A series of powerful storms is set to soak California over the next week, bringing heavy rains, flooding risk in some creeks and 10 feet or more of new snow to the Sierra Nevada — the latest sign that the stranglehold of the state’s five-year drought is significantly weakening. At least three storms are forecast […]
The $10 billion Congressional water bill that was approved last month transfers federal control of some water supplies in California to water authorities at the state level and provides funds for some badly needed structures is being applauded by farmers both north and south. President Obama signed the bill Dec. 16. Sweeping victories by Republicans […]
The start of 2017 brought a rare dusting of snow to some locations in the Bay Area. Rain fell overnight Sunday and the cold temperatures meant snow fell in elevations as low as 1,500 feet. Our cameras captured white caps on Mount Diablo in Contra Costa County and St. Helena in Napa County. At noon, […]
Here in the land of beauty and make-believe, it’s important to keep up appearances. Tracy Quinn sees it whenever she walks her dog: sprinklers irrigating pretty green lawns and wasted water bleeding across sidewalks during the state’s driest spell in centuries. “It drives me crazy,” said Quinn, a water policy analyst for the Natural Resources […]
Despite five years of record drought, many Californians have not been required to cut their water use. Some wielded a heavy hand at the tap, enjoying green lawns and showy landscapes even as water supplies dried up. This could soon change. If the rains fall short this winter — or whenever the next bad drought […]
The Delta smelt has survived 2016, but that’s about where the good news ends. Surveys that wrapped up this month revealed no real increase in smelt numbers despite a wetter year with more freshwater flow in the Delta. In fact, the smelt’s situation may actually have gotten worse: For the first time since the extensive […]
Is California’s Drought Ending? Powerful Storms, More On The Way
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Mercury News (San Jose)by Paul RogersA series of powerful storms is set to soak California over the next week, bringing heavy rains, flooding risk in some creeks and 10 feet or more of new snow to the Sierra Nevada — the latest sign that the stranglehold of the state’s five-year drought is significantly weakening. At least three storms are forecast […]
New Water Bill Holds Promise
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Porterville Recorderby Don CurleeThe $10 billion Congressional water bill that was approved last month transfers federal control of some water supplies in California to water authorities at the state level and provides funds for some badly needed structures is being applauded by farmers both north and south. President Obama signed the bill Dec. 16. Sweeping victories by Republicans […]
Chilly Weather Brings Rare Dusting Of Snow To Bay Area Peaks
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /KTVU (Oakland)The start of 2017 brought a rare dusting of snow to some locations in the Bay Area. Rain fell overnight Sunday and the cold temperatures meant snow fell in elevations as low as 1,500 feet. Our cameras captured white caps on Mount Diablo in Contra Costa County and St. Helena in Napa County. At noon, […]
California Officials Say A New Plan Will Make Water Conservation ‘A Way Of Life’
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Washington Postby Darryl Fears Mentioned: Carlsbad Desalination PlantHere in the land of beauty and make-believe, it’s important to keep up appearances. Tracy Quinn sees it whenever she walks her dog: sprinklers irrigating pretty green lawns and wasted water bleeding across sidewalks during the state’s driest spell in centuries. “It drives me crazy,” said Quinn, a water policy analyst for the Natural Resources […]
Water Guzzlers Face More Fines, Public Shaming Under New State Law
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /San Francisco Chronicleby Kurtis AlexanderDespite five years of record drought, many Californians have not been required to cut their water use. Some wielded a heavy hand at the tap, enjoying green lawns and showy landscapes even as water supplies dried up. This could soon change. If the rains fall short this winter — or whenever the next bad drought […]
No Bounceback For Delta Fish
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Record Net (Stockton)by Alex BreitlerThe Delta smelt has survived 2016, but that’s about where the good news ends. Surveys that wrapped up this month revealed no real increase in smelt numbers despite a wetter year with more freshwater flow in the Delta. In fact, the smelt’s situation may actually have gotten worse: For the first time since the extensive […]