California and the U.S.

The latest news and analysis covering water issues in Caliornia and the rest of the United States.

California, Drying Out Again, Weighs Permanent Ban On Wasting Water

Sprinklers that splash more water onto the sidewalk than the lawn, which have increasingly drawn scornful looks in drought-distressed California, are about to be banned forever. Same goes for hosing down a driveway or patio, or washing a car with a garden-variety hose. Recognizing California’s increasing propensity for parched weather — this winter being no exception […]

California Looks To Permanently Ban Hosing Off Driveways, Over-Watering Lawns

California’s top water officials are considering permanent conservation rules that would outlaw hosing down driveways, over-watering lawns and running sprinklers on grassy street medians. The proposed regulations would target wasteful water use in cities and towns statewide, permanently bringing back some of the temporary restrictions imposed during California’s record-setting 2012-16 drought. The State Water Resources Control […]

Many Of North Valley’s Dams Are Deemed High-Hazard

Everyone knows about the risk from Oroville Dam after the spillway crisis, but most of the dams in the north valley are considered to have a high-hazard potential. That means at least one person would likely die if the dam were to fail.New requirements for these high-risk dams, including annual inspections, will come into play […]

Interstate Water Storage Deals Violated State Law, Former Arizona Water Chiefs Say

Two former Arizona water directors told the State Auditor General’s Office last year that the agency that runs the Central Arizona Project exceeded its authority under state law. The former directors, Rita Maguire and Herb Guenther, said recently that they told state auditors the Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD) legally overstepped its bounds. The […]

Interstate Water Storage Deals Violated State Law, Former Arizona Water Chiefs Say

Two former Arizona water directors told the State Auditor General’s Office last year that the agency that runs the Central Arizona Project exceeded its authority under state law. The former directors, Rita Maguire and Herb Guenther, said recently that they told state auditors the Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD) legally overstepped its bounds. The […]

As Drought Returns, Water Use Climbs In Southern California Enclaves

Overall water use is climbing in Southern California as parts of the state plunge back into drought, driving state and regional water managers to consider permanently reinstating some watering bans and conservation programs. Gov. Jerry Brown lifted California’s drought emergency status a year ago, after a wet winter that snapped a historic 2013-2017 drought, and […]