Capabilities and Services

The California Water Institute (CWI) at Fresno State is a statewide, university-based institute dedicated to advancing applied water research, policy-relevant analysis, and collaborative implementation. Located in the San Joaquin Valley, CWI operates at the intersection of science, policy, and practice—translating academic research into actionable strategies.

Why Partner With CWI?

  • University-based credibility with a strong applied research orientation
  • Demonstrated ability to align science with policy and implementation
  • Neutral convening role that builds trust across sectors
  • Commitment to equity and collaboration

Core Capabilities

Applied Research & Technical Services CWI provides research and technical assistance tailored to partner needs, including:

  • Groundwater sustainability analysis and compliance support
  • Recharge feasibility studies and site identification
  • Stormwater capture, conveyance, and management strategies
  • GIS mapping, spatial analysis, and decision-support tools for water planning, infrastructure, recharge, land use, and watershed management
  • Environmental and ecosystem assessment, including habitat evaluation, soil and vegetation analysis, climate resilience, and watershed health indicators
  • Economic studies

Planning, Policy & Implementation

  • Policy-relevant research informing local, regional and state decision-making
  • Technical studies supporting small-system consolidation and access to safe drinking water
  • Data integration, modeling and analysis to support agency planning and reporting
  • Facilitation of collaborative regional planning efforts, to align data, priorities, and investments
  • Water quality assessment for planning, funding and regulatory needs

Innovation, Technology & Workforce
In partnership with Fresno State’s Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT) and Water, Energy and Technology (WET) Center, CWI supports:

  • Irrigation performance and efficiency analysis
  • Testing, validation, and advancement of emerging water/irrigation technologies
  • Innovation supporting irrigation efficiency and climate-smart agriculture
  • Evaluation of integrated water–energy solutions
  • Workforce development aligned with agency, industry, and community needs

Convening & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Structured convening of universities, agencies, nonprofits, industry, and community partners
  • Facilitation of shared learning, technical dialogue, and coordinated action
  • Translation of research into decision-support tools, guidance documents, and practitioner-focused resources

Experience & Impact

CWI’s work has directly supported:

  • Identification of groundwater recharge opportunities
  • SGMA-related analysis informing sustainable groundwater management strategies
  • Research guiding small-system consolidation to improve access to safe drinking water
  • Regional coordination through multi-agency planning initiatives

Partnership Models

CWI collaborates through flexible engagement models, including:

  • Technical assistance and applied research agreements
  • Multi-agency and regional planning initiatives
  • Grant-funded partnerships and program development
  • Pilot projects and demonstration studies
  • Long-term strategic collaborations

Who We Work With

  • Irrigation Districts and Water Agencies
  • Disadvantaged and Rural Communities
  • Cities, Counties, and Public Agencies
  • Agricultural Producers and Large Operations
  • Utilities, NGO’s and Industry Partners

Partner with the California Water Institute to advance informed, collaborative, and implementable water solutions that support California’s communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.

Mission & Value Proposition

Mission
To strengthen California’s water resilience by delivering rigorous, applied research; fostering regional coordination; and supporting equitable, science-based water management decisions.

Value to Partners

  • Objective, evidence-based analysis grounded in academic rigor
  • Practical solutions aligned with regulatory and operational realities
  • Capacity to convene diverse stakeholders and align regional efforts
  • Proven experience supporting implementation—not just planning

Visit our Research page for a list of current projects.

Please contact our Director of Research and Education, Laura Ramos at 559.278.7001 to discuss how CWI can assist you with your water related project.