The report’s findings were unequivocal: Given the current pace of water diversions, the San Francisco Bay and the Delta network of rivers and marshes are ecological goners, with many of its native fish species now experiencing a “sixth extinction,” environmental science’s most-dire definition of ecosystem collapse.Once a vast, soaked marsh and channel fed by the […]
An impressive storm system drenched much of the Central San Joaquin Valley with rain over the weekend and dropped much-needed snow in the Sierra. Snow levels fell to around 3,500 feet in the foothills. “It was our first, real significant winter system,” National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Barlow said. An overall .77 inches of rain […]
California is a big diverse place. California probably will experience droughts this year of different types in different places, and no drought at all in some places, simultaneously. Even if conditions this year are very wet, with flooding, parts of California will have drought issues. (This is what makes California a great place to work […]
The start of rainy season and its effects on the outdoors next year already are showing promise. The little-seen numbers from water agencies show there is a good chance of a great 2017 for camping at lakes and streams, as well as for boating, rafting, fishing and water sports.Over the weekend, I reviewed reports made […]
Negotiations between the U.S. and Mexico to seal a water-sharing deal over the dwindling supplies on the Colorado River are confronting a new deadline: the inauguration of Donald Trump. A 16-year drought has sent water levels at the river’s most important reservoir, Lake Mead, to their lowest point since it was first filled in the […]
At least a third of San Francisco’s commercial properties risk running afoul of city law requiring water-efficient toilets and faucets by the end of the year. A 2009 conservation ordinance, which established some of the state’s most aggressive building codes even before California’s historic drought began, would leave thousands of property owners on the hook […]
To Save SF Bay And Its Dying Delta, State Aims To Replumb California
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Stockton Recordby Julie CartThe report’s findings were unequivocal: Given the current pace of water diversions, the San Francisco Bay and the Delta network of rivers and marshes are ecological goners, with many of its native fish species now experiencing a “sixth extinction,” environmental science’s most-dire definition of ecosystem collapse.Once a vast, soaked marsh and channel fed by the […]
Winterlike Weekend Storm Drops Rain And Snow; Cold Air Will Remain In Valley
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Fresno Beeby Cresencio Rodriguez-DelgadoAn impressive storm system drenched much of the Central San Joaquin Valley with rain over the weekend and dropped much-needed snow in the Sierra. Snow levels fell to around 3,500 feet in the foothills. “It was our first, real significant winter system,” National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Barlow said. An overall .77 inches of rain […]
BLOG: The Coming Droughts of California in 2017 – November 27, 2016
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /California WaterBlog (Davis)by Jay LundCalifornia is a big diverse place. California probably will experience droughts this year of different types in different places, and no drought at all in some places, simultaneously. Even if conditions this year are very wet, with flooding, parts of California will have drought issues. (This is what makes California a great place to work […]
Early-Season Rain Builds Hope For Outdoor Recreation In ’17
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /San Francisco Chronicleby Tom StienstraThe start of rainy season and its effects on the outdoors next year already are showing promise. The little-seen numbers from water agencies show there is a good chance of a great 2017 for camping at lakes and streams, as well as for boating, rafting, fishing and water sports.Over the weekend, I reviewed reports made […]
Trump win churns U.S.-Mexico water talks
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Politico by Annie SniderNegotiations between the U.S. and Mexico to seal a water-sharing deal over the dwindling supplies on the Colorado River are confronting a new deadline: the inauguration of Donald Trump. A 16-year drought has sent water levels at the river’s most important reservoir, Lake Mead, to their lowest point since it was first filled in the […]
Property Owners Pressed As New SF Water Efficiency Standards Loom
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /San Francisco Chronicleby Kurtis AlexanderAt least a third of San Francisco’s commercial properties risk running afoul of city law requiring water-efficient toilets and faucets by the end of the year. A 2009 conservation ordinance, which established some of the state’s most aggressive building codes even before California’s historic drought began, would leave thousands of property owners on the hook […]