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Historic Rainfall Wipes Out Drought For Most Of California

The latest report on California’s water conditions has been released and the drought monitor shows some encouraging news about our drought levels. Experts say it has very little impact on our local supply. KUSI’s Ginger Jeffries explains.

In Borrego Springs Tourism, Farming Industries Face Uncertainty With Looming Water Cuts

Although part of San Diego County, Borrego Springs is definitely off the beaten path. The small community is a two-hour drive from downtown San Diego. “The remoteness of ourselves — there’s no freeway coming here,” said Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce President Patrick Sampson, who is also general manager of the La Casa Del Zorro resort. “If you’re going to Borrego Springs — you’re coming to Borrego Springs.”

Skiing In July? Squaw Valley Extends Season Amid Record Snowfall Near Tahoe

Ready to hit the slopes in Tahoe? You’ve got plenty of time. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has announced it will extend its ski season through July 7 this year due to record-setting snow totals. As of Wednesday, the resort had seen 596 inches on the season, with 315 falling in February alone, according to a news release. As late as July 7 may sound, it’s not a record for Squaw Valley. Just two years earlier, the resort stayed open until July 15, which remains the Alpine Meadows record.

Federal Efforts To Raise Shasta Dam By 18.5 Feet Spark Conversations About Environmental Impacts

Recent plans to enlarge California’s Shasta Dam by 18.5 feet have raised concerns over possible cultural and ecological implications on wildlife among the Winnemem Wintu people and environmental groups alike. Shasta Dam on the Sacramento River is run by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which has been evaluating its potential raise for more than 20 years. After a 2015 feasibility report and environmental impact statement, the bureau determined that an 18.5-foot raise would cost about $1.3 billion.

OPINION: Groundwater Aquifers: Unseen And Underappreciated

You can’t see them. You can’t swim in them. But groundwater aquifers are one of the most important sources of water in the North Coast. Aquifers are water-rich underground areas. They aren’t like lakes or pools but are composed of water-filled areas between rocks, sands and gravels. Plants and animals benefit from groundwater when it’s near the surface, and feeds creeks and streams. Humans tap into aquifers through wells used for drinking, irrigating crops and operating businesses. People who live in rural areas rely almost exclusively on groundwater, and while cities in Sonoma County get most of their water from the Russian River, groundwater provides a critical back-up source that is used during droughts or in emergencies.

Valley Water Agencies Say They’re Prepared To Handle This Year’s High Rainfall

Our above-average rainfall is a concern for several water agencies in the Central Valley. While the high rainfall totals are a good thing, there is the task of how to manage and store all that water. The California Water Institute at Fresno State does just that. They say a valuable lesson was learned during the wet year of 2017. “A lot more of the agricultural entities in particular and even some cities are using a lot of their facilities for recharge this year to get much of that water into the ground,” said Sarge Green, Water Management Specialist.

Live Oak Site Prioritized For New Water Purification Plant

The Soquel Creek Water District board members on Tuesday said they were convinced the planned Pure Water Soquel plant should be split into two sites — partly in the city of Santa Cruz and partly in Live Oak. When approving the Pure Water Soquel project in December, board members prioritized building a final-stage purification plant at a lot at the corner of Chanticleer Avenue and Soquel Drive and an initial “tertiary” treatment facility at the city of Santa Cruz’s Wastewater Treatment Facility on California Street. At the same time, the board told district staff to undertake a parallel investigation of building a two-story full purification and tertiary treatment plant at the wastewater facility — so long as the effort did not delay the overall project.

PART 6: Southern Nevada Water Agency Intensifies Turf War

Saving water in Las Vegas is an all-out turf war, and the campaign is far from over. Since 1999, the Southern Nevada Water Authority has overseen the removal of more than 187 million square……We hope you’re enjoying our content. Subscribe today to continue reading this story, and all of our stories, for just 99 cents.

Water Seeping Down Reconstructed Oroville Dam Spillway

Water is starting to seep down the rebuilt Oroville Dam spillway. California Department of Water Resources officials said Wednesday this is common and will not affect the operation of the dam’s gates, which are not watertight. “Once the lake reaches or exceeds the elevation of the entrance gates (813 feet) a small amount of water is expected to seep through the gates as they are not watertight,” water resources spokeswoman Erin Mellon said. “This is common and does not affect the operation of the gates nor the spillway.”

Lake Hodges At Two-Thirds Capacity As Forecast Calls For More Rain

More rain in one of San Diego County’s rainiest of winter seasons is expected to drop an inch or two across the region through Friday, but Lake Hodges Dam is holding strong. The dam last overflowed February to March 2011. It also overflowed in February 2005. However, despite a Pineapple Express of rains this season, while Lake Hodges has filled more rapidly lately, its dam looks to continue standing tall and holding firm.