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The Latest: California Updates Rules on Water Guzzlers
The Latest on legislation approved by the governor (all times local): 6:30 p.m. Water districts would have to create policies to punish residents who use too much water during droughts under a bill signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown. Brown signed the bill requiring all districts to have policies for identifying and targeting heavy users during drought emergencies. That can include fines or a rate system that charges more for using large amounts of water. Democratic Sen. Jerry Hill of San Mateo says SB814 came after news reports that some residents used millions of
Pacific on Tap
After three years of construction, the San Diego County Water Authority and Poseidon Water dedicated the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant on December 14, 2015.
Drought Produces Western Region’s Driest Summer Since 1956
Southampton farmer Tom Bashista doesn’t bother with insuring his crops. What’s the use, he says, of spending all your earnings from a good year on insurance, waiting for a bad year to come along? He’s standing next to an apple tree in the orchard that has borne the Bashista name since 1926. The sun is strong, the air is hot and thick with humidity like it has been all summer. In the shop, there’s an apple cake in the oven. The smell is infectious and sugary sweet.
Last Chance to Save the Delta Smelt?
California’s most controversial threatened species, the Delta smelt, has never been closer to extinction, but a state agency that could help it with the stroke of a pen is failing to do so. That’s according to a group of environmental organizations that are pleading with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to force aqueduct operators to leave enough fresh water in the Delta for the smelt.
Senate Sends Two Wolk Resource Measures to Governor
The California Senate voted Wednesday to send two natural resources measures by Sen. Lois Wolk, D-Davis, to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature. Senate Bill 1340 closes a loophole in state law enabling large new landscaping projects for existing homes and businesses to avoid state and local water-efficiency requirements. “About half of California’s urban water use, equivalent to 4.2 million acre-feet per year, is outdoors, largely for watering landscapes,” Wolk said. “Large or significantly expanded owner-initiated landscape irrigation projects, which are common in California, should not be exempt from local community ordinances intended to improve the efficiency of outdoor water use.
Blending Wastewater May Help California Cope With Drought
Recycled wastewater is increasingly touted as part of the solution to California’s water woes, particularly for agricultural use, as the state’s historic drought continues. The cost of treating wastewater to meet state health standards for reuse and to reduce salt levels that damage crops presents a new set of challenges, however.
California Farmers Turn to Sewers For Water
California’s prolonged drought is forcing Central Valley farmers to scramble for water to irrigate crops. They have to be creative. One agency is even turning to a sewage plant to meet demand. Just outside Modesto, farming communities like Patterson are facing a crisis. There’s barely enough water to irrigate crops, so little, that about a quarter of the local farms have stopped growing anything.”We have over 12,000 acres that has not been farmed for the last several years, and that has very sudden and severe economic ripple effects through these small communities,” said Anthea Hansen of the Del Puerto Water District.
Australia’s Solution to California’s Water Woes: Markets
Conflicts over water are not new to the American West, especially to California. An upcoming trial in Santa Barbara showcases many of the issues involved in our parched state’s quest for water, and points to a possible solution.
BLOG: What You Need to Know About California’s $17 Billion Water Project
Water, or the lack of it, has emerged as one of the greatest sources of stress for California, its people and its native species. Fish populations are declining in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, while farmers are facing short supplies. Urban dwellers have come under pressure to use less water, and underground reserves are being rapidly depleted. Making matters much worse is the ongoing drought, which shows no sign of ending. In fact, forecasts for less annual rainfall in years to come have cast uncertainty on the very future of California and its rapidly growing human population.
