The CSU—with its geographically diverse campuses, water-focused research institutes, collaborative networks and industry partnerships—is leading efforts to understand, manage and protect California’s most precious resource.
- Each year, thousands of students receive hands-on training at one of CSU’s more than 30 specialized institutes and programs dedicated to water education and research.
- Hydrology, water quality, resource policy, or infrastructure management, are just a few unique facets of the state’s water resilience.
- CSU graduates move directly into roles at municipal utilities, regional water boards, consulting firms and startups, providing the skilled workforce that keeps California’s complex water system functioning.
- State agencies rely on CSU faculty for applied research that helps shape regulations on water supply conservation and resiliency.
- Underserved communities turn to campus programs for technical assistance and capacity building.
The Office of Water Programs (OWP) at Sacramento State protects public health by improving water quality throughout California. It is committed to socially responsible and science-based solutions. One of OWP’s most visible impacts is a statewide initiative to test drinking water for lead contamination in childcare centers. In addition to its project work, OWP supports California’s water sector through technical training, applied research and public education. It produces 20 widely used training manuals and offers more than 50 associated courses for water and wastewater operators, helping to build a skilled and resilient workforce.
Blue Gold at San Diego State, a research initiative focused on advancing understanding and solutions for water scarcity, using the San Diego and U.S.-Mexico border region as a model that can be applied in other waterscarce regions. The group has members from departments of geography; civil, construction and environmental engineering; public health; and earth and environmental science. Blue Star offers undergraduate and graduate students hands-on experience in hydrological modeling, laboratory methods and environmental data analysis.
At Fresno State, the Division of Continuing and Global Education provides cutting-edge professional development through its collaboration with the American Water College. Together, they offer online certificate programs tailored for the water and utility workforce. Certificates available include those in water treatment technology, transmission technology, and effective utility management.
MULTI-CAMPUS COLLABORATION: CSU-WATER
CSU-WATER (Water Advocacy Toward Education and Research) is the system’s multicampus initiative to promote strategic alignment among campuses, enabling a coordinated, interdisciplinary approach to research, education and community engagement around water resiliency in California. CSU-WATER coordinates joint research projects, hosts statewide water symposia and connects students with mentors and professionals in the water sector. CSU-WATER also facilitates partnerships between CSU campuses, major water agencies and other stakeholders in California. These collaborations ensure that academic research and training are aligned with real-world challenges and that students are prepared to fill critical workforce deficiencies and needs.