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Some Big Water Agencies in Farming Areas Get Water for Free. Critics Say That Needs to End

/in , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Ian James

The water that flows down irrigation canals to some of the West’s biggest expanses of farmland comes courtesy of the federal government for a very low price — even, in some cases, for free.

In a new study, researchers analyzed wholesale prices charged by the federal government in California, Arizona and Nevada, and found that large agricultural water agencies pay only a fraction of what cities pay, if anything at all. They said these “dirt-cheap” prices cost taxpayers, add to the strains on scarce water, and discourage conservation — even as the Colorado River’s depleted reservoirs continue to decline.

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Loveland Water Transfer Sparks Calls for Transparency, Recreation Access

/in , /by /San Diego Union-Tribuneby Hannah Elsmore

Sweetwater Authority’s recent transfer of water out of Loveland Reservoir has reignited debate over whether water rates or public recreation should take priority.

After local residents complained about being caught off-guard by the transfer, the authority’s board of directors last week called for increased transparency and for residents both down and upstream of the reservoir to be notified of upcoming transfers by the water agency’s administrators.

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OPINION: Ringside: Will Advocates for More Water Supply Projects Find Unity?

/in , /by /California Globeby Edward Ring

There’s only one way to restore reliable water allocations to farmers, avoid turning our cities into rationed “xeriscaped” heat islands, and cope with whatever the climate ultimately delivers. That’s to build more infrastructure to safely and sustainably produce millions of acre feet of new fresh water every year.

There are many practical ways to accomplish this. Some are controversial. Others, less so. But chances are slim that any of them will happen anytime soon unless advocates for more water are unified.

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Major U.S. Reservoir Avoids ‘Dead Pool’ Status Thanks to California Farmers: ‘Lowest Levels Since 1940s’

/in , /by /The Cool Downby Michael Muir

Water levels in the largest reservoir in the United States are looking a whole lot healthier after two years of voluntary conservation efforts from an array of local stakeholders in California.

SFGATE reported that after years of decline and getting perilously close to “dead pool” status — when a reservoir’s water is too low to send downstream — Lake Mead’s water levels are up 16 feet in the last two years.

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San Diego County Expected to Remain Dry for at Least the Next 10 Days

/in , /by /San Diego Union-Tribuneby Gary Robbins

You might as well stick your umbrella in the closet. San Diego County is unlikely to receive rain for the next 10 days, and daytime high temperatures will be above normal, says the National Weather Service.

Large high-pressure systems are blocking seasonal storms from the Gulf of Alaska and Canada from dropping into Southern California.

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California Cities Pay a Lot for Water; Some Agricultural Districts Get It for Free

/in , /by /Cal Mattersby Rachel Becker and Natasha Uzcátegui-Liggett

California cities pay far more for water on average than districts that supply farms — with some urban water agencies shelling out more than $2,500 per acre-foot of surface water, and some irrigation districts paying nothing, according to new research.

A report published today by researchers with the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability and advocates with the Natural Resources Defense Council shines a light on vast disparities in the price of water across California, Arizona and Nevada.

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Storm Chaser Shocked by Findings From New California Reservoir Study: ‘Incredible’

/in , /by /The Cool Downby Zachary Ehrmann

California’s major reservoirs have surged to their highest levels in years, with all key water storage facilities now holding at or above 100% of historical averages for this time of year, per Newsweek.

The dramatic turnaround is welcome news for communities that have endured years of persistent drought, offering critical relief to nearly 40 million residents and vast agricultural operations.

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OPINION: Trump Sides With Agriculture Again in California’s Neverending Water Wars

/in , , /by /Cal Mattersby Dan Walters

From the onset of his foray into presidential politics a decade ago, Donald Trump has been obsessed with managing California’s water, often interjecting himself into decades-long conflicts over how the precious commodity should be divvied up.

During his first stint as president, Trump was heavily influenced by the Westlands Water District, a huge agricultural water agency in the San Joaquin Valley that sought more irrigation water for itself and other farm interests.

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Wet Start to California Water Year Improves Drought, But Snowpack Lags

/in , /by /Sierra Sun Times

National Integrated Drought Information System officals say wet start to California water year improves drought, but snowpack lags.

Water Year 2026 (October 1, 2025–September 20, 2026) began very differently than Water Year 2025. Drought developed in the first few months of the last water year and expanded over the region. This water year, over the course of 2 months, drought across California-Nevada has improved by 1-3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

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Mexico to Send More Water to US Despite Trump’s Tariffs Threat

/in , /by /AP

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed her country’s intention to increase water deliveries to the United States, though not immediately, despite threats from US President Donald Trump to impose a 5 per cent tariff hike on Mexican imports.

Ms. Sheinbaum announced on Tuesday that Mexico is proposing a water delivery this month, with further shipments planned for the coming years.

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