Sacred Arizona Spring Drying Up as Border Wall Construction Continues
Midway down a cactus-covered hill in one of the driest parts of Arizona is a miracle: a spring. Water continually streams out of the ground, down a small channel, and into a pond.
You are now in California and the U.S. Home Headline Media Coverage category.
COVID-19 Puts Spotlight on Equity Considerations in Utility Clean Energy, Efficiency and Relief Efforts
The COVID-19 public health crisis brought into sharp relief the importance of shifting benefits to more vulnerable communities, participants said at a Monday panel during the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Summer Policy Summit.
House FY21 Spending Bill Includes No New Direct WIFIA Appropriations
As the start of the federal Fiscal Year 2021 rapidly approaches on October 1st, the U.S. House has begun working to advance its annual Appropriations (funding) bills through their committee process. Last week, the House Appropriations Committee passed its Interior and Environment bill to fund the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and core clean water programs.
Water Utility Hero of the Week, Emily Fleming, Padre Dam Municipal Water District
Editor’s Note: This feature highlights water utility employees in the San Diego region working during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure a safe, reliable and plentiful water supply. The water industry is among the sectors that are classified as essential. Emily Fleming, Padre Dam Municipal Water District Customer Service Representative, is the Water Utility Hero of the Week.
IID Retains Control Over Colorado River Water In Legal Tussle With Farmer Michael Abatti
The Imperial Irrigation District and farmer Michael Abatti have been locked in a years-long legal battle with as many twists as the river over which it has been fought. The saga might finally come to an end, though, after a California appellate court handed down a ruling on Thursday that found IID is the rightful manager of the portion of the Colorado River guaranteed to the Imperial Valley.
Water News Network Named Best California Public Agency Website
The Water News Network website has been named “Best Website” among California public agencies for 2020 in the California Public Information Officers EPIC Awards competition.
The CAPIO EPIC Awards recognize the “best of the best” in government communications throughout the state. Winning entries demonstrate the most creative and effective efforts in the areas of communication and marketing campaigns, newsletter production, photography, special events, writing, website development and video production.
More Clashes in Mexico Over Repaying U.S. Water Debt
Farmers once again clashed with Mexican military forces Sunday to protest releases of water from a dam to repay a water debt owed to the United States.
Wastewater Treatment Operator Featured As ‘Water Utility Hero’
Last week Escondido’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Carrie Selby was featured as the Water Utility Hero of the Week by the San Diego County Water Authority SDCWA. Shelby was interviewed for the Water News Network and talked about her career and work life during the pandemic.
Rainbow MWD Awards North River Road Land Outfall Rehabilitation Contract
The Rainbow Municipal Water District will be rehabilitating its North River Road Land Outfall pipeline, and Hoch Consulting will be preparing the bidding documents and providing engineering support to the Rainbow district.
A 5-0 Rainbow board vote, June 23, approved a $151,180 contract with Hoch Consulting, which is headquartered in San Diego. The contract does not have a specific end period, although construction is anticipated to begin in early 2021 and take approximately eight weeks.
“It’s an important project to maintain a critical part of our wastewater infrastructure,” Tom Kennedy, Rainbow general manager, said.
Unpaid Bills Spiking at Some Water Utilities
Several state legislators have asked the Governor to extend his order prohibiting water shutoffs for nonpayment to even the smallest water utilities.
Right now, the Governor’s April 2 order applies to water utilities serving 200 or more connections.
