After years of drought, winter’s rain and snow storms generated close to a normal supply of water for California. As winter turned to spring, the Bureau of Reclamation announced allocations to farmers. Rice growers and other farmers in the Sacramento Valley north of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta were pleased to learn that they would receive […]
Behind the gates of Blackhawk, California, an exclusive community of homes costing more than a million dollars, the warning has gone out: no more brown lawns. Over the past year, some Blackhawk residents let their lawns die as Californians were ordered to reduce water use, reports CBS News correspondent John Blackstone. Now, the Blackhawk Homeowners Association […]
Several Arizona water experts are calling on Gov. Doug Ducey to veto legislation passed this week that they denounce as weakening groundwater protection standards in two counties and threatening Arizona’s reputation for smart water management. The bills’ proponents, including lawmakers who represent Cochise County, said they are written narrowly to avoid upending statewide water law but are […]
California’s devastating 4-year-old drought showed signs Thursday of easing its grip on the nation’s most populous state — if only a little. For the first time in three years, less than 90% of California is in drought, the U.S. Drought Monitor, a federal website that tracks the dry conditions, reported. The decrease may not sound like a lot, but it’s […]
The El Nino rains have brought some relief to drought-stricken California. The U.S. Drought Monitor is reporting that the percentage of the state in exceptional drought is half of what it was at the beginning of the year – 21 percent versus 44.8 percent in January. At least one water district has decided to loosen […]
There’s something different about Will Bucklin’s grape vines. At first it’s hard to notice, but a drive through northern California’s Sonoma Valley, past waves of green, manicured vineyards, makes it clear. The black ribbon of PVC irrigation pipe that typically threads the vines is curiously absent here – because Will doesn’t water his crops. Bucklin’s […]
OPINION: Water Rights Will Be Next Big California Fight
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby By Dan WaltersAfter years of drought, winter’s rain and snow storms generated close to a normal supply of water for California. As winter turned to spring, the Bureau of Reclamation announced allocations to farmers. Rice growers and other farmers in the Sacramento Valley north of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta were pleased to learn that they would receive […]
Exclusive Calif. Community Ordered to Beautify Lawns Despite Drought
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /CBS NewsBehind the gates of Blackhawk, California, an exclusive community of homes costing more than a million dollars, the warning has gone out: no more brown lawns. Over the past year, some Blackhawk residents let their lawns die as Californians were ordered to reduce water use, reports CBS News correspondent John Blackstone. Now, the Blackhawk Homeowners Association […]
Water Experts Denounce Arizona Groundwater Bills, Ask Ducey to Veto
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /azcentral.com (Phoenix, Ariz.)by By Brandon LoomisSeveral Arizona water experts are calling on Gov. Doug Ducey to veto legislation passed this week that they denounce as weakening groundwater protection standards in two counties and threatening Arizona’s reputation for smart water management. The bills’ proponents, including lawmakers who represent Cochise County, said they are written narrowly to avoid upending statewide water law but are […]
Less than 90% of California in Drought for 1st Time in 3 Years
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /USA Todayby By Doyle RiceCalifornia’s devastating 4-year-old drought showed signs Thursday of easing its grip on the nation’s most populous state — if only a little. For the first time in three years, less than 90% of California is in drought, the U.S. Drought Monitor, a federal website that tracks the dry conditions, reported. The decrease may not sound like a lot, but it’s […]
California Drought Eases, But It’s Far From Over
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /WBUR (Boston)The El Nino rains have brought some relief to drought-stricken California. The U.S. Drought Monitor is reporting that the percentage of the state in exceptional drought is half of what it was at the beginning of the year – 21 percent versus 44.8 percent in January. At least one water district has decided to loosen […]
When in drought: the California farmers who don’t water their crops
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Guardian (San Francisco)by Charlotte SimmondsThere’s something different about Will Bucklin’s grape vines. At first it’s hard to notice, but a drive through northern California’s Sonoma Valley, past waves of green, manicured vineyards, makes it clear. The black ribbon of PVC irrigation pipe that typically threads the vines is curiously absent here – because Will doesn’t water his crops. Bucklin’s […]