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Welcome to Californiawater.org
California Water

Providing Innovative Leadership in Water, Energy & Air Resources

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The California Water Institute (CWI) was founded to be a forum for unbiased, open, collaborative discussion, research and education on water-related issues benefiting the entire state and beyond. Today CWI’s mission is to engage the San Joaquin Valley, California, and the world with Fresno State’s Faculty, Staff, and Students to pursue sustainable water resource management solutions through outreach, research, and education.

MARCH 2000:  Voters approved Proposition 13, a $2 billion water bond measure.  Three-million dollars of start-up funds for the California Water Institute were included in a portion of the bond co-authored by then State Senator Jim Costa of Fresno and then State Assembly Member Mike Machado of Linden.  

OCTOBER 2000: Representatives of government, public organizations, and private industry – all with a vested interest in water use for agriculture, urban needs and the environment – created a shared vision and mission for the future of the California Water Institute that includes the following scope of activities:

  • To carry out concise, comprehensive studies that will provide the direction for better future uses and conservation of the State’s waters.
  • To promote practices that will enhance and preserve the State’s water resources and their quality.
  • To serve as a center for research, education, planning, policy evaluation, and information transfer.
  • To communicate the results of its research and studies with the residents of California.
  • To collaborate with agencies and institutions in California to seek a positive resolution to the State’s complex water problems.
  • Present workshops and symposia.
  • Maintain a collection of pertinent information.
  • Provide objective, third-party review of water issues.

2015: Fresno State President Castro created the Water Task Force to provide recommendations about CWI leadership and direction, which recommended, among other actions, Fresno State create an Associate Vice-President position to organize everything water at the Fresno State campus using the California Water Institute staff and resources. 

TODAY,  the California Water Institute is directed by Interim Director Cordie Qualle, who ensures that the organization remains true to its original charge but also grows as a one-stop-shop for water research, education, and services at Fresno State.

Biographies about the California Water Institute’s staff can be viewed here.

Contact Us
2703 E. Barstow Ave.
M/S JC 133
Fresno, CA 93740
(559) 278-7001

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Our Centers
  • California Water Institute

    CWI was created in 2000 to provide education, research and analysis of policy issues involving water resources including water quality issues and integrated regional water management planning.

  • Center for Irrigation Technology

    Created in 1980, the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT) is internationally recognized as an independent testing laboratory, applied research facility and educational resource.

  • Water, Energy and Technology Center

    The WET programs and services can assist entrepreneurs and innovators in every step of their journey. The multi-tenant facility is available to water, energy, and ag technology entrepreneurs from around the world. The WET staff is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and creating a rich culture of collaboration, community, and connections.

Latest News
  • Getting Water Infrastructure Governance Right
    August 21, 2020
  • Funding a Future for Water in the San Joaquin Valley
    August 21, 2020
  • Economic Impact of Water Reduction to the Valley Analysis
    August 21, 2020
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