Family Water Alliance

Family Water Alliance (FWA), a non-profit organization based out of Maxwell, California, is a coalition of individuals dedicated to the future of agriculture, private property rights, and rural communities.

Since 1991, FWA has been a voice for land owners on issues including land acquisitions, ecosystem restoration, environmental regulation, the degradation of flood control systems, increased fees, and demands on Central Valley water supplies.

FWA frequently works with local agencies, levee districts, reclamation districts, and the State Reclamation Board in an effort to ensure the proper operation, maintenance, and repairs to the Sacramento River Flood Control System. FWA also speaks with elected officials, and conducts frequent presentations at local high schools, colleges, city councils, and county Boards of Supervisors in order to educate the public on issues of concern for rural, agricultural communities.

In 1996, FWA, in cooperation with several state and federal agencies and private contributors, became project manager for the research, development, and installation of fish screens on local, small agricultural diversions. This effort has been of key importance in obtaining a common-sense application of the Endangered Species Act with regard to Sacramento and Feather River diversions. FWA has a proven track record regarding the installation of small fish screens. To date, FWA has installed 34 successful fish screens using the most innovative screen technology. This fish screening effort has resulted in over 21,600 acres of land that is fish friendly.