Water Scarcity as a Community Health Issue in California
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Masters of Public Health at the
University of Pennsylvania
Amy C. Fuller
July 2009
Produced under the supervision of:
Carolyn Cannuscio, ScD Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health, Section
on Public Health, University of Pennsylvania
Stan Laskowski Lecturer/Advisor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Studies,
University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences
Christiaan Morssink, PhD, MPH
Lecturer/Adjunct Assistant Professor of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
(MPH Program), School of Nursing
Abstract
The issue of potential public health effects related to water scarcity in California is
discussed. California has the highest population in the United States and uses large amounts of
freshwater withdrawals for household, agricultural, and industrial purposes. Considering that the
state is in its fourth year of drought and that climate change predicts reduced precipitation and
smaller snowpacks, it can be assumed that California will face serious water shortages in the
coming years. It is important to consider the potential health effects of these shortages.
This paper discusses current California water sources, highlights potential public health
effects using select case studies, and proposes future research and policy initiatives. Water
diversions affecting the Gila River Pima Indian community led to high levels of diabetes and
obesity. Draining of the Owens and Mono Lakes created dust storms that negatively affect
respiratory function. Future water projects should be based on comprehensive discussions of how
water allocation will impact communities and the natural landscape. Creation of a multi-level task
force would facilitate communication between water partners and lead to better protection of
human health.