The Confluence

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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

University of California
Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
California Institute for Water Resources

The same almond orchard as above, but at harvest time. Photo by Katherine Jarvis-Shean.

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Growing the right tree in the right place with the right amount of water

December 15, 2020

Finding a tree that produces the right amount of tasty fruit or nuts under the unique growing conditions of a given orchard takes a lot of science and a little bit of art.

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Water fountain. Photo by Daniel Hooper on Unsplash.

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Improving drinking water safety, access, and consumption in the U.S.

November 2, 2020

By Christina E Hecht

Tap water stands at the intersection of multiple issue areas including water resources, the environmental impacts of beverage choices, and infrastructure needs. Tap water is also a public health issue.

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When Kristine Diekman spoke with the Garcia family, pictured in front of their home, they had been living without water in their well for almost two years. Photo by Kristine Diekman.

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An artist and educator captures deeply personal stories of life without clean water

October 19, 2020

By Kathryn M Stein

Kristine Diekman is an artist, educator, and Professor of media at the California State University San Marcos School of Arts. Her digital media project, Run Dry, tells the story of the water crisis in California's San Joaquin Valley.

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Sprinklers watering both lawn and sidewalk.

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Effective messaging on water conservation

October 9, 2020

As the climate heats up and droughts intensify, especially in the American Southwest, it's crucial that households reduce their water usage. Water districts urge their customers to save, but their messaging generally lacks rigorous evaluation of efficacy.

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Dr. Sam Sandoval (center) shows afterschool program youth a groundwater model. Photo by Jose Huerta.

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Culturally appropriate youth water education

September 30, 2020

Claudia Diaz Carrasco is a 4-H youth development advisor with UC Cooperative Extension in Riverside and San Bernardino counties who has expertise in developing water programs for diverse youth communities.

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