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BLOG: Debunking the West’s Biggest Water Myths

You don’t have to look too far to find disheartening stories about water in the American West. In general, it seems, we’re running out. We have droughts and climate change impacts. There are “water wars” between states or stakeholders. John Fleck, a journalist first in Southern California and then later for 25 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico, knew this narrative well. “I started as a journalist looking for that trouble” he said. “And you can find trouble in water when you look for it; there’s plenty to go around.”

 

Could the ‘Most Powerful Geothermal Reservoirs in the World’ Save the Colorado River?

President Obama made a historic announcement Wednesday, saying that the federal government is considering investing in the geothermal power in the rock formations under the Salton Sea in Southern California. Considered to be “the most powerful geothermal reservoirs in the world,” the Salton Sea announcement could play a critical role in the future management of the Colorado River. Fifty years ago, Glen Canyon Dam was built above the Grand Canyon, and the Colorado River was enslaved to generate electricity to feed the hunger of the booming southwestern cities and suburbs.

OPINION: Huntington Beach Desalination Plant Can Be More Than a Water Supply Project

This week marks the 10-year anniversary of the man-made opening of the Bolsa Chica wetlands to the Pacific Ocean. Wetlands are an essential part of coastal ecosystems. They improve water quality by filtering sediment, nutrients and pesticides, recharge groundwater, protect shorelines by increasing resistance to erosion, provide bird flyways and most importantly are incubators for a wide variety of fish. California has lost 91 percent of its wetlands, more than any other state.

California and National Drought Summary for August 30, 2016

This U.S. Drought Monitor week saw a swath of above normal precipitation stretching from western Texas northeastward through parts of western Oklahoma, much of Kansas, northwest Missouri and into northern Illinois. A combination of moisture flowing in from the Southwest and Southeast along with a stalled frontal boundary brought abundant precipitation to areas of Texas and New Mexico. The heaviest rains during the period fell in western Texas and southeast New Mexico where at least 5 inches were measured. Approximately 5 inches of rain also fell in northwest Missouri and northeast Iowa.

Even Though Water Restrictions Lifted, Conservation Should Be a Way of Life for Californians

While the state of California has eased its restrictions on water use in response to a moderately wet winter, the drought is not over yet, and there are simple ways you can continue to save water around your home. Residents should be aware of the options available to reduce outdoor water use, while preserving beautiful outdoor landscapes, including lawns.The good news is that you can take steps to save significant amounts of water, and it does not have to be a death sentence to your landscaping.

Valley Farmers Growing 35% More Cotton, Despite Another Year of Drought

Cotton plants are getting ready to bloom, and as you drive by some of the cotton farms in the San Joaquin Valley, you might notice a lot more white. That’s because farmers in the state are growing more cotton, according to the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Associations. The acreage size in California has grown 35-percent, despite another year of drought. Cannon Michael is the president of Bowles Farming Co. in Los Banos. Michael is sixth generation, and his family started the farm as a cattle operation.

California Law Enables Public Shaming of Those Who Waste Water

Although most of California has continued to conserve water during the ongoing drought after mandatory water usage cuts were dropped, the state has now passed legislation to discipline water wasters if conservation levels fall. A bill signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday requires urban water suppliers, cities, water districts and private water companies with more than 3,000 customers to institute rules that define “excessive water use” and enforce them during drought emergencies.

 

San Vicente Reservoir to Reopen September 22

The much-anticipated reopening of San Vicente Reservoir is slated for September 22nd, SDFISH.com reports. The lake has been closed since September 1, 2008 for construction of the largest dam-raise in the U.S.  SDFISH.com has also set up a discussion forum on San Vicente’s opening here. Fishing and boating reservations must be made in advance through Ticketron roughly four weeks in advance.  The following information is available on the city of San Diego’s website for San Vicente: San Vicente Reservoir San Vicente is a deep, steep-sided impounding reservoir on San Vicente Creek, approximately 25 miles northeast of San Diego.