Water Supply - Public Policy Institute of California

Water Supply

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Population growth, a changing climate, and increasing costs are straining California’s extensive water supply system, requiring new strategies to manage demand and diversify water sources.

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.

photo - California Aqueduct in Kern County, California - Pixel Ca DWR

Water Partnerships between Cities and Farms in Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley October 2020
This report explores how water partnerships between San Joaquin Valley farms and Southern California cities could help alleviate groundwater overdraft in the valley while building urban drought resilience.

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.

MORE PUBLICATIONS

Water Supply January 2017

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BY THE NUMBERS

Urban areas use about 10% of California’s water supply

Landscape irrigation makes up roughly half of total urban water use.