Elizabeth Macpherson’s Post

For the future of global water systems we need to pay careful attention to power dynamics and scale mismatches Around the world water systems are under enormous and growing pressure. Too often, the solutions put forward are technological and reductionist, seeking to extract water more ‘efficiently’ from an already overstretched system. Elizabeth Macpherson and colleagues believe that if we are to meet the challenges facing our water systems, we need new paradigms in water governance that conceive of water as more than a physical commodity and recognize the deep interdependencies of social and physical systems. Central to this is understanding the function and influence of power dynamics at different temporal and spatial scales. Here they explain how such an approach can help in designing multi-scalar, reflexive, and pluralistic water policy solutions. https://lnkd.in/gPu-_7Mz

💧 40 to 60 percent of California’s water supply comes from groundwater. But in California and throughout the West, intensifying water challenges such as drought and unsustainable water pumping have endangered long-term water supplies, threatening to deplete aquifers and greatly impact water quality. The Groundwater Accounting Platform—developed between ESA, the Environmental Defense Fund the California Water Data Consortium, Olsson—enables water managers, landowners, and water users to track water availability and usage, in order to avoid these undesirable outcomes and help communities meet water conservation goals. A notable feature, notes Technology Services Lead John Henry Burns PE, is the utilization of open-source technology which provides water managers with the data and tools to monitor their water use and make informed, long-term decisions towards sustainability. The platform is now available throughout California to support groundwater management practices. See more about it in the video below: https://lnkd.in/g-5R6VKz and visit the link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gTxmQWSz #Groundwater #WaterManagement #SGMA #GroundwaterPumping #WaterConservation #WaterQuality #GroundwaterSustainabilityAgencies #OpenSource #DataPlatform

In our new paper in the Journal of the American Water Resources Association, led by Renee Obringer, we present an agent-based model (ABM) that simulates water supply as a function of local climatic conditions and water consumption in #Phoenix. Importantly, the model accounts for water conservation attitudes. Our scenario testing reveals a statistically significant improvement to water availability after successfully changing water conservation attitudes to be more participatory. Ultimately, this study aims to understand the nuances of water conservation attitudes and aid utilities in their goal to better manage urban water demand. #watermanagement #waterconservation #waterefficiency #climateaction #climateadaptation #arizona #southwest ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory

💦 State, Local Water Agencies Achieve Major Milestone in Efforts to Ensure Groundwater Sustainability Statewide 📰Jan 18, 2024 Sacramento, California 💦The Department of Water Resources (DWR) marked a major milestone in long-term water supply management efforts today with the completion of the review process of groundwater sustainability plans for high and medium priority groundwater basins in the state. The plans were prepared and submitted at the local level for the first time, ensuring that communities near these precious resources have a significant role in ensuring their sustainability. 💦California’s groundwater basins, which collectively make up a massive underground reservoir, provide a critical water supply for 15.4 million people, especially during dry years when surface water supplies are lacking. As California adapts to a hotter, drier future, these groundwater supplies will become a more vital resource for local water agencies and agriculture. 💦“It is remarkable that now, for the first time under SGMA, groundwater basins that make up 98 percent of the state’s groundwater use are being actively managed by local agencies with locally developed groundwater sustainability plans that have undergone initial review, said Paul Gosselin, Deputy Director of DWR’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Office. “Since 2014, local agencies, with state support, have met every ambitious milestone required by SGMA, and with today’s announcement, DWR has met the required deadline to review and issue determinations for all initial groundwater sustainability plans. The work does not stop here and DWR will continue to partner with local agencies to build a more sustainable water future for all Californians.” 📰Water.CA.gov https://lnkd.in/gwcrHgdt 💦Sustainable Groundwater Management Act 💧SGMA Portal is the central repository for groundwater information and updates https://lnkd.in/gY4dvsB5 #california #watersustainability #groundwater #agricultureandfarming #agricultureusa #drought #climatechange #climatechangemitigation #watersecurity #drinkingwater

Access to clean water is becoming increasingly challenging for a significant portion of the global population, and new research indicates this problem could worsen over the coming decades. Currently, around 55% of people face difficulties accessing clean water at least once a year. By the end of the century, this figure could exceed 65%. Learn more about the growing issue of water scarcity and what can be done to mitigate it in the future by reading the full article here: #waterscarcity #desalination

As growers and water managers throughout the state practice groundwater recharge at higher rates, California WaterBlog offers a “functional flows” approach to guide recharge proponents. This perspective aims to balance the potential benefits — and risks — of Flood-MAR based on the flow levels and other environmental characteristics of water systems during the wet season.

Uniting for a Common Cause: California's Groundbreaking Progress in Water Management In a world often divided, it's uplifting to share positive updates, especially when they reflect a collective achievement. This insight from a close friend resonated deeply, echoing the spirit of Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena." California's recent success in increasing groundwater supplies—its first in four years—is a testament to innovation and unity. The state has turned potential disasters into wins by adopting force-flooding methods that convert wash-outs into water resources. Despite numerous challenges, farmers, municipalities, and regulators have united to implement extensive infrastructure. The journey isn't over. California water officials say it could take five more rainy years to restore groundwater levels fully after years of overpumping. But this progress underscores the power of shared values and collaborative effort. Let's continue to champion such endeavors that bring us together to solve pressing issues. https://lnkd.in/gCaNchSd #WaterConservation #Sustainability #Teamwork

With the help of a few of my colleagues I published a few articles last year on groundwater related topics. I'm posting the links all here if you missed reading them last year. Cities Are Changing Groundwater Availability for Residential Growth: https://lnkd.in/gnVei25p Climate Change, Sea Level Rise, and Groundwater: https://lnkd.in/gFmHH7ej Regulators Must Get Creative To Keep Groundwater Flowing: https://lnkd.in/g-K7J3r4 Sustainability, Water, and Recapture: https://lnkd.in/gUUHY8WS Water Rights and Managed Aquifer Storage: https://lnkd.in/g9yd3AZp Water Update – Three Western States Agree on Plan to Conserve Colorado River Usage: https://lnkd.in/g2V8EyVd

Happy World Water Day! 💧 🏞️ Today is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of conserving water resources and think about how we can strive for more sustainable water management practices and equitable access to clean water. In California, the state’s water-related challenges are always top-of-mind—from water conservation, to supplementing groundwater recharge, to protecting water sources from natural disasters. In Morgan Hill, California, we’re assisting Valley Water to help rehabilitate Anderson Dam, the largest surface reservoir in Santa Clara County. Due to seismic risk, this vital reservoir, which supplies 90,000 acre-feet of rainfall runoff and imported water, can only accommodate three percent of drinking water supplies. ESA, working with COWI construction team, is overseeing the project as environmental lead; steering environmental compliance, water quality monitoring, and permitting, to return the reservoir to its original storage capacity. It’s one part of how we’re helping to improve the reliability of our water resources. Find out more about our work on the project at: https://lnkd.in/gJyhvYWu #WorldWaterDay #WaterResources #CaliforniaWater #Reservoir #WaterSupply #WaterManagement #DrinkingWater #WaterIsLife

Great information! What is responsible for the decline in US flows? Drought, increased water use above stream? Interesting insight on the issue with water deliveries by Mexico.