The Environmental Water Caucus was formed in 1991 to facilitate the involvement of environmental, civic, recreational, and commercial fishing organizations in achieving sustainable water management solutions for California. Active members include virtually every group advocating for equitable and sustainable California water resource use.

The EWC promotes collaborative public processes to decrease conflicts over California water for a stronger economy, healthier environment and a fully involved California public. The EWC advocates for the restoration of the aquatic ecosystems and fisheries of the San Francisco Bay, Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta, and Central Valley, as well as improvements in water quality and protection of public trust values. The EWC and its member organizations promote projects that will reduce the demand for water that would normally flow to and through the Bay-Delta, and oppose water projects that will negatively impact aquatic ecosystems.

The following measures are priority actions that member organizations will be pursuing for the next few years.

1. Reduce exports from the Delta and minimize reverse flows in the Delta;

2. Implement ecologically sustainable water supply alternatives that reduce demand for water including taking drainage impaired farmlands out of production;

3. Reestablish and restore ecologically significant riverine ecosystems, including making fish habitat accessible above dams, holding coldwater for fish, and connecting rivers and floodplains;

4. Support environmentally sustainable and cost effective water sales with no damage to source area environments;

5. Fund sustainable environmental agencies and science with end-user fees; and

6. Restore water quality sufficient to support beneficial uses.