The delta smelt is on a trajectory towards extinction in the wild. Heading into 2017, the spawning adult population was at an all-time low although this past wet winter has apparently seen a small resurgence. However, increasingly warm summer temperatures in the Delta may dampen any upswing. Given the long-term trajectory of the population and […]
The winter of 2017 was a gift in many ways. Not only did it bring desperately needed water to California and end a statewide drought emergency, it highlighted the need to build more surface water storage projects like Temperance Flat on the San Joaquin River. California’s investment in water infrastructure has not kept up with […]
The U.S. and Mexican governments may be sharply at odds on President Trump’s plan for a border wall, but when it comes to water – and the potential for a major shortage along the Colorado River – the two sides seem to be on the same page. Mexican and American officials are finalizing a water-sharing […]
Growing numbers of Southern California ratepayers are standing in opposition to Governor Jerry Brown’s Delta Tunnels, considered by opponents to be the most environmentally destructive and unjust public works project in California history. “MWD is the biggest water buyer in California,” said Tim Stroshane, Policy Analyst for Restore the Delta. “Recent presentations from MWD staff […]
Could California give a cash payout to the 188,000 residents who frantically evacuated in February’s Oroville Dam crisis? That’s the end goal of a lawsuit filed Friday in Butte County Superior Court by evacuees Francis Bechtel, Jacob Klein, Chantel Ramirez and Denise Johnson. Their suit seeking class-action status alleges that the state Department of Water […]
Last winter’s drenching rain filled many state and local reservoirs, and dumped a healthy dose of snow on the Sierra Nevada. But the state’s fragile Delta infrastructure threatens the delivery of imported water throughout the state, which can become challenging for water agencies, especially in times of drought. The Santa Clara Valley Water District knows […]
California WaterFix and Delta Smelt
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /California Water BlogThe delta smelt is on a trajectory towards extinction in the wild. Heading into 2017, the spawning adult population was at an all-time low although this past wet winter has apparently seen a small resurgence. However, increasingly warm summer temperatures in the Delta may dampen any upswing. Given the long-term trajectory of the population and […]
OPINION: Temperance Flat Dam Investment Will Pay Off for California
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Fresno Beeby Dr. Joaquin ArambulaThe winter of 2017 was a gift in many ways. Not only did it bring desperately needed water to California and end a statewide drought emergency, it highlighted the need to build more surface water storage projects like Temperance Flat on the San Joaquin River. California’s investment in water infrastructure has not kept up with […]
U.S. and Mexico finalizing Colorado River Water-Sharing Deal
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /USA Todayby Ian JamesThe U.S. and Mexican governments may be sharply at odds on President Trump’s plan for a border wall, but when it comes to water – and the potential for a major shortage along the Colorado River – the two sides seem to be on the same page. Mexican and American officials are finalizing a water-sharing […]
Delta Tunnels: The Fight to Block the California WaterFix Comes Down to the Wire
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Red, Green, and BlueGrowing numbers of Southern California ratepayers are standing in opposition to Governor Jerry Brown’s Delta Tunnels, considered by opponents to be the most environmentally destructive and unjust public works project in California history. “MWD is the biggest water buyer in California,” said Tim Stroshane, Policy Analyst for Restore the Delta. “Recent presentations from MWD staff […]
Should Oroville Dam Evacuees Get State Payment? Suit Seeks Class-Action Status
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby Ryan SabalowCould California give a cash payout to the 188,000 residents who frantically evacuated in February’s Oroville Dam crisis? That’s the end goal of a lawsuit filed Friday in Butte County Superior Court by evacuees Francis Bechtel, Jacob Klein, Chantel Ramirez and Denise Johnson. Their suit seeking class-action status alleges that the state Department of Water […]
OPINION: Drought-Proofing the Water Supply
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Morgan Hill TimesLast winter’s drenching rain filled many state and local reservoirs, and dumped a healthy dose of snow on the Sierra Nevada. But the state’s fragile Delta infrastructure threatens the delivery of imported water throughout the state, which can become challenging for water agencies, especially in times of drought. The Santa Clara Valley Water District knows […]