A state report released in December pinned blame for sinking along the California Aqueduct on excessive nearby groundwater pumping to irrigate vineyards and nut orchards. That was a pretty pointed finger, but not pointed enough for some committee directors in the large and powerful Metropolitan Water District of Southern California....
California Will Sue Feds over State Water Project Rules
SACRAMENTO — California officials said Thursday they will sue the federal government over proposed rules managing the state’s scarce water, arguing its conclusions are not scientifically adequate and fall short of protecting species and the state’s interests. The state, which has historically relied on the federal government to set rules,...
Senate Bill 1 Threatens California Farms, Water Supply: Adam Gray
California has made a sport of disagreeing with President Trump. When he tweets his favorite color is red, one of my progressive colleagues inevitably introduces a bill declaring the best color is blue. So it was somewhat surprising when legislative leaders decided to use the President’s worst habit — ignoring...
Earthquakes Can Dry Water Supply. Californians Must Prepare
Recent earthquakes have us all thinking about emergency preparedness. Whether that’s updating the earthquake kit, putting supplies in the car trunk, or finally affixing the bookshelves to the wall, there are steps we can take personally to prepare for the worst. Critical to any earthquake kit is bottled water. This...
State Thanks 'Robust' Storms for Higher Water Allocation
Citing the winter's "robust" storms and resulting above-average snowpack, California's Department of Water Resources announced Thursday it will slightly raise the allocation for the State Water Project. The increase from 70% to 75% is the final allocation level for the calendar year, and marks a dramatic increase since the water...
West-Side Water Ticks Up to 65% of Allocation. Is It Too Little, Too Late?
The heavy rains and snow falling on California this year are enabling the Bureau of Reclamation to boost water deliveries to growers on the west side of Fresno County. The Bureau of Reclamation announced Wednesday that it will supply South-of-Delta growers with 65% of their contracted water total. "This has...