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

Rising Stars Selected for 2024 Colorado River Water Leaders
Cohort to Study Augmentation Potential in Basin

Thirteen early to mid-career water professionals from across the West have been chosen to participate in the Water Education Foundation’s 2024 Colorado River Water Leaders cohort.

Like our California Water Leaders program, the Colorado River Water Leaders cohort includes engineers, lawyers, resource specialists, scientists and others working for public, private and nongovernmental organizations from across the river’s basin in the United States and Mexico. The 2024 cohort roster can be found here.

Announcement

Last Call for Water 101 Workshop; Upcoming Tours of Key Water Regions Nearly Sold Out
Meet our Team at an Open House; Program Posted for International Groundwater Conference

Spring is a busy time at the Water Education Foundation! Don’t miss these upcoming opportunities to visit important regions in the state’s water story firsthand and engage directly with water experts in California and across the world. Plus, you can meet our team in person at our annual open house to learn more about how we educate and foster understanding of California’s most precious natural resource — water!

Water 101 Workshop: April 5

Last call to register for our Water 101 Workshop, an annual daylong course on California water hosted at McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento! View an agenda here for our popular workshop that details the history, geography and the legal and political facets of water in California. Plus, workshop participants are invited to grab one of the few remaining seats on the optional groundwater tour April 4. Find more details and register here by this Friday, March 29!

Announcement

Foundation’s Journalism Team Brings You the Day’s Top Water News
Free Resources Like Aquafornia Keep You Current on Water across California and the West

Removal of Copco 2 dam on Klamath River, 2023As our programs team at the Water Education Foundation organizes annual events like next week’s Water 101 Workshop, our journalism team raises water awareness daily through Aquafornia, our water newsfeed that helps you stay current.

Our journalists – Nick Cahill, Chris Bowman, Alastair Bland and Jenn Bowles – have covered water-related news for years, making them ideal curators of the most important and interesting water stories from around California and the West.

Announcement

Attend Our Open House May 2; New Layperson’s Guide to the Colorado River Hot Off the Press; Register for Water 101 Before It’s Sold Out

New Layperson’s Guide to the Colorado River Basin

The Water Education Foundation’s 10th edition of the Layperson’s Guide to the Colorado River Basin is hot off the press and available for purchase.

Updated and redesigned, the 28-page guide is a solid, easy-to-read primer on one of the world’s most dramatic and developed rivers.

Announcement

Upcoming Workshops, Tours and International Conference to Focus on Groundwater
Mark National Groundwater Awareness Week by Signing Up for an Event or Tour to Deepen Your Understanding

With National Groundwater Awareness Week approaching and 2024 marking the 10ᵗʰ anniversary of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act in California, these Water Education Foundation tours and events will help you gain a deeper understanding of groundwater fundamentals and the work being done to bring aquifers into balance. Seating is limited and tickets are going fast!

Announcement

Agenda Posted for Water 101 Workshop in April; Optional Groundwater Tour Nearly Full
Coveted Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Don’t miss a once-a-year opportunity to attend our Water 101 Workshop on April 5 to gain a deeper understanding of California’s most precious natural resource.

One of our most popular events, the daylong workshop at McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento offers anyone new to California water issues or newly elected to a water district board — and really anyone who wants a refresher — a chance to gain a solid statewide grounding on California’s water resources.

Some of state’s leading policy and legal experts are on the agenda for the workshop that details the historical, legal and political facets of water management in the state, including:

Announcement

Virtually Explore the Delta; Remembering Bob Johnson; Grab a Spot While They Last for Upcoming Tours & Events
Seize a Coveted Sponsorship for Our Tours & Events

Check Out Our Growing Delta Digital Library 

We’ve expanded our digital Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta library. You can now virtually visit the Delta by watching a series of short videos that show its multiple dimensions: a hub of California’s water supply, an agricultural cornucopia, a water playground and a haven for fish and other wildlife.

You can check out the video series here. You can also explore our interactive story map to the Delta.

Announcement

Learn About California Water Basics & Beyond at Water 101 Workshop April 5
Jump on the Bus for an Optional Groundwater Tour April 4; Seize a Coveted Sponsor Spot!

Water management at the local level in California increasingly requires a firm grasp of issues across the state, so take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to attend our Water 101 Workshop on April 5 and gain a deeper understanding of the history, hydrology and law behind California’s most precious natural resource.

Top policy and legal experts will be presenting at our annual workshop held at McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, with an optional groundwater tour the day before.

Announcement

Water Education Foundation Board Welcomes Two New Members to its Diverse Array of Water Interests
Two veteran board members join Executive Committee

Two new members were elected to the Water Education Foundation Board of Directors, joining a diverse cross-section of water supply, business, environmental, agricultural and public interest organizations that governs the impartial nonprofit based in Sacramento.

In addition, two veteran board members were elevated to the Executive Committee, joining Board President Terry Fulp, former director of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Lower Colorado River region, and Treasurer JaNell Cook of HDR Inc. Eric Robinson, managing shareholder of Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard, became Vice President and Ane Deister, executive director of the Urban Water Institute, was elected Secretary.

Announcement

2024 Water Leaders Cohort Examines Ways to Help Groundwater Basins Become Sustainable
Rising stars in the water world chosen for highly competitive leadership program

2024 Water Leaders CohortTwenty early to mid-career water professionals from across California have been chosen for the 2024 William R. Gianelli Water Leaders cohort, the Water Education Foundation’s highly competitive and respected leadership program.

The cohort includes engineers, lawyers, resource specialists, scientists and others from a range of public and private entities and nongovernmental organizations. The roster for the 2024 class can be found here.

Announcement

Water 101 Workshop Offers Rookies & Veterans a Chance to Deepen Their Understanding of California Water
April 5 Workshop in Sacramento includes optional Groundwater Tour on April 4

Image shows a presenter and some of the audience at Water 101 WorkshopOne of the Foundation’s most popular events, our daylong Water 101 Workshop on April 5 offers a once-a-year opportunity to gain a solid statewide grounding of California’s most precious natural resource - whether you are new to California water issues or just want a refresher.

Hosted at McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, Water 101 covers the history, hydrology and law behind water management in California and is taught by some of the state’s leading policy and legal experts.

Announcement

We’re Hiring! Join Our Team as a Programs Manager

Join our team at the Water Education Foundation as a programs manager and help us carry out tours, workshops and leadership programs across California and the West.

We have a full-time opening for an enthusiastic and team-oriented programs manager with a can-do attitude. A Sacramento-based nonprofit, the Foundation has been a trusted source of water news and educational programs for more than 45 years. We are looking for someone to join our team who enjoys a dynamic work environment, has a passion for water issues and possesses strong organization and communication skills, both verbal and written.

Announcement

Register Today for Early 2024 Tours & Workshops; Last Call to Apply for Colorado River Water Leaders Program
Coveted Sponsorships Available to Foundation Member Organizations!

Time is running out to apply for our biennial Colorado River Water Leaders program! Applications for the 2024 cohort are due Jan. 22, so be sure to check out our application page where you can also get tips on applying for the competitive program.

The Foundation’s 2024 calendar of events begins in March and is packed with engaging tours, workshops and conferences on key water topics in California and across the West. Seating is limited and tickets go quickly for all our programs, so don’t miss out!

Current Foundation member organizations receive access to coveted sponsorships opportunities for our tours and events, which are all prime networking opportunities for the water professionals in attendance! Contact Kayla Sergent with membership status questions or Nick Gray for more details on sponsorship.

Announcement

Ringing in the New Year with Groundwater Top of Mind
Learn what's on tap at the Water Education Foundation in 2024

Happy New Year to all the friends, supporters, readers and participants of tours and workshops! We’re grateful to each and every person who interacted with us in 2023.

As we turn the page to 2024, California marks the 10th anniversary of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Many of our events and tours this year will take a look at the progress made and the work that still needs to be done to bring aquifers into balance. 

Announcement

Apply by Jan. 22 for Our Colorado River Water Leaders Program
Get an overview and tips on applying

Apply for our 2024 Colorado River Water Leaders program to deepen your knowledge of the inconic Southwest river, build leadership skills and develop policy ideas with a cohort to improve management of the region’s most crucial natural resource.

Our biennial Water Leaders program, part of our Colorado River Project, selects rising stars from the seven states that rely on the river – Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.

Get an overview of the program and tips on applying by watching this virtual Q&A session. Applications are due Jan. 22, 2024 and you can find application materials here along with mandatory program dates.

“I highly recommend the program to emerging water leaders. The program’s immersive experience, relationship building and mentorship opportunities cultivate leadership and collaborative skills crucial for addressing complex challenges faced by all those who rely upon the Colorado River now and into the future.”

– JB Hamby, Class of ‘22 and Chair of the Colorado River Board of California

Announcement

Learn the Latest Scientific Developments and Engineering Proposals for California’s Bay-Delta
Join our three-day tour of the state’s water hub to hear dozens of expert speakers

Each year we update the itineraries for our annual water tours to provide you with the latest developments in water policy, technology and research. The Bay-Delta Tour, which will be held on June 14 -16, will showcase several new speakers and stories this year.

Announcement

Registration Open for Lower Colorado River Tour; Get Tips on Applying for Colorado River Water Leaders; Read New Story on Cities Pursuing Use of Purified Sewage for Tap Water
Space is limited for the tour & tickets go quickly!

In this Issue:

  • Registration now open for our annual Lower Colorado River Tour
  • Get an overview and tips for applying to our Colorado River Water Leaders program by Jan. 22
  • Read our latest Western Water story on Southwestern cities looking to turn sewage into drinking water

Lower Colorado River Tour: March 13-15

Don’t miss the return of our Lower Colorado River Tour as we take you from Hoover Dam to the U.S.-Mexico border and through the Imperial and Coachella valleys to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing the “Lifeline of the Southwest.”

Following the course of the lower Colorado River through Nevada, Arizona and California, the tour explores infrastructure, farming regions, wildlife refuges and the Salton Sea. Experts discuss river issues, such as water needs, drought management, endangered species and habitat restoration. Space is limited & tickets go quickly so register here!

Announcement

Save the Dates for 2024 Tours & Workshops; Coveted Sponsorships Available!
Space is limited & tickets go quickly so make plans now to join us!

As 2023 winds down, the Water Education Foundation team is revving up for a robust 2024 programming year with tours, conferences and workshops on key water topics. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss these engaging, once-a-year opportunities!

Organizations that are current Foundation members receive access to coveted sponsorships opportunities for our tours and events throughout the year. Both exclusive and general sponsorships are available for our programs that are prime networking opportunities for the water professionals in attendance. Contact Programs Director Nick Gray via email with any questions about our sponsorship program.

Lower Colorado River Tour: March 13-15

Don’t miss the return of our Lower Colorado River Tour as we take you from Hoover Dam to the U.S.-Mexico border and through the Imperial and Coachella valleys to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing the “Lifeline of the Southwest.”

Following the course of the lower Colorado River through Nevada, Arizona and California, the tour explores infrastructure, farming regions, wildlife refuges and the Salton Sea while discussing water needs in the Lower Basin, drought management, endangered species and habitat restoration. Registration opens December 20!

Announcement

Hot off the Press: Layperson’s Guide to The Klamath River Basin
2nd edition covers nation's largest dam removal project

The Water Education Foundation’s second edition of the Layperson’s Guide to The Klamath River Basin is hot off the press and available for purchase.

Updated and redesigned, the easy-to-read overview comes as the nation’s largest dam removal project is underway with the first of four Klamath River hydropower dams demolished this year.

The Layperson’s Guide covers the history of the region’s tribal, agricultural and environmental relationships with one of the West’s largest rivers. The river’s vast watershed straddles Cailfornia and Oregon and hosts one of the nation’s oldest and largest reclamation projects.

Announcement

Water Leaders Release Policy Recommendations for Promoting Green Infrastructure

Our 2023 California Water Leaders cohort completed its year with a report outlining policy recommendations for leveraging green infrastructure, such as restoring floodplains, meadows and wetlands, to help manage water statewide.

The cohort of 22 up-and-coming leaders – engineers, attorneys, planners, scientists, water managers and other professionals from water-related organizations – worked collaboratively and had full editorial control on the report.