Tom Anderson stands on an overlook on the southern edge of the shallow lake. Red Rock Hill rises up near the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, where Anderson is a deputy project manager. Anderson works to reclaim habitat for shore birds that come here to forage and feed. Agricultural runoff and evaporation team up to concentrate the salt in this land-locked lake, according to Anderson. That leaves the lake significantly saltier than the Pacific Ocean. The Salton Sea is also getting smaller.

The same old arguments against desalination keep getting resurrected: It’s too expensive, too energy intensive, plus wastewater recycling and conservation by themselves can solve the drought problem. When put in the context of climate change, imported water and perpetual drought, none of these arguments make sense. Climate scientists are unequivocally telling Southern Californians to prepare for drought as the “new normal” (we are now experiencing the hottest year on record in the midst of the fifth year of punishing drought).

While the state of California has eased its restrictions on water use in response to a moderately wet winter, the drought is not over yet, and there are simple ways you can continue to save water around your home. Residents should be aware of the options available to reduce outdoor water use, while preserving beautiful outdoor landscapes, including lawns.The good news is that you can take steps to save significant amounts of water, and it does not have to be a death sentence to your landscaping.

The Obama administration unveiled initiatives to help restore the Salton Sea and improve the region’s climate resilience, economy and public health as part of President Barack Obama’s visit to Lake Tahoe Wednesday. Obama talked about the need to combat climate change as part of conservation efforts during his keynote speech at the sold-out 2016 Lake Tahoe Summit. Before Obama arrived on the West Coast, the White House press office announced a package to aid the Salton Sea and plans to boost conservation at Lake Tahoe.

 

The North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition issued a response Tuesday to the San Diego County Grand Jury’s May 31 report that commended the coalition for its voluntary collaboration in helping solve San Diego County’s drinking water supply problems with its regional recycled water project.