Our Layperson’s Guide to California Water has been completely redesigned and updated throughout for 2021, providing an excellent overview of the history of water development and its use in California today.

The 10th Edition of our popular guide to California water includes the latest information on the state’s changing hydrology, recent water conservation legislation, and a new section on the human right to and need for water, highlighting issues of water access and affordability that have drawn increasing attention in California.

The 24-page guide includes sections on the state, federal and Colorado River delivery systems; Delta issues; water rights; environmental issues; water quality; and options for stretching the water supply. This latest edition also includes habitat restoration work at the Salton Sea, efforts to address persistent drought on the Colorado River and the emergence of a water futures market. 

You can purchase the Layperson’s Guide to California Water for $15 here, but act soon: The price will rise after Jan. 1, 2022. You can also purchase both the guide and our companion California Water Map as a bundle for just $30. 

Discounts are available for bulk orders of the guide. Contact Doug Beeman with questions.

The Layperson’s Guide to the California Water is part of the Foundation’s series of Layperson’s Guides that offer readers an easy-to-understand, broad overview and perspective on a variety of important water topics. They are available as a set or individually.