Water Quality - Public Policy Institute of California

Water Quality

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Despite progress, chemicals and other pollutants are still contaminating rivers, lakes, beaches, and aquifers. Innovative approaches are needed to protect water supply for people and ecosystems.

Selected publications

photo - Eagle Falls and view of Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California

Priorities for California’s Water November 2020
This brief reviews how major disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn, ongoing drought, and wildfires affected the state’s water landscape, and lays out priorities for local, state, and federal action.

A Path Forward for California’s Freshwater Ecosystems December 2019
This report describes a new approach to better prepare California’s freshwater ecosystems for climate change and protect at-risk species.

Managing Wastewater in a Changing Climate April 2019
This report assesses climate-related challenges facing California’s wastewater sector, and reviews policy and planning approaches to address them.

MORE PUBLICATIONS

Water Quality February 2019

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Water quality problems affect most regions in California

Some 80,000 to 160,000 residents in poor, rural communities lack safe drinking water.