In addition to our regularly published content (see subjects at left or below), the Foundation released a book in 2000, Water & the Shaping of California, to critical acclaim. This coffee table style book features gorgeous historic and color photos of water while the text traces the way water has influenced the development of the state’s cities and farms. Famous quotations and excerpts from literature about water offer readers an in-depth understanding of how much water has shaped our lives.
Beyond the written word, television productions offer the Foundation the opportunity to reach out to the general public, whether at a water board or other government agency and on PBS stations. These productions help viewers understand the, historic, technical and political nature of the water debate.
Often referred to as mini-textbooks, the Foundation’s popular Layperson’s Guide series offers readers an easy-to-understand, broad overview and perspective on a variety of important water topics. The pamphlets, which range from 20 to 32 pages, are periodically updated to include the most recent information. The guides can be purchased as a set or individually. Currently 16 titles are available.
The Water Education Foundation’s semiannual California Runoff Rundown covered issues related to nonpoint source water pollution. The free newsletter brought readers examples of successful strategies being used across California to keep nonpoint source pollutants out of waterways, lakes, reservoirs and the ocean.
California water, the Delta, Lake Tahoe, the Klamath River, the Salton Sea, and drinking water issues are some of the places and water issues featured in public television documentaries developed by the Water Education Foundation in partnership with independent television producers. Three of the documentaries have received regional Emmys; the 2005 program Water on the Edge received a bronze Telly award.
The Water Education Foundation offers a variety of programs to teach our students, our future voters and leaders, about one of the most critical issues – water. The programs teach students about the history, geography and science of water. Students also learn about the difficult political and policy decisions surrounding this complex issue. Foundation programs are suitable for students in grades K-14. In addition, the Foundation serves as the California coordinator for national Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) K-12 program.