California and the U.S.

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

OPINION: California Officials Must Maintain Pressure on Cadiz Aquifer Project

Like just about everything else that involves water, the Cadiz Inc. Mojave Desert aquifer project saga has been one of many ebbs and flows. There were two new developments in this situation recently. The federal government reversed itself this month and gave its blessing to the massive project to transfer as much as 16.3 billion […]

Oroville Dam: DWR ‘Can’t Say With Certainty’ Whether Spillway Ramp Will Reopen

The state Department of Water Resources intends to open the spillway boat launch ramp after construction at the dam is complete, but there is a possibility it will stay out of commission, according to a department official. The spillway boat launch is the largest on the lake, with up to 12 lanes when the water is high […]

Brown Administration Says It’s Willing to Consider One-Tunnel Approach to Delta Project

Silicon Valley’s water district Wednesday rejected Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan to build twin tunnels beneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta but said it would support a smaller, less expensive project. A top state official said the Brown administration is willing to consider such an approach. The Santa Clara Valley Water District’s board voted 7-0 to give […]

Santa Clara Valley Water District Rejects Jerry Brown’s Twin Delta Tunnels Plan

In a landmark vote closely watched across California, Silicon Valley’s largest water agency on Tuesday rejected Gov. Jerry Brown’s $17 billion plan to build two giant tunnels under the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. By a vote of 7-0, the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s board of directors chose instead to adopt a set of principles […]

As Water Agencies Cast Votes, Future Of Delta Tunnels Remains Unclear

On Oct. 10, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California voted to endorse the Delta tunnels, the $17 billion project that aims to reboot California’s main water supply system. Two days later, the Kern County Water Agency offered its own bid – albeit it a hesitant one – of support. However, even with backing from the nation’s […]

OPINION: Change Course On Governor’s $17 Billion Delta Tunnels Plan

Tuesday is the day the momentum behind Gov. Jerry Brown’s twin-tunnel plan that threatens the health of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta could change — for the better. The Santa Clara Valley Water District Board will decide whether to commit to raising ratepayer taxes by at least $1 billion to pay for its share of the Big […]