Groundwater recharge efforts have been significantly bolstered by multiple storm systems beginning last December. As a result, the State Water Resources Control Board has authorized the diversion of 1.2 million …
‘Dangerous’ Water Rights Legislation Continues Moving Forward
California lawmakers are continuing the progression of multiple pieces of water rights legislation. Three particular bills recently passed through their house of origin. Collectively, the bills would create fundamental changes …
Sites Reservoir Continues Progress with Water Board Decision
The State Water Resources Control Board has determined that the Sites Reservoir water rights application is officially complete. That moves the development process to the next step with a 60-day …
State Auditor Points Out Inadequacies with California Water Management
A recent report highlights a multitude of shortfalls in California water management. An audit was conducted on the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the State Water Resources Control Board …
Making Strides in Funding Water Infrastructure Improvements
The process of funding improvements to California’s water infrastructure is showing incremental advancement. Executive Director of the California Farm Water Coalition, Mike Wade said the administrative process can be a …
Supreme Court Limits WOTUS Authority
The broad authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its administration of the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule has been curbed. A decision issued by the U.S. Supreme …
Colorado River Agreement: ‘Important Step Forward’
California, Nevada, and Arizona have reached an agreement on how to address concerns with the Colorado River. The Lower Basin Plan was accepted after nearly a year of negotiation and …
Latest Flood-Related Executive Order Expands Diversion Flexibilities
Governor Gavin Newsom has issued another flood-related executive order to address impacts in the Central Valley. Runoff forecasts and flood models indicate that flood conditions in the area will likely …
California Moves to Recharge Groundwater Basins with Floodwater
Efforts to address floodwater in the Central Valley will include emergency diversions into groundwater recharge basins. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) made the announcement earlier this week. DWR will …
May Snow Survey Still Shows Abundant Snowpack
The May snow survey conducted at Phillips Station illustrated an abundance of snow remaining in California. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) measured a snow depth of 59 inches …
A Dozen More Sustainability Plans Approved by DWR
Groundwater sustainability plans for 12 non-critically overdrafted groundwater basins have been approved by the Department of Water Resources (DWR). The announcement brings the total number of groundwater basins that have …
‘Newsom Stepped Up This Year’ in Response to Water Conditions
Governor Gavin Newsom made some significant moves this year when it comes to water. Multiple administrative adjustments were made in response to the influx of storm systems that came through …
Wet Weather in 2023: ‘What it Screams for is More Storage’
The cyclical nature of California’s weather patterns emphasizes the need for water infrastructure improvements. Most of the state’s water storage reservoirs are already well above average, with some nearing or …
Full Allocations for California Water Projects
Full allocations have been made for California water projects. After substantial rain and snow blanketed the state, reservoirs are nearing capacity. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is increasing forecasted …