The Confluence

The Confluence is the blog of the California Institute for Water Resources (CIWR) within University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. We cover timely topics of water management in California, highlight innovative research and voices.

CIWR's mission is to integrate California's research, extension, and education programs to develop research-based solutions to water resource challenges. We do this by facilitating collaborative research and outreach on water issues across California's academic institutions and with international, federal, state, regional, nonprofit, and campus communities.

Visit us at: ciwr.ucanr.edu | follow us on Bluesky @ucanrwater.bsky.social, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X @ucanrwater

The Confluence: Article

Real Estate Values and Agricultural Transitions in the Central Valley

March 25, 2025

By Erik Porse, Josh Viers, Aaron Shew, and Siddarth Kishore The post summarizes findings from two studies presented in a panel session during workshops at UC Merced in October 2024, co-sponsored by the California Institute for Water Resources and Secure Water Future at UC Merced. In California’s…

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The Confluence: Article

Patterns and drivers of water-wise landscaping for urban water conservation

May 9, 2024

By Joanna P Solins

Front yard with water-wise landscaping. Photo Credit: Cadenasso Lab, UC Davis California's urban water agencies have long relied on conservation measures to promote reliability and manage costs.

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The Confluence: Article

Fifty Years of Water Research Projects in California

January 7, 2024

By Erik C Porse

For decades, California has supported research to improve water resources management. Within our archives at the California Institute for Water Resources (CIWR), we have records of nearly 250 funded research projects going back fifty years.

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Groundwater use in rice fields in Yuba County, California. Dale Kolke / California Department of Water Resources

The Confluence: Article

Database of Demand Management Actions Under SGMA Goes Live

August 15, 2023

By Ellen M Bruno

Demand management policies that alter the incentives of water users in ways that encourage conservation will be necessary to achieve groundwater sustainability under California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).

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Kristin Dobbin moderates a panel on the key challenges for achieving groundwater sustainability. Photo by Ellen Bruno.

The Confluence: Article

Advancing a Collaborative Agenda to Meet California’s Emergent Groundwater Management Needs

June 22, 2023

By Ellen M Bruno, Kristin B Dobbin

Among the most significant challenges related to California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) are emergent social and economic questions regarding implementation. Despite passing almost ten years ago, there's still a long road to achieving groundwater sustainability.

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