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.
The 2024 Colorado River Water
Leaders cohort completed its seven-month program
with policy recommendations involving ”augmentation” –
projects that increase the availability and supply of water – as
the Colorado River Basin grows hotter and drier.
The cohort of
12 up-and-coming leaders included engineers,
lawyers, resource specialists and others working for public,
private and non-governmental organizations from across the
river’s basin. The cohort had full editorial control to choose
its recommendations.
The 24-page Layperson’s Guide to California Water provides an
excellent overview of the history of water development and use in
California. It includes sections on flood management; the state,
federal and Colorado River delivery systems; Delta issues; water
rights; environmental issues; water quality; and options for
stretching the water supply such as water marketing and
conjunctive use. New in this 10th edition of the guide is a
section on the human need for water.
The 28-page Layperson’s Guide to Water Rights Law, recognized as
the most thorough explanation of California water rights law
available to non-lawyers, traces the authority for water flowing
in a stream or reservoir, from a faucet or into an irrigation
ditch through the complex web of California water rights.
Watersheds are all around us. You’re sitting or standing in one
right now.
A watershed is more than just a piece of land that water flows
through. It is a place where people and animals live, and plants
and trees grow. All life is dependent on a healthy watershed.
Without watersheds, we wouldn’t have water for farms, cities,
wildlife, recreation – everything!
The slideshow is packed full of useful information and
photographs, maps and web links to help you explore each topic
further.
California has been called the most
hydrologically altered landmass on the planet, and it is true.
Today the state bears little resemblance to its former self.
Where deserts and grasslands once prevailed, now reservoirs store
water to move it to the arid land. Swampy marshes have given way
to landfill for urban development. Wetlands have been converted to
farmland. California’s water resources now support 35 million
people and irrigate more than 5.68 million acres of farmland.
A new look for our most popular product! And it’s the perfect
gift for the water wonk in your life.
Our 24×36-inch California Water Map is widely known for being the
definitive poster that shows the integral role water plays in the
state. On this updated version, it is easier to see California’s
natural waterways and man-made reservoirs and aqueducts
– including federally, state and locally funded
projects – the wild and scenic rivers system, and
natural lakes. The map features beautiful photos of
California’s natural environment, rivers, water projects,
wildlife, and urban and agricultural uses and the
text focuses on key issues: water supply, water use, water
projects, the Delta, wild and scenic rivers and the Colorado
River.
