More than 1 in 8 homes in California are in water debt, with unpaid water bills totaling $1 billion. In an era where health and wellness are of utmost importance, water access impacts 1.6 million California households in predominantly low-income communities in major cities and rural areas. Add the threat of climate change (rising sea levels and increased severity of weather changes), the critical issue of equitable access to water will only continue to be exacerbated over time. However, there is hope and present-day expertise that can set the foundation for accelerated change in the short-term.
This panel presentation will explore water access and water equity especially for disadvantaged communities in California. The panelists will explore concepts like effective collaboration, capacity building, and capital - ideas and strategies practiced in the real-world today to drive positive social change. The presentation will focus on emerging tools and programs that simplify how philanthropy and water stewardship programs can accelerate water projects with environmental and social benefits in vulnerable communities. Presentation will highlight economic resources available to help disadvantaged communities and the non-profit organizations that work with them to find potential solutions to their drinking water challenges.