In the contentious talks over how states will split the shrinking Colorado River, negotiators are reaching consensus on one point: Just go with the “natural flow.” The concept is a somewhat simple one. Instead of negotiating future cuts across the entire seven-state region, the process would rely on recent water records — the amount of […]
If there is anything that might constitute an overwhelming institutional consensus in California, it’s that we are experiencing climate change, and that one of the consequences will be more rain, less snow, and more so-called whiplash between very wet years and very dry years. In an average year these days, 30 million acre feet of water flows […]
California’s drinking water has elevated levels of a certain contaminant found to be associated with adverse birth outcomes, causing experts to advise that safe water advisories need to be updated. According to a nationwide study led by researchers at Columbia University, parts of the state have levels of arsenic in public drinking water higher than […]
The U.S. House passed President Donald Trump’s spending bill on July 3, 2025, that includes tax cuts and cuts to Medicaid and various other programs. The bill now goes to the President to be signed. Initial estimates suggest the bill would add roughly $3 trillion to the national debt. Mentions of water within the bill, […]
The deadly flash flood along Texas’ Guadalupe River showed the devastating toll such a disaster can take, and California could face similar dangers when extreme weather strikes. Low-lying areas along rivers and creeks can be hazardous when downpours and torrents come, as shown by past floods in parts of the state including the Los Angeles […]
The deadly floods in Central Texas, which had killed more than 100 people as of Tuesday afternoon, have become a flashpoint for discussions of government preparedness for flood emergencies. Kerr County abandoned efforts to build a more robust warning system, reportedly due to budget issues; officials also appear not to have issued evacuation orders at […]
Inside the ‘Revolutionary’ New Colorado River Proposal
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Jordan Beane /E&E News by Jennifer YachninIn the contentious talks over how states will split the shrinking Colorado River, negotiators are reaching consensus on one point: Just go with the “natural flow.” The concept is a somewhat simple one. Instead of negotiating future cuts across the entire seven-state region, the process would rely on recent water records — the amount of […]
OPINION: Is California’s Water Infrastructure Ready for Climate Whiplash?
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Jordan Beane /California Globeby Edward RingIf there is anything that might constitute an overwhelming institutional consensus in California, it’s that we are experiencing climate change, and that one of the consequences will be more rain, less snow, and more so-called whiplash between very wet years and very dry years. In an average year these days, 30 million acre feet of water flows […]
California Has a Drinking Water Problem
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Jordan Beane /Newsweekby Jasmine LawsCalifornia’s drinking water has elevated levels of a certain contaminant found to be associated with adverse birth outcomes, causing experts to advise that safe water advisories need to be updated. According to a nationwide study led by researchers at Columbia University, parts of the state have levels of arsenic in public drinking water higher than […]
Every Mention of ‘Water’ in Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage, Uncategorized /by Jordan Beane /WaterWorldby Alex CossinThe U.S. House passed President Donald Trump’s spending bill on July 3, 2025, that includes tax cuts and cuts to Medicaid and various other programs. The bill now goes to the President to be signed. Initial estimates suggest the bill would add roughly $3 trillion to the national debt. Mentions of water within the bill, […]
Like Texas, California Faces Major Dangers When Extreme Floods Come
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Jordan Beane /Los Angeles Timesby Ian JamesThe deadly flash flood along Texas’ Guadalupe River showed the devastating toll such a disaster can take, and California could face similar dangers when extreme weather strikes. Low-lying areas along rivers and creeks can be hazardous when downpours and torrents come, as shown by past floods in parts of the state including the Los Angeles […]
Floods Are Increasingly Common. Our Water Infrastructure Is Unprepared
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Jordan Beane /Governingby Carl SmithThe deadly floods in Central Texas, which had killed more than 100 people as of Tuesday afternoon, have become a flashpoint for discussions of government preparedness for flood emergencies. Kerr County abandoned efforts to build a more robust warning system, reportedly due to budget issues; officials also appear not to have issued evacuation orders at […]