Newsom urges aggressive water conservation and warns of statewide restrictions
2 years, 7 months ago

Newsom urges aggressive water conservation and warns of statewide restrictions

LA Times  

Gavin Newsom speaks with leaders of urban water agencies during a meeting in Sacramento on May 23. Gavin Newsom met with leaders of the state’s largest urban water suppliers Monday and implored them to step up efforts to get people to reduce water use as California’s drought continues to worsen. “Every water agency across the state needs to take more aggressive actions to communicate about the drought emergency and implement conservation measures,” Newsom said in a statement. Newsom warned that if this localized approach to conservation does not result in a significant reduction in water use statewide this summer, the state could be forced to enact mandatory restrictions,” his office said. “Different parts of our state have different water supply sources and are being affected by the state’s drought differently.” The Metropolitan Water District in April declared a water shortage emergency and ordered restrictions on outdoor watering in parts of Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties that rely on the hard-hit State Water Project, which transports water southward from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

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History of this topic

Newsom lifts drought declaration for most Californians, yet measures remain in some areas
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Newsom lifts drought declaration for most Californians, yet measures remain in some areas

LA Times  

Following two wet winters that boosted California’s water supplies, Gov. “This targeted action is responsive to current conditions while continuing the tools and support for work underway to help future-proof water supplies in the most impacted communities.” State officials said Newsom’s order responds to the improved conditions in parts of the state while continuing efforts to support drought recovery. “We …

California adopts sweeping statewide water conservation framework
5 months, 3 weeks ago

California adopts sweeping statewide water conservation framework

LA Times  

After years of deliberation, California water officials have adopted landmark rules that will guide future water use and conservation in the state. “To do this well and to do this right — and to achieve all of those long-term goals that we really desire as a community — the additional five years that the state water board provided is really …

California eases new water saving regulations for local agencies after pushback
9 months, 1 week ago

California eases new water saving regulations for local agencies after pushback

LA Times  

After facing criticism, California water regulators have proposed new conservation rules that would ease requirements for urban suppliers and lead to smaller statewide water savings than originally planned. The new proposal, he said, “maintains the state’s commitment to conservation while making it easier for water suppliers to meet their efficiency goals.” Aggressive and impactful reporting on climate change, the environment, …

California’s water-saving plan slammed as costly, complicated and unrealistic
11 months, 1 week ago

California’s water-saving plan slammed as costly, complicated and unrealistic

LA Times  

In a scathing review, advisors to the state Legislature have found that California’s proposed regulations for urban water conservation would be costly, overly complicated and difficult to implement. But the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office said in its report that the regulations, as proposed by the State Water Resources Control Board, would create challenges for water suppliers, “in many cases without …

Sweeping California water conservation rules could force big cuts in some areas
1 year, 3 months ago

Sweeping California water conservation rules could force big cuts in some areas

LA Times  

With California facing a hotter and drier future — punctuated by bouts of extreme weather — state officials are moving forward with a new framework for urban water use that could require some suppliers to make cuts of 20% or more as soon as 2025. “That legislation, and the board’s regulation, really mark a turning point and a major improvement …

Column: Newsom denies the obvious: California is no longer in drought
1 year, 8 months ago

Column: Newsom denies the obvious: California is no longer in drought

LA Times  

Gavin Newsom announces the rollback of some drought restrictions during a news conference Friday at a farm in Dunnigan, Calif. Gov. Is the drought over?” Newsom asked rhetorically in his opening comments at the farm, answering every attending reporter’s question before it was asked. “It’s incumbent upon us to continue to maintain our vigilance … to allow for the fast-tracking …

California eases water restrictions, but drought isn’t over
1 year, 8 months ago

California eases water restrictions, but drought isn’t over

Associated Press  

DUNNIGAN, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom ended some of the state’s water restrictions on Friday because a winter of relentless rain and snow has replenished the state’s reservoirs and eased fears of a shortage after three years of severe drought. But Newsom did say he would stop asking people to voluntarily cut their water use by 15%, a request …

Newsom rolls back California drought restrictions after remarkably wet winter
1 year, 9 months ago

Newsom rolls back California drought restrictions after remarkably wet winter

LA Times  

A Rancho Cucamonga housing tract was among those where outdoor watering was restricted to one day a week during last year’s drought. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced that he will roll back some of the state’s most severe drought restrictions and dramatically increase water supplies for agencies serving 27 million people. “We’re modifying it as opposed to eliminating it because …

Newsom wants to waive environmental rules in the delta amid drought worries
1 year, 10 months ago

Newsom wants to waive environmental rules in the delta amid drought worries

LA Times  

Photos of Lake Oroville show the reservoir in a badly depleted state in 2021 and at much higher levels after a series of atmospheric rivers hit the state in January. “Until it is clear what the remainder of the wet season will hold, the executive order includes provisions to protect water reserves.” As part of the governor’s effort, the state …

California debates what to do with water from recent storms
1 year, 10 months ago

California debates what to do with water from recent storms

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Weeks after powerful storms dumped 32 trillion gallons of rain and snow on California, state officials and environmental groups in the drought-ravaged state are grappling with what to do with all of that water. “This governor is the most anti-environmental governor, with respect to endangered species and California water, that we’ve had in my lifetime,” said Jon …

California governor signs sweeping climate legislation
2 years, 3 months ago

California governor signs sweeping climate legislation

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a sweeping package of bills Friday to expand California’s reliance on clean energy and reduce carbon emissions, moves he said further establish the state as a global climate leader. “Or we can actually make demonstrable progress.” State Sen. Lena Gonzalez, a Democrat, was an author of one bill aimed at protecting vulnerable communities …

With California expected to lose 10% of its water within 20 years, Newsom calls for urgent action
2 years, 4 months ago

With California expected to lose 10% of its water within 20 years, Newsom calls for urgent action

LA Times  

With California enduring historic drought amplified by global warming, Gov. And Newsom does not seem very willing to do that.” Poole said the state plan “doesn’t fundamentally change the direction of water management, which is needed to really grapple with climate change.” The governor’s strategy calls for moving ahead with controversial plans to build a giant water tunnel beneath the …

California drought official quits, blasting Newsom for ‘gut wrenching’ inaction
2 years, 4 months ago

California drought official quits, blasting Newsom for ‘gut wrenching’ inaction

LA Times  

In his time at the California State Water Resources Control Board, Max Gomberg has witnessed the state grapple with two devastating droughts and the accelerating effects of climate change. “The way some of you have simply rolled over and accepted this has also been difficult to watch.” In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Gomberg said he went public …

California deepens water cuts to cope with drought, hitting thousands of farms
2 years, 5 months ago

California deepens water cuts to cope with drought, hitting thousands of farms

LA Times  

The predawn glow is reflected in the Sacramento River in Red Bluff. California regulators have begun curtailing the water rights of many farms and irrigation districts along the Sacramento River, forcing growers to stop diverting water from the river and its tributaries. And it reflects just how dry things have been in California over the last three years,” said Erik …

Parts of Southern California used 26% more water in April, despite conservation pleas
2 years, 6 months ago

Parts of Southern California used 26% more water in April, despite conservation pleas

LA Times  

Rings around the banks of Diamond Valley Lake in Riverside County, the major drinking water storage facility for 18 million Southern Californians, show the effects of the drought in 2021. “Expect things to intensify over the next couple of months,” Ekdahl said, noting that reservoirs probably won’t receive any more precipitation until at least the start of the next water …

California just adopted new, tougher water restrictions: What you need to know
2 years, 6 months ago

California just adopted new, tougher water restrictions: What you need to know

LA Times  

California water regulators strengthened the state’s drought rules this week, ordering local suppliers to take steps to reduce water usage to stretch limited supplies this summer. Gavin Newsom warned that more stringent statewide water restrictions could come if the state doesn’t make more progress on conservation soon. Water agencies that haven’t yet turned in a contingency plan are required to …

Californians could see mandatory water cuts amid drought
2 years, 7 months ago

Californians could see mandatory water cuts amid drought

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom threatened Monday to impose mandatory water restrictions if residents don’t use less on their own as a drought drags on and the hotter summer months approach. Despite calls for conservation, the state’s water use went up dramatically in March — 19% compared to the same month in 2020 — and now Newsom is …

California bans watering ‘nonfunctional’ grass in some areas, strengthening drought rules
2 years, 7 months ago

California bans watering ‘nonfunctional’ grass in some areas, strengthening drought rules

LA Times  

The California water board is proposing a ban on watering ‘nonfunctional’ grass in some areas. “We need to activate Californians and really lean into the conservation that we’re needing to see,” said Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the state water board. “However, water agencies and golf courses need to evaluate whether other turf on a golf course property is functional or …

California drought: Officials worry there’s not enough water to get through summer without cuts
2 years, 7 months ago

California drought: Officials worry there’s not enough water to get through summer without cuts

CNN  

CNN — As Southern Californians brace for unprecedented water restrictions, officials worry some communities won’t have enough water to get through the summer – at least not without residents and businesses significantly cutting back on their usage. “Climate change is accelerating in alarming ways and faster than scientists predicted even 10 or 20 years ago and that means we have …

Southern California ‘cannot afford green lawns’ as drought forces unprecedented water cuts
2 years, 7 months ago

Southern California ‘cannot afford green lawns’ as drought forces unprecedented water cuts

LA Times  

Large portions of Southern California are being told to water outdoors just one day a week. “We knew climate change would stress our water supply, and we’ve been preparing for it, but we did not know it would happen this fast,” said Gloria Gray, chairwoman of the MWD’s board of directors. It is a challenge unlike anything Metropolitan has ever …

Sweeping water restrictions will change life in Southern California: A guide
2 years, 7 months ago

Sweeping water restrictions will change life in Southern California: A guide

LA Times  

Tony Corcoran records sprinklers watering the lawn in front of a house in Beverly Hills in June 2015. Drought and climate change are forcing unprecedented water restrictions in parts of Southern California and millions of residents are wondering what happens now. The plan On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Water District ordered outdoor water usage be restricted to just one day a …

Millions Ordered To Cut Water Use In Drought-Stricken California
2 years, 7 months ago

Millions Ordered To Cut Water Use In Drought-Stricken California

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING LOS ANGELES — Southern California’s gigantic water supplier took the unprecedented step Tuesday of requiring about 6 million people to cut their outdoor watering to one day a week as drought continues to plague the state. We’ve never done anything like this before.” The Metropolitan Water District uses water from the Colorado River and the State Water …

Millions must cut water use in drought-stricken California
2 years, 7 months ago

Millions must cut water use in drought-stricken California

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Metropolitan Water District uses water from the …

Millions must cut water use in drought-stricken California
2 years, 7 months ago

Millions must cut water use in drought-stricken California

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Southern California’s gigantic water supplier took the unprecedented step Tuesday of requiring about 6 million people to cut their outdoor watering to one day a week as drought continues to plague the state. We’ve never done anything like this before.” The Metropolitan Water District uses water from the Colorado River and the State Water Project to supply …

California calls for more local water conservation
2 years, 8 months ago

California calls for more local water conservation

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Californians will be asked to further cut back on their water use, state officials said Monday as they warned water scarcity will shape the future of the drought-stricken state. Gavin Newsom’s administration saying allowing local retailers to set conservation needs is the best approach in a state of nearly 40 million people where water needs vary. “Our …

Newsom calls for more aggressive water conservation amid third year of drought
2 years, 8 months ago

Newsom calls for more aggressive water conservation amid third year of drought

LA Times  

On the heels of the driest ever start to the year in California, Gov. “What we learned from the last drought is that it’s really important to listen to locals — that we live in a state that has many different hydrological zones, many different water usage scenarios, and that the ‘one size fits all’ doesn’t really work in California,” …

With no respite from drought, officials call upon Californians to conserve water
2 years, 9 months ago

With no respite from drought, officials call upon Californians to conserve water

LA Times  

Houseboats on the water at a receding Lake Oroville, which stood at 33% full when this photograph was taken on June 29, 2021, in Oroville, Calif. With the severe drought now in a third year, the state faces depleted reservoirs, a meager snowpack in the Sierra Nevada and a worsening water shortage on the Colorado River. The latest conservation figures …

Californians cut water use 13% in October; still behind goal
3 years ago

Californians cut water use 13% in October; still behind goal

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Californians stepped up their water conservation in October, a move made easier by a massive storm that dumped record rain in some parts of the state but still wasn’t enough to combat the drought. Northern California, which saw the most rain from the storm, had the greatest reduction last month compared to October 2020, dropping by as …

San Francisco officials call for 10% reduction of water use
3 years ago

San Francisco officials call for 10% reduction of water use

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco officials have declared a water shortage emergency and are asking customers in four counties to voluntarily reduce their water use by 10% due to California’s lengthening drought. The request made Tuesday took effect immediately and applies to all 2.7 million customers of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission in San Francisco, Alameda, Santa Clara and …

Hopeful storms in forecast for drought plagued US West
3 years, 2 months ago

Hopeful storms in forecast for drought plagued US West

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Mired in an historic drought, California is set to get its first significant soaking of the season this week, with storms forecasted to dump up to 7 inches of rain in parched parts of the state. Tuesday, state water officials warned one of the state’s large reservoirs in Mendocino County could run dry by next summer. Newsom’s …

As drought worsens, regulators impose unprecedented water restrictions on California farms
3 years, 4 months ago

As drought worsens, regulators impose unprecedented water restrictions on California farms

LA Times  

Amid intensifying drought, state water regulators voted Tuesday to enact a drastic emergency order that will bar thousands of Californians — primarily farmers — from using stream and river water. But the scope of Tuesday’s order — which will apply to thousands of senior water rights across a wide swath of the state — is unprecedented, officials said. About 5,700 …

With drought worsening, should California have much tougher water restrictions?
3 years, 5 months ago

With drought worsening, should California have much tougher water restrictions?

LA Times  

A truck crosses the Enterprise Bridge at Lake Oroville, which was 33% full and 40% of historical average when this photo was taken on June 30 in Oroville. Jerry Brown stood in a field near Lake Tahoe that was bereft of normally plentiful snow and called for water restrictions amid the state’s punishing years-long drought. Felicia Marcus, who worked closely …

Newsom asks all Californians to voluntarily reduce water usage by 15% amid drought
3 years, 5 months ago

Newsom asks all Californians to voluntarily reduce water usage by 15% amid drought

LA Times  

Gavin Newsom on Thursday expanded his regional drought state of emergency to apply to 50 California counties, or roughly 42% of the state’s population. Newsom’s regional emergency order instead provides a path for the State Water Resources Control Board to mandate potentially unpopular water restrictions. California California’s drought and wildfire dangers rising at stunning pace State leaders in climate change …

Newsom extends drought emergency to 41 California counties
3 years, 7 months ago

Newsom extends drought emergency to 41 California counties

LA Times  

In a stark indication of California’s growing water crisis, Gov. “With the reality of climate change abundantly clear in California, we’re taking urgent action to address acute water supply shortfalls in Northern and Central California while also building our water resilience to safeguard communities in the decades ahead,” Newsom said in a prepared statement. Newsom said the emergency would “address …

Newsom launches effort to deal with drought; emergencies declared in two counties
3 years, 8 months ago

Newsom launches effort to deal with drought; emergencies declared in two counties

LA Times  

Clouds from a passing storm mix with the sunset in Sonoma County on Feb. 3. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday declared a drought emergency in two Northern California counties as he stood on the dry shoreline of Lake Mendocino. Californians, he said, “have a conservation mind-set.” The drought situation is particularly acute in Mendocino and Sonoma counties because the local water …

Can California ban fracking? Newsom’s bold plan to fight climate change faces skepticism
4 years, 2 months ago

Can California ban fracking? Newsom’s bold plan to fight climate change faces skepticism

LA Times  

On the hood of an electric car, California Gov. “I’ve seen bills that do way less related to oil die in the Legislature.” The call to ban fracking left some questioning whether the intent of the well-timed move by a governor with a taste for big promises was to draw national headlines or to launch a political dogfight in Sacramento …

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