The WATER Institute develops innovative, science-based solutions for communities and the environment to address the legacy of hydrologically destructive land use practices and policies on California’s watersheds and the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change on the water cycle.
In 2004, the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center (OAEC) established the WATER Institute (Watershed Advocacy, Training, Education, & Research) to promote understanding of the importance of healthy watersheds to healthy communities. Through demonstration, education, watershed community organizing, and advocacy leadership, the WATER Institute empowers community-based watershed literacy and action by:
- reframing the policy debate around water quality and supply at the city, county, and California state levels;
- educating and empowering all sectors of regional economies to implement restoration, conservation, and policy changes for water security in their communities; and
- implementing climate change-responsive land use and water management practices at the watershed scale.