As California continues to experience historic drought conditions with less available snowpack and precipitation, groundwater basins are being more heavily relied on for water supply needs throughout the state. Groundwater serves as a critical resource for many different industries and uses, including farms, urban and rural communities, and ecosystems in California.
Before a drop of treated water in California ever reaches a consumer’s faucet, about 8% of it has already been wasted due to leaks in the delivery system. Nationally, the waste is even higher, at 17%. This represents an untapped opportunity for water savings, according to a study from the University of California, Davis.
FIREBAUGH, Calif. — When Joe Del Bosque bought one of his first few fields 25 years ago, his wife, Maria, nicknamed it "the field of the house." She hoped the agriculturally rich half-mile stretch of land would make them enough money to buy their first home.
The land allowed them to do that — and more. Del Bosque, 72, now farms 2,000 acres — including that half-mile he first bought. His vast melon fields are among the country's most productive, and his almonds are sold around the world.
The beauty of Big Sur is driven by the drama of the landscape: the pounding waves, the sliding cliffs, the burning forests.
The latest show of nature on this wild stretch of the Central Coast is an unusual widening of the beaches, which scientists tie to climate change. One expanse of sandy shore pushed out 140 feet over the past few years, according to research published Wednesday by the U.S. Geological Survey.
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has declared a state of emergency in Klamath County as southern Oregon remains in an ongoing drought that shows no sign of letting up.
The Monday declaration directs state agencies, including the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Water Resources Department and the Water Resources Commission, to provide assistance to water users in the region and to seek federal resources to help residents and wildlife, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.
There is no evidence to support criminal charges in connection with the River Fire, which ignited last August and burned dozens of homes in Placer and Nevada counties, Cal Fire said on Monday.
Cal Fire previously said in September that the fire was the result of human activity and started in an overnight camping area of the Bear River Campground.
The Department of Water Resources is expanding its outreach and education efforts for the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act in honor of National Groundwater Awareness Week.
“The reality is that our water system, which includes groundwater basins throughout the state, is going to be stretched thin this summer,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth in a statement. “We must all do our part and continue to make conservation a way of life to ensure a safe and healthy water supply now and into the future.”
According to DWR, groundwater provides 40% of the state’s water supply in a normal year and up to 60% in dry years, with 515 basins serving as underground reservoirs.
The public, agencies, organizations, and other interested parties are invited to attend an afternoon March 9 webinar of an overview of the Delta Cross Channel Gate Upgrades Project. U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is investigating alternatives to modernize the two, 60 x 30-foot radial gates to allow for more frequent operation, as called for in state and federal decision documents for the long-term operation of the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project.
Start: Wed 9 Mar 2022, 4:00 PM End: Wed 9 Mar 2022, 5:30 PM
DWR will host a virtual public scoping meeting to provide a brief presentation on the West False River Drought Salinity Barrier project with time for public comments on the scope and content of the Environmental Impact Report. Please register in advance. Registration will be open until the start of the meeting on March 9, 2022
Agenda includes the Big Notch Project,Water Storage Investment Program, and the Six-Year Drought Workplan.
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DWR is responsible for managing and protecting California’s water resources and works with others to benefit the State’s people and to protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments. DWR operates and maintains the State Water Project, oversees dam safety, provides flood protection, helps in emergency response, assists regional and local water agencies, promotes water conservation and safety, and plans integrated watershed management – in all to advance water resource sustainability.
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