Weather experts spent much of this winter cautiously optimistic. There were still weeks to go in the wet season and the reservoirs were full, thanks to last winter’s near record-breaking rain and snow. Now, even the professionals are getting more than a little nervous. There have been weeks of hardly any rain. The Sierra Nevada […]
The driest December in California’s recorded history was followed by a relieving gush of rain in January, when it seemed there was a chance the state would be on track to receive at least its average level of precipitation. Now, shortly after a record-breaking midwinter heatwave and seemingly endless blue skies, general optimism is waning as February […]
There’s been a lot of talk about drought recently across Arizona and the West – especially with the relatively dry winter we’ve been having. But my next guest wishes we didn’t use the “d” word as much as we do. Tom Philp is strategic communications and policy adviser for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern […]
The Bay Area has experienced February dry spells before, including twice from 2013 to 2016 during California’s historic drought when rainfall totals were drastically below the monthly average. But this February could close with a distinction most in the Bay Area would like to avoid. This could become the first February in more than 150 years with […]
In 2014, I asked you to support Proposition 1, $7.5 billion water bond written during one of the worst droughts in the state’s modern history. It certainly wasn’t perfect. I would have preferred significantly more than the $2.7 billion it provided for water storage, while others would have eliminated water storage funding entirely. But Prop […]
More than six years after critics began calling for a full economic study of the Delta tunnels plan, the Brown administration released one on Tuesday, finding that the benefits outweigh the costs — albeit by a slim margin for some water users. Delta interests immediately dismissed the study as skewed and speculative. The new study looks only […]
February Has Been Bone Dry. Has Drought Returned To California?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby Ryan Sabalow and Dale KaslerWeather experts spent much of this winter cautiously optimistic. There were still weeks to go in the wet season and the reservoirs were full, thanks to last winter’s near record-breaking rain and snow. Now, even the professionals are getting more than a little nervous. There have been weeks of hardly any rain. The Sierra Nevada […]
Drought Conditions Spread Across The West – Are We Ready?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Water Deeply (New York)by Alastair BlandThe driest December in California’s recorded history was followed by a relieving gush of rain in January, when it seemed there was a chance the state would be on track to receive at least its average level of precipitation. Now, shortly after a record-breaking midwinter heatwave and seemingly endless blue skies, general optimism is waning as February […]
Are We Using The Wrong Words To Talk About Our Water Supply?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /91.5 KJZZ (Tempe, Ari.)by Mark BrodieThere’s been a lot of talk about drought recently across Arizona and the West – especially with the relatively dry winter we’ve been having. But my next guest wishes we didn’t use the “d” word as much as we do. Tom Philp is strategic communications and policy adviser for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern […]
Will This Become The Driest February On Record In Bay Area?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Mercury News (San Jose)by Hank GomezThe Bay Area has experienced February dry spells before, including twice from 2013 to 2016 during California’s historic drought when rainfall totals were drastically below the monthly average. But this February could close with a distinction most in the Bay Area would like to avoid. This could become the first February in more than 150 years with […]
OPINION: We Had A Deal. Without Sites, Temperance You’re Breaking A Promise
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Modesto Beeby Adam C. GrayIn 2014, I asked you to support Proposition 1, $7.5 billion water bond written during one of the worst droughts in the state’s modern history. It certainly wasn’t perfect. I would have preferred significantly more than the $2.7 billion it provided for water storage, while others would have eliminated water storage funding entirely. But Prop […]
State: Delta Tunnels A Good Investment
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Record (Stockton)by Alex BreitlerMore than six years after critics began calling for a full economic study of the Delta tunnels plan, the Brown administration released one on Tuesday, finding that the benefits outweigh the costs — albeit by a slim margin for some water users. Delta interests immediately dismissed the study as skewed and speculative. The new study looks only […]