Announcements

Overview

Foundation News

Find out what the Water Education Foundation is up to with announcements about upcoming events, tours, new Western Water articles on key water topics and more! 

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Announcement

Registration Now Open for Water 101 Workshop & Lower Colorado River Tour
Reserve your spot for the Foundation's popular programs in early 2023 before they're gone

Registration for the Foundation’s early 2023 programming is now open, so don’t miss once-a-year opportunities for our Water 101 Workshop Feb. 23 and our Lower Colorado River Tour March 8-10. Find more information and registration details below.

Announcement

Support Water Education in California and the West with a Year-End Donation
Your tax-deductible gift helps make our work possible

With persistent drought and climate change challenging water supplies in California and across the West, it has never been more important to be informed about our most vital natural resource. Our tours, events and publications help educate and inspire understanding about water. Your support helps make that work possible.

Announcement

Registration Opens in Early January for Water 101, Lower Colorado River Tour
Save the dates for great Foundation programming in early 2023

With 2022 coming to a close, registration for the Foundation’s early 2023 programming is right around the corner. Don’t miss the once-a-year opportunities for our Water 101 Workshop in February and our Lower Colorado River Tour in March.

Mark your calendars now for the week of Jan. 9 when registration will open for both events.

Announcement

Hot Off the Press! Layperson’s Guide to Water Conservation is Now Available
Seventh edition covers what’s driving the need for water conservation and how homeowners can save water

The Water Education Foundation’s seventh edition of the  Layperson’s Guide to Water Conservation is hot off the press and available for purchase. With California and the West in the grip of persistent drought, the guide provides an excellent overview of the forces driving conservation and the measures water users are taking to more efficiently use our most vital natural resource. 

The 20-page guide covers such topics as how drought and climate change are affecting California and the Colorado River Basin, how some Southwestern cities are stretching supplies, the impact of landscape choices on water use, how farms are changing to more efficient irrigation practices, and what homeowners can to do save water.

Announcement

2022 Water Leaders Class Releases Policy Recommendations for Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Water Quality Control Plan Update

Our 2022 Water Leaders class completed its year with a report outlining policy recommendations for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Water Quality Control Plan update.

The cohort of 20 up-and-coming leaders from various water-related fields – engineers, attorneys, planners, scientists and those from the environmental and agricultural sectors – had full editorial control to choose recommendations.

Among their key recommendations:

Attendees listen to a speaker at a Water 101 Workshop.
Announcement

Save the Dates for Water 101 & Lower Colorado River Tour; We’re Hiring!
Read About Saving the Shrinking Colorado River; Grab a Holiday Book Deal

In this issue:

  • Mark your calendars now for great Foundation programming in early 2023
  • We’re hiring a new News & Publications Director
  • Latest Western Water article examines the struggle for solutions on a shrinking Colorado River
  • Time is running out to take advantage of a holiday special on a California water book 
Announcement

Last Chance For Thursday’s Winter Outlook Workshop; Water Leader Apps Due Wednesday; Support Water Education; Holiday Book Deal

In this issue:

  • Attend a Southern California workshop this Thursday or join virtually to find out more about what’s in store for Water Year 2023.
  • Apply for the 2023 cohort of our popular Water Leaders program by tomorrow (Dec. 7) at 5 p.m.
  • Support water education with year-end donation or workplace giving programs.
  • Take advantage of a holiday special on a California water book. 

Winter Outlook Workshop in Irvine, Dec. 8

Don’t miss our Winter Outlook Workshop in Irvine this Thursday, Dec. 8, to hear what may be ahead for California’s water supply in 2023 as well as the latest improvements to snowmelt runoff forecasts.

This one-day workshop will include insight into whether La Niña conditions projected to persist into this winter really mean anything as a predictor in the new reality of climate whiplash.

Speakers include:

  • Mike Anderson, California’s state climatologist, who will provide a recap of Water Year 2022 and a look at prospects for Water Year 2023
  • Sean DeGuzman, Chief of Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting for the California Department of Water Resources, who will talk about improvements to snowmelt runoff forecasting 
  • Emerson Lajoie, meteorologist at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, who will talk about the the center’s experimental Water Year outlook

You can view a full agenda here. The event is ideal for anyone involved in managing, modeling or forecasting water resources or anyone simply interested in hearing the latest science.

Announcement

Hear the Latest Prospects for 2023 Water Supply at Dec. 8 Winter Outlook Workshop in Southern California
Experts discuss latest advances in precipitation and snowmelt forecasting & climate-warming impacts on hydrologic system

Hear what may be ahead for California’s water supply in 2023 as well as the latest improvements to snowmelt runoff forecasts at our Winter Outlook Workshop next Thursday, Dec. 8 in Southern California.

The one-day workshop in Irvine will include insight into whether La Niña conditions projected to persist into this winter really mean anything as a predictor in the new reality of climate whiplash. You also will learn about what is and isn’t known in forecasting winter precipitation weeks to months ahead, the skill of present forecasts and ongoing research to develop predictive ability.

This event is ideal for anyone involved in managing, modeling or forecasting water resources or anyone simply interested in hearing the latest science.

Announcement

Apply for California’s Preeminent Water Leadership Program by Dec. 7
Deepen water knowledge, build leadership skills; ACWA fellowship available

There is less than a week left to apply for our 2023 Water Leaders class and be considered for the new cohort of California’s preeminent water leadership program.

And, if you work for a member of the Association of California Water Agencies, you can apply to have tuition and some travel expenses covered under the John P. Fraser Water Leaders Fellowship.

Launched in 1997, the Water Leaders program is aimed at providing a deeper understanding of California water issues, building leadership skills and preparing class members to take an active, cooperative approach to decision-making about water resources by studying a water-related topic in-depth and crafting policy recommendations.

Watch a short video here of Water Leader alums talking about their experience and the benefits of the program.

The deadline to apply for the 2023 class is Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. Find the online application form and other required items for your application package here.

Announcement

Don’t Miss This Sweet Holiday Deal on a Beautiful Water Book
Get 50% off Water & the Shaping of California, the perfect holiday gift for anyone interested in water

Cover of Water and the Shaping of CaliforniaHere’s a sweet deal for the holidays that won’t last long: Get our paperback “Water & the Shaping of California,” a treasure trove of gorgeous color photos, historic maps, water literature and famous sayings about water for just $17.50 – a 50% discount.

“Water & the Shaping of California” is a beautifully designed book that discusses the engineering feats, political decisions and popular opinions that reshaped nature and society, leading to the water projects that created the California we know today. The book includes a foreword by the late Kevin Starr, the Golden State’s premier historian.

Announcement

There’s Still Time! Support the Water Education Foundation on Giving Tuesday
Your Support Makes a Critical Impact on Water Education in California and the West

Since 1977 the Water Education Foundation has committed its work to inspiring better understanding and supporting critical conversations about our most vital natural resource: water. This is not a mission our impartial nonprofit can carry on without you.

Today on Giving Tuesday, a global day of philanthropy, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support the important work we do to provide impartial education and foster informed decision-making on water resource issues in California and the West.

Announcement

Giving Tuesday is Your Chance to Support Water Education in California and the West
Our programs help empower teachers and the next generation of leaders in water

Photo shows teachers trying their hand at a classroom lesson on water.Today on Giving Tuesday, a global day of philanthropy, you can support impartial education and informed decision-making on water resources in California and the West by making a tax-deductible donation to the Water Education Foundation.

Your support ensures that our 45-year legacy of producing in-depth news, educational workshops and accessible information on water reaches new heights in 2023.

What Your Gifts Made Possible in 2022

Teaching the next generation

Announcement

Agenda Posted for Dec. 8 Winter Outlook Workshop in Southern California
Join Us in Irvine to Hear from Experts on the Prospects for Water Year 2023 & Latest Advances in Precipitation and Snowmelt Forecasting

Don’t miss our Winter Outlook Workshop on Dec. 8 in Irvine to hear an update on what might be in store for this water year, the latest improvements to snowmelt runoff forecasts and insight into whether La Niña conditions projected to persist into this winter really mean anything as a predictor in this new reality of climate whiplash.

You will learn about what is and isn’t known in forecasting winter precipitation weeks to months ahead, the skill of present forecasts and ongoing research to develop predictive ability.

Speakers at the workshop include:

  • Mike Anderson, California’s state climatologist, who will provide a recap of Water Year 2022 and a look at prospects for Water Year 2023
  • Sean DeGuzman, Chief of Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting for the California Department of Water Resources, who will talk about improvements to snowmelt runoff forecasting 
  • Emerson Lajoie, meteorologist at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, who will talk about the the center’s experimental Water Year outlook
Announcement

Help Make an Impact on Water Education in California and the West Through Workplace Giving
Water Education Foundation participates in payroll deduction programs with federal, state and private employers

Lower Colorado River Tour participants gather in front of Hoover Dam for a group photo. As drought extends its grip on California and the West, the important work of educating about water becomes even more important. Since 1977, the Water Education Foundation has been a trusted source of water news and programming, putting water resource issues in California and the West into context.

You can support the important work of our nonprofit by making a tax-deductible gift via a one-time payroll deduction or a set amount per pay period through your employer, whether you work for a federal or state agency or a private employer. 

Announcement

Register for Dec. 8 Winter Outlook Workshop in SoCal; 2023 Water Leader Apps Due Dec. 7; Support Water Education through Paycheck Deductions

In this issue:

  • Attend a Southern California workshop to find out more about what’s in store for Water Year 2023 and how improvements in weather forecasting can help with water management decisions.
  • Apply for the 2023 cohort of our popular Water Leaders program.
  • Support water education through paycheck deductions.

Winter Outlook Workshop in Irvine, Dec. 8:

Register to join us Thursday, Dec. 8, for our Winter Outlook Workshop in Irvine. The past three-year span, 2019 to 2022, has officially been the driest ever statewide going back to 1895 when modern records began in California.

With La Niña conditions predicted to persist into this winter, what can reliably be said about the prospects for Water Year 2023? Does La Niña really mean anything for California or is it all washed up as a predictor in this new reality of climate whiplash, and has any of this affected our reliance on historical patterns to forecast California’s water supply?

Announcement

Foundation Honors CalMatters Reporter for Coverage of Water Resources in California and the West
Rachel Becker is recipient of the first Rita Schmidt Sudman Award for Excellence in Water Journalism, named after Foundation’s former longtime executive director

Rachel Becker, who covers water resource issues for the nonprofit news website CalMatters, is the first recipient of the Water Education Foundation’s Rita Schmidt Sudman Award for Excellence in Water Journalism honoring outstanding work that illuminates complicated water issues in California and the West.

Foundation Executive Director Jenn Bowles announced the award Oct. 27 at the Foundation’s Water Summit in Sacramento. Joining Bowles for the presentation was her predecessor, Sudman, a former radio and television reporter who led the Foundation for nearly 35 years.

Announcement

Apply for 2023 Water Leaders Class by Dec. 7; Join Virtual Q&A on Nov 9
Get tips during the Q&A session on how to apply for program that promotes a deeper understanding of statewide water issues

Water Leader takes notes during orientation.Join a virtual Q&A session on Nov. 9 to get an overview of our popular but competitive Water Leaders program and tips on applying for the 2023 cohort.

The Water Leaders program is aimed at providing a deeper understanding of California water issues and building leadership skills with class members by studying a water-related topic in-depth and working with a mentor. 

The deadline to apply for the 2023 class is Dec. 7, 2022, at 5 p.m. The 10-month program starts with a mandatory orientation on Jan. 26, 2023.

Water Leaders logo
Announcement

Water Leader Apps Now Open for 2023 Class; Agenda Posted for Water Summit; Save the Date for Winter Outlook Workshop

Applications for our 2023 Water Leaders class are now open, and don’t forget to sign up for our virtual Q&A session on Nov. 9 if you are interested in applying or supporting a candidate.

Our Oct. 27 Water Summit is sold out but find out how you can get on the waitlist; and save the date for Winter Weather Outlook workshop Dec. 8 in Southern California.

Find details below.

Announcement

Water Education Foundation Mourns Loss of Board President Mike Chrisman
Mr. Chrisman’s family ties go back to the Foundation’s founding in 1977

Mike Chrisman and Executive Director Jenn Bowles at the  Foundation's 2018 Water Summit in Sacramento.The Water Education Foundation is mourning the loss of its Board President Mike Chrisman, the former California Natural Resources Secretary whose family ties to the Foundation go back to its founding in 1977.

Mr. Chrisman, of Visalia, died from complications of cancer Tuesday, Oct. 11. He was 78.

“We are devastated to learn about Mike’s passing,” said Jenn Bowles, the Foundation’s executive director. “He was a wonderfully supportive board president who cared deeply about our mission and was constantly offering to help. Among other things, he served as a mentor to up-and-coming professionals in our Water Leaders program.” 

Photo shows a diminished Lake Oroville, reflecting the effects of drought.
Announcement

Seats Filling Fast for our Water Summit & Water Leaders Alum Reunion; Join Nov. 9 Q&A on 2023 Water Leader Apps
And don't forget our last tour of the 2022 season along the San Joaquin River

Seats are filling up fast for our remaining fall events, so grab a ticket while you can. Also, check out our virtual Q&A session on Nov. 9 for those interested in applying for next year’s Water Leaders class. More details below.