Water Academy

Overview

Water Academy
The place to learn about all things water

Water Academy is a great resource to do research on a specific water topic such as drought or groundwater, and to get oriented on the vast array of what we do here at the Water Education Foundation.

In this section, you’ll find all the information you could want about a water topic: News articles, definitions and background information from our water encyclopedia known as Aquapedia, the tours and events we host that explore that topic, publications we have written on the topic, and more.

Use the links at the left or look below to browse topics and begin exploring!

Overview

Agriculture

California has been the nation’s leading agricultural and dairy state for the past 50 years. The state’s 80,500 farms and ranches produce more than 400 different agricultural products. These products generated a record $44.7 billion in sales value in 2012, accounting for 11.3 percent of the US total.

Overview

Background Information

Background information on water issues and topics is available from the Water Education Foundation through publications, videos, the news blog Aquafornia, online water encyclopedia Aquapedia, and more.

Overview

The Bay-Delta

Overview

Dams, Reservoirs, and Water Projects

California has more than 1,400 named dams and 1,300 reservoirs that help with flood management, water storage and water transport. Hydropower from dams also provides a relatively pollution-free source of electricity. Dams are owned, maintained and operated by federal, state and local agencies.

Overview

Environmental Issues

California has pioneered some of the toughest state environmental legislation to address environmental issues. For example, laws focused attention on “instream uses” of water to benefit fish and wildlife, recreation, water quality and aesthetics.  Among water-related issues, in general, are climate change, toxic waste disposal, pollution and loss of wildlife and habitat.

Overview

Regions

Overview

Rivers

American RiverCalifornia benefits from a diverse array of rivers that provide water for cities and farms as well as vital habitat for fish, birds and other species and recreation for people. Many of the state’s rivers have been dammed or diverted for water supply and flood control. Some are designated as wild and scenic rivers, mainly along the North Coast of California, and remain undammed for all or parts of their run. Still other rivers in the state have been used as conduits for treated wastewater and agricultural runoff.