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Why Our Drought Isn’t Going Anywhere This Winter

/in , , /by /Voice of San Diegoby MacKenzie Elmer

The latest measurements from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows the American West is in for another dry La Niña winter, unwelcome news for the West currently struggling to keep flowing its main source of water: the shrinking Colorado River.

“That’s the worry in the present situation is that the odds now are now with La Niña are tilted against a really wet winter, at least in the southern half of California which of course has already been really dry,” said Dan Cayan, a research meteorologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

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Water Conservation Efforts Paying Off in Santa Monica

/in , , /by /Santa Monica Daily Pressby Grace Adams

Even as the recent 15-day watering ban in LA county ended earlier than scheduled last week, water – specifically lack of water – remains a top concern for many city officials. However, Santa Monica Water Resource Manager Sunny Wang reported to the planning commission last week that unlike some nearby municipalities, Santa Monica’s is on track to maintain the stability of the city’s water supply and eventually make the city self-sufficient in terms of water.

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North County Water Agencies Offers Low‐Cost Rain Barrels to Help Customers Save Water

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

To encourage water conservation as drought conditions persist, Carlsbad Municipal Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, and Santa Fe Irrigation District have partnered to offer discounted rain barrels to area residents this fall. Collecting rainwater for future use not only can save drinking water and money, but also reduces irrigation runoff that can carry pollutants into local waterways and beaches.

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Westlands Spearheaded Delta Restoration Project. Now, it Faces Puzzling ‘Greenlash.’

/in , , /by /San Joaquin Valley Sunby Alex Tavlian

If California sees its environmental goals get met, does it really matter who contributed to the success?

Among certain environmental groups, the answer can be boiled down to a single word: “It depends.”

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Sebastopol Relents in Battle Over High Tech Water Meters

/in , , /by /Northern California Public Mediaby Marc Albert

Concerns about grave health impacts from exposure to radio waves has prompted one Sonoma County city to back off, up to a point.

The Sebastopol city council unanimously approved a measure last week allowing residential customers to keep their old water meters, if they insist.
Like other cities and towns around California, Sebastopol has been preparing to roll out new, digital water meters. Supposedly more accurate, the new ones have a big advantage for a utilities: they no longer have to pay meter readers.
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Low Lake Mead Water Levels Now Revealing Ancient Volcanic Eruptions

/in , , /by /Newsweekby Robyn White

Lake Mead’s receding water levels are now revealing ancient volcanic eruptions from millions of years ago.

Lake Mead is the biggest man-made reservoir in North America, formed by the Hoover Dam. Its water levels are rapidly evaporating due to the ongoing megadrought gripping the southwestern United States.

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Boulevard Residents are Running Out of Water, It’s Not Because of the Drought

/in , /by /CBS 8by Shannon Handy

Residents living in Boulevard say they’re running out of water, and it’s not because of the drought.

They blame the lack of water on one of their neighbors, who they say is building a lake on his property.

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Helix Water District Adds Zero-Emission Truck to Sustainability Efforts

/in , , /by /Water News Network

The Helix Water District has expanded its ongoing sustainability efforts with the addition of its first all-electric, zero-emission, Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck.

“Converting public and private fleets to zero-emission trucks is a big part of the governor’s plan to have five million zero-emission vehicles in California by 2030,” said Helix Water District Director of Operations Kevin D. Miller. “This is a small step, but Helix is heading in the right direction.”

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Find the Right Native Plants for Your Water-Saving Landscape Online

/in , , /by /Times of San Diego

If you’re looking to upgrade your landscape or just love gardens, it can be challenging to choose the right plants that will thrive in a water-saving landscape with your specific conditions.

The online plant finder WaterSmart Landscaping in San Diego County can assist you through a comprehensive database of choices well suited to this region’s Mediterranean climate.

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‘The American Lawn Feels Irresponsible’: the LA Homes Ditching Grass for Drought-Friendly Gardens

/in , , /by /The Guardianby Lois Beckett

A lush green lawn has long been a symbol of the perfect American home. But as a prolonged drought reshapes life in California, many residents are rethinking what a beautiful yard should look like.

In Los Angeles, which imposed sweeping restrictions on outdoor water use this year, thirsty lawns are out – and California native plants are in.

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