As California’s two largest inland bodies of water go, Lake Tahoe is the stereotypical beauty queen — classically stunning, endlessly photogenic, fragile. Frankly, quite chilly yet eternally inspiring to legions of admirers. The Salton Sea is the neighbor tucked away at the far end of the street and often forgotten. Stark, spare, somewhat homely, beloved by only […]
/in San Diego County/by Mike Lee /Voice of San Diegoby Robert Sulnick Mentioned: Carlsbad Desalination Plant
The same old arguments against desalination keep getting resurrected: It’s too expensive, too energy intensive, plus wastewater recycling and conservation by themselves can solve the drought problem. When put in the context of climate change, imported water and perpetual drought, none of these arguments make sense. Climate scientists are unequivocally telling Southern Californians to prepare for drought […]
This week marks the 10-year anniversary of the man-made opening of the Bolsa Chica wetlands to the Pacific Ocean. Wetlands are an essential part of coastal ecosystems. They improve water quality by filtering sediment, nutrients and pesticides, recharge groundwater, protect shorelines by increasing resistance to erosion, provide bird flyways and most importantly are incubators for […]
While the state of California has eased its restrictions on water use in response to a moderately wet winter, the drought is not over yet, and there are simple ways you can continue to save water around your home. Residents should be aware of the options available to reduce outdoor water use, while preserving beautiful […]
OPINION: Finally, Progress Towards a Sustainable Salton Sea
/in San Diego County /by Mike Lee /Los Angeles TimesAs California’s two largest inland bodies of water go, Lake Tahoe is the stereotypical beauty queen — classically stunning, endlessly photogenic, fragile. Frankly, quite chilly yet eternally inspiring to legions of admirers. The Salton Sea is the neighbor tucked away at the far end of the street and often forgotten. Stark, spare, somewhat homely, beloved by only […]
OPINION: Wastewater Recycling and Conservation Aren’t Enough — That’s Where Desal Comes In
/in San Diego County /by Mike Lee /Voice of San Diegoby Robert Sulnick Mentioned: Carlsbad Desalination PlantThe same old arguments against desalination keep getting resurrected: It’s too expensive, too energy intensive, plus wastewater recycling and conservation by themselves can solve the drought problem. When put in the context of climate change, imported water and perpetual drought, none of these arguments make sense. Climate scientists are unequivocally telling Southern Californians to prepare for drought […]
OPINION: Huntington Beach Desalination Plant Can Be More Than a Water Supply Project
/in San Diego County /by Mike Lee /The Orange County Registerby Scott MaloniThis week marks the 10-year anniversary of the man-made opening of the Bolsa Chica wetlands to the Pacific Ocean. Wetlands are an essential part of coastal ecosystems. They improve water quality by filtering sediment, nutrients and pesticides, recharge groundwater, protect shorelines by increasing resistance to erosion, provide bird flyways and most importantly are incubators for […]
Even Though Water Restrictions Lifted, Conservation Should Be a Way of Life for Californians
/in San Diego County /by Mike Lee /Valley News (Fallbrook)While the state of California has eased its restrictions on water use in response to a moderately wet winter, the drought is not over yet, and there are simple ways you can continue to save water around your home. Residents should be aware of the options available to reduce outdoor water use, while preserving beautiful […]