The Environmental Water Caucus:

The Mission of the Environmental Water Caucus is to achieve comprehensive, sustainable water management solutions for all Californians. EWC and its members employ political, legal and economic strategies to restore ecological health, improve water quality and protect public trust values throughout the San Francisco Bay-Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta estuary and the Central Valley/Sierra Nevada watersheds.

The EWC was formed in 1991. Active members include most groups advocating for equitable and sustainable California water resource use.

CALIFORNIA WATER SOLUTIONS NOW

CALIFORNIA WATER SOLUTIONS NOW, a game-changing report, has been prepared by a broad coalition of 23 fishing, public health, conservation, environmental justice, and tribal organizations. Based on multiple scientific and engineering studies, it demonstrates how sustainable water management, including groundwater cleanup, water recycling, local storm water capture and cost-effective water conservation can provide the water needed to serve California's projected population, economy and environment through 2050.

Most of the actions detailed in the report will provide water to people and the environment almost immediately, at far lower costs and with significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than new dams and their associated infrastructure. The report shows how California's water needs can be met with reduced water exports from the Delta and expresses strong concerns about the proposed Peripheral Canal, which could route even higher levels of water away from the Delta than the already-harmful export levels of recent years.

The 42-page report highlights 10 Strategic Goals and 65 specific Recommendations that can carry California into the future, and in particular describes how the state can use current supplies and existing sustainable strategies more efficiently and cost-effectively. The report also shows how we can improve our valuable river habitats, eliminate discharges from contaminated agricultural lands, and improve other water quality problems, increase regional water self-sufficiency, and provide funding for environmental agencies.

California Water Solutions Now shows that, with real reforms, California can have a sustainable water future.

View a copy of the executive summary, a copy of the complete report, the press release, or a powerpoint presentation of the report.

Current EWC Campaigns:

(See Take Action for details)

Oppose the Water Bond on the California November 2010 ballot.

Amend or Oppose (federal) Senate Water Transfer Bill (S 1759)