José M. Rodríguez-Flores

I currently work at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) with the OpenET team. My projects focus on assessing the impacts of water conservation actions in agriculture—such as crop switching, improving irrigation efficiency, fallowing land, and transitioning to non-agricultural uses—and their effects on consumptive water use and overall water budgets. My overarching goal is to inform water managers and policymakers about which water and land conservation investments most effectively promote long-term sustainability and resilience.

My research takes an interdisciplinary approach to water systems, examining how water and land management strategies can advance groundwater sustainability; understanding the vulnerability of domestic wells; evaluating policies and economic instruments that balance agricultural productivity with groundwater sustainability; and assessing the socioeconomic impacts of drought on agriculture and rural economies. Most recently, my work has focused on cropland repurposing as a strategy to reduce water use and create more resilient landscapes. During my previous job at EDF I supported the implementation of the California Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program. I have collaborated on multiple publications examining its potential benefits, trade-offs, governance challenges, and tools to support decision-making.

I am interested in collaborative research opportunities, support proof-of-concept projects and applications of water conservation strategies.