Any sign of precipitation in the forecast is a welcome sight for Californians these days. But with temperatures expected to be above normal this winter, California’s snowpack may not reach the heights it could. Getting snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is crucial to the state’s water supply. But scientists say as the climate continues […]
The water wars in California are getting uglier. If you doubt that consider the plight of the Bryon-Bethany Irrigation District. They were slapped — along with other water districts — with a curtailment order on June 12 by the State Water Resources Control Board for water diversions based on pre-1914 appropriative water rights. The targeted […]
With several Bay Area reservoirs nearly full, at capacity or overflowing, you might think we’re in good water shape. But, when it comes to the state’s really big reservoirs, which we depend on most— think again. Majestic Mount Shasta’s huge crown of snow gleams in the sun. Fifty miles south, Lake Shasta, California’s largest reservoir […]
It’s official: the southwestern United States will likely never be the same again. A new analysis of the past 35 years of weather patterns concluded that what is now considered a normal year of rain and snow in the Southwest is one-quarter drier than it was before the 1970s. And the climate conditions that bring […]
Go ahead and turn up those Jock Jams, Obama, because your administration is doing something unprecedented before you become un-presidented: submitting a budget proposal with $267 million specifically devoted to water innovation. OK, it’s more exciting than it sounds. The water tech section of the budget focuses on making desalination affordable, monitoring water use in […]
While the Atlantic coast of America was preparing for last month’s massive snowstorm, California was enjoying a welcome, albeit temporary, reprieve from its four-year drought. The prolonged downpour—a harbinger of the imminent El Niño storms — raised pool levels in Los Angeles by almost three inches, providing your correspondent with an extra 500 gallons of […]
California’s Water Supply at Risk From Warmer Winters
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /KQED (San Francisco)by Lauren SommerAny sign of precipitation in the forecast is a welcome sight for Californians these days. But with temperatures expected to be above normal this winter, California’s snowpack may not reach the heights it could. Getting snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is crucial to the state’s water supply. But scientists say as the climate continues […]
State Water Strategy: Crush the Little Guy
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Manteca Bulletinby Dennis WyattThe water wars in California are getting uglier. If you doubt that consider the plight of the Bryon-Bethany Irrigation District. They were slapped — along with other water districts — with a curtailment order on June 12 by the State Water Resources Control Board for water diversions based on pre-1914 appropriative water rights. The targeted […]
Many of California’s Larger Reservoirs Still Starved for Rain
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /KTVU Fox 2 (Oakland)With several Bay Area reservoirs nearly full, at capacity or overflowing, you might think we’re in good water shape. But, when it comes to the state’s really big reservoirs, which we depend on most— think again. Majestic Mount Shasta’s huge crown of snow gleams in the sun. Fifty miles south, Lake Shasta, California’s largest reservoir […]
As Drought Becomes the Norm, Where Can U.S. Turn for Lessons in Adaptation?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Christian Science Monitorby Lonnie ShekhtmanIt’s official: the southwestern United States will likely never be the same again. A new analysis of the past 35 years of weather patterns concluded that what is now considered a normal year of rain and snow in the Southwest is one-quarter drier than it was before the 1970s. And the climate conditions that bring […]
White House Proposes Millions for Big Water Innovations
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Grist (Seattle)by Kate YoderGo ahead and turn up those Jock Jams, Obama, because your administration is doing something unprecedented before you become un-presidented: submitting a budget proposal with $267 million specifically devoted to water innovation. OK, it’s more exciting than it sounds. The water tech section of the budget focuses on making desalination affordable, monitoring water use in […]
The Great Wet Hope
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The EconomistWhile the Atlantic coast of America was preparing for last month’s massive snowstorm, California was enjoying a welcome, albeit temporary, reprieve from its four-year drought. The prolonged downpour—a harbinger of the imminent El Niño storms — raised pool levels in Los Angeles by almost three inches, providing your correspondent with an extra 500 gallons of […]