One of our most popular events, Water 101 details the history, geography, legal and political facets of water in California as well as hot topics currently facing the state.

Taught by some of the leading policy and legal experts in the state, the one-day workshop with an optional second half-day gave attendees a deeper understanding of the state’s most precious natural resource.

The annual workshop is beneficial to water resource industry staff, engineering and environmental firm personnel, city council members, county supervisors, legislators, legislative staff, press, advocates, attorneys, stakeholders, environmentalists, public interest organizations and water district directors.

The optional Day 2 is particularly geared toward elected officials serving on water boards. It will be especially helpful to newly elected officials.

Speakers included:

Mark Cowin: Former Director of the California Department of Water Resources, explaining the history, geography and development of water in California.

Wade Crowfoot: Chief Executive Officer of the Water Foundation and former senior advisor to Gov. Jerry Brown on drought response, discussing hot water topics.

Alf Brandt, Senior Counsel for Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife Committee, Office of Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, on working with and understanding the state Legislature and current legislative proposals involving water.

Jennifer Harder, Assistant Professor at McGeorge Law School, providing an overview of the California water rights system.

Educational sessions the first day included discussions on:

• History and geography of California water
• Drought, the Delta, groundwater & other critical areas of concern
• The legal and institutional management framework
• Climate change impacts to water resources
• Water use and demand
• Water rights

On the second day participants were be provided with:

• A governance primer for water district directors that will include the roles and responsibilities of a director, legal requirements of board members
• Tips on understanding the news media and explaining water issues in a multi-media world