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Tunnel Vision: Why Do The Delta Conveyors Need To Be So Big?

A project that might make much of the Sacramento River vanish into three giant holes in the ground will not jeopardize the waterway’s ailing salmon and smelt populations, according to new analyses from the federal government. The Delta tunnels, which would be 35 miles long, cost at least $15 billion to build and be capable of sending much of the state’s biggest river to farmers and urban users, received a stubby thumbs-up from the Trump administration on June 26.

L.A. Took their Water and Land a Century Ago. Now the Owens Valley is Fighting Back

A century ago, agents from Los Angeles converged on the Owens Valley on a secret mission. They figured out who owned water rights in the lush valley and began quietly purchasing land, posing as ranchers and farmers. Soon, residents of the Eastern Sierra realized much of the water rights were now owned by Los Angeles interests. L.A. proceeded to drain the valley, taking the water via a great aqueduct to fuel the metropolis’ explosive growth. This scheme became an essential piece of California history and the subject of the classic 1974 film “Chinatown.”

‘Rain or Shine’ Exhibit at State Fair Guides Californian’s to Conserve Water

The California Department of Water Resources is stressing that water conservation is still important through a new exhibit at the state fair. “Water Conservation: Rain or Shine” features step-by-step instructions on how to remove a home lawn and replace it with low-water using landscape. Lawn watering can account for 50 percent or more of home water usage, according to a DWR press release. DWR Spokeswoman Niki Woodard said the exhibit aims to highlight how residents can put in beautiful landscapes that also save water.

Drinking Water Sample from Montezuma Has Higher Than Recommended Lead Levels

A third school in the San Diego Unified School District has higher than recommended amounts of lead in the school’s drinking water, according to the most recent testing results reviewed by NBC 7 Investigates.  Tuesday, test results for the Montezuma Child Development Center show one water sample had 53 parts per billion of lead in it.  The EPA requires action to be taken if the amount of lead in the water is greater than 15 parts per billion.  The sample was taken from the school’s Room 1 outdoor drinking fountain last month.

California’s Water Conditions Much Improved – For How Long?

What a difference a couple of years make as California reservoirs that were once teetering on empty are now overflowing. Water conditions are much improved in California in 2017 after several years of drought in recent years dried up lakes and streams across the state. Record rain and snow that fell on the state during the winter filled reservoirs and added over 70 feet of snow pack that is now melting under the blistering heat of summer. In places like Millerton Reservoir and Pine Flat Reservoir runoff has filled the lakes to capacity.

Residents Wary Over Delta Tunnels Effect On Waterways, Livlihoods

The state’s plan to take water from the Sacramento River north of the Delta and tunnel it down to pumping stations in the south has people who live in the area up in arms. Many believe the fix is in to send more water to San Joaquin Valley farmers and Southern California. “It’s a water grab,” said Tim Neuharth, a Delta pear farmer on the Sacramento River and owner of a private beach resort at a spot called Steamboat Landing.

 

House Passes California Drought Bill

The House passed a bill on Wednesday that California Republicans say will help the state fight future droughts. The legislation, from Rep. David Valadao (R) and 14 other California Republicans, looks to expand water storage and improve water delivery as a way to get more water to the state’s Central Valley during times of drought.The bill overhauls federal regulations and permitting procedures that supporters say have hamstrung California and other states in the West that have faced persistent drought concerns.

California Water Bill Passes House, But Democrats Vow To Fight It In The Senate

Some of California’s decisions about how to use its water would be relegated to the federal government under a bill passed by the House on Wednesday. Republicans say the bill will bring more water to the parched Central Valley. California’s Democratic senators have promised to fight the bill in the Senate because it weakens California’s ability to manage its own resources. The Gaining Responsibility on Water Act, sponsored by Central Valley Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), was approved in the House by a 230-190 vote largely along party lines.

 

How Conservation Helps Keep Water Costs Down

By many accounts, California’s efforts to manage the strains placed on its water supplies by the recent and unprecedented five-year drought can be considered an unqualified success. Urban water agencies stepped up to meet the challenge posed by a bold state order: Reduce use by 25 percent. Their creative approaches and sustained efforts helped avoid significant damage to local economies and community well-being throughout the state.

California Water Bill Passes House, but Democrats Vow to Fight it in the Senate

Some of California’s decisions about how to use its water would be relegated to the federal government under a bill passed by the House on Wednesday. Republicans say the bill will bring more water to the parched Central Valley. California’s Democratic senators have promised to fight the bill in the Senate because it weakens California’s ability to manage its own resources. The Gaining Responsibility on Water Act, sponsored by Central Valley Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), was approved in the House by a 230-190 vote largely along party lines.