California’s cities developed during a period when access to an adequate supply of inexpensive, imported water could be assumed. The recent drought, predictions related to climate change, increasing pressures from growing population in other states and other factors are leading many leaders to question these assumptions. In other parts of the world, cities have begun to transition away from reliance on imported water through the construction of seawater desalination plants. For a variety of reasons, many Californians are averse to investments in seawater desalination. Dr. David L. Sedlak will focus on local water supply options that might serve as cost-effective alternatives to imported water that are consistent with local values. Specifically, the technological and institutional challenges associated with the next stage of demand management, water reuse and stormwater harvesting will be considered and research needed to facilitate the transition will be identified.