Water

Optimizing herbicide performance during droughty conditions

Many non-irrigated areas of the Upper Midwest are becoming significantly droughty as our weather prematurely enters the dog days of summer. There are several agricultural impacts of these hot and dry conditions, including on weed... more »

UMaine researchers study how changing rainfall patterns could affect strawberries

University of Maine researchers are studying how changes in rainfall patterns caused by climate change could affect strawberries in the Northeast. Principal investigator Rachel Schattman, an assistant professor of sustainable agriculture, and her research team... more »

Forecast looks at Columbia Basin water availability

Changing climate, crop needs, and population growth are among key factors influencing when water will be available and where water will be needed in Washington’s Columbia River Basin. That’s according to a new report being prepared by the... more »

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 »