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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awards US$1 million grant to study impact of California drought on water quality


November 20, 2015   by Canadian Underwriter


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The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a US$1 million grant to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) to conduct research on the effects of drought and extreme weather on the state’s water resources.

Among other items, the grant will examine the conditions that contribute to the current drought and look at the effect on agriculture, the environment and the hydropower sector

The grant will examine the conditions that contribute to the current drought, looking at the effect decreased water supply and unpredictable water quality have on agriculture, the environment, and the hydropower sector in both urban and rural settings, EPA said in a press release earlier this week.

“We’re already seeing the harmful effects of droughts and extreme weather on the environment and economy,” Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest, said in the release. “Our goal in investing in this research is to gain innovative solutions that reduce the risks associated with inadequate drought preparedness.”

Ellen Hanak, director of PPIC’s Water Policy Center, added that the grant will enable the institute to build on lessons from the drought that can make California and other western states more resilient in a changing climate.

Related: Drought plagued California communities ready for nature’s next challenge: El Nino

The increased demand on water resources, climate change, population growth and aging water infrastructure systems pose substantial threats to water quality and public health, which are intensified during a drought, the release explained. The grant will examine previous response to drought conditions at the federal, state and local level to determine the most effective and sustainable management system. PPIC will also study climate adaptation strategies and develop drought simulations on the outcome of statewide “dry runs” to test the success of a particular approach.

To conduct the work, PPIC has assembled an interdisciplinary team including experts from several California universities. The study will also have an extensive engagement program involving workshops aimed at providing results to policymakers and water quality experts.

Region 9 of the EPA is working with all levels of government, tribes and non-governmental organizations to improve sustainable water management in response to the ongoing drought. This includes identifying tools to build long-term resiliency to future water supply shortfalls. Key actions include assisting water utilities to identify and address losses from their water distribution systems, advancing innovation in wastewater recycling, promoting stormwater capture for non-potable use and to replenish groundwater, and working with industry and consumers to conserve water through efficient fixtures and practices.


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