CA Water Institute

Happy New Year from the California Water Institute! As we step into 2026, we’re building on a year of community workshops, research, and collaboration. This collage captures what we’re manifesting next: impact, innovation, and water resilience statewide.

March 18 is #FresnoStateDOG This #GroundwaterAwarenessWeek, support the CWI and help advance research, community water education, and groundwater solutions in the Valley. Give on March 18: dayofgiving.fresnostate.edu/amb/givefscwi

In Gustine, local residents engaged in technical discussion paired with an interactive Lotería activity designed to gauge understanding and spark conversation around groundwater recharge. @SelfHelpEnt

Director @LauraRamosV delivered March’s keynote for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, examining how California can move from drought conditions toward lasting water resilience.

Water connects us all. In honor of #WorldWaterDay, we’re hosting a student photo contest celebrating water in your community and daily life. Visit our new Instagram page for details on how to enter and win: bit.ly/csufcwi

CWI joined the @WaterBlueprint team to support collaborative discussions shaping California’s water future. Bringing together communities, agencies, and expertise helps build resilience and informed decisions across the state.

#SB695 guides California’s major transportation corridors toward climate resilience, intersecting with water storage, flood management, and trade routes. Learn how this impacts infrastructure planning in our Legislative Summary series: bit.ly/bill695

Our KMJ Weekly Water Insights deliver timely perspectives on California’s water challenges. Recent segments: Seeing the Invisible—Groundwater in 3D, Drought-Free Map, and Native Yield. Watch all episodes on our website: bit.ly/3XOTgbY

Water is at the heart of our work. This #ValentinesDay, explore 25 years of milestones at the CWI and the moments that shaped our journey. View the full timeline: bit.ly/46ssies

CWI and @MaddyInstitute break down key water policy in our Legislative Bill Summary Series. AB 1319 strengthens protections for endangered species with emergency listings, monitoring, and transparency. Learn more: bit.ly/bill1319

Day 2 at the #WorldAgExpo featured Director @LauraRamosV discussing how floodwater can support groundwater recharge, protect crops and strengthen long-term water reliability. The session explored key recharge methods and how to evaluate the right approach for different sites.

Day 1 at the #WorldAgExpo featured Civil Engineering Lecturer Henry Liang, who shared practical insights on groundwater recharge planning and design for landowners. His session highlighted how capturing floodwater can strengthen long-term water reliability for agriculture.

We have published a new sustainability report highlighting applied research, partnerships, and education supporting California communities as they plan for long-term water resilience. Read the full report: bit.ly/49VSeBx

We look forward to being at next week’s #WorldAgExpo @IntlAgriCenter. On Tuesday, Henry Liang will share insights on groundwater recharge infrastructure, followed Wednesday by Director @LauraRamosV on recharge methods that help sustain agriculture and strengthen water resilience.

Director @LauraRamosV moderated a panel on Groundwater Recharge at the latest CAP Symposium with @kassychauhan, @dcameron177, and Matthew Hacker, exploring science-backed strategies for California’s water security.

CWI and @MaddyInstitute launched the Legislative Bill Summary Series to help Californians better understand enacted water and natural resource policy. One summary highlights SB 72 and updates to the California Water Plan. Read more: bit.ly/launchbillsumm

Winter Weather Preparedness Month spotlight: the Sierra Snowpack stores winter precipitation that melts in spring, feeding rivers that supports urban and agricultural water needs. Planning around it helps California build drought resilience.

Learning about water doesn’t have to be boring! At the ICARP workshop in Planada, participants played a water-themed Lotería, connecting play, culture, and education to better understand California’s water systems.

Every winter storm is an opportunity. By managing stormwater wisely, California strengthens drought resilience, safeguards water supply, and protects communities and ecosystems.

How do groundwater decisions today shape water quality tomorrow? To answer this CWI kicked off ICARP workshops in Huron and Mendota to help communities understand recharge and resilience. Read more about ICARP in our latest newsletter: bit.ly/493pQNf

A new year means new momentum, but also reflection. CWI’s 2024–2025 Activities Report looks back on a year of research, education, and collaboration, and honors 25 years of impact advancing water solutions across the Central Valley. Read about it here: bit.ly/24-25activites