John Take

Spring Policy Symposium 2024! A big thank you to everyone who participated in our Spring Policy Symposium. We were thrilled to gather a diverse group of speakers and Hydro Heroes who shared critical insights into water policy and infrastructure resilience. Highlights from Our Hydro Hero Presentations: Patrick Henning, Chief Deputy Treasurer of California, discussed fiscal strategies supporting water infrastructure. Karla Nemeth, Director of the California Department of Water Resources, highlighted state-level leadership in water management. Christina Hecht, UC ANR Nutrition Policy Institute Academic Coordinator, provided insights into water, nutrition, and public health intersections. Barton Thompson, Senior Fellow, at Stanford University, offered unique perspectives on public health and innovative water management. Key Panel Discussions: Water and Wildfire Safety: Strategies for enhancing community and infrastructure protection. Daryl Osby Phil Saksa, Erika Baker, John Tang, Matthew Samson Water Conservation: Debates on sustainable practices for preserving California's water resources. Amy Talbot, Ken Jenkins, David Mitchell, Ellen Hanak, E. Joaquin Esquivel 2024 Water Legislation: Insights into potential impacts and necessary adaptations for upcoming legislation. Evan Jacobs, Adam Quinonez, Danielle Blacet-Hyden, Ryan Ojakian We appreciate the expertise and enthusiasm all contributors brought to this symposium. Your participation has paved the way for advancing water management discussions and fostering a sustainable future. California American Water California Water Service Golden State Water Company Great Oaks Water Company Liberty San Gabriel Valley Water Company San Jose Water Suburban Water Systems #SpringPolicySymposium2024 #WaterManagement #EnvironmentalSafety #WaterConservation #WaterLegislation #CWACommunity #CAWater

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This year marks the 10th anniversary of California's landmark Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), a critical step in regulating groundwater resources through local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs). 💧 As we review a decade of progress, Tara Paul shares a look ahead to the next steps and challenges in achieving sustainable groundwater conditions across the state in the 2024 Land Use, Environmental, & Natural Resources Update: https://hubs.li/Q02BqbS70 #SGMA #GSA #Sustainability

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Groundbreaking research by UC Santa Barbara reveals a comprehensive global analysis of groundwater levels. While highlighting widespread depletion, the research also showcases successful strategies for recovery. With a better understanding of these levels, it's possible to find effective solutions for aquifer recharge and address water demand issues. Read more about how strategic interventions can transform our approach to groundwater management. #groundwaterdepletion #groundwater #waterdata

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#ICYMI: Valley Economy Blog by Dr. Jeffrey Michael takes apart the Department of Water Resources’ public relations claims. Read Dr. Jeff Michael’s analysis of DWR’s faulty math comparisons between the Delta Conveyance Project and Southern California desal projects here: https://bit.ly/44THqQm For our young readers, this is a case of the #MathAintMathing, and you are the ones who will end up paying for the Delta Conveyance Project, rather than for the climate, education, and societal investments for which you all are envisioning for the future. #cawater #prodelta

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Making informed decisions about our water resources and investing in the measurement of stream flows is essential as California experiences more climate extremes. That’s why we are proud to partner on the Stream Gage Improvement Program, which will improve infrastructure and provide accurate data to water managers statewide. “California can’t manage what we don’t measure. Expanding our network of gages in rivers and streams helps us all make better decisions about managing our precious water supply while protecting vulnerable communities from flooding and drought. It also benefits our natural environment, improving our understanding of the needs of salmon and other native fish especially during drought conditions.” - DWR Director Karla Nemeth Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gCNd3HSC #Streams #Streamgages #CaliforniaWater #SaveOurWater #ImprovementProject #ClimateChangeReady #ClimateChange

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  The Pacific Institute’s new Strategic Plan through 2026 marks a turning point in the global push toward water resilience. As Jason Morrison shares in this Q&A blogpost, the plan centers on four critical Impact Areas - Water Equity, Water Efficiency and Reuse, Nature-Based Solutions, and Corporate Water Stewardship - all designed to catalyze the transformation to water resilience in the face of #ClimateChange by 2030.    This plan is more than a roadmap - it's a call to action. As Jason says, "The greatest challenge is also our greatest opportunity: making sure that solutions are implemented at scale."    Learn how this bold strategy is set to scale impactful water solutions, informed by nearly four decades of evidence-based research expertise and collaboration.    Read the blog and join us on this journey: https://lnkd.in/gGNg4rzx Download the Strategic Plan here: https://lnkd.in/gWXYnHXV    #WaterResilience2030 #PacificInstitute2030Impact Felicia Marcus | Tony Stayner | Vedika Bhandarkar | J. Carl Ganter | Sally Liu | Heather Cooley | Todd Reeve | John Matthews | Naabia Ofosu-Amaah | Sanda Ojiambo | Peter Gleick | Nicole Lampe | Sanjeev Chadha | Arthine Cossey van Duyne | Sumbul Mashhadi

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California's historic decision to impose permanent water restrictions aims to address ongoing drought and water conservation challenges. The new regulations require significant reductions in water provision by the state’s largest utilities over the next 15 years. Explores the implications of these changes in our latest water issues post: https://buff.ly/3xSgS5Y #CanadaClimate

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This week, the California Department of Water Resources commemorates 10 years of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)—a transformative milestone in how we manage and protect California’s groundwater resources. Here in the Sacramento Valley, we’re proud of the progress made by local leaders, Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs), and water resource managers who have come together to develop innovative solutions for groundwater sustainability. Through the Pathway for the Future, we’ve outlined six strategic priorities that guide our work toward managing water for multiple benefits—from safe drinking water to thriving ecosystems. As professionals dedicated to sustainable water management, SGMA serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and long-term planning. Whether you're part of a GSA, contributing to policy, or working on regional infrastructure projects, your efforts are shaping a more sustainable future. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gErf2apM

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Did you know that the largest geothermal installation in the United States is located in #Wisconsin? Interestingly, it is owned by a high-tech, for-profit company. The reason behind this is that geothermal systems make financial sense. Moreover, the IRA now provides a 30% tax credit for geothermal systems, making them even more attractive. The takeaway is simple: if your new building in Wisconsin does not have geothermal heating and cooling, you are missing out on significant savings. #Geothermal #EnergyEfficiency #Sustainability #Wisconsin #Sustainabilidad #BadgerState #EficienciaEnergetica

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USBR: Reclamation seeking public input on the Long-Term Operations of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project Proposed changes hinge on managing releases and diversions from Shasta Reservoir From the Bureau of Reclamation: The Bureau of Reclamation seeks public input on the Long-Term Operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement. #Biologicalopinions #BureauofReclamation #CentralValleyProject #StateWaterProject #Waterprojectoperations

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The State Water Project (SWP) has a huge impact on California’s economy. In fact, a new report shows the SWP service area would rank the eighth largest economy in the world. Learn more about the economy of the SWP at https://lnkd.in/geqGwa9B #California #Water #SWP #Economy #StateWaterProject

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Join Us for "The Quest for Water Conservation" Panel at the Spring Policy Symposium! Moderated by Ken Jenkins, Chief Water Resource Sustainability Officer at California Water Service, this panel will explore innovative strategies for sustainable water management and conservation. Ken's extensive experience in water resource sustainability and his leadership in various statewide initiatives provides him with unique insights into the challenges and solutions in water conservation. Panelists: -Amy Talbot, Water Efficiency Project Manager, Regional Water Authority, brings expertise in implementing large-scale water efficiency projects and strategies. -Ellen Hanak, Senior Fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, known for her research and policy work in water economics and environmental management. -David Mitchell, Adjunct Fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, is a seasoned expert in water resource management, economic impact assessments, and conservation planning. -Joaquin Esquivel, Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, has a comprehensive background in state water policies and a deep commitment to enhancing the sustainability of California’s water resources. This panel will discuss the pressing issues of water conservation, focusing on current challenges, innovative solutions, and future directions. Attendees will gain insights from leading experts who are shaping the landscape of water management in California and beyond. Don’t miss this vital discussion on safeguarding our most precious resource through smart, sustainable practices! For more info: https://bit.ly/3Ug4Fz1 #WaterConservation #Sustainability #PublicPolicy #WaterManagement #WaterPolicy #IndustryLeadership #CWACommunity #WaterTheHeroWeNeed #CAWater

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🌊 🏄‍♀️ California - water asset management pressures in this state are high! The California State Water Board is promoting the adoption of asset management and includes most of the Five Core Question framework in capacity assessments. MentorAPM is proud to work with several California utilities to support better #assetmanagement. https://lnkd.in/gVkzsmPu

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🐟*How an Oregon Hydro Project's Fish Passage Data Helps Inform the Industry*🐟 National Hydropower Association highlighted how Natel's Monroe Drop project in central Oregon is a powerful example of how hydropower can balance efficiency and sustainability. Leveraging pre-existing infrastructure, the project is certified Low Impact by the Low Impact Hydropower Institute and features a FishSafe™ RHT. Studies from 2020 and 2022 with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory national lab revealed that the turbines at Monroe Drop successfully passed rainbow trout up to 19.7 inches in length with a remarkable 98-100% survival rate and no detectable injuries. This valuable fish passage data provides crucial insights for industry owners and operators aiming to enhance their own projects. Learn more about the future of low impact, FishSafe hydropower in this article in NHA's POWERHOUSE: https://lnkd.in/gC9bdr8y #Hydropower #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #FishPassage #Technology #Innovation #WithHydropower

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💧🔬💡University of Colorado Mortenson Center in Global Engineering & Resilience and Colorado State University, to work in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, are exploring the feasibility of green infrastructure to address water quality concerns in Colorado’s rivers and reservoirs. #Greeninfrastructure refers to interconnected networks of green spaces offering water quality management solutions as alternatives to traditional centralized water and wastewater treatment facilities, also known as gray infrastructure. These watershed-scale solutions assist municipalities and other water providers in pursuing pre-permit compliance with state and federal water quality standards, thereby improving water quality while meeting regulatory requirements. #water #waterscarcity #watercrisis #tech #watertech #startup #innovation #future #sustainability #environment #technology #investment #capital #research #unitednations #climatechange https://lnkd.in/gSb7r6Xg

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NOTICE of Certification for the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for the Pulse Flows Component of the Water Storage Investment Program Groundwater Projects From the Department of Water Resources: The California Department of Water Resources (DWR), in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), has certified  the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (Final SEIR; SCH # 2022080216) for the Pulse Flows Component of the Water Storage Investment Program Groundwater Projects (Pulse Flows Component). #Environmentaldocuments #WaterStorageInvestmentProgram

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