California Water Commissioner Kimberly Gallagher

Five Questions with Commissioner Kim Gallagher

California Water Commission Vice-Chair Kim Gallagher has been with the Commission since 2020. A fifth-generation farmer in Colusa and Yolo Counties, she is a former science teacher for the Davis and Elk Grove School Districts.

Kim has been owner/operator of Gallagher Farming/Erdman Farms since 2009, a multi-crop farm that promotes water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and soil health. She is also a director of the Colusa Glenn Sub-watershed Program and the California Rice Commission.

1. What is the most important challenge the state faces when it comes to water?

Water is a finite resource, and we need to do all we can to conserve, protect, and care for what we are given. Climate change is forcing us to adapt to more extreme droughts and floods. We need to rethink water management, using the best science available to capture and store water, for both a healthy ecosystem and a reliable water supply. Collaboration between government agencies, water agencies, environmental groups, and Tribes is critical. Working together to develop strategies in the face of a new normal requires everyone to be at the table, bringing their best ideas.

2. What’s one thing you want people to know about the Water Commission? 

The Commission is not holding up the Water Storage Investment Program. Each project is on their own timeline and Commission staff are working diligently to review and manage the process, ensuring the projects meet all necessary requirements before final funding approval. This can sometimes cause delays as applicants need to complete permits, environmental documents, and other necessary steps to demonstrate public benefits and compliance with the regulations.

3. What is the most significant way the Commission can help shape water policy?

The Commission gives the public an open forum to discuss water policy. We don’t make regulations, but we provide a window into the agencies that do. We also develop white papers to help shape future decisions—and they’re always stronger when the public weighs in.

4. What unique water challenges does a farmer in Colusa County face?  

Colusa County is rooted in agriculture, and the 2022 drought hit hard—not just for farmers, but for the entire community, including the 230 species that depend on local fields for food and habitat. Recovery has been slow, but this community is committed to being prepared and working to prevent another year like that.

5. Tell us about your involvement with the Colusa Glenn Subwatershed Program and the California Rice Commission.

The Colusa Glenn Subwatershed Program is a locally led member program designed to help meet the waste discharge requirements of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. By joining the program, members can work together as a coalition to comply with regulations set by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.

With the Rice Commission, we’re working with UC Davis professors to develop the rice footprint in California, defining the acres needed to sustain habitat, floodplains, and small communities. This collaborative effort is gaining strong support from lawmakers, conservation groups, and industry members, highlighting the shared commitment to a healthy ecosystem. By working together, we can create voluntary programs and innovative solutions that balance water needs, protect wildlife, and strengthen our communities—ensuring we’re better prepared for the next drought.

Bonus question: What is your favorite body of water in California?

The Sacramento River, hands down. It touches every part of my life—growing the food I eat, supplying the water I drink, and giving me a place to play. I learned to water ski and fish on this river, and there’s nothing like seeing the levees fill up in winter—it’s absolutely awe-inspiring.