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A Salty Dispute: California Coastal Commission Unanimously Rejects Desalination Plant

/in , , /by /CalMattersby Rachel Becker Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

The California Coastal Commission tonight rejected the proposed construction of a desalination plant in Huntington Beach, sealing the controversial project’s fate after more than 20 years of debate.

The unanimous decision about the $1.4-billion plant in Huntington Beach is pivotal because it sets a high bar for the future of turning seawater into drinking water in California, which can help buffer its vulnerable water supply against drought.

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What About My Koi Pond? A Wealthy L.A. Enclave Copes With Water Restrictions

/in , , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Brittny Mejia

The questions came fast and furious for nearly five hours Wednesday night, offering a glimpse into the world of wealth, worry and water.

“We have a few large koi pond [sic] with over 100 fish,” one person said during an angst-filled town hall meeting of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. “Is there a special exemption for them?”

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The Colorado River is in Crisis, and it’s Getting Worse Every Day

/in , , /by /The Washington Postby Karin Brulliard

The Colorado River is in crisis — one deepening by the day.

It is a powerhouse: a 1,450-mile waterway that stretches from the Rocky Mountains to the Sea of Cortez, serving 40 million people in seven U.S. states, 30 federally recognized tribes and Mexico. It hydrates 5 million acres of agricultural land and provides critical habitat for rare fish, birds and plants.

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Governor Newsom’s Proposed Budget Includes Funding for Drought

/in , , /by /ACWA

Gov. Gavin Newsom today unveiled his revised state budget for the 2022-’23 Fiscal Year. The $300.7 billion budget includes several priorities of interest to ACWA members, including funding for drought, climate change, forest management and more.

Building upon last year’s three-year, $5.2 billion allocation to support drought response and long-term water sustainability, the governor’s revised budget includes an additional $2 billion for drought response and water resilience. This is part of the governor’s larger $47.1 billion climate package.

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Hauck Mesa Storage Reservoir Moving to Completion

/in , , /by /Water News Network Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

The San Diego County Water Authority Hauck Mesa Storage Reservoir project in North San Diego County reached a major milestone in late April when crews poured the concrete roof of the new prestressed concrete water tank. The major construction project, which began in March 2021, will improve drinking water supply reliability for the county.

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California’s Water Use Jumps 19% in March, the Highest Since 2015

/in , , /by /CBS 8by Shannon Handy Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

A recent report shows Californians aren’t doing enough to conserve water, despite Governor Gavin Newsom’s request to reduce use by 15%. Newsom made that request in July of 2021.

Fast forward to now, and according to the State Water Resources Control Board, total water usage statewide decreased by just 3.7% between July and March compared to the same period two years ago.

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L.A. Is Taking a Different Path on Severe Watering Restrictions. Here’s How It Will Work

/in , , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Hayley Smith

Los Angeles residents now know the plan for significantly cutting water use beginning June 1.

The Department of Water and Power differs in some key ways from other local agencies that are struggling with unprecedented water restrictions due to the drought.

The restrictions, ordered by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, target areas that rely heavily or entirely on the State Water Project, a Northern California water supply that officials say is dangerously low after the state’s driest-ever start to the year.

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Lawns Are Terrible for the Environment. California’s Water Restrictions May Finally Kill Them

/in , , /by /Fast Companyby Nate Berg

After years of on-again-off-again drought conditions and decades of precarity relying on imported water, Southern California has instituted major limitations on how residents can use water. Within weeks, residents will only be allowed to irrigate their yards once a week. Lush lawns and abundant flower gardens, your days may be numbered.

This is likely just the start.

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EBMUD Customers to See 8% Drought Surcharge Starting July 1

/in , , /by /Danville SanRamon

Facing down a second consecutive dry year, the East Bay Municipal Utility District board decided this week to impose an 8% drought surcharge that customers will see on bills starting July 1.

The estimated $30.8 million collected from the surcharge will cover about half the estimated $64.5 million needed to manage the drought this year, according to EBMUD. The rest of drought expenses will be funded by reserves.

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California Drought: Which Regions Are Saving the Most — and Least — Water

/in , , /by /San Francisco Chronicleby Yoohyun Jung
This year is shaking out to be another dry year as the winter months, when the state records much of its precipitation, did not deliver as much rain and snow as hoped.
The continuing drought means water providers across California — and their consumers — must conserve more water to avoid running out. Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a 15% decrease in water use, but only a small portion of the suppliers met that goal. Statewide, water use soared by about 19% in March 2022 compared with the same month in 2020.
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