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 …
‘Interesting to See’ How Wet Season Impacts Groundwater Basins
California’s wet water year could have some sizable implications when it comes to groundwater levels. Executive Director of the California Farm Water Coalition, Mike Wade said it will take some …
Record-Breaking Snowpack Brings Additional Flood Risk
The fourth snow survey conducted by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) demonstrated a record-breaking snowpack. At Phillips Station, measurements were recorded of 126.5 inches of snow depth and …
Substantial Increase for Central Valley Project Water Allocations
Central Valley Project water contractors will be receiving more water after an announcement from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Water supply allocations have been increased significantly from the initial announcement …
Recent Storms Help to Double SWP Allocation
Several storm systems have substantially increased the state’s snowpack. As a result, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) is increasing water allocations for the State Water Project (SWP). The last …
Federal Judge Raises Constitutional Questions About WOTUS Rule
The latest iteration of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule took effect on March 20 for most of the country. A federal judge in Texas has blocked the …