As Trump heads to Los Angeles, a look at wildfire-hit California’s water availability
2 months ago

As Trump heads to Los Angeles, a look at wildfire-hit California’s water availability

Firstpost  

In the first hours of his second term, Trump called on federal officials to draft plans to route more water to the crop-rich Central Valley and densely populated cities in the southern part of the state Fire crews battle the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday, on January 9. In the first hours of his second term, Trump called on federal officials to draft plans to route more water to the crop-rich Central Valley and densely populated cities in the southern part of the state. Last year on his Truth Social platform, he criticized the “rerouting of MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER A DAY FROM THE NORTH OUT INTO THE PACIFIC OCEAN, rather than using it, free of charge, for the towns, cities, & farms dotted all throughout California.” Such comments buoyed the spirits of many farmers and water managers in the Central Valley who say federal water allocations have been too limited in the past two years since ample rain boosted reservoir levels. If the Trump administration chooses to route more water to system users, that won’t necessarily benefit Los Angeles, Upadhyay said.

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History of this topic

Water officials knew that opening dams to meet Trump’s wishes was ill-advised. Here’s why it happened anyway
2 weeks ago

Water officials knew that opening dams to meet Trump’s wishes was ill-advised. Here’s why it happened anyway

LA Times  

When President Trump called for the federal government to “maximize” water deliveries in California, commanders of the Army Corps of Engineers quickly found two dams where they could carry out that order. In his memo, Caldwell said the staff at the corps’ regional office noted that the water held in two San Joaquin Valley reservoirs, Success Lake and Lake Kaweah, …

DOGE water plan: Behind the scenes of Trump and DOGE’s chaotic effort to release billions of gallons of California’s water
2 weeks, 6 days ago

DOGE water plan: Behind the scenes of Trump and DOGE’s chaotic effort to release billions of gallons of California’s water

CNN  

CNN — Representatives from the Department of Government Efficiency repeatedly pressured the head of a United States water management agency to open a major California pump system in late January, intending to release a huge amount of water south toward Los Angeles — even though the water would have never made it to the fire-scarred metropolis. When the acting head …

DOGE water plan: Behind the scenes of Trump and DOGE’s chaotic effort to release billions of gallons of California’s water
2 weeks, 6 days ago

DOGE water plan: Behind the scenes of Trump and DOGE’s chaotic effort to release billions of gallons of California’s water

CNN  

CNN — Representatives from the Department of Government Efficiency repeatedly pressured the head of a United States water management agency to open a major California pump system in late January, intending to release a huge amount of water south toward Los Angeles — even though the water would have never made it to the fire-scarred metropolis. When the acting head …

Even in wet years, wells are still dry. Why replenishing California’s groundwater is painfully slow
1 month ago

Even in wet years, wells are still dry. Why replenishing California’s groundwater is painfully slow

Associated Press  

After abundant rain and moderate snowfall this year in the northern half of the state, California’s largest reservoirs are holding more than 120% of their historical average. Sarah Woolf, a San Joaquin Valley farmer and president of the agricultural consulting firm Water Wise, said the governor’s order in 2023 to capture more water underground was a sign that “we’ve done …

'May still be on fire': Lauren Boebert uses debunked claim to say Trump put out Cal. fires
1 month ago

'May still be on fire': Lauren Boebert uses debunked claim to say Trump put out Cal. fires

Raw Story  

Rep. Lauren Boebert falsely claimed this week that the recent wildfires near Los Angeles would still be burning if President Donald Trump had not ordered the military to release water from California dams. According to a fact check by The Dispatch, Trump's decision to release water from California dams did not contribute to fighting the fires near Los Angeles. "The …

California and federal government set to increase water deliveries after storms
1 month ago

California and federal government set to increase water deliveries after storms

LA Times  

State and federal agencies plan to deliver more water to California farms and cities following recent storms that brought rain and snow and boosted reservoir levels. “However, given the high storage conditions and current high Delta outflow from recent storms, I know that many of the Water Authority’s members were hoping for a higher initial allocation,” Barajas said. He said …

Opinion: The reported costs of the Los Angeles fires are staggering. The hidden costs are worse
1 month, 1 week ago

Opinion: The reported costs of the Los Angeles fires are staggering. The hidden costs are worse

LA Times  

Destroyed homes, soaring insurance premiums and forest management costs put the price of the Los Angeles fires in the hundreds of billions of dollars. The U.S. Forest Service manages much of California’s land, the state bears most of the firefighting burden, and private property owners face some of the greatest consequences. Insurance companies withdraw from high-risk areas even if homes …

Inside the battle to restore drinking water in Altadena and Pacific Palisades
1 month, 1 week ago

Inside the battle to restore drinking water in Altadena and Pacific Palisades

LA Times  

The Rubio Cañon Land & Water Assn.’s tiny Altadena office building had turned into a command post by early morning Jan. 8. Today, most Altadena and Pacific Palisades residents still don’t have clean drinking water, with “do not drink” and “do not boil” notices still in effect. Officials with Lincoln Avenue Water Co. guide California State Water Resources Control Board …

Column: California farmers bought Trump’s election pitch. Now they may pay the price
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Column: California farmers bought Trump’s election pitch. Now they may pay the price

LA Times  

Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson put it well: “Buy the ticket, take the ride.” That was more than half a century ago in his bestselling book “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” But his words ring true today for California’s farmers, especially those in the Central Valley, who bought President Trump’s election pitch. “California agriculture will face a depression not …

'Ludicrous action': California Democrat calls out Trump for 'P.R. stunt'
1 month, 3 weeks ago

'Ludicrous action': California Democrat calls out Trump for 'P.R. stunt'

Raw Story  

Rep. Ted Lieu on Thursday called out President Donald Trump for draining reservoirs in California for the purported purpose of fighting deadly fires in the southern part of the state. In fact, Heather Cooley, director of research for California water policy organization the Pacific Institute, told CNN that the release of the water was "providing zero benefit and putting California …

Letters to the Editor: Trump threw a tantrum and wasted billions of gallons of California’s water
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Letters to the Editor: Trump threw a tantrum and wasted billions of gallons of California’s water

LA Times  

Water flows from Folsom Lake near Sacramento in 2023. Acting on orders from Washington, the Army Corps of Engineers last weekend released water from Central Valley reservoirs. To the editor: The ineptitude President Trump exhibited in ordering the release of billions of gallons of precious water to the Central Valley’s settling ponds, nature preserves and farms — which are not …

Trump-ordered water release wasted billions of gallons: experts
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Trump-ordered water release wasted billions of gallons: experts

Raw Story  

Donald Trump's demand for billions of gallons of water to be released in California, in what he said was a move to help combat fires in Los Angeles, was wasteful and pointless, experts say. Water scientist Peter Gleick of the Pacific Institute said the release amounted to Trump having "thrown away" billions of gallons of water. "These releases did not …

Column: What does Trump know about California’s water system? So much less than he’d ever admit
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Column: What does Trump know about California’s water system? So much less than he’d ever admit

LA Times  

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass watches as President Trump speaks at a briefing in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood affected by the recent wildfires. Several years ago, after she’d been elected state Assembly speaker, I asked Karen Bass about her views on the water supply — specifically from the troubled Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. I was stunned.” She took field trips …

'Very dangerous': Trump dumps billions of gallons of water farmers needed for summer
1 month, 3 weeks ago

'Very dangerous': Trump dumps billions of gallons of water farmers needed for summer

Raw Story  

President Donald Trump recently ordered the release of massive amounts of water from two California dams, and now local farmers are scrambling to preserve precious freshwater resources needed for dry summer months. The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — acting on Trump's orders — released water from the Terminus Dam at Lake Kaweah …

'Very dangerous': Trump dumps billions of gallons of water farmers needed for summer
1 month, 3 weeks ago

'Very dangerous': Trump dumps billions of gallons of water farmers needed for summer

Raw Story  

President Donald Trump recently ordered the release of massive amounts of water from two California dams, and now local farmers are scrambling to preserve precious freshwater resources needed for dry summer months. The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — acting on Trump's orders — released water from the Terminus Dam at Lake Kaweah …

Trump criticised for dumping gallons of water from 2 California dams farmers relied on, ‘Every drop belongs to someone’
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Trump criticised for dumping gallons of water from 2 California dams farmers relied on, ‘Every drop belongs to someone’

Hindustan Times  

Donald Trump has reportedly ordered the release of massive amounts of water from two California dams, leaving local farmers struggling to preserve freshwater resources required for dry summer months. Donald Trump criticised for dumping gallons of water from 2 California dams The flow from the Terminus Dam was initially at 57 cubic feet per second, but it is now flowing …

'Something really bad could happen': Expert warns Trump could flood California
Trending News
1 month, 3 weeks ago

'Something really bad could happen': Expert warns Trump could flood California

Raw Story  

President Donald Trump is directing the Army Corps of Engineers to increase water flow from reservoirs in California's Central Valley — and the results could be catastrophic for farmers, Politico reported. In the area, local officials expressed alarm at Trump's directive and frantically urged the Army Corps of Engineers to prevent a catastrophic surge that could have flooded local communities …

Trump has vowed to pump more water. Government data show pumping was down for maintenance
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Trump has vowed to pump more water. Government data show pumping was down for maintenance

LA Times  

When President Trump visited Los Angeles last week, he pledged to “open up the pumps and valves in the north” and “get that water pouring down here.” But records show that the day he made that announcement, the federal government’s pumping facility in Northern California was delivering less water than usual, apparently because managers had reduced pumping for several days …

Trump says he’s sending water to LA. It’s actually going to megafarms.
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Trump says he’s sending water to LA. It’s actually going to megafarms.

Raw Story  

"This story was originally published by Grist. Then, on Sunday he issued another order that directed the department to immediately “override” the state’s management of its water, even if it meant overruling California law. Even if Los Angeles were low on water, Trump’s executive orders wouldn’t help with that, because the federal government’s canal system doesn’t actually deliver any water …

'BS Alert': California hits back over 'preposterous' Trump military claim
1 month, 3 weeks ago

'BS Alert': California hits back over 'preposterous' Trump military claim

Raw Story  

California hit back against Donald Trump's claims that the military "turned on the water" to fight ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area. "The United States Military just entered the Great State of California and, under Emergency Powers, TURNED ON THE WATER flowing abundantly from the Pacific Northwest, and beyond," Trump posted on Truth Social. State Senate pro tem Mike …

‘Enjoy the water, California’: Donald Trump orders military intervention for firefighting; experts say ‘idiotic’
Trending News
1 month, 3 weeks ago

‘Enjoy the water, California’: Donald Trump orders military intervention for firefighting; experts say ‘idiotic’

Live Mint  

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States military has intervened in California to enhance firefighting efforts. In a post on Truth Social, he said, “The United States Military entered the Great State of California under emergency power and turned on the water flowing from the Pacific Northwest and beyond” in the steps necessary to boost the state’s …

Trump’s ordered water ‘solution’ to fight California‘s fires comes up dry, charge officials
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Trump’s ordered water ‘solution’ to fight California‘s fires comes up dry, charge officials

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. Read our privacy policy A Trump administration executive …

Trump bashed California’s water system. Then DOGE paid a visit.
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Trump bashed California’s water system. Then DOGE paid a visit.

Politico  

The pumps, which move water south from California’s wetter northern region, are federally owned and operated. “The military did not enter California,” California’s state Department of Water Resources posted on X after 10 p.m. Pacific time. State water supplies in Southern California remain plentiful.” The agency was responding to a post Trump wrote on Truth Social that said the military …

Trump social media claim of using troops to force water flow is refuted by California
2 months ago

Trump social media claim of using troops to force water flow is refuted by California

LA Times  

President Trump on Monday night heightened his battle with California over water policy by suggesting U.S. military troops had arrived in the state to turn on pumps and send more water flowing — something state officials quickly denied. State water supplies in Southern California remain plentiful.” Trump’s post came after he signed an order directing federal agencies to “maximize” water …

Trump reenters California’s water wars. It’s unclear who will win
2 months ago

Trump reenters California’s water wars. It’s unclear who will win

LA Times  

President Trump has signed an order directing federal agencies to “maximize” water deliveries in California and “override” state policies if necessary. The president also directed the federal Bureau of Reclamation to ensure state agencies “do not interfere.” In the order, Trump criticizes “disastrous” policies and water “mismanagement” by California, and directs federal agencies to scrap a plan that the Biden …

Southern California receives some rains: Here's how it is not the best thing as it poses risk of...
2 months ago

Southern California receives some rains: Here's how it is not the best thing as it poses risk of...

India TV News  

After wildfires ravaged major parts of Southern California, it finally received rain, which is expected to aid firefighters who are currently mopping up multiple wildfires. Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order to expedite cleanup efforts and mitigate the environmental impacts of fire-related pollutants. Los Angeles supervisors also gave their go-ahead to an emergency motion to …

FACT FOCUS: A look at false and misleading claims made by Trump during his first week back in office
2 months ago

FACT FOCUS: A look at false and misleading claims made by Trump during his first week back in office

Associated Press  

President Donald Trump stepped back into the presidency this week moving quickly to set a new agenda, but from his inaugural address continuing through a flurry of executive actions, press conferences and interviews Trump relied on an array of false and misleading information to support his case. Trump misrepresents election results CLAIM: Speaking to attendees at the World Economic Forum …

Trump targets California water policy as he prepares to tour LA fire damage
Trending News
2 months ago

Trump targets California water policy as he prepares to tour LA fire damage

Associated Press  

As President Donald Trump prepares to tour wildfire damage in California, he’s zeroing in on one of his frequent targets for criticism: State water policy. Since the fires broke out Jan. 7, Trump has used social media and interviews to accuse the state of sending too much water to the Pacific Ocean instead of south toward Los Angeles and highlighted …

Progress made on Los Angeles fires as evacuation orders lift
2 months ago

Progress made on Los Angeles fires as evacuation orders lift

ABC  

Evacuation orders for tens of thousands of Californians have been lifted in some areas as firefighters battling three of the largest blazes still burning in Los Angeles made progress on slowing the spread of flames. The Hughes fire broke out late on Wednesday morning and in less than a day charred more than 4,207 hectares of trees and brush near …

Visiting L.A. after firestorm, Trump focuses on overhauling California water policy
2 months ago

Visiting L.A. after firestorm, Trump focuses on overhauling California water policy

LA Times  

President Trump speaks with residents and others as he tours a fire-damaged area in Pacific Palisades on Friday. Trump announced that he was set to approve an executive order “to open up the pumps and valves in the north.” “We want to get that water pouring down here as quickly as possible, let hundreds of millions of gallons of water …

Trump Attacks FEMA, Says States Should ‘Take Care Of Their Own Problems’
2 months ago

Trump Attacks FEMA, Says States Should ‘Take Care Of Their Own Problems’

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING President Donald Trump suggested Wednesday that states should “take care of their own problems” rather than rely on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help them recover after natural disasters. But unless you have certain types of leadership … it gets in the way.” Trump: "FEMA is gonna be a whole big discussion very shortly, because I'd …

California LA wildfires: Trump says he may withhold federal aid for Los Angeles if California doesn’t change water policies
Trending News
2 months ago

California LA wildfires: Trump says he may withhold federal aid for Los Angeles if California doesn’t change water policies

The Hindu  

President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to withhold federal disaster aid for wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles unless California leaders change the state's approach on its management of water. In a Fox News interview, Mr. Trump repeated false claims that the state's fish conservation efforts in the northern part of the state are responsible for fire hydrants running dry in urban areas. …

Trump wants to upend California water policy. State officials say it could do harm
2 months ago

Trump wants to upend California water policy. State officials say it could do harm

LA Times  

In one of the first acts of his second term, President Trump is seeking to put his stamp on California water policy by directing the federal government to put “people over fish” and send more water from Northern California to the Central Valley’s farms and Southern California cities. Trump said in his memorandum that his administration’s plan in his first …

Trump threatens to withhold US government aid for LA if California doesn't change water policies
2 months ago

Trump threatens to withhold US government aid for LA if California doesn't change water policies

New Indian Express  

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to withhold federal disaster aid for wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles unless California leaders change the state's approach on its management of water. In a Fox News interview, Trump repeated false claims that the state's fish conservation efforts in the northern part of the state are responsible for fire hydrants running dry in urban …

For LA water issues, misinformation spreads nearly as fast as the wildfires
2 months, 1 week ago

For LA water issues, misinformation spreads nearly as fast as the wildfires

Associated Press  

A billionaire couple was accused of withholding water that could help stop Los Angeles’ massive wildfires. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print But the water bank is more than 100 miles north of Los Angeles and plays no part in its water supply. The Wonderful Company said there was “zero truth” that it …

California wildfires: How and why did fire hydrants run dry across Los Angeles?
2 months, 1 week ago

California wildfires: How and why did fire hydrants run dry across Los Angeles?

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. open image in gallery High water demand, blackouts, …

Pistachio moguls and reservoirs: False water claims spread about California fires
Trending News
2 months, 1 week ago

Pistachio moguls and reservoirs: False water claims spread about California fires

NPR  

Pistachio moguls and reservoirs: False water claims spread about California fires toggle caption Apu Gomes/Getty Images/Getty Images North America As massive fires continue to sweep through Los Angeles, firefighters are relying on local water infrastructure not designed for fires of this size, researchers say. These municipal water systems were structured for residential and commercial needs and everyday fires – not …

Why fire hydrants and water supply failed during Los Angeles wildfires
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Why fire hydrants and water supply failed during Los Angeles wildfires

Al Jazeera  

The LA wildfires continue to burn, with Santa Ana winds set to intensify and a range of challenges hampering rescue efforts. “Some suggestions for this particular challenge included creating backup power supplies for water infrastructure like pumps and installing larger pipes for fire flows,” Kearns said. I hope these events will lead to a larger conversation about how to help …

California wildfires: How and why did fire hydrants run dry across Los Angeles?
Trending News
2 months, 2 weeks ago

California wildfires: How and why did fire hydrants run dry across Los Angeles?

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. open image in gallery High water demand, blackouts, …

California Governor invites Trump for wildfire survey after 'worthless fish' jibe
2 months, 2 weeks ago

California Governor invites Trump for wildfire survey after 'worthless fish' jibe

India Today  

Days after US President-elect Donald Trump blamed the California Governor for the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, Gavin Newsom on Saturday invited the Republican to take stock of the devastation and meet the victims. In a hard-hitting letter to Trump, the California Governor asked him not to "politicise a human tragedy" and "spread disinformation from the sidelines". Explaining the reason behind …

Amid the fires, LA is warning some residents the tap water isn't safe. Here's why
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Amid the fires, LA is warning some residents the tap water isn't safe. Here's why

NPR  

Amid the fires, LA is warning some residents the tap water isn't safe. High levels of benzene, a chemical linked with cancer, were found in the drinking water after large wildfire disasters in the 2017 Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa, and the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. Other volatile organic compounds are also known to contaminate tap water after …

Newsom orders investigation into dry fire hydrants that hampered firefighting in L.A.
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Newsom orders investigation into dry fire hydrants that hampered firefighting in L.A.

LA Times  

Beachfront house burns along Pacific Coast Highway as the Palisades fire sweeps across the coast. “We need answers to ensure this does not happen again and we have every resource available to fight these catastrophic fires.” The governor cited news reports that some fire hydrants had lost water pressure and that the reservoir in Pacific Palisades was out of commission …

Water supplies ran dry in Los Angeles just when they were needed most
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Water supplies ran dry in Los Angeles just when they were needed most

ABC  

As wildfires raged across Los Angeles, it took just days for another disaster to rear its head, the city was running out of water to fight them. Janisse Quiñones, head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, said the ferocity of the fire made the water demand four times greater than "we've ever seen in the system." The …

Biden blames power utilities for water shortage amid California wildfires
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Biden blames power utilities for water shortage amid California wildfires

Raw Story  

President Joe Biden on Thursday afternoon briefed the top directors of agencies that will help the state with the California fires. "I want to be clear, what I know from talking to the governor is that there are concerns out there, that there has also been a water shortage," Biden told reporters and officials. "The fact is, utilities understandably shut …

Trump blames California Governor for wildfire crisis
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Trump blames California Governor for wildfire crisis

Deccan Chronicle  

In a post on Truth Social, Trump's social media platform, the former president stated that Governor Newsom had refused to approve a plan that would have allowed billions of gallons of water to flow into California, potentially helping to fight the fires. According to Trump, Newsom’s decision to block this water supply was made in order to protect a species …

Los Angeles wildfires in pics: Water runs short; Hollywood celebrities forced to flee
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Los Angeles wildfires in pics: Water runs short; Hollywood celebrities forced to flee

Hindustan Times  

Los Angeles wildfires in pics: Water runs short; Hollywood celebrities forced to flee Los Angeles wildfire: Crews battling multiple wildfires face inadequate supplies of water. 5 / 15 View Photos in a new improved layout A firefighter douses flames as a liquor store burns during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles. 7 / 15 View Photos …

Locals will figure out: California Governor shrugs blame over hydrants amid wildfires
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Locals will figure out: California Governor shrugs blame over hydrants amid wildfires

India Today  

California Governor Gavin Newsom was seen deflecting responsibility for fire hydrants running out of water during the devastating Palisades fire, saying "local folks will figure it out". "Look, the local folks are trying to figure that out," Newsom said when asked to comment on fire hydrants running out of water. Trump claimed Newsom blocked a proposal to redirect excess water …

Why hydrants ran dry as firefighters battled California’s deadly fires
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Why hydrants ran dry as firefighters battled California’s deadly fires

LA Times  

As crews have fought the fast-spreading fires across the Los Angeles area, they have repeatedly been hampered by low water pressure and fire hydrants that have gone dry. “Local water systems are usually designed to fight local, small-scale fires over a limited time period,” said Kathryn Sorensen, director of research at Arizona State University’s Kyl Center for Water Policy. “At …

Column: Compassion and decency are lost amid wildfires as California foes seek cheap political points
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Column: Compassion and decency are lost amid wildfires as California foes seek cheap political points

LA Times  

Beachfront homes leveled along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Richard Grenell, who was recently named Trump’s envoy for “special missions,” claimed “the far-left policies of Democrats in California are literally burning us to the ground.” Utah’s Republican Sen. Mike Lee blamed the devastation on an overweening environmental sensitivity that puts the survival of “tiny fish” ahead of the lives and …

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