Report Policy Priorities for Managing Drought By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, Jeffrey Mount, Peter Moyle ... Mar 16, 2015 State, federal, and local water managers have worked diligently to reduce the economic, social, and environmental harm from the current drought. But as the drought continues, the challenges will grow more acute. California can learn from experiences to date—and from Australia’s response to its Millennium Drought—to better prepare both for the year ahead and for future droughts. State leaders should address weaknesses in four areas of drought preparation and response, by: 1) improving water use information, 2) setting clear goals and priorities for public health and the environment, 3) promoting water conservation and more resilient water supplies, and 4) strengthening environmental management.
Fact Sheet Alternative Water Supplies in California By Henry McCann, Alvar Escriva-Bou, Kurt Schwabe Feb 5, 2018
California Economic Policy, Report Lawns and Water Demand in California By Ellen Hanak, Matthew Davis Jul 12, 2006 Over the next 25 years, outdoor water use will be a major factor in escalating water demand in California. The demand will be aggravated by the dominant land-use pattern in inland areas: single-family homes with lush lawns. Without efforts aimed specifically at reducing outdoor urban water use, the demand will pose significant financial and environmental challenges for California. In this issue of CEP, the authors analyze population growth and housing trends in the state’s major climactic regions, estimate residential lot and yard sizes, and examine the water needs of cool-season turf grass lawns. They also evaluate several outdoor water conservation programs.
blog post Reforming Water Management for the Environment By Jeffrey Mount Nov 14, 2017 It’s time for California to rethink how it manages water for the environment. Three reforms could reduce conflict and improve freshwater ecosystems.
Report Improving California’s Water Market By Andrew Ayres, Ellen Hanak, Brian Gray, Gokce Sencan ... Sep 14, 2021 Water trading and banking will prove important tools to help California bring its groundwater basins into balance under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). A broad range of policy changes could help improve and expand California’s water market while protecting communities from harm.
blog post Drought Watch: Lessons from Kansas By Ellen Hanak, David Mitchell Jun 5, 2014 This is part of a continuing series on the impact of the drought. Bonds alone can’t do the job of meeting our critical water needs. Now’s the time—during, not after the drought—to consider a broader package of solutions.
blog post Video: Policy Priorities for California’s Water By Lori Pottinger Oct 24, 2016 Expert panels discuss four key water challenges: urban drought resilience, groundwater, declining ecosystem health, and safe drinking water in disadvantaged communities.
blog post “When You Know Better, Do Better”: A Water Agency’s Journey Through the Pandemic By Sarah Bardeen Mar 14, 2022 When Clifford Chan took over as EBMUD’s general manager just a few months into the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, he had no idea how the pandemic would transform this large urban water utility. Two years later, he reflects on how EBMUD pivoted—and found innovative ways to support its customers.
blog post Video: Groundwater and Urban Growth in the San Joaquin Valley By Sarah Bardeen Oct 5, 2021 As the San Joaquin Valley addresses groundwater overdraft, its urban utilities face unique challenges. We convened a panel of experts to discuss how to ensure a smooth transition to groundwater sustainability for the region’s residents. Missed it? Watch the event video.
