San Diego County / Southern California

The latest news and analysis covering water issues in the San Diego County region and Southern California.

Study: California’s Delta Tunnels Plan Makes Economic Sense

The $11 billion first leg of California’s plan to divert water from its largest delta will pay dividends for cities and farmers and improve water quality, according to a state-sponsored study released Tuesday. The long-awaited cost-benefit analysis, conducted by a University of California, Berkeley professor, concludes that it’s worth it for water suppliers to foot […]

Dry, Hot California Winter Closes Ski Resorts, Stalls Wildflower Blooms And Revives Drought Fears

In the Sierra Nevada, snowpack levels are running below even the darkest days of the drought, with cross-country ski resorts closed and mountain biking becoming the sport of choice until the snow returns. In the Bay Area, cities like San Francisco, San Jose and Santa Rosa are experiencing the hottest starts to a year on […]

Southern California Water Supplier Eyes Tunnel Plan Control

In a dramatic twist on the Delta tunnels saga, Southern California’s powerful water agency — the ultimate source of water for 75 percent of Ventura County residents — is exploring the feasibility of owning the majority stake in the controversial project, a move that raises fears of a “water grab.” Under the plan floated Monday […]

San Diego Pursues Drought-Proof Water Supply

The desert-like grounds around the San Diego County Water Authority offices are dressed in a water-wise xeriscape of cacti and aloe. The sky is a monotone blue and — even though it’s January — the temperature is in the 80s. Dennis Cushman, assistant general manager for the Water Authority, doesn’t look very comfortable in this setting in […]