SEPTEMBER 2025

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pacific Institute Releases Report on Strengthening Rural Water and Sanitation Resilience

The Pacific Institute released a new report, “Strategies for Resilient Rural Water and Sanitation in the United States.” The report outlines over 130 actionable strategies to strengthen the climate resilience of water and sanitation systems in rural communities across the United States. While doing so, it highlights tangible actions communities are already implementing. 

“There is no other resource like this specifically tailored for rural communities,” said Dr. Shannon McNeeley, lead author and Associate Director of Water and Climate Equity at the Pacific Institute. “Rural communities face distinct challenges in ensuring reliable access to water and sanitation. This report fills a recognized knowledge gap about rural water systems. It highlights the unique characteristics, challenges, and opportunities of rural communities while providing actionable strategies for rural leaders and water managers.” 

Chief Research and Program Officer Highlights Pathways to Water Resilience on The Reality Roundtable

Heather Cooley joins Nate Hagen’s The Reality Roundtable to explore how climate change and human choices are destabilizing water cycles, and why improving water efficiency, expanding reuse, and investing in nature-based approaches are key to building resilience.  

Pacific Institute and CEO Water Mandate at 80th UN General Assembly 

CEO Water Mandate and Water Resilience Coalition representatives are in New York City this week for the UN General Assembly.

The private and public sectors have come together to explore how companies can work together to achieve measurable, basin-level results and accelerate progress toward a water-positive future. 

Stay tuned for more insights into the week!

HIGHLIGHTS

Join Us in Building a Water-Resilient Future

Water touches everything. When you donate to the Pacific Institute, you are protecting water and advancing solutions for a sustainable planet with clean, safe, and reliable water.  



Your ongoing support is an investment in a healthier, more resilient, and equitable world for generations to come. Thank you! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Pacific Institute's Shannon Spurlock to Present on Advancing Water Resilience at WEFTEC 2025

Pacific Institute Senior Engagement Specialist Shannon Spurlock will be featured at the Water Environment Federation's Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) in Chicago, IL.

Her session will highlight “Collaborations and Partnerships that Advance a Water Resilient Future.” WEFTEC is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America and offers water quality professionals education and training.

Pacific Institute's Heather Cooley to Speak at Localizing California Waters Annual Conference

Pacific Institute Chief Research and Program Officer Heather Cooley will be featured at the Localizing California Waters Annual Conference next month. 

Localizing California Waters (LCW) is a diverse network of land and water stewards committed to community and watershed resilience. The annual conference serves as a hub to connect, cultivate, and catalyze collaborative action. 

RECAP

Pacific Institute's Michael Cohen Featured at Healthy Desert Healthy You

Pacific Institute Senior Fellow Michael Cohen was featured at Healthy Desert Healthy You in Rancho Mirage, California this month. 

His session, “Health Experts, Data, and Community Voices on Air Quality and Health Outcomes,” brought together health experts and community members to explore how air quality impacts public health and highlighted strategies for advancing solutions that strengthen community resilience.

IN THE NEWS

The world's most influential media outlets frequently turn to the Pacific Institute to provide expert, science-based insights on water challenges and solutions. Here are just a few of the media highlights from the past month.

Resilience

How Water Shapes Our Planet: The Undervalued Resource that Supports Everything We Do

Washington Post

Can Filtering Seawater Provide for a Thirsty World?

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