You are now in California and the U.S. Home Headline Media Coverage category.

New National Climate Change Guide Focuses on Impact in San Joaquin Valley Communities

/in , , /by /Valley Public Radio - Central Valleyby Soreath Hok

A new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists outlines wide-reaching environmental impacts affecting the health and economy of San Joaquin Valley communities from extreme heat to water scarcity and pollution.

The report acts as a guide to help community members and advocates address climate change issues and prepare for challenges. Advocates at the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability contributed to the report.

Full Story

UCSD Gets $39 Million Grant for Renewable Energy Testbed

/in , , /by /Times of San Diegoby City News Service

UC San Diego will receive a $39 million grant to build a testbed to allow universities, utilities and industry leaders to gain a better understanding of how to integrate renewable energy resources into the power grid, it was announced Monday.

Full Story

California Water PFAS Lawsuit – An Increasing Trend?

/in , , /by /The National Law Review

On October 27, 2020, a California water PFAS lawsuit was filed by the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency against several companies, in which it is alleged that the companies are responsible for PFAS water contamination in southern California.

Full Story

Opinion: Non-Revenue Water – An Opportunity for Water Utilities, Now More than Ever

/in , , /by /Water Finance & Managementby Travis Smith

It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the water industry. Revenue shortfalls from a decline in commercial and industrial water use and some residential customers struggling to pay bills are affecting utilities across the country. The service must go on, but in some cases the revenue lags. Conservative estimates from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies suggest the industry as a whole is expected to lose at least $12.5 billion due to the coronavirus when all is said and done.

Full Story

Imperial County Farmer Michael Abatti Looks to Take Fight with IID to U.S. Supreme Court

/in , , /by /Palm Springs Desert Sunby Mark Olalde

Having been turned away by the California Supreme Court last week, farmer Michael Abatti looked to have lost his years-long fight with the Imperial Irrigation District over who owns valuable water rights on the Colorado River. But Abatti apparently isn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet.

In paperwork filed in a state appellate court Monday, Abatti’s legal team indicated that they wanted to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the matter.

Full Story

Election Results: Imperial Irrigation District Board Candidates Vie for Two Open Seats

/in , /by /Palm Springs Desert Sunby Mark Olalde

The Imperial Irrigation District recently saw its power cemented, as the state court system declared it the rightful holder of huge water rights on the Colorado River. Now, candidates are facing off for two open seats on its five-member board of directors.

In addition to being the single largest water user on the river, the district delivers electricity to Imperial Valley and the eastern half of the Coachella Valley. Its board, which is elected only by its water ratepayers, continues to fend off attempts to add members from Riverside County.

Full Story

Wealthy US Cities Struggle to Provide Running Water for All Residents

/in , , /by /New Scientistby Ian Morse

Widening wealth gaps in some of the richest cities in the US have produced a rise in the number of households without running water.

Public information suggests that about half a million households in the US – about 1.1 million people – live without piped water, which places them in “plumbing poverty”. Surveys also show that 73 per cent of these households are found in metropolitan areas.

Full Story

People of Color More Likely to Live Without Piped Water in Richest US Cities

/in , /by /The Guardianby Nina Lakhani

People of color in some of America’s wealthiest cities are significantly more likely to live in houses without indoor plumbing essential for running water, new research reveals.

Clean, safe, affordable water is essential for human health and economic survival. Yet access to running water is not universal in the United States, ostensibly the richest country in the world.

Full Story

County to Conduct Groundwater Survey Flights

/in , , /by /Santa Barbara News-Pressby Gerry Fall

Residents of the Santa Ynez and Lompoc Valleys may see an unusual sight in the skies this November, and it won’t be a UFO.

It will be a low-flying helicopter carrying a large hexagonal frame. This unique equipment is part of a project to map aquifers and improve the understanding of groundwater in the area. The project is being conducted by Santa Barbara County and the Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District in cooperation with the local water agencies that comprise the three Groundwater Sustainability Agencies in the Santa Ynez River Valley Groundwater Basin.

Full Story

Helix Water District Student Poster Contest Winners Highlight “Water is Life”

/in , , /by /Water News Network

The Helix Water District honored local student artists within its service area for their winning “Water Is Life” posters at a virtual awards ceremony during the District’s board meeting on October 28. Helix promotes the contest to all elementary schools within its service area. This year, 174 students from 14 schools submitted posters depicting how to use water wisely.

Full Story