One of the easiest decisions for California voters on the June 5 ballot should be Proposition 68. Vote yes on the $4.1 billion bond plan to fund parks and water projects throughout the state. The ballot measure is the first statewide parks and water bond to appear before voters since 2006, when the $5.4 billion […]
One of California’s foremost experts on freshwater fish believes there may be hope for restoring native salmon to abundance – but there’s a catch: California must build the controversial Delta tunnels, he says. “The expected costs are tremendous and there is a lot of concern over that, but our paper is about what’s good for fish,” said Peter […]
Despite recent rain and snow, California is back to dry conditions again after a very wet 2017. With about four weeks left in the normal wet season, the Sacramento Valley is at about 65 percent of average precipitation (less than one-third of last year’s precipitation). The southern Central Valley has less than 50 percent of average precipitation and Southern California is still […]
Most Americans are familiar by now with the concept of recycled wastewater. We all may not be completely comfortable with the concept of reusing treated sewage, but most of us have at least heard about it, and in some communities we know that it helps parks and street landscaping thrive. A handful of communities practice what is known […]
Despite the fierce winter storm that brought an avalanche of snow to the Sierra Nevada last week, water officials say the state’s snowpack is far behind its desired level. Before the storm, comparisons were being made to record-breaking dry years. So why isn’t there more panic about a potential drought? The state’s reservoir levels and […]
If you imagine the San Francisco Bay as a bathtub, sea level rise means the bathwater is rising. A new study published today in Science Advances finds the tub is sinking too, and in some places, more than others. Where Bay Area cities have built on landfill or newer mud, that land is compacting, and […]
OPINION: Prop. 68 Water, Parks Bond Deserves Californians’ Support
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Mercury News (San Jose)One of the easiest decisions for California voters on the June 5 ballot should be Proposition 68. Vote yes on the $4.1 billion bond plan to fund parks and water projects throughout the state. The ballot measure is the first statewide parks and water bond to appear before voters since 2006, when the $5.4 billion […]
California Fish Experts: Delta Tunnels Could Help Save Native Species
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Water Deeply (New York)by Alastair BlandOne of California’s foremost experts on freshwater fish believes there may be hope for restoring native salmon to abundance – but there’s a catch: California must build the controversial Delta tunnels, he says. “The expected costs are tremendous and there is a lot of concern over that, but our paper is about what’s good for fish,” said Peter […]
OPINION: Despite Wet Weather, California Should Prepare For Drought Again
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Water Deeply (New York)by Jay LundDespite recent rain and snow, California is back to dry conditions again after a very wet 2017. With about four weeks left in the normal wet season, the Sacramento Valley is at about 65 percent of average precipitation (less than one-third of last year’s precipitation). The southern Central Valley has less than 50 percent of average precipitation and Southern California is still […]
Recycled Wastewater At Your Tap? It Could Be Soon In Arizona
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Water Deeply (New York)by Matt WeiserMost Americans are familiar by now with the concept of recycled wastewater. We all may not be completely comfortable with the concept of reusing treated sewage, but most of us have at least heard about it, and in some communities we know that it helps parks and street landscaping thrive. A handful of communities practice what is known […]
Why This Year’s Low Snowpack Doesn’t Indicate A Drought
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The New York Timesby Jose A. Del RealDespite the fierce winter storm that brought an avalanche of snow to the Sierra Nevada last week, water officials say the state’s snowpack is far behind its desired level. Before the storm, comparisons were being made to record-breaking dry years. So why isn’t there more panic about a potential drought? The state’s reservoir levels and […]
Treasure Island Is Sinking As Seas Are Rising, And So Are Other Bay Area Cities
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /KQED (San Francisco)by Molly PetersonIf you imagine the San Francisco Bay as a bathtub, sea level rise means the bathwater is rising. A new study published today in Science Advances finds the tub is sinking too, and in some places, more than others. Where Bay Area cities have built on landfill or newer mud, that land is compacting, and […]