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Imperial County Agencies Deliver 500,000 Face Masks to Agriculture Workers

/in , , /by /Water News Networkby Darren Simon

The Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office has taken the lead in distributing more than 500,000 face masks to all sectors of the agriculture industry in the Imperial Valley.

“This was a positive result of the state understanding our need,” said Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner Carlos Ortiz. “They heard us.”

Agriculture is one of the essential sectors critical to health and safety in California during the coronavirus pandemic.

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How LA’s Sewers Could Be an Early Warning System for Coronavirus Outbreaks

/in , , /by /NBC4 Los Angelesby Carolyn Johnson and Maya MacGregor

A study at USC is relying on the flush of a toilet for clues to coronavirus outbreaks.

Dr. Adam Smith, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at USC, is a part of a team of scientists across the country who are sifting through data from the bowels of the sewer system.  The team consists of researchers from USC, Howard University, North Carolina State University and Rice University.

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Water Supply Remains Safe, Sufficient as Pandemic Endures

/in , , /by /Event-News Enterprise (Seal Beach, Calif.)by Jordan Brandman

August is Water Quality Month, a perfect time to educate ourselves about how and why we can rely on clean water each time we turn on the tap. Groundwater from your local Orange County groundwater basin makes up about 77% of the total water needed for consumers. Your city or water agency buys about 23% of imported water from Northern California or the Colorado River to make up the difference.

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Otay Water District Supports Virtual Food Drive During COVID-19 Crisis

/in , , /by /Our Hometown (Chula Vista, Calif.) Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

At a time when it is needed most, the Otay Water District is partnering with the San Diego County Water Authority, other local water agencies, and the San Diego Food Bank to provide food assistance through a virtual food drive for those affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

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Imperial Irrigation District Scores Another Win In Court Battle With Farmer Michael Abatti

/in , , /by /Desert Sun (Palm Springs)by Mark Olalde

A California appellate court on Wednesday denied Imperial Valley farmer Michael Abatti’s request for a rehearing in his long-running legal fight with the Imperial Irrigation District over control of Colorado River water. The decision could likely spell the end to his legal challenges.

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Opinion: President Trump Takes a Step Backward on Protecting Our Environment

/in , , /by /Times of San Diegoby Georgette Gómez

On July 15, President Trump’s Council on Environmental Quality issued its long-dreaded “final rule,” a comprehensive weakening of the National Environmental Protection Act. NEPA is not only the nation’s most important federal protection against projects that threaten our environment and climate, it is also a cornerstone of our efforts to promote environmental justice, ensuring that projects assess and mitigate the disproportionate adverse impacts that minority and low-income communities often suffer.

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Party Houses Defying COVID-19 Orders May Have Utilities Shut Off, Mayor Says

/in , , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Leila Miller, Richard Winton, Luke Money

Following reports of large parties that violate health orders aimed at slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Wednesday that he will authorize the city to shut off water and power services to residents who hold such gatherings.

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Santa Barbara Council Accepts $10 Million Matching Grant to Operate Desalination Plant

/in , /by /Noozhawkby Joshua Molina

The Santa Barbara City Council voted 7-0 on Tuesday to accept a $10 million grant — with the understanding that it will run the plant at full capacity for at least 36 out of the next 40 years. Some environmentalists objected to the council’s decision, citing environmental concerns.

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Opinion: Poseidon’s Huntington Beach Desalination Plant Still In Choppy Waters

/in , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Bettina Boxall

As Poseidon Water pursues the final government approvals needed to build one of the country’s biggest seawater desalination plants, the company still cannot definitively say who will buy the 50 million gallons a day of drinking water it wants to produce on the Orange County coast.

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San Diego Reservoirs Open with Coronavirus Safety Guidelines

/in , , /by /Water News Network

All City of San Diego reservoirs previously closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic are now open to the public during regular business hours for walking, jogging, cycling, fishing and boating. Normal fishing and boating fees will apply.

“Overall everything is working well,” said Bryan Norris, the City’s reservoirs and recreation program manager.  “Several reservoirs are experiencing higher than normal visitation since the reopening.”

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