New data out Wednesday show Californians used 15 percent more water this July than the same time last year, continuing a trend that began in June when state officials backed away from mandatory water conservation targets. While state officials seem unfazed by the increase, others worry it means Californians aren’t taking the drought as seriously […]
It sounded too good to be true — an official forecast that 2016 water use in Arizona, California and Nevada will be the lowest since 1992. That forecast from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation was too good to be true — by the bureau’s own admission. It was widely reported recently as a sign of […]
The following is taken from a “council communication” from Public Works Director Pawan Agrawal providing background information regarding the agreement between the city of Bullhead City and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation permitting the city to pump effluent — wastewater — into the Colorado River: In October 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation issued a […]
Almost two years ago California voters, in the midst of a historic drought, passed Proposition 1, a $7.5 billion bond measure intended to ease water shortages by funding new projects. At this point, many Californians are wondering where all that money went. Most of it hasn’t gone anywhere, yet. According to a recent report by the Public […]
As the western United States struggles with chronic water shortages and a changing climate, scientists are warning that if vast underground stores of fresh water that California and other states rely on are not carefully conserved, they too may soon run dry. Heeding this warning, California passed new laws in late 2014 that for the […]
Lake Powell has been called “Jewel of the Colorado” by the federal agency that built it, the Bureau of Reclamation. It’s been a vital force for the intermountain West because of its ability to store vast amounts of water and generate electricity for farmers, cities and towns in 13 states. But a new study warns […]
Water Use in California is Increasing. Should We Care?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /89.3 KPCC (Pasadena)by Emily GuerinNew data out Wednesday show Californians used 15 percent more water this July than the same time last year, continuing a trend that began in June when state officials backed away from mandatory water conservation targets. While state officials seem unfazed by the increase, others worry it means Californians aren’t taking the drought as seriously […]
Feds’ water use forecast was too good to be true
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Arizona Daily Starby Tony DavisIt sounded too good to be true — an official forecast that 2016 water use in Arizona, California and Nevada will be the lowest since 1992. That forecast from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation was too good to be true — by the bureau’s own admission. It was widely reported recently as a sign of […]
Background on Agreement Between Bullhead City, BOR
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Mohave Valley Daily News (Bullhead City, Ariz.)by Neil YoungThe following is taken from a “council communication” from Public Works Director Pawan Agrawal providing background information regarding the agreement between the city of Bullhead City and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation permitting the city to pump effluent — wastewater — into the Colorado River: In October 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation issued a […]
Here’s What’s Happening to All That Water Bond Money
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Water Deeply (New York)by Matt WeiserAlmost two years ago California voters, in the midst of a historic drought, passed Proposition 1, a $7.5 billion bond measure intended to ease water shortages by funding new projects. At this point, many Californians are wondering where all that money went. Most of it hasn’t gone anywhere, yet. According to a recent report by the Public […]
The Golden State’s water crisis: California and EPA poised to expand pollution of potential drinking water reserves
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Salon (Sacramento)by Abrahm LustgartenAs the western United States struggles with chronic water shortages and a changing climate, scientists are warning that if vast underground stores of fresh water that California and other states rely on are not carefully conserved, they too may soon run dry. Heeding this warning, California passed new laws in late 2014 that for the […]
Lake Powell could dry up in as little as six years, study says
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Arizona Daily Starby Tony DavisLake Powell has been called “Jewel of the Colorado” by the federal agency that built it, the Bureau of Reclamation. It’s been a vital force for the intermountain West because of its ability to store vast amounts of water and generate electricity for farmers, cities and towns in 13 states. But a new study warns […]