October 15, 2024

Advancing Water Sustainability: Highlights from the H2O Women Conference

I had the pleasure of attending the 2024 H2O Women Conference in Santa Barbara, California, and was truly inspired by the amount of talent, curiosity, expertise, and leadership in attendance. The panels provided a broad range of insights into the technical, legal, financial, and environmental challenges the water sector faces, as well as opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

Emerging Water Technologies and Sustainable Land Use

A major theme across several panels was the role of new technologies in advancing water sustainability. From decentralized treatment systems to machine learning and satellite data for water management, it was clear that tech-driven solutions are pivotal for addressing water scarcity, improving efficiency, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.  As water restrictions increase, innovative land management strategies, such as creating new habitats or addressing floodwater management, were proposed as ways to balance environmental needs with agricultural demands. Panels on water storage explored the shift from conventional reservoirs to nature-based solutions, driven by increasing climate variability. Integration with existing infrastructure and the role of government collaboration and funding were recurring points in these discussions.

Investment and Private Capital in Water Solutions

Another significant focus was on the intersection of leadership, investment, and private capital in the water sector. Several discussions explored the importance of market-driven solutions to address water scarcity. The juxtaposition of the seemingly contradictory issues of lack of affordable water and lack of funding for key water infrastructure projects was discussed throughout the conference.

Water Rights, Regulation, and Collaboration

The theme of collaboration was central to panels discussing water rights and regulations, particularly the evolving legal landscape around groundwater management post-SGMA (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act) in California. Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration—among governments, tribes, and stakeholders—in resolving conflicts and ensuring long-term water security. Tribal water rights were also a focus, underscoring the need for equitable solutions that include Indigenous communities in water resource management.

Overall, the conference showcased the shared stewardship for our communities and their environment. With a growing need for integrated, collaborative approaches to tackle water challenges, whether through innovative technologies, investment, or regulatory frameworks, the conversation made it clear that sustainable water solutions require coordinated efforts across sectors, governments, and communities.

Isabelle Lavoie

Research Associate