The California Water Institute at Fresno State partnered with the Water Education Foundation to translate the newly updated 2026 edition of the Layperson’s Guide to California Water into Spanish, marking the first time the foundation has produced a Spanish-language edition of the guide.
The Spanish edition expands access to California water education materials for Spanish-speaking communities across the state. The English-language edition was recently updated for 2026 and is also available.
The Water Education Foundation describes the guide as a 24-page publication that provides an overview of California water development and use, including the state’s changing hydrology, conservation and efforts to stretch limited water supplies.
“We were honored to partner with the Water Education Foundation to help make this trusted California water resource available in Spanish for the first time,” said Laura Ramos, director of the California Water Institute. “Expanding access to clear, reliable water education is an important step toward helping more Californians understand and engage in the decisions shaping our water future.”
The Spanish-language edition aims to make California water information more accessible to communities connected to and affected by the state’s water decisions, including agricultural communities, rural residents, students, educators, local leaders and families seeking a clearer understanding of California’s water systems and challenges.
Jenn Bowles, executive director of the Water Education Foundation, said producing the Spanish-language Layperson’s Guide to California Water fulfills a longtime organizational goal of making information about the state’s most critical natural resource accessible to more Californians.
“This project required far more than a direct translation — it demanded a deep understanding of California water and the unique challenges, policies, geography and terminology that shape conversations about water across our state,” Bowles said. “[Ramos] brought a deep appreciation for the nuances of both the subject matter and the language, helping us create a resource that will resonate with Spanish-speaking readers throughout California.”
(Story by Julissa Zavala, California Water Institute)
