Household water wells are drying up in record numbers as California drought worsens
2 years ago

Household water wells are drying up in record numbers as California drought worsens

LA Times  

Sandra Sevilla stands next to the well that dried up as a result of the ongoing drought at her family’s ranch in an unincorporated area of Madera County. Areas with the highest number of well failures included Fresno, Madera, Tulare and Tehama counties — Central Valley regions where surface water shortages have driven growers to drill deeper and deeper irrigation wells. “It just gives you a sense that we are in unprecedented times with the drought,” said Steven Springhorn, an engineering geologist and technical assistance manager with the Department of Water Resources’ Sustainable Groundwater Management Office. “Everybody’s sort of been scrambling over what little water there is,” said Ari Neumann, director of community and environmental services for Rural Community Assistance Corp. “And whoever has the deepest well gets the water.” As global warming stokes increasing aridification across the American Southwest, California is struggling to overhaul its increasingly outdated water infrastructure. “I know we’re in a drought, but when you start pumping massive amounts of water, someone is gonna get hurt somewhere,” Imfeld said.

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History of this topic

A decade after signing of California groundwater law, major challenges remain
3 months, 1 week ago

A decade after signing of California groundwater law, major challenges remain

LA Times  

Water flows from a well to irrigate an orchard in Visalia in 2021. The state’s approach to intervention, he said, would saddle growers with an estimated $10 million annually in pumping fees, and would bring rapid and “extreme” restrictions on water use. “Under SGMA, local agencies are responsible for the sustainable management of their groundwater basins,” said Edward Ortiz, a …

California lawmakers reject proposal to curb well-drilling where nearby wells could run dry
6 months ago

California lawmakers reject proposal to curb well-drilling where nearby wells could run dry

LA Times  

Over the past several years, California’s water managers have seen a pattern emerge in farming areas of the Central Valley: Even as declining groundwater levels have left thousands of residents with dry wells and caused the ground to sink, counties have continued granting permits for agricultural landowners to drill new wells and pump even more water. In a recent report …

A wet year boosted California’s groundwater, but not enough to address long-term declines
7 months, 2 weeks ago

A wet year boosted California’s groundwater, but not enough to address long-term declines

LA Times  

After years of pervasive declines, groundwater levels rose significantly in much of California last year, boosted by historic wet weather and the state’s expanding efforts to replenish depleted aquifers. The state’s aquifers gained an estimated 8.7 million acre-feet of groundwater — nearly double the total storage capacity of Shasta Lake — during the 2023 water year that ended Sept. 30, …

L.A.’s water supplies are in good shape. But is the city ready for the next drought?
8 months, 1 week ago

L.A.’s water supplies are in good shape. But is the city ready for the next drought?

LA Times  

California’s second wet winter in a row has left L.A.’s water supplies in good shape, and the city has used its reprieve from drought to make progress on water-saving infrastructure projects. After the state’s final snow survey of the season, officials with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power announced that Eastern Sierra snowpack is measuring 103% of normal, …

Opinion: California has to conserve water. Why is Sacramento dragging its heels?
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Opinion: California has to conserve water. Why is Sacramento dragging its heels?

LA Times  

State law set in motion a process of setting of standards for indoor and outdoor water use that utilities and consumers can meet in flexible ways. That legislation established a framework for creating long-term water-use efficiency standards for urban water suppliers that would govern indoor use, allowable water loss and outdoor use. Because the water board’s latest plan for implementing …

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, …

As water rates climb, many are struggling to pay for an essential service
9 months, 1 week ago

As water rates climb, many are struggling to pay for an essential service

LA Times  

Water flows from a kitchen faucet in Los Angeles County. A bill introduced by Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla would establish a water assistance program to help low-income families pay their bills and prevent shutoffs of water service. New federal legislation would establish a water assistance program to help low-income families pay their bills and prevent shutoffs of water service. “Today …

Clean water is a human right. Why are so many California communities without it?
11 months ago

Clean water is a human right. Why are so many California communities without it?

LA Times  

The Friant-Kern Canal is off limits to the residents of Tooleville, who have no access to clean running water. Gavin Newsom journeyed to a rural school in the Central Valley and stood by chance against a backdrop more prescient than he had planned: a classroom whiteboard that posed the “Essential Question — How do you respond to challenges?” The governor …

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 …

California cities and farms will get 10% of requested state water supplies when 2024 begins
1 year ago

California cities and farms will get 10% of requested state water supplies when 2024 begins

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California water agencies serving 27 million people will get 10% of the water they requested from state supplies to start 2024 due to a relatively dry fall, even though the state’s reservoirs are in good shape, state officials said Friday. “California’s water year is off to a relatively dry start,” Karla Nemeth, director of the Department of …

Californians with past-due water bills can get help with payments. Here’s how
1 year, 1 month ago

Californians with past-due water bills can get help with payments. Here’s how

LA Times  

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, which kicked off in 2021 with an estimated $5 million funding, was set to end this fall, but it will now remain available through March or until the funding runs out. The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, administered by the California Department of Community Services and Development, was established by Congress in …

Thousands of California wells are at risk of drying up despite landmark water law
1 year, 3 months ago

Thousands of California wells are at risk of drying up despite landmark water law

LA Times  

Michael Torres gestures toward his dry well in the unincorporated Fresno County community of Tombstone Territory in August 2022. “I hope that there’s a conversation around how we can support particularly rural and lower-income communities that will be impacted by declining groundwater levels.” The researchers said contingency plans could include securing funds to lower people’s pumps, drill new wells or …

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 …

Californians were asked to cut water use 15% during the drought. How close did they get?
1 year, 6 months ago

Californians were asked to cut water use 15% during the drought. How close did they get?

LA Times  

JJ Bennett waters the ninth hole during the First Look for the U.S. Open Championship 2022, in Los Angeles. The South Coast region, which includes Los Angeles and half the state’s population, cut water use by 6%, or about 7 fewer gallons per person per day, the analysis found. The communities were able to “cut their water use enough to …

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 …

California ends some water limits after storms ease drought
1 year, 8 months ago

California ends some water limits after storms ease drought

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Gavin Newsom ended some of the state's water restrictions …

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 …

3 reasons why California's drought isn't really over, despite all the rain
1 year, 9 months ago

3 reasons why California's drought isn't really over, despite all the rain

NPR  

3 reasons why California's drought isn't really over, despite all the rain Enlarge this image toggle caption Ken James/California Department of Water Resources Ken James/California Department of Water Resources Ask a water expert if California's drought is finally done, and the answers sound something "Yes and no." "While we've seen some pretty fantastic wet weather and we've seen conditions improve, …

Amid well-drilling and pumping, calls grow for stronger California water regulation
1 year, 10 months ago

Amid well-drilling and pumping, calls grow for stronger California water regulation

LA Times  

Craig Branco owns an olive orchard and a rental home outside Visalia, where two wells went dry in 2021. The governor directed counties and cities to obtain written verification from a groundwater sustainability agency that issuing a well-drilling permit would be consistent with the local plan and wouldn’t “decrease the likelihood of achieving a sustainability goal for the basin.” The …

California storms improve initial federal water allocations
1 year, 10 months ago

California storms improve initial federal water allocations

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — After early winter storms put a dent in California’s drought, officials Wednesday cautiously announced a jump in initial allocations of federally controlled water to agricultural, municipal and industrial users of the Central Valley Project system. Nine atmospheric river storms from late December into January greatly improved the water supply outlook following three years of record drought, U.S. …

States miss deadline to address Colorado River water crisis; pressure builds on California
1 year, 10 months ago

States miss deadline to address Colorado River water crisis; pressure builds on California

LA Times  

Water levels in Lake Powell have been dropping during the past 23 years of drought in the Colorado River Basin. In announcing the proposal Monday, Tom Buschatzke, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, called it a key step in the “ongoing dialogue” among the seven states “as we continue to seek a collaborative solution to stabilize the Colorado …

California winter storms boost water allocations for cities
1 year, 10 months ago

California winter storms boost water allocations for cities

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Weeks of historic rainfall in California won’t be enough to end a severe drought, but it will provide public water agencies serving 27 million people with much more water than the suppliers had been told to expect a month ago, state officials announced Thursday. “We’re not out of drought in California, but this certainly makes a significant …

California to get major boost in water supplies after January storms
1 year, 10 months ago

California to get major boost in water supplies after January storms

LA Times  

California water agencies that serve 27 million people will see an increased allocation of supplies from the state after a series of winter storms boosted reservoirs and snowpack, officials announced Thursday. “But make no mistake, while the recent storms will help alleviate the acute emergency in areas dependent on supplies from the State Water Project, Southern California’s water challenges are …

California downpours won't fix decades of drought: Scientists
1 year, 11 months ago

California downpours won't fix decades of drought: Scientists

The Hindu  

Near-record rainfall has battered California for weeks, sparking floods and landslides as the state struggles to cope with so much water. But scientists say even this much precipitation won't reverse the western US state's decades-long drought. Aquifers in deficit Beyond its reservoirs and snow reserves, the state faces a much deeper-seated problem with its depleted groundwater, says Nicholas Pinter, a …

‘Full-on crisis’: Groundwater in California’s Central Valley disappearing at alarming rate
2 years ago

‘Full-on crisis’: Groundwater in California’s Central Valley disappearing at alarming rate

LA Times  

Water flows from an underground well to irrigate an orchard in Visalia, Calif. Scientists have discovered that the pace of groundwater depletion in California’s Central Valley has accelerated dramatically during the drought as heavy agricultural pumping has drawn down aquifer levels to new lows and now threatens to devastate the underground water reserves. “California’s groundwater, and groundwater across the southwestern …

Nation’s largest water supplier declares drought emergency
2 years ago

Nation’s largest water supplier declares drought emergency

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — The nation’s largest water supplier has declared a drought emergency for all of Southern California, clearing the way for potential mandatory water restrictions early next year that could impact 19 million people. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California provides water to 26 different agencies that supply major population centers like Los Angeles and San Diego counties. …

Nation's largest water supplier declares drought emergency
2 years ago

Nation's largest water supplier declares drought emergency

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The nation's largest water supplier …

Drought-hit California cities to get little water from state
2 years ago

Drought-hit California cities to get little water from state

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California water agencies that serve 27 million people will get just 5% of what they requested from the state to start 2023, water officials announced Thursday. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which services Los Angeles and much of Southern California, relies on the state for about one-third of its water supply. We can get through …

California set for more brown lawns and water restrictions as state issues 5% allocation
2 years ago

California set for more brown lawns and water restrictions as state issues 5% allocation

LA Times  

The California Aqueduct flows water through Central Valley farmland. “California and most of the western U.S. states do remain in extreme drought conditions driven by climate change, and as water managers, we are adjusting to these hotter and drier conditions,” said Molly White, operations manager for the State Water Project. “This initial allocation is an important indicator of what Southern …

Nearly 20% of California water agencies could see shortages if drought persists, state report shows
2 years ago

Nearly 20% of California water agencies could see shortages if drought persists, state report shows

LA Times  

A 2013 aerial view of the Los Angeles Aqueduct as it flows south in its concrete-lined channel alongside Hwy 395 south of the Owens Valley town of Lone Pine. Most of California’s urban water agencies believe they have enough supplies to last through another seven months of drought, but nearly 20% of them — including many in Southern California — …

Drying California lake to get $250M in US drought funding
2 years ago

Drying California lake to get $250M in US drought funding

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The federal government said Monday it will spend $250 million over four years on environmental cleanup and restoration work around a drying Southern California lake that’s fed by the depleted Colorado River. The lake is largely fed by runoff from farms in California’s Imperial Valley, who use Colorado River water to grow many of the nation’s winter …

As drought drives prices higher, millions of Californians struggle to pay for water
2 years, 2 months ago

As drought drives prices higher, millions of Californians struggle to pay for water

LA Times  

Several months ago, Rosario Rodriguez faced a financial dilemma that has become all too common for millions of drought-weary Californians — either pay the electric bill, which had skyrocketed to about $300 during a scorching summer in western Fresno County, or pay the $220 combined water, sewer and trash bill. “Our water is expensive, even though we can’t drink it …

California wells run dry as drought depletes groundwater
2 years, 2 months ago

California wells run dry as drought depletes groundwater

Associated Press  

FAIRMEAD, Calif. — As California’s drought deepens, Elaine Moore’s family is running out of an increasingly precious resource: water. “This is a key challenge not just for California, but for communities across the West moving forward in adapting to climate change,” said Andrew Ayres, a water researcher at the Public Policy Institute of California. “There are families who don’t have …

California should expect a ‘fourth dry year’ as drought persists
2 years, 3 months ago

California should expect a ‘fourth dry year’ as drought persists

LA Times  

Officials said some of the state’s biggest reservoirs, including Lake Oroville, above, are a bit more full than they were at the same time last year, but still remain well below average. California’s reservoirs will enter fall in a slightly better position than last year, but the Golden State should prepare for more dryness, extreme weather events and water quality …

Dirty water, drying wells: Central Californians shoulder drought’s inequities
2 years, 3 months ago

Dirty water, drying wells: Central Californians shoulder drought’s inequities

LA Times  

On a hot morning in August, the pressure gauge on Jesús Benítez’s well read about 10 pounds per square inch — barely enough for a trickle. “In water quality control, it’s often said, ‘The solution to pollution is dilution.’ When you have the opposite — very little amounts coming in, little recharge happening with fresher flows — you get an …

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 is finally reducing water use, but it’s not enough amid severe drought
2 years, 5 months ago

California is finally reducing water use, but it’s not enough amid severe drought

LA Times  

Environmentalist Zan Dubin-Scott has started placing a watering can in her shower to capture the water as it heats up, then uses it to water her potted plants. With reservoirs at record lows and Lake Mead inching closer to “dead pool” levels, Californians are beginning to heed the state’s urgent calls for water conservation — but not fast enough, officials …

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 …

As California’s big cities fail to cut their water use, rural communities are already tapped out
2 years, 6 months ago

As California’s big cities fail to cut their water use, rural communities are already tapped out

CNN  

CNN — Gary Biggs’ family hasn’t had water coming out of their private well for over a decade, after a multi-year drought and overpumping by agriculture and industry. “Believe it or not climate change is here, and California is a poster child for it.” As cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco struggle to cut their water use – water …

‘A race to the bottom’: New bill aims to limit frenzy of well drilling on California farms
2 years, 7 months ago

‘A race to the bottom’: New bill aims to limit frenzy of well drilling on California farms

LA Times  

In farming areas across the Central Valley, a well-drilling frenzy has accelerated over the last year as growers turn to pumping more groundwater during the drought, even as falling water levels leave hundreds of nearby homes with dry wells. Brenda Bass of the California Chamber of Commerce said the bill would “create a new permitting regime for groundwater wells that …

California declares unprecedented water restrictions amid drought
2 years, 7 months ago

California declares unprecedented water restrictions amid drought

Al Jazeera  

Residents have been warned to scale down their water usage this summer, as critical shortages loom. “This is the first time we’ve said, we don’t have enough water to last us for the rest of the year, unless we cut our usage by 35 percent.” Depleted reservoirs Most of the water that southern California residents enjoy begins as snow in …

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 …

About 6M Californians ordered to cut water use amid drought
2 years, 7 months ago

About 6M Californians ordered to cut water use amid drought

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Southern California’s gigantic water supplier has taken the unprecedented step of requiring about 6 million people to cut their outdoor watering to one day a week as an extended drought plagues the state following another dry winter. The Metropolitan Water District uses water from the Colorado River and the State Water Project — a vast storage and …

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 …

Parts of Southern California don’t have enough water to meet demand, sparking sweeping cuts
2 years, 7 months ago

Parts of Southern California don’t have enough water to meet demand, sparking sweeping cuts

LA Times  

Due to severe drought, Southern California water officials are restricting outdoor watering to one day a week in some areas of Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties. The unprecedented water restrictions imposed on parts of Southern California this week have put a spotlight on how rapidly the state’s water supply is being reduced by drought and climate change. California …

California could shrink water use in cities by 30% or more, study finds
2 years, 8 months ago

California could shrink water use in cities by 30% or more, study finds

LA Times  

Researchers say investing in projects to capture more stormwater and recycle more wastewater could help California boost local water supplies. “California has made real progress in recent years to reduce water use and augment local water supplies,” said Heather Cooley, the institute’s research director. As for desalination, Gleick said, the team didn’t consider it in the study because although it …

California drought deepens as wet season is anything but
2 years, 8 months ago

California drought deepens as wet season is anything but

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California is experiencing one of the driest starts to spring in decades, data showed Friday, and absent a heavy dose of April and May showers the state’s drought will deepen and that could lead to stricter rules on water use and another devastating wildfire season. The nearly 11 inches worth of water sitting in snow in the …

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