Attention Candidates! Voters remain very concerned about water issues in California. According to a recent PPIC report (July 2018) nearly all of the state’s likely voters say the candidates’ positions on the environment, particularly water, are important in determining their vote in the governor’s race.

Candidates shouldn’t find this surprising in a state that prides itself on leading the nation in environmental protection. What they may find surprising is that drought and water supply are named most frequently when likely voters are asked about the most important environmental issue facing the state today, outpacing global warming, air pollution and other popular environmental causes.

Following are the poll’s specific findings:

Drought and water supply are named most frequently when likely voters are asked about the most important

environmental issue facing the state today—nearly a quarter (24%) identified water supply as a major issue.

A whopping 85 percent of voters say the supply of water is a big problem (60%) or at least somewhat of a problem (25%) in their part of the state.

Orange County and San Diego residents are the most concerned, and concern is held across both political parties.

Voter views confirm what we have been saying throughout this election cycle – water issues are a significant and growing challenge that the next Governor must be prepared to tackle—even two years after the drought. Voters are paying attention to water issues, so the candidates should as well.

Source: PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment, July 2018