California and the U.S.

The latest news and analysis covering water issues in Caliornia and the rest of the United States.

Winter 2019-20 Will Likely Be Warmer Than Average in Southern U.S. & Colder Than Average in Parts of Northern Tier

A warmer winter is in store for much of the southern U.S., while the northern tier of the country shivers, our new winter outlook shows. In addition, NOAA’s winter outlook indicates that parts of the flood-weary Northern Plains and Midwest may see a wetter-than-average December through February. Winter temperatures will likely be near to warmer […]

The Water Crisis Cities Don’t See Coming

Aging water treatment systems, failing pipes and a slew of unregulated contaminants threaten to undermine water quality in U.S. cities of all sizes. Why it matters: There’s arguably nothing more important to human survival than access to clean drinking water.

The Ecosystems Of Innovation

There are few myths as enduring in American culture as the Great Man Theory, the idea that history is shaped primarily by exceptional individuals who rise, creating themselves like the ancient Egyptian sun god Ra out of primordial chaos, independent of social circumstances, family, collaborators, education, mentorship or overall context. And there are few places […]

Trees That Survived California Drought May Hold Clue To Climate Resilience

When California’s historic five-year drought finally relented a few years ago the tally of dead trees in the Sierra Nevada was higher than almost anyone expected: 129 million. Most are still standing, the dry patches dotting the mountainsides. But some trees did survive the test of heat and drought. Now, scientists are racing to collect […]

As Groundwater Law Plows Forward, Small Farmers Seek More Engagement

Dennis Hutson’s rows of alfalfa, melons, okra and black-eyed peas are an oasis of green in the dry terrain of Allensworth, an unincorporated community in rural Tulare County. Hutson, currently cultivating on 60 acres, has a vision for many more fields bustling with jobs. “This community will forever be impoverished and viewed by the county […]

SJV Water Blueprint Submitted For Water Resilience Portfolio

The Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley recently presented recommendations for the Water Resilience Portfolio in response to Governor Newsom’s Executive Order.  The information sent to the Governor’s office highlights some of issues facing water security in the San Joaquin Valley.  Some of the Blueprint coalition participants include the California Farm Bureau Federation, Western Growers Association, […]