Water

California releases its first reviews of local sustainable groundwater plans

Against the backdrop of what's shaping up as a devastating drought year, the California Department of Water Resources has released its first assessments of groundwater sustainability plans developed by local agencies to meet the requirements... more »

It’s back: EPA, Army announce intent to revise definition of WOTUS

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Army announced June 9 their intent to revise the definition of “waters of the United States,” known as WOTUS, to "better protect our nation’s vital water... more »

National coalition presses for water supply infrastructure

Citing an “acute and critical need” magnified by another all-too-familiar drought, a national coalition representing thousands of Western farmers, ranchers, water providers, businesses and communities urged Senate leaders yesterday to take action to address the... more »

There’s a danger in over-simplifying California water conservation

You hear it every time drought returns to California: "Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth." "Collect shower water in a bucket before it warms up." While valuable, these tried and true drought... more »

Construction begins on drought barrier in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

In response to worsening drought conditions in California, on June 3 the Department of Water Resources began construction on a temporary emergency drought barrier on the West False River in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The... more »

California farm groups seek review of order on fertilizer use

Saying new regional regulations will have a profound impact on food production, farm organizations have petitioned the California State Water Resources Control Board to review a regional board's order limiting applications of fertilizer and other... more »

California irrigation districts look to transfers as water dwindles

With very little water to spare this drought year, water districts struggling with limited or no supplies look to their counterparts in other districts to negotiate water transfers to add whatever flexibility they can. Districts... more »

California expands drought emergency to several more counties

On May 11, California Gov. Gavin Newsom significantly expanded his April 21 drought emergency proclamation to include the Klamath River, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Tulare Lake Watershed counties, where accelerated action is needed to... more »