Many people across California – especially those in marginalized communities – cannot turn on the taps in their homes and expect clean, safe drinking water. Others have physical access to clean water, but can’t afford to pay the high cost for the water they need.

This lack of access, whether physical or financial, is affecting people right now. It is an injustice organizations across California are working hard to correct, many through grants from The Campbell Foundation, by addressing three key areas: water quality, availability, and affordability.

The poor water quality in the San Joaquin Valley can be attributed in large part to groundwater that has been contaminated with nitrates from fertilizers and other toxins – the result of a robust agriculture industry in the region. While provisions are in place to mitigate contamination and reduce runoff, efforts must be expanded and improved. Our grantees are working with Agriculture to develop better practices for groundwater management to ensure Californians have access to the clean, safe drinking water they need and deserve.

On top of access to water, affordability is affecting people statewide. Some Californians are paying up to 10% of their median household income for tap water, some of which can be considered toxic. And even then, some of the water they pay for can be classified as toxic, necessitating the purchase of bottled water.

Unfortunately, many decision-makers simply don’t understand or take positions that reflect the priorities and needs of communities affected by unsafe, unreliable, or unaffordable water. And the residents who are affected often aren’t included in the decision-making process. Our grantees are helping bridge that gap, ensuring decision-makers hear from residents directly and understand the real implications of their policy decisions.

Geographic focus – San Joaquin Valley, CA