Connect the Drops

Ceres' Connect the Drops showcases the strong leadership of California companies and urges policymakers to advance resilient water solutions that ensure sustainable management of the state’s stressed, and often unpredictable water supplies.

In California, water is a case study in extremes, exacerbated by a fast changing climate. Periods of epic drought followed by torrential precipitation are the new normal, making it harder to manage water supplies and protect the state’s ecosystems, communities, farms, businesses and infrastructure.

California, now the world’s fifth largest economy, faces serious economic impacts from both water scarcity and water excess. As a result, dozens of companies are stepping up and engaging with policymakers and other stakeholders on critical water issues affecting the state and their own operations.

Through the Ceres Connect the Drops initiative, companies from multiple sectors including food and agriculture, apparel, high-tech, and others are demonstrating strong leadership on water stewardship and championing new and existing innovative solutions to maximize local water supplies.

Ceres' Connect the Drops promotes water resilience wide-ranging action, specifically:

Water conservation and efficiency
Groundwater management
Safe and Affordable Drinking Water
Stormwater capture and reuse
Funding for smart water programs and projects

The centerpiece of Ceres Connect the Drops initiative is a declaration that gives voice to the economic benefits of sustainable water management and the important connections between sustainable water supplies and the economic health of California. Read the full declaration.

Connect the Drops companies, as well as investors, have also been active in Sacramento where water laws and policies are debated and acted on. Through face to face meetings, press conferences, OpEds and other venues, this community has been critical in advocating successfully for stronger water protection measures.

In 2019, Ceres Connect the Drops members helped pass the landmark Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund (SB 200). This two-year advocacy effort by members secured ongoing funding for safe drinking water for a million Californians in 300 communities, who have been regularly exposed to contaminated water.

Members also supported creating a 5-year temporary permit program to allow diversion of surface water to underground storage for beneficial uses (AB 658) and developing a plan to deploy a network of stream gages in rivers and streams (SB 19). Measuring water flows will help close significant information gaps to support better water management and the conservation of freshwater species.

These are just a few of the legislative proposals and policies Ceres Connect the Drops members have engaged on over the past few years.

Learn more about Ceres Connect the Drops members and the actions they are taking below.

Connect the Drops Companies

Ceres' Connect the Drops provides a unique opportunity for companies to advance sustainable water solutions during a time marked by extreme weather conditions. By joining this effort, companies can add their name to a growing list of businesses that are seizing the tremendous economic opportunities in driving a sustainable water future for California.

Companies Take Action on Water

Ceres Connect the Drops members are taking strong action to reduce their own water footprints. Some are also protecting water resources at the watershed level through multi-stakeholder collaborations or by participating in development and implementation of the state’s groundwater management plans.

Here’s a closer look at how companies are taking action on water stewardship.