When nearly 200 counties adopted the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, they pledged to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. This goal (referred to as Sustainable Development Goal 6 of 17 SDGs) is not yet a reality for millions around the world. This includes some communities in California, the only U.S. state to legally recognize a Human Right to Water, per Assembly Bill 685, which became law in 2012.

Specifically, California recognizes that “every human being has the right to safe, clean, affordable, and accessible water adequate for human consumption, cooking, and sanitary purposes.” Community water systems — the foundation of California’s water supply network — are responsible for providing customers with a reliable supply of clean water at an affordable price. They are also on the front lines of adapting to drought and climate change, and serve as the portals through which federal, state, and regional officials implement water policies supporting water supply reliability, conservation, efficiency, affordability, environmental protection, and public health.

The Luskin Center for Innovation (LCI) is working with government and civic partners to help achieve those objectives across community water systems and thus fully realize the human right to water for all.