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Fact Sheet

Groundwater Recharge in California

By Alvar Escriva-Bou, Gokce Sencan, Ellen Hanak

Groundwater recharge can replenish overdrafted basins, and help California adapt to greater climate extremes.

Report

Building Drought Resilience in California’s Cities and Suburbs

By David Mitchell, Ellen Hanak, Ken Baerenklau, Alvar Escriva-Bou ...

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.

blog post

New Laws Address Water Affordability and Wildfire Risks

By Henry McCann, Gokce Sencan

The pandemic and recession forced tough decisions in Sacramento this year. Despite challenging circumstances, several high-priority bills covering safe drinking water and wildfire risk reduction were enacted.

blog post

Learning the Language of Groundwater

By Lori Pottinger

Managing groundwater sustainably is a complex topic. Knowing the language is key to engaging in the conversation. This glossary can get you started.

Report

Replenishing Groundwater in the San Joaquin Valley: 2024 Update

By Caitlin Peterson, Ellen Hanak, Zaira Joaquín Morales

How much progress has been made on groundwater recharge in the San Joaquin Valley since 2017? This report shares the details of our latest groundwater recharge survey, which we conducted in 2023.

blog post

A Momentous Water Year

By Ellen Hanak

The year in review at the PPIC Water Policy Center by center director Ellen Hanak.

Report

Storing Water for the Environment

By Sarah Null, Jeffrey Mount, Brian Gray, Kristen Dybala ...

Large reservoirs are essential for managing water in California’s highly variable climate—but over the years, the construction and operation of these reservoirs have had significant environmental costs. Our new research outlines how reservoir operations could be changed to improve the health of the state’s fragile freshwater ecosystems.

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