Document Details

Allocating California’s Water: Directions for Reform

Barton “Buzz” Thompson, Leon Szeptycki, Jay R. Lund, Richard Howitt, Ellen Hanak, Brian Gray, Richard Frank | November 11th, 2015


California’s water allocation system hampers its ability to meet the state’s needs, especially in times of drought. At its heart is an unusually complex array of water rights. This report summarizes challenges and suggests reforms to strengthen the state’s ability to weather droughts and shifting economic demands for water, while maintaining the existing seniority of water rights.

Read a summary of the report’s policy recommendations.

Keywords

drought, water rights