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

Highlighting the gap between policy design and policy implementation

December 2, 2019

By Kathryn M Stein

Linda Estel Mndez Barrientos is a PhD candidate in Ecology at UC Davis, where she works within the Center for Environmental Policy and Behavior, focusing on the implementation of environmental policies.

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Graduate student Nathan Jumps revisiting Englewild Canyon to collect additional sediment samples. Photo by A. Gray.

The Confluence: Article

Fire and water: Researching debris flows to mitigate post fire storm hazards

October 28, 2019

By Kathryn M Stein

Destructive debris flows, commonly known as mudslides, have affected many parts of California in the past few years. Debris flows can cause extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, and threaten human safety.

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Plastic water bottles. Photo by ricardo / zone41.ne/ zone41.net.

The Confluence: Article

Bottled water sales track community response to water contamination

October 1, 2019

By Faith Kearns Drinking water contamination is an ongoing issue across the United States. However, tracking water quality violations and notifying residents about them is challenging, and there is no systematic approach for prioritizing assistance once a violation is detected.

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Corn wilts on a farm in Mozambique. Photo by FEWS NET.

The Confluence: Article

Predicting food shortages: Scientists collaborate on Famine Early Warning Systems Network

August 27, 2019

Tens of millions of people face malnutrition the world over. Fortunately, systems are in place to help anticipate famines and coordinate life-saving aid.

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The Confluence: Article

Improved oxidation is water wizardry against drought

August 21, 2019

Nothing beats summer heat better than diving into a pool or sipping a cold glass of lemonade. Luckily, like Hogwarts wizards, water engineers are working to ensure that water to beat the heat will be available, though the source might be unexpected.

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