On March 1, the Delta Counties Coalition (DCC) officially supported legislation that prohibits the construction of the peripheral canal, twin tunnels or other isolated conveyance project unless approved by California voters. The coalition, which represents Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano and Yolo counties, expressed its support in a letter addressed to state Assemblywoman Susan […]
This weekend’s soaking rains delivered just what drought-weary Northern California needed: billions of gallons of water pouring into the state’s major reservoirs — and more predicted for later this week. With rain totals reaching 10 inches or more in some mountain areas, 46 of the largest reservoirs in California, closely tracked by the state Department […]
During dry years, water becomes scarcer, and, economically, people should pay more for it. But most urban residents do not pay directly for water scarcity. We only pay the financial cost of providing water through pipes, pumping, treatment plants, and reservoirs. We do not pay for the lost value that water would have had for […]
For the past year, there has been a lot of optimism surrounding the potential relief from the five-year drought that El Niño could bring to California. But though we have seen our rivers swell and our mountains capped with snow, the precipitation from El Niño is not enough to provide a long-term solution to California’s […]
For some, the very idea of privatizing water — a substance essential to human life on this planet — is simply unthinkable. Clean water is the right of every person, they would argue. But if the history of water management in the western states is any indication, treating water as the commodity it is would […]
If you thought Saturday was rainy, just give it a few more days. Between now and Monday, an expected 2-3 inches of rain is being forecast for the valley floor, with 5-7.5 inches in the foothills. The snow level will drop to 4,000 feet Saturday night, with 2-3 feet accumulating. Hazardous travel is likely over […]
Coalition Backs Legislation to Put Delta Tunnels Before Voters
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Lodi News-Sentinelby By Joe BenapflOn March 1, the Delta Counties Coalition (DCC) officially supported legislation that prohibits the construction of the peripheral canal, twin tunnels or other isolated conveyance project unless approved by California voters. The coalition, which represents Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano and Yolo counties, expressed its support in a letter addressed to state Assemblywoman Susan […]
California Storms Send Billions of Gallons of Water into Reservoirs
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /San Jose Mercury Newsby By Paul RogersThis weekend’s soaking rains delivered just what drought-weary Northern California needed: billions of gallons of water pouring into the state’s major reservoirs — and more predicted for later this week. With rain totals reaching 10 inches or more in some mountain areas, 46 of the largest reservoirs in California, closely tracked by the state Department […]
BLOG: Let People Pay What Water is Worth – Sell Your Conserved Water
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /California WaterBlog (Davis)by By Jay LundDuring dry years, water becomes scarcer, and, economically, people should pay more for it. But most urban residents do not pay directly for water scarcity. We only pay the financial cost of providing water through pipes, pumping, treatment plants, and reservoirs. We do not pay for the lost value that water would have had for […]
OPINION: Time for the Legislature to Get Serious About Water Storage
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Contra Costa Timesby By Devon Mathis,For the past year, there has been a lot of optimism surrounding the potential relief from the five-year drought that El Niño could bring to California. But though we have seen our rivers swell and our mountains capped with snow, the precipitation from El Niño is not enough to provide a long-term solution to California’s […]
OPINION: Bringing Water to the Markets
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Las Vegas Review JournalFor some, the very idea of privatizing water — a substance essential to human life on this planet — is simply unthinkable. Clean water is the right of every person, they would argue. But if the history of water management in the western states is any indication, treating water as the commodity it is would […]
Forecasters: Strong Storm Continues Today
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Daily Democrat (Woodland)by By Steve SchoonoverIf you thought Saturday was rainy, just give it a few more days. Between now and Monday, an expected 2-3 inches of rain is being forecast for the valley floor, with 5-7.5 inches in the foothills. The snow level will drop to 4,000 feet Saturday night, with 2-3 feet accumulating. Hazardous travel is likely over […]