Welcome to The Water Dialogue Lab

Research | Policy | Impact

The Water Dialogue Lab at the University of California, Riverside’s School of Public Policy is dedicated to advancing research and policy solutions for water management. We focus on the intersection of data, economics, and governance to inform decision-making across California, the Western U.S., and beyond.

The lab is led by Dr. Mehdi Nemati, Assistant Professor of Environmental Economics and Policy at UCR. Dr. Nemati specializes in applied econometrics and big data analysis, with a research portfolio centered on the economics of water systems. He actively collaborates with government agencies, water utilities, and industry partners to address critical water policy challenges across the region.

Explore our work, meet our team, and join the dialogue.

Our Vision

Our long-term goal is to develop a robust water education and research hub at UCR that unites the general public, water agencies, regulators, non-profits, and academia to address water challenges collaboratively.

Getting to Know Water Agencies & Policymakers

Water policy requires engagement among policymakers, implementing agencies, and the public. By encouraging dialogue across these groups, we aim to enhance the design, implementation, and effectiveness of water policy in California.

Main Objectives

• Public Education: Inform the public about water challenges and actions taken by agencies, highlighting innovative and successful initiatives.

• Knowledge Transfer: Facilitate the exchange of insights between agencies, academics, and regulators.

• Seminar Series: Host public talks featuring water managers, policymakers, and academics on pressing issues and solutions