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Rincon Moves To Protect Reservation Water

The Rincon tribe has taken a major step to protect water quality on the reservation and downstream, earning approval by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to administer surface water standards on the reservation. According to Chairman Bo Mazzetti, in recognition of tribal sovereignty, the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) encourages tribes to establish water quality standards. Rincon was able to document and prove to the EPA that the band has the desire and ability to protect its water.

Lake Levels Rise Across Region

Winter storms that have dented the drought across much of California have also boosted reservoir levels in several San Diego County lakes — especially those fed by storm runoff. At Lake Hodges south of Escondido, sparkling blue water is now visible from the Interstate 15 bridge, which for years has only spanned a sad-looking forest. Lake Henshaw near Warner Springs, Loveland Reservoir near Alpine and El Capitan Reservoir near Lakeside have also seen big gains in their water levels over the past few months.

Storm-lashed California Roads, Dams Could Cost One Billion to Fix

The bill to repair California’s crumbling roads, dams and other critical infrastructure hammered by an onslaught of storms this winter could top $1 billion, including nearly $600 million alone for damaged roadways that more than doubles what the state budgeted for road repair emergencies, officials said Friday. Adding to the problems, many communities have drained their emergency budgets and are looking to the state and federal government for help.

Repairing The Oroville Dam Spillways Could Cost Southern California Plenty

According to the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC), together the State Water Project (SWP) and the Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA) supply about half of the water needed for Orange County. According to scpr.org, Oroville Lake, created by Oroville Dam, is the largest reservoir in the SWP. It stores water collected over the rainy season, then releases it gradually over the dry season. Over the course of more than four hundred miles, that water irrigates farms and provides drinking water before entering Lake Perris. MWDOC draws from Lake Perris to supply the needs of the County.