When we think about water, we often picture rivers, lakes, or storm‑filled skies. But one of the nation’s most important water resources lies out of sight, beneath our feet. Groundwater supplies drinking water for millions of people; supports agriculture and industry; and sustains rivers, wetlands, and ecosystems, yet it is often overlooked until wells run dry or contamination is
[…] prepared the EIR guiding the design and construction of new advanced water purification, pumping, and conveyance facilities, as well as upgrading existing facilities. Practice Director Shawn Shamlou, AICP, who managed the project, said, “The City’s Pure Water Program was a trailblazing project for water recycling in the United States and beyond. Dudek’s CEQA, NEPA, […]
Water, community resilience, and environmental projects have the potential to significantly improve our communities and the environment. But even with governmental and community support, securing grant funding can be a major obstacle to completing these important projects. Why Projects May Require Help to Secure Funding Navigating the complex landscape of grant funding can
In 2014, in the middle of one of the worst droughts in recorded history, the California legislature passed the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) to safeguard the long-term sustainability of the state’s groundwater supply. Under SGMA, local groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) are tasked with developing groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs), which identify the sustainable management criteria
In California, the past 20 years have been the driest in over 1,000 years, but a deluge of storms in January and February 2023 brought more than 24.5 trillion gallons of water to the state. “In the past several years, we’ve said, ‘We welcome every drop we can get,’” Dudek hydrogeologist Jill Weinberger said. But
California has more federally recognized tribes than any other state—109 to be exact. Within the State of California, Tribes, Tribal Communities, and Underrepresented Communities face multiple challenges regarding water equity and access to clean, affordable, and sustainable groundwater and water resources, such as groundwater overdraft and groundwater basin contamination. The Public Policy Institute of California
The City of San Diego has certified the Pure Water San Diego Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS), clearing the way for design and construction of the North City Pure Water Plant. The proposed Pure Water Program is one of the most ambitious water recycling programs in the nation, which aims to […]
California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requires all groundwater basins designated as medium or high priority to develop a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) to achieve sustainable management by 2040-2042. Basin priorities are assigned by the California Department of Water Resources based on multiple factors, including population, land use, and basin conditions. Low or very low
Developing groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs) requires solid technical analysis and a skillful stakeholder outreach and consensus program to successfully comply with California’s newly adopted Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Water purveyors, farmers, landowners, and resource agencies must determine the right amount of groundwater production for agricultural output on thousands of acres while maintaining municipal supply
The City of Aliso Viejo (City) has started construction on its third wetlands project to naturally treat water runoff and improve water quality and restore natural habitat near a local creek. The Dairy Fork wetlands water treatment project will restore natural habitat near Aliso Creek and reduce pollutants by up to 99% in water runoff
