The Bay Area is projected to add 2.1 million people, 1.1 million jobs and 660,000 homes by the year 2040. Subsequently, the region’s water use could increase 50% by 2070, which would be catastrophic for the environment and the affordability of water bills. A new study, jointly produced by SPUR and the Pacific Institute, shows that the Bay Area can prevent, and even decrease, this projected water usage and accommodate sizeable and necessary growth — 6.8 million more people, 2 million more jobs and 2.2 million more homes by 2070 — if the region invests in efficiency and prioritizes compact infill housing. Join the authors of this report, Water for a Growing Bay Area, for a deep dive into how the Bay Area can save water and simultaneously surpass its growth expectations.
This program is part of an ongoing project that has been made possible in part by grants from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and the Mary A. Crocker Trust.
+ Laura Feinstein / SPUR
+ Anne Thebo / Pacific Institute