Water Data Streamlining

What Is the Coalition?

The Coalition for Water Data Streamlining is a California statewide initiative that brings together government agencies, non-profits, and stakeholders to modernize how water data is collected, managed, and shared. Our mission is to implement the vision of AB 1755 — the Open and Transparent Water Data Act — ensuring that every community has access to high-quality, consistent data for resilient water management.

Standardized Data

Creating uniform data formats across agencies to enable seamless sharing and analysis of California's water resources.

Open & Transparent

Implementing AB 1755 to make water data publicly accessible, fostering accountability and informed decision-making.

Actionable Insights

Transforming raw data into clear dashboards and reports that support resilient water management statewide.

Why This Matters

California faces unprecedented water challenges. Without modernized data infrastructure, the state cannot effectively manage its most vital resource.

Fragmented Systems

Water data is scattered across dozens of agencies with incompatible formats, making statewide analysis nearly impossible.

Climate Urgency

Droughts, floods, and shifting precipitation demand real-time, reliable data to protect communities and ecosystems.

Better Decision-Making

Consistent, accessible data enables smarter infrastructure investments, equitable allocation, and proactive risk management.

Public Accountability

Californians deserve transparent access to data about the water resources that sustain their communities.

Who Is Involved

Four leading non-profit organizations collaborate to drive California's water data modernization forward.

Data Standards & Integration Lead

California Water Data Consortium

Develops and promotes interoperable data standards across California's diverse water management agencies.

Policy & Advocacy Partner

Environmental Defense Fund

Advances policies that support open data practices and environmental accountability in water management.

Research & Analysis Partner

Pacific Institute

Provides independent research and analysis to inform evidence-based water data strategies.

Funding & Coordination Partner

Water Foundation

Coordinates funding streams and stakeholder engagement to sustain the Coalition's long-term mission.

Our Plan

A phased approach to transforming California's water data landscape from fragmented sources to a unified, accessible system.

Data flow from sources through centralized hub to reports and dashboards

01

Inventory

Catalog all existing water data sources across California agencies.

02

Standardize

Develop and adopt common data formats, vocabularies, and protocols.

03

Digitize

Convert legacy and paper-based records into modern digital formats.

04

Connect

Build interoperable systems linking data across agencies and platforms.

05

Publish

Make data openly accessible via centralized portals and APIs.

06

Sustain

Establish governance frameworks to maintain data quality long-term.

Long-Term Vision

We envision a California where every drop of water is accounted for with precision — where data flows as freely as the resource itself, empowering communities, agencies, and researchers to build a water-resilient future.

Statewide Integration

A single, unified platform connecting all water data across California.

Real-Time Monitoring

Live data streams enabling proactive response to drought, floods, and contamination.

Data-Driven Policy

Evidence-based governance ensuring equitable and sustainable water for all Californians.

White Papers & Resources

Explore our research and publications guiding California's water data modernization.

2024

AB 1755 Implementation Framework

A comprehensive framework for implementing the Open and Transparent Water Data Act across California agencies.