Record-setting rain this season has pushed California completely out of the “abnormally dry” category on the U.S. Drought Monitor for the first time in 25 years, as a series of storms delivered one of the wettest starts to the water year across the state. Southern California saw a notably soggy holiday period, with rain on Christmas […]
California has been declared drought-free for the first time in a quarter-century. However, Central Valley water experts warn that the state needs to take immediate action to boost water supplies in preparation for future dry conditions. The U.S. Drought Monitor declared that California does not have any drought conditions last week. That is the first […]
Fieldwork is at the heart of infrastructure expansion and rehabilitation, as utilities, engineers, and contractors collaborate to build the systems and structures that treat and move water. The opportunity is great, but so are the challenges. Which is why new, digitally-enhanced tools are needed — to meet modern demands related to labor shortages, regulatory pressures, […]
Microsoft on Tuesday unveiled an initiative to curb water usage at its U.S. data centers and limit the impact on the general population from any potential surge in power prices. Political leaders across the U.S. are urging a rapid expansion of data-center capacity and new power production to keep the country competitive in AI. However, local […]
On Jan. 8, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a three-bill appropriations package that includes the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, as part of a broader funding measure aimed at completing fiscal year 2026 appropriations. The consolidated package passed by a vote of 397 to 28 and now moves to the Senate for […]
Lake Shasta and California’s other lakes and reservoirs got a big boost from wet holiday storms. Nearly two weeks into 2026, all of the state’s 17 major reservoirs are brimming above their 30-year average after atmospheric rivers dumped heavy rain on much of the state starting the week before Christmas, lasting into Wednesday, Jan. 7. […]
Beyond the Forecast: Record-Setting Rain Delivers One of the Wettest Starts to CA Water Year
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Sierra Stewart /ABC 7by Brianna RuffaloRecord-setting rain this season has pushed California completely out of the “abnormally dry” category on the U.S. Drought Monitor for the first time in 25 years, as a series of storms delivered one of the wettest starts to the water year across the state. Southern California saw a notably soggy holiday period, with rain on Christmas […]
Westlands Pushes for More Water Storage as California Declared Drought-Free
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Sierra Stewart /The Sunby Daniel GligichCalifornia has been declared drought-free for the first time in a quarter-century. However, Central Valley water experts warn that the state needs to take immediate action to boost water supplies in preparation for future dry conditions. The U.S. Drought Monitor declared that California does not have any drought conditions last week. That is the first […]
Down and Dirty With Digital: How AI Enhances Water Infrastructure Fieldwork
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Sierra Stewart /Water Onlineby Kevin WesterlingFieldwork is at the heart of infrastructure expansion and rehabilitation, as utilities, engineers, and contractors collaborate to build the systems and structures that treat and move water. The opportunity is great, but so are the challenges. Which is why new, digitally-enhanced tools are needed — to meet modern demands related to labor shortages, regulatory pressures, […]
Microsoft Rolls Out Initiative to Limit Data-Center Power Costs, Water Use Impact
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Sierra Stewart /ReutersMicrosoft on Tuesday unveiled an initiative to curb water usage at its U.S. data centers and limit the impact on the general population from any potential surge in power prices. Political leaders across the U.S. are urging a rapid expansion of data-center capacity and new power production to keep the country competitive in AI. However, local […]
U.S. House Passes Energy and Water Funding Bill, but Final Water Allocations Still Ahead
/in California and the U.S. /by Sierra Stewart /Smart Water MagazineOn Jan. 8, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a three-bill appropriations package that includes the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, as part of a broader funding measure aimed at completing fiscal year 2026 appropriations. The consolidated package passed by a vote of 397 to 28 and now moves to the Senate for […]
How Much Water Is in Lake Shasta, California Reservoirs in 2026?
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Sierra Stewart /Redding Record Searchlightby Jessica SkropanicLake Shasta and California’s other lakes and reservoirs got a big boost from wet holiday storms. Nearly two weeks into 2026, all of the state’s 17 major reservoirs are brimming above their 30-year average after atmospheric rivers dumped heavy rain on much of the state starting the week before Christmas, lasting into Wednesday, Jan. 7. […]