Building Water Literacy in California

Water Education Foundation’s executive director Jennifer Bowles talked to Water Deeply about why water literacy in California is so important, in both wet and dry years – and how to bring different voices to the table to work on the state’s complicated water issues

California’s drought has turned public attention to water issues in the state. But Jennifer Bowles is working hard to make sure people gain a deeper understanding of water in California every year.

Bowles is the executive director of the Water Education Foundation , a Sacramento-based nonprofit founded in 1977 – when California was weathering another drought. The organization is focused on water literacy and provides resources to get an overview of California water issues or to take a deep dive.

Bowles and her team publish a range of materials – Western Water magazine; a series of guides to topic areas (like groundwater or water rights) or geographic areas of note (like the Delta or the Colorado River); a news aggregator of top water stories; maps; and even a digital encyclopedia . They also host tours and conferences, including their annual executive briefing, and have a yearlong Water Leaders program for young professionals.

Water issues in California can be contentious and politically wrought, but the Water Education Foundation approaches topics holistically, bringing in voices from as many sides as possible including environmental, agricultural, tribal and infrastructure-related, says Bowles.

She recently spoke to Water Deeply about which water issues are most pressing right now in California and how to increase water literacy across the state.

Water Deeply: For our readers who aren’t familiar with the Water Education Foundation, tell us about what you do.

Jennifer Bowles: The mission of the Water Education Foundation, an impartial, nonprofit organization, is to create a better understanding of water resources and foster public understanding and resolution of water resource issues through facilitation, education and outreach.

People see the foundation as the Switzerland of the California water world. They see it as a safe place to come to learn. But also a part of it is understanding different perspectives. So when everyone comes to the table you’ll learning someone else’s perspective. That’s what is going to help down the road to resolve a thorny water issue.

When the foundation was started in 1977 it was the only place to learn about California water. Our executive briefing was the only water conference. Now you’ll see several conferences by different organizations. But it’s still really one of the few that is impartial and unbiased.

Water Deeply: Which issues right now are the most crucial topics?

Bowles: People would say that this is the year for the Delta tunnels, whether they go forward or not. For us, we’ll talk about this in several ways and we’ll also have our Bay Delta tour that people can go on that will have people talk about the tunnels both for and against – and neutral. The tunnels are a big deal because it’s estimated to cost $15 billion and it’s sort of in its administrative approval process right now. Some lawmakers are saying they want to put it to a vote to the people now. It’s such a thorny issue. Everyone is saying this is the year either they happen or they don’t.

I think also with El Niño and statewide digging ourselves out of this drought is another issue. Who knows if El Niño will help that much – it depends on where El Niño drops the snow, drops the rain. Location, location, location is what I always like to say with California water. If we don’t get it up in Northern California, it’s not going to fill the reservoirs that’s needed for the entire state.

Another issue is the conservation mandates – those are being extended. It’s been really great. Californians have really responded to this call for conservation from the governor, so that’s nice to see. The question is whether or not when this drought is over they will continue to conserve because with or without the drought water is a precious resource in California.

We held our first ever drought tour last year and it was sold out. The drought has really put a spotlight on California water. We just hope that it doesn’t change once the drought is over, if it’s over. We don’t know if this is the new normal.

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Taxonomy

• Non Profit
• Water Education