Water Academy is a great resource to do research on a specific water topic such as drought or groundwater, and to get oriented on the vast array of what we do here at the Water Education Foundation.
In this section, you’ll find all the information you could want about a water topic: News articles, definitions and background information from our water encyclopedia known as Aquapedia, the tours and events we host that explore that topic, publications we have written on the topic, and more.
Use the links at the left or look below to browse topics and begin exploring!
California has been the nation’s
leading agricultural and dairy state for the past 50 years. The
state’s 80,500 farms and ranches produce more than 400 different
agricultural products. These products generated a record $44.7
billion in sales value in 2012, accounting for 11.3 percent of
the US total.
Background information on water issues and topics is available
from the Water Education Foundation through publications, videos,
the news blog Aquafornia, online water encyclopedia
Aquapedia, and more.
California has more than 1,400 named
dams and 1,300 reservoirs that help with flood management, water
storage and water transport. Hydropower from dams also provides a
relatively pollution-free source of electricity. Dams are owned,
maintained and operated by federal, state and local agencies.
California has pioneered some of the
toughest state environmental legislation to address environmental
issues. For example, laws focused attention on “instream uses” of
water to benefit fish and wildlife, recreation, water quality and
aesthetics. Among water-related issues, in general, are
climate change, toxic waste disposal, pollution and loss of
wildlife and habitat.
California benefits from a diverse
array of rivers that provide water for cities and farms as well
as vital habitat for fish, birds and other species and recreation
for people. Many of the state’s rivers have been dammed or
diverted for water supply and flood control. Some are designated
as wild and scenic rivers, mainly along the North Coast of
California, and remain undammed for all or parts of their run.
Still other rivers in the state have been used as conduits for
treated wastewater and agricultural runoff.
