This tour ventured through California’s Central Valley, known as the nation’s breadbasket thanks to an imported supply of surface water and local groundwater. Covering about 20,000 square miles through the heart of the state, the valley provides 25 percent of the nation’s food, including 40 percent of all fruits, nuts and vegetables consumed throughout the country.

This 3-day, 2-night tour focused on the San Joaquin Valley, the southern part of the vast region, which is facing challenges after years of drought, dwindling water supplies, decreasing water quality and farmland conversion for urban growth. The tour gave participants an understanding of the region’s water use and issues as well as the agricultural practices, including new technologies and water-saving measures. 

Participants visited farms and some of the state’s major infrastructure, such as Friant Dam and the San Luis Reservoir, as well as the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, a major wintering ground and migratory stopover point for large concentrations of waterfowl and shorebirds. The tour begins and ends at Sacramento International Airport.

Contact Nick Gray, programs manager, with any questions via email or call 916-444-6240.

What attendees said about this tour:

“This was a fantastic tour. In three days, I had the opportunity to meet numerous experts in the field. It was a nice blend of speakers. I am looking forward to reviewing all the handout materials.”

“As a water engineer new to California, it gave me a much better perspective of differing objectives and opportunities to clients.”

“The information the speakers presented. Also, the range and differing views. First-hand engagement of local districts/farmers and being able to see things for myself.”

Stops Included:

• Kern Water Bank
• San Joaquin River
• Terminus Dam
• Mendota Pool
• Friant Dam
• San Luis National Wildlife Refuge
• San Luis Reservoir

Topics Included:

• Water supply and drought
• Flood management
• Groundwater banking
• Surface water storage
• Subsidence
• Wetlands
• Salmon restoration
• Agricultural supply and drainage

Tour Start and End Point:

This tour started at 7:30 a.m. on April 3 and ended at 6:30 p.m. on April 5 at Sacramento International Airport.

Pricing Details:

Regular Price – $895 (one person, single-occupancy room)

Early Bird Price – $865 if you register online by March 4. Click on the orange registration button above.

Fee included all tour meals, transportation, materials, snacks and hotel accommodations once the tour begins. Participants were responsible for their own transportation to and from the tour’s beginning and end point.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

Deadline to cancel and receive a full refund was three weeks prior to the first day of the tour due to hotel, meal and transportation bookings. Substitutions were allowed up to five business days before the tour. Refunds may be subject to a 10% processing fee.

Continuing Education Credits:

Continuing education credits are available for attorneys for an additional fee, and may be available for water plant/wastewater plant operators and other vocations/professions.