A two-year Delta fight came to a head Tuesday as a state water agency proposed a $4.6 million fine — its largest ever — and cleanup order against a Pittsburg resident who owns a small island in the Suisun Marsh. The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board issued the complaint and abatement order […]
Agricultural demand for recycled water is increasing along with the ability to supply it. But water experts say competition for access to the resource is rising—and say they’re unsure what the growing demand may mean for prices. State water officials plan a survey of recycled water use in coming months—the first since 2009, when they […]
After coming through one of the strongest El Niños on record, it’s now fairly certain that La Niña will be fast on its heels. The odds are up to 75 percent, in fact, that the cooler, drier half of the climate pattern knows as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) will be upon us by fall. […]
California is getting ready to enter the hottest and driest months of the year, but it’s armed this year, at least, with a rainy season that resulted in nearly average precipitation for parts of the state. The largest reservoirs in Northern California are brimming, and urban water suppliers will be getting something of a reprieve […]
With temperatures in the 90s Tuesday, the water was raging along the North Fork of the American River thanks to fast-melting snow. “It’s pretty high compared to the other years,” Anna Chubar said. The raging waters are good news not only for rafters and boaters, but also for Northern California reservoirs, which are filling up fast. Lake […]
Long considered an ally of Delta advocates, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi introduced legislation this week that appears likely to test that reputation.Garamendi, a Democrat who lives in Walnut Grove and represents the north Delta, sent to the House of Representatives a drought bill that he said is identical to legislation already brought to the Senate […]
Delta Island Owner May Face Largest Fine Ever by California Water Agency
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /San Jose Mercury News by Matthias GafniA two-year Delta fight came to a head Tuesday as a state water agency proposed a $4.6 million fine — its largest ever — and cleanup order against a Pittsburg resident who owns a small island in the Suisun Marsh. The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board issued the complaint and abatement order […]
Drought Brings New Attention to Recycled Water
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /AgAlert (Sacramento)by By Kate CampbellAgricultural demand for recycled water is increasing along with the ability to supply it. But water experts say competition for access to the resource is rising—and say they’re unsure what the growing demand may mean for prices. State water officials plan a survey of recycled water use in coming months—the first since 2009, when they […]
There’s a 75% Chance Our Monster El Niño Is Turning Into La Niña
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Curbed Skiby Michael SchrantzAfter coming through one of the strongest El Niños on record, it’s now fairly certain that La Niña will be fast on its heels. The odds are up to 75 percent, in fact, that the cooler, drier half of the climate pattern knows as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) will be upon us by fall. […]
Chronic Water Scarcity Threatens Food Production
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Water Deeplyby Tara LohanCalifornia is getting ready to enter the hottest and driest months of the year, but it’s armed this year, at least, with a rainy season that resulted in nearly average precipitation for parts of the state. The largest reservoirs in Northern California are brimming, and urban water suppliers will be getting something of a reprieve […]
Snowpack Melting Quickly in Sierra Causes Faster Rapids
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /KCRA Sacramentoby Mike LueryWith temperatures in the 90s Tuesday, the water was raging along the North Fork of the American River thanks to fast-melting snow. “It’s pretty high compared to the other years,” Anna Chubar said. The raging waters are good news not only for rafters and boaters, but also for Northern California reservoirs, which are filling up fast. Lake […]
‘Deeply disappointed’ with Garamendi bill
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Stockton Recordby Alex BreitlerLong considered an ally of Delta advocates, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi introduced legislation this week that appears likely to test that reputation.Garamendi, a Democrat who lives in Walnut Grove and represents the north Delta, sent to the House of Representatives a drought bill that he said is identical to legislation already brought to the Senate […]