blog post Paying for Groundwater Recharge By Andrew T. Fisher May 3, 2016 A pilot program to incentivize groundwater recharge near Monterey could be replicated across the state.
blog post A Culture of Innovation: Moulton Niguel By Sarah Bardeen Sep 27, 2021 Moulton Niguel Water District, an award-winning water utility in South Orange County, is known for its innovative conservation efforts. We spoke with the district’s general manager Joone Lopez and board president Brian Probolsky about how they foster a culture of creativity in a risk-averse industry.
Report What If California’s Drought Continues? By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, Jeffrey Mount, Peter Moyle ... Aug 19, 2015 California is in the fourth year of a severe, hot drought—the kind that is increasingly likely as the climate warms. Although no sector has been untouched, impacts so far have varied greatly, reflecting different levels of drought preparedness. Urban areas are in the best shape, thanks to sustained investments in diversified water portfolios and conservation. Farmers are more vulnerable, but they are also adapting. The greatest vulnerabilities are in some low-income rural communities where wells are running dry and in California’s wetlands, rivers, and forests, where the state’s iconic biodiversity is under extreme threat. Two to three more years of drought will increase challenges in all areas and require continued—and likely increasingly difficult—adaptations. Emergency programs will need to be significantly expanded to get drinking water to rural residents and to prevent major losses of waterbirds and extinctions of numerous native fish species, including most salmon runs. California also needs to start a longer-term effort to build drought resilience in the most vulnerable areas.
Report California’s Safety Net in Recession and Recovery By Caroline Danielson Jun 3, 2021 As California emerges from the COVID-19 shutdown, the social safety net can play a key role in facilitating an equitable recovery. Evidence from the last recession and recovery shows that safety net programs do grow in response to increased need. But the state can take additional steps to deliver benefits more effectively and equitably.
Report Groundwater and Urban Growth in the San Joaquin Valley By Andrew Ayres, Ellen Hanak, Henry McCann, David Mitchell ... Sep 15, 2021 As the San Joaquin Valley addresses groundwater overdraft under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), its urban utilities face unique challenges. Learn how to ensure a smooth transition for the region’s residents.
blog post Gas Prices Stretch Family Budgets By Sarah Bohn, Daniel Payares-Montoya Mar 16, 2022 California has recently seen its highest average gas price on record. Combined with higher prices in other key budget areas, rising gas prices pose a challenge for households around the state, especially those with lower incomes.
blog post A Better Way to Promote Urban Water Conservation By David Mitchell, Ellen Hanak Nov 28, 2023 Californians have been making great strides in water conservation in recent years. Now the State Water Board is considering new urban water use regulations whose statewide costs would far exceed their benefits—and significantly impact affordability. Are there better approaches? We take a look.
blog post Why Drought Makes Water Rates Rise By Lori Pottinger Jun 14, 2017 Drought means lower water sales. An expert interview on how urban water suppliers manage reduced revenues during drought.
Report Improving Health Care Data in California By Shannon McConville, Paulette Cha, Caroline Danielson, Daniel Tan Feb 26, 2020 California policymakers are moving to create a health care payment database (HPD) for examining health care use, costs, and outcomes. A state HPD would be a crucial resource to inform state policy around homelessness and improving children’s well-being. This report highlights research that could be advanced by an HPD.
blog post Drought Watch: Our Thirsty Lawns By Ellen Hanak, Jeffrey Mount, Caitrin Chappelle Jul 18, 2014 This is part of a continuing series on the impact of the drought. The unprecedented restrictions on outdoor water use that the state enacted this week send a message that Californians need to conserve more water. But we can do more to move toward sustainable consumption.
