The California Water Institute at Fresno State, in partnership with the Maddy Institute, recently hosted a Water Bootcamp aimed at enhancing the understanding of California’s complex water systems among state legislative staff.
“The positive engagement and thoughtful questions from our attendees showed a significant interest in understanding the state’s water challenges,” said Laura Ramos, interim director of the California Water Institute. “This event has not only highlighted critical issues, but also the need for continued education and collaboration.”
Ramos laid the groundwork for the event by discussing the fundamental concepts of watersheds, the water cycle and the impacts of climate change on California’s water resources. She continued with an in-depth look at surface water, covering essential infrastructure elements such as the Central Valley Project, the State Water Project, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, local water conveyance systems and the vital role of the Delta.
Dr. Thomas Holyoke, professor of political science at Fresno State, delved into the nuanced aspects of California’s water rights and policies, the history of California’s water management, and the critical issue of water over-appropriation. The session concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the challenges and policy implications surrounding California’s water system.
Ramos said she hoped the Legislative Water Bootcamp proved to be a valuable event by enhancing participants’ understanding of California’s intricate water systems and fostering meaningful dialogue about future policy directions.
“I think it comes down to education,” Blake Zante, director of the Maddy Institute, said about the Water Bootcamp’s focus. “Other regions don’t have the direct, tangible connection or familiarity with these challenges.”
The success of the Legislative Water Bootcamp underscores the California Water Institute’s commitment to hosting educational events for water stakeholders and users. The institute invites legislative staff and policymakers to take advantage of similar bootcamps to further their understanding of critical issues affecting California’s water systems.
“We are excited to offer more bootcamps in the future to further equip legislative staff with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about our water resources,” Ramos said.
(Story by Julissa Zavala.)
