April eNews: Preparing for California’s new climate reality
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Dear Supporter,
Historic flooding this spring displaced families from their homes, jobs and schools, and it’s not over. State and local partners are racing against the clock to develop a plan for managing looming snowmelt. Tulare Lake returned to the Central Valley for the first time in decades, putting nearby towns of Allensworth, Alpaugh and Corcoran at risk.
And yet, 194 wells went dry since January 1, an increase of 61% over last year. Historic precipitation will not make up for decades of groundwater mismanagement and overpumping.
We need to be prepared for our new climate reality. Fortunately, there are actions we can take to ensure our frontline communities are more protected and resilient. Community members most impacted by water disasters need to be at the decision-making table. We must hear from our frontline communities when planning for California’s water future if we do not want to repeat the same mistakes.
CWC will continue to connect residents with reporters, decision makers and each other as our communities weather these storms, and we’ll push for flood and drought management plans which include rural communities of color at the forefront.
Adelante,
Susana De Anda
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Have You Heard About PFAS?
You may be hearing more about PFAS in the news lately. It’s estimated that these “forever chemicals” can be found in the bodies of 98% of Americans — that’s right, almost every person in the US.
So what are PFAS? Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, better known as PFAS, are a group of thousands of chemicals used in many everyday products such as dental floss, fast food wrappers and water-resistant jackets. Studies show PFAS exposure can lead to increased risk of cancer, and damage to the immune system and liver. Due to their widespread use and resistance to breaking down, these chemicals have lingered in the air, soil, water, plants, wildlife—even our own bodies. PFAS may be found in the drinking water because of local contamination events, such as leaching from landfills or in the aftermath of fires since it is present in some firefighting foams. PFAS also ends up in our bodies because of their widespread use in everyday personal care, food and household products.
Last year, we partnered with Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC) on their nationwide PFAS well testing program to include samples from California’s San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast. The final results released last month show:
Half the study’s samples exceeded EPA’s recommended drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals.
Nearly half of the PFAS chemicals present in the drinking water samples are not currently monitored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
CWC supported five community partners to provide comments at the US EPA Region 9’s PFAS listening session in support of the proposed EPA regulations. Additionally, community partners spoke about the importance of holding polluters accountable, supporting small community water systems and private domestic wells, and addressing PFAS chemicals comprehensively.
Big Day of Giving is May 4!
Big Day of Giving is a once a year 24-hour giving challenge to help more than 700 nonprofits raise funds to make a difference in the Sacramento region. During this challenge you can support CWC by:
GIVING: Donate here on Thursday, May 4! Donations as little as $15 make a big difference, and your gifts can help us win some of the prizes that are up for grabs!
CREATE YOUR OWN FUNDRAISER AND SHARE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Maybe you have a birthday coming up and rather than gifts, you want to do some good in the world. Encourage your family and friends to celebrate you by giving back to a cause you care about. Click the “Fundraise” button on CWC’s Big Day of Giving Page to set up your fundraiser. It only takes 10 minutes!
SPREADING THE WORD: Let your networks know that you support our cause by sharing our posts on your social media accounts. A good word from a donor like you is a very effective way for us to grow our base of supporters!
CWC is Hiring
Do you have a passion for environmental and social justice? Are you looking for an opportunity to work alongside those on the frontlines of the safe and affordable drinking water movement in California?
Community Water Center is hiring for multiple positions across all three of our offices:
Administrative Assistant — Visalia Office
Support day–to–day activities to ensure sustainable, efficient and effective operations of the organization and its three offices.Communications Associate — Sacramento, Visalia, or Watsonville Office
Responsible for coordinating media opportunities and providing messaging support (English and Spanish) for digital channels including email, social media and website.Community Solutions Coordinator — Watsonville Office
Provide technical support and resources to assist residents in making informed decisions on the best drinking water solutions for their needs.Community Solutions Intern - Watsonville Office (remote option may be available)
Support ongoing environmental justice organizing around drinking water issues in low-income communities and communities of color in the Central Coast.
View all open positions here.
Community Resources
Low-income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
California received $116 million in one-time funding through this program to cancel out outstanding water and wastewater debt. Recently, this program expanded to allow qualified residents to receive one-time payments even if they are current on their water bill!
If you are struggling with water or wastewater affordability, or know someone who is, the first step is to contact your water district to ask about this program. Click here for more information or call us at (559) 733-0219.
Flood Relief
Are you or someone you know impacted by the floods? See FREE flood relief resources for Monterey County and Tulare County.
Thank you to our Generous Donors!
Huge thank you to our sustaining monthly donors! Your ongoing commitment to water justice ensures everyone will have access to safe, clean and affordable drinking water.
Arden Wells, Bessma Mourad, Bob Simone, Carly Yoshida, Claire Sarraville, Claire Wilkens, Denise Heitzenroder,
Frank Lukacs, Jose Pablo Ortiz Partida, Kathryn Gilje, Kathryn Wuelfing, Kirk Demartini, Klara East,
Kristin Dobbin, Lara Cushing, Max Meyer, Paul Pierce, Sandra Hocker, Sandra Goldenberg,
Thomas Biglione, Sandra Rose, Stephen Gasteyer, Vicki Woods, Yara Pasner
Be a water champion and support safe water for all.
