Ecosystems: Lessons from the 2012-16 Drought By Jeffrey Mount, Brian Gray, Caitrin Chappelle, Greg Gartrell ... Nov 12, 2017 The 2012–16 drought caused unprecedented stress to California’s ecosystems and pushed many native species to the brink of extinction. It also tested the laws, policies, and institutions charged with protecting the environment.
Report California’s Water: Preparing for Floods By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, Jeffrey Mount, Matt Kondolf ... Nov 12, 2018 One in five residents and billions of dollars in assets are vulnerable to flooding. Climate change brings new vulnerabilities. This brief describes new tools and approaches that can reduce these risks.
Report Building Drought Resilience in California’s Cities and Suburbs By David Mitchell, Ellen Hanak, Ken Baerenklau, Alvar Escriva-Bou ... Jun 12, 2017 California’s urban water suppliers have become increasingly adept at drought management thanks to investments in diverse supplies, cooperative efforts with neighbors, and programs to manage water demand. But in the face of extreme hot and dry conditions, questions arose over preparedness for ongoing drought, and the state took the unprecedented step of ordering mandatory water conservation in 2015. This report looks at evolving state and local roles in managing urban water supply during drought, and lessons to help us better prepare for droughts of the future. This research was supported with funding from California Water Service, the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, and the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Report Managing Water for the Environment During Drought: Lessons from Victoria, Australia By Jeffrey Mount, Brian Gray, Caitrin Chappelle, Nathaniel Seavy ... Jun 22, 2016 Drought management tools developed to sustain Australia’s environment during a decade-long drought are broadly applicable in California and could help the state’s water managers reduce the devastating effects of water scarcity on native species and ecosystems. This report identifies four broad areas of reform that could improve how the state allocates environmental water during dry times, and reduce conflict over the use of water for environmental purposes. This research was supported with funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the Water Foundation, an initiative of the Resources Legacy Fund.
Report California 2025: Taking on the Future By Manuel Pastor, Paul Lewis, David Neumark, Deborah Reed ... Jun 1, 2005 There is growing concern that rapid population growth and repeated budget shortfalls have brought California to a state of disrepair that could soon become a state of emergency. With support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, PPIC undertook a study to see whether the state is facing a growth and infrastructure crisis, how big the problems are, and how to think about planning for the future. This report presents the findings of that study. It concludes that we haven’t reached a crisis—yet—but some trends and forces make it imperative to begin systematic, well-informed planning. Otherwise, the future California gets by default may not be the future residents want for themselves and their children.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Rachel Lawler, Deja Thomas Jul 28, 2021 Key findings from the current survey include: One in four Californians name water supply and drought as the state’s top environmental issue; 63% say water supply is a big problem in their region. Majorities approve of the way Governor Newsom and President Biden are handling environmental issues. About six in ten (63%) are very concerned about climate change increasing the severity of wildfires and drought. Majorities across party lines favor prioritizing alternative energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydrogen.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: Storing Water for the Environment By Sarah Null, Jeffrey Mount, Brian Gray, Kristen Dybala ... Aug 22, 2022 To protect and restore California’s freshwater ecosystems and respond to the changing climate, California’s water managers must change how they operate reservoirs. Our policy brief offers recommendations for how to do this in a way that makes the most efficient use of scarce water for the environment while minimizing impacts on other water uses.
Fact Sheet Climate Change and California’s Water By Jeffrey Mount, Daniel Swain, Paul Ullrich Sep 4, 2019 Managing water is at the forefront of climate change adaptation in California. Changes are needed to prepare the water system for a more volatile climate.
Report California’s Water: Providing Safe Drinking Water By Ellen Hanak, Caitrin Chappelle, Jelena Jezdimirovic, Brian Gray ... Nov 12, 2018 Most Californians have safe, reliable drinking water, but in some poor, rural parts of the state water contamination and drying wells is a persistent problem. This problem could be resolved in the near term with dependable funding and a clear state action plan.
