I’ve always been a fan of Next 10’s “California Budget Challenge” because it allows you, the user, to emphasize your priorities and then assess if you can balance the state budget. It gives the average resident insight into the complexity of crafting a $100 billion budget – and how that pie can be eaten up pretty quickly.

Now Next 10 has released the “California Water Challenge.” Next 10 asks: “Can you create a plan to make sure there’s enough water for everyone?” Like the budget challenge, your decisions are based on personal priorities on how best to overcome California’s water shortage. While there are price tags attached to various options, the participant must also take into account acre feet generated, as well as environmental and energy impacts.

Participants tackle urban and agricultural demand, water supply development, recycling and storage. You can weigh in on how you feel about mandatory reductions, fine for overuse, and such politically sensitive issues as groundwater management, the water bond and the Bay Delta Conservation Plan.

As you move through the challenge, a handy water meter tool lets you know your current urban and agricultural gaps in acre feet, the costs of what you support and its impacts.

“The Water Challenge helps Californians to understand the tough choices ahead and the strategies that they’ll be asked to consider,” Next 10 stated in a press releases.  The Water Challenge is an interesting investment of a few minutes. And after taking the challenge, I know I better stick to my day job and not try to hook on with the State Department of Water Resources.  

If you want to take the California Water Challenge, you can start here.