Legally-established water rights have long been a foundation for allocation and adjudication of access to water in California. They have also been a focus for controversy between various groups over whose needs and uses should prevail. This panel explores current issues in water rights including how entitlements are determined, if reforms are needed, and how water rights protections can be made to work for the benefit of everyone.

Location: Calit2 Auditorium, UC Irvine
Parking Map

Lunch Reception to follow

Speakers:

Erik Ekdahl
Deputy Director, State Water Board’s Division of Water Rights

Elizabeth Salomone
General Manager, Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control & Water Conservation Improvement District

Dave Owen
Professor, UC Law San Francisco

Mariah Thompson
Attorney, Community Equity Initiative (CEI), the Environmental Justice program of California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA)

Doug Obegi
Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council