Organizing for Water Justice in California’s Central Coast Region

Throughout this region, rural communities have struggled for decades to gain access to clean water amidst agricultural pollution and subsequent contamination of water supplies. Nitrates, pesticides, and other agricultural contaminants have been found in the region’s household drinking water and are known to cause major human health concerns. These compounds also harm regional plant and animal communities. Recently, rising awareness of water contamination has moved many activists to action. In this workshop, panelists will first discuss ongoing efforts to organize for protection of and access to clean water amidst regional agricultural activities. We will then engage the audience in mapping strategies for more sustainable and equitable agricultural landscapes.