A pollutant that has leached into California aquifers since farmers first began using synthetic fertilizer continues to accumulate and would not be removed from groundwater even if the state’s agriculture businesses abruptly quit using nitrogen-based materials to boost the productivity of their crops. That’s one of the themes of a new study from the UC Davis […]
There’s plenty of summer left, but the season for boating at Folsom Lake is getting cut short because of low lake levels. Starting Monday, the maximum speed limit for boaters and other watercraft will be reduced to 5 miles per hour [mph]. “It’s very early, and it’s sad,” boater Darrell Perry said. “It feels unfair […]
A Northern California wildfire has destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses and forced area residents to flee their lake community, authorities said Sunday.The fast-moving Clayton fire broke out late Saturday afternoon off Highway 29 and Clayton Creek Road, forcing the entire community of Lower Lake — located more than 100 miles north of San Francisco — to evacuate, officials […]
Gov. Jerry Brown’s misguided tunnel vision on the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta has taken the focus off other valuable water projects California should be implementing. Unlike the governor’s $17 billion twin-tunnel disaster, Assemblyman Richard Bloom’s AB 2480 would produce additional water for California, improve the state’s environment and help ward off or at least mitigate […]
For many families, the summer heat means backyard barbecues with plates filled to the brim with grilled burgers, hot dogs, potato salad and, of course, some fresh farm-picked corn-on-the-cob. But if you’re enjoying a side of corn with your dinner this month, make sure to savor it because it’s one ear that survived the brutal […]
To most people in the U.S., water is simply assumed. Without much thought, they turn on the shower, brush their teeth, make coffee or tea, flush the toilet, and grab a full, cold plastic bottle of name-brand water. Taking a bite of food or slipping on a cotton T-shirt does not inspire thoughts of water, […]
California Farm Communities Pay Price for Decades of Fertilizer Use
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby Adam AshtonA pollutant that has leached into California aquifers since farmers first began using synthetic fertilizer continues to accumulate and would not be removed from groundwater even if the state’s agriculture businesses abruptly quit using nitrogen-based materials to boost the productivity of their crops. That’s one of the themes of a new study from the UC Davis […]
Low Lake Level Prompts Reduced Speed Limit on Folsom Lake
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /ABC10 (Sacramento)by Ericka SoThere’s plenty of summer left, but the season for boating at Folsom Lake is getting cut short because of low lake levels. Starting Monday, the maximum speed limit for boaters and other watercraft will be reduced to 5 miles per hour [mph]. “It’s very early, and it’s sad,” boater Darrell Perry said. “It feels unfair […]
Northern California Wildfire Forces Hundreds to Evacuate
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Los Angeles Timesby Ruben VivesA Northern California wildfire has destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses and forced area residents to flee their lake community, authorities said Sunday.The fast-moving Clayton fire broke out late Saturday afternoon off Highway 29 and Clayton Creek Road, forcing the entire community of Lower Lake — located more than 100 miles north of San Francisco — to evacuate, officials […]
OPINION: Protect California’s Watersheds
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /East Bay Times (Walnut Creek)Gov. Jerry Brown’s misguided tunnel vision on the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta has taken the focus off other valuable water projects California should be implementing. Unlike the governor’s $17 billion twin-tunnel disaster, Assemblyman Richard Bloom’s AB 2480 would produce additional water for California, improve the state’s environment and help ward off or at least mitigate […]
Crops Wilting, Businesses Suffer From Prolonged Drought
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The MetroWest Daily News (Framingham, Mass.)For many families, the summer heat means backyard barbecues with plates filled to the brim with grilled burgers, hot dogs, potato salad and, of course, some fresh farm-picked corn-on-the-cob. But if you’re enjoying a side of corn with your dinner this month, make sure to savor it because it’s one ear that survived the brutal […]
Most of the World’s Large Aquifers at Tipping Point
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Natural Resource ReportTo most people in the U.S., water is simply assumed. Without much thought, they turn on the shower, brush their teeth, make coffee or tea, flush the toilet, and grab a full, cold plastic bottle of name-brand water. Taking a bite of food or slipping on a cotton T-shirt does not inspire thoughts of water, […]