With more predictions of drought-like conditions for California in the near future, it is difficult to find workable solutions when some politicians mislead the public at a critical time for our state’s water supply. It was especially alarming to hear that Donald Trump recently stood before a Central Valley audience to declare “there is no […]
Given the chance to police themselves after a wetter winter, Bakersfield’s five urban water districts are holstering their batons — relaxing or removing conservation standards while still preaching a message of saving water. Local water officials say that’s not a contradiction. They point out the State Water Resources Control Board decided in May to let local agencies […]
It’s time to fight fire with fire. Senate Bill 5 — the bane of Central Valley cities, counties, and property owners who have never flooded but now have to spend hundreds of millions on upgrades to protect against events that are considered small on the flood rating scale — came about in 2007. It was […]
A group representing powerful statewide business and water interests has filed a petition to ease Sacramento River fishing regulations for striped bass, a predator fish some blame for the demise of chinook salmon. The California Fish and Game Commission will consider the petition, which also includes changes to black bass regulations, during its meeting next […]
Is it possible to plan new housing that makes sustainable use of groundwater? Why should we care? One word: California. The members of the Friends of the San Pedro River have concerns that, without our own groundwater use being sustainable, we will follow in California’s footsteps. While California has historically suffered intermittent water shortages, the […]
Since California’s most recent drought began more than four years ago, scientific studies have been helping us better understand the causes and implications. We know now that a lack of precipitation has largely been caused by a very stubborn high-pressure system sitting off the West coast – dubbed at one time the Ridiculously Resilient Ridge. […]
OPINION: United defense key to Delta’s future
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Stockton Recordby Jerry McNerneyWith more predictions of drought-like conditions for California in the near future, it is difficult to find workable solutions when some politicians mislead the public at a critical time for our state’s water supply. It was especially alarming to hear that Donald Trump recently stood before a Central Valley audience to declare “there is no […]
Water agencies relax penalties — but still urge conservation
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Bakersfield Californianby THEO DOUGLASGiven the chance to police themselves after a wetter winter, Bakersfield’s five urban water districts are holstering their batons — relaxing or removing conservation standards while still preaching a message of saving water. Local water officials say that’s not a contradiction. They point out the State Water Resources Control Board decided in May to let local agencies […]
California isn’t flooding; it’s burning
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Manteca Bulletinby Dennis Wyatt Quoted: Manteca BulletinIt’s time to fight fire with fire. Senate Bill 5 — the bane of Central Valley cities, counties, and property owners who have never flooded but now have to spend hundreds of millions on upgrades to protect against events that are considered small on the flood rating scale — came about in 2007. It was […]
Business, water interests seek to increase bass limits to help salmon
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Redding Record Searchlightby Damon ArthurA group representing powerful statewide business and water interests has filed a petition to ease Sacramento River fishing regulations for striped bass, a predator fish some blame for the demise of chinook salmon. The California Fish and Game Commission will consider the petition, which also includes changes to black bass regulations, during its meeting next […]
Sustainable use of groundwater matters
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Sierra Vista Heraldby Robert WeisslerIs it possible to plan new housing that makes sustainable use of groundwater? Why should we care? One word: California. The members of the Friends of the San Pedro River have concerns that, without our own groundwater use being sustainable, we will follow in California’s footsteps. While California has historically suffered intermittent water shortages, the […]
Wind, not Water, to Blame for Drought, Says Study
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Water Deeply (New York)by Tara LohanSince California’s most recent drought began more than four years ago, scientific studies have been helping us better understand the causes and implications. We know now that a lack of precipitation has largely been caused by a very stubborn high-pressure system sitting off the West coast – dubbed at one time the Ridiculously Resilient Ridge. […]