World Water Initiative

Wetland and rain cloud in the distance display UC Davis global water crisis research.

Water Conservation Solutions & Innovations Applying California's drought solutions to global water issues

Water connects us all—on campus, across California and globally. Ensuring clean, sustainable water is an urgent challenge. For more than a century, California stakeholders have addressed the complex challenges of the California drought while building one of the world’s largest economies and striving to protect the state’s diverse ecosystems. California has developed expertise and unique policy tools—a model of innovative water science and management.

Could Sacramento Flood Like New Orleans? It's Possible, But Water Managers Are Trying To Make It Less Likely

January 21, 2020

Sustainability

Weak and problematic levees are a big reason why there was so much destruction when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005.

The Delta’s Sinking Islands

January 12, 2020

Sustainability

A fight over the management of a diked island in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is shining a light on a growing conundrum for California water managers, farmers and environmentalists over the best way to restore natural habitat on cropland created more than a century ago by draining marshes.

Up in the Sierra, Nearly Normal Snowpack Shows Drought Predictions Wrong

January 02, 2020

Sustainability

Over the past month, storms that swept across California brought just shy of the Sierra's long-term average, providing temporary relief for the Nellies who audit the State's frozen water supply.

The Problem with Levees

August 01, 2019

Sustainability

The World Water Initiative brings together UC Davis experts from all fields to solve water issues like flooding.

Dennis Knobloch, Nicholas Pinter and James “Huck” Rees look at a map of Valmeyer in the village offices.

Small Towns, Big Flood Waters

May 15, 2019

Sustainability

Nicholas Pinter, champion of the World Water Initiative, and UC Davis undergraduate student James "Huck" Rees are hoping their research in flooding will help towns reduce their risk and, if appropriate, consider moving out of harm's way.

Jay Lund standing in front of a water canal

Supporting the Next Wave of Water Leaders

March 26, 2019

Sustainability

UC Davis professor and director of the Center for Watershed Sciences Jay Lund explains the important role UC Davis engineers will play in solving water problems that plague societies across the globe.

UC Davis Experts Aim to Make an Even Bigger Splash in Water Sciences Worldwide

February 20, 2019

Sustainability

In a state rife with water challenges, UC Davis experts have been integral in forming legislation and policies regarding water issues in California.

Drought Concerns Lessen in Wake of Latest Rain, But Experts Still Cautious

February 07, 2019

Sustainability

“On the whole, it’s good news. But good news on water is only temporary in California,” said Jay Lund, professor of civil and environmental engineering at UC Davis, and director of watershed sciences at the school. “In wet years, we have to prepare for dry years, and in dry years for wet years.”

Opinion: California Needs to Explore New Approaches to Water

January 18, 2019

Sustainability

New scientific research over the past few decades has taught us better ways to help struggling fish populations. Scientists throughout the state have determined that the water-only approach to helping fish favored by the State Water Board simply may not be the best solution.