Exploring the economic impacts of drought, as well as water pricing and funding mechanisms for infrastructure and new projects. https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/economics/rss en Economics Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Mon, 29 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Heather Cooley, Sonali Abraham, Sarah Diringer and Cora Kammeyer https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/29/untangling-the-complexities-of-californias-proposition-3-water-bond https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/29/untangling-the-complexities-of-californias-proposition-3-water-bond The $8.9 billion bond measure on the November 6 ballot covers a lot of ground on water issues. It also promises big money for a few projects that some experts and voters find unpalatable. American West Economics Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Fri, 26 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Gary Pitzer https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/26/in-water-stressed-west-an-old-water-efficiency-metric-needs-a-reboot https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/26/in-water-stressed-west-an-old-water-efficiency-metric-needs-a-reboot The acre-foot yardstick has been a reliable standby for water agency officials to explain water use to the public. But it may be time to recalibrate our thinking on that as communities plan new development. Economics Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Toxic Taps Thu, 25 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Hollin Kretzmann https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/25/california-water-officials-must-stop-putting-oil-industry-over-water https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/25/california-water-officials-must-stop-putting-oil-industry-over-water State regulators have allowed the oil industry to dump waste fluid in unlined pits for decades. Even amid proof that this practice has polluted groundwater, officials continue to grant the industry a pass on cleanup requirements. Agriculture American West Economics Energy Law & Policy Management & Supply Tue, 23 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Angus M. Thuermer Jr., Wyofile.com https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/23/wyoming-is-missing-out-on-a-wrinkle-in-water-law-worth-millions https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/23/wyoming-is-missing-out-on-a-wrinkle-in-water-law-worth-millions Agricultural interests are getting rich off temporary transfers of water to serve oil fracking wells. Even though water is considered a public resource in the state, Wyoming receives only tiny fees for each transfer. Agriculture American West Climate & Weather Economics Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Mon, 22 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Hannah Holm https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/22/colorado-river-crisis-demands-focus-on-farm-conservation-programs https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/22/colorado-river-crisis-demands-focus-on-farm-conservation-programs Small programs can go a long way to save water and help farmers survive the coming shortages on the Colorado River. These should be the next focus for policymakers now wrestling with drought contingency plans. Agriculture Economics Environment & Wildlife Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Fri, 19 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Eliza Roberts, Lindsay Bass https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/19/big-food-brands-commit-to-conserve-water-soil-and-the-climate https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/19/big-food-brands-commit-to-conserve-water-soil-and-the-climate Major food growers and retailers are looking hard at their growing and distribution practices to conserve soil nutrients and protect water quality. It’s an effort to reduce impacts throughout the entire food supply chain. Agriculture Economics Environment & Wildlife Innovation Management & Supply Solutions Tue, 16 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Daniel Beaulieu https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/16/almond-farms-keep-growing-and-keep-moving-on-water-conservation https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/16/almond-farms-keep-growing-and-keep-moving-on-water-conservation California grows 80 percent of the world’s almonds, generating $11 billion annually for the state’s economy. Richard Waycott of the Almond Board of California explains what the industry is doing to use less water and stretch every drop. Agriculture Economics Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Mon, 15 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Jerry Meral https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/15/in-california-prop-3-is-a-billion-dollar-fix-for-stubborn-water-woes https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/15/in-california-prop-3-is-a-billion-dollar-fix-for-stubborn-water-woes The $8.9 billion bond measure on the November ballot would solve groundwater contamination in disadvantaged communities, restore wetlands, protect the Salton Sea and much more, says the measure’s author, Jerry Meral. Agriculture Climate & Weather Economics Energy Environment & Wildlife Innovation Solutions Fri, 12 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Kirsten James https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/12/farms-food-producers-taking-strides-to-save-water-and-the-climate https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/12/farms-food-producers-taking-strides-to-save-water-and-the-climate Farming and food production use most of the world’s water and produce 13 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. A number of major growers and processors are taking steps to reduce those impacts, writes Ceres’ Kirsten James. Climate & Weather Economics Environment & Wildlife Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Wed, 10 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Douglas E. Beeman, Water Education Foundation https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/10/for-next-california-governor-theres-plenty-of-advice-on-water-issues https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/10/for-next-california-governor-theres-plenty-of-advice-on-water-issues Californians choose a new governor in just a few weeks. At a recent water conference in Sacramento, participants got a chance to offer the newbie some advice. There was plenty to be heard, as well as some wry humor. Climate & Weather Economics Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Tue, 09 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Tom Philp https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/09/figuring-on-climate-change-model-outputs-vary-but-worries-are-real https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/09/figuring-on-climate-change-model-outputs-vary-but-worries-are-real Water available for California farms and cities could decline as much as 44 percent by midcentury due to climate change. Such numbers, while headache-inducing, could make today’s water woes seem trifling. Economics Energy Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Wed, 03 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Scott Greacen https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/03/will-a-landslide-on-the-eel-river-cause-californias-next-dam-disaster https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/03/will-a-landslide-on-the-eel-river-cause-californias-next-dam-disaster An historic landslide looms above Scott Dam, owned by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. The utility is trying to sell off the dam without acknowledging the danger posed by this geologic threat and a nearby earthquake fault. American West Economics Energy Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Toxic Taps Mon, 01 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Stephanie Malin, Tara Opsal https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/01/colorado-voters-face-competing-measures-to-restrict-fracking-wells https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/01/colorado-voters-face-competing-measures-to-restrict-fracking-wells Amid concern about groundwater contamination, a ballot measure would force new fracking wells to keep their distance from homes. Another, sponsored by the oil industry, would force local government to compensate property owners for any lost value that results. Economics Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Thu, 27 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Ry Rivard, Voice of San Diego https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/27/battle-over-new-san-diego-stadium-throws-doubt-on-public-river-access https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/27/battle-over-new-san-diego-stadium-throws-doubt-on-public-river-access Plans to transform the former home of the San Diego Chargers from a concrete wasteland are running into controversy: Despite public pronouncements, two competing ballot measures for a new stadium make no guarantees about public access to the San Diego River. Agriculture Climate & Weather Economics Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Wed, 26 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/26/californias-largest-new-reservoir-likely-to-face-water-access-limits https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/26/californias-largest-new-reservoir-likely-to-face-water-access-limits The $5 billion Sites Reservoir project recently won by far the largest award in a state funding competition. But separate state regulatory actions could limit how much water it can tap from the Sacramento River. Economics Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Mon, 24 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Jay Lund https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/24/long-road-still-ahead-to-fund-new-california-water-storage-projects https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/24/long-road-still-ahead-to-fund-new-california-water-storage-projects California recently promised billions of dollars in bond funds to new water storage projects. But it remains to be seen if these projects can obtain water rights and regulatory approval to actually start construction. American West Climate & Weather Economics Energy Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Fri, 21 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Anthony F. Arrigo https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/21/hoover-dam-as-giant-battery-the-hurdles-are-more-legal-than-technical https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/21/hoover-dam-as-giant-battery-the-hurdles-are-more-legal-than-technical Los Angeles is proposing to build a 20-mile pipeline to transform Hoover Dam into a pumped storage hydropower project. It’s certainly feasible – except for the ongoing political and legal conflict over the Colorado River. Climate & Weather Economics Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Tue, 18 Sep 2018 14:00:55 +0000 Ellen Hanak, Jeffrey Mount https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/18/to-manage-future-water-shortages-california-must-update-its-water-grid https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/18/to-manage-future-water-shortages-california-must-update-its-water-grid The state’s water supply system will be strained to cope with climate change. New investments – and new ways of investing – are needed to improve water management, especially to recharge groundwater. American West Economics Energy Innovation Law & Policy Solutions Mon, 17 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Laura Paskus https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/17/in-new-mexico-move-to-reuse-fracking-water-stirs-cry-for-transparency https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/17/in-new-mexico-move-to-reuse-fracking-water-stirs-cry-for-transparency The state formed a working group, with the blessing of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to find ways to reuse wastewater from natural gas fracking wells. But concerned citizens say the process needs more daylight. American West Economics Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Toxic Taps Mon, 10 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Nell Green Nylen, Michael Kiparsky https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/10/saving-troubled-water-systems-requires-flexible-solutions-not-mandates https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/10/saving-troubled-water-systems-requires-flexible-solutions-not-mandates California’s five-year drought highlighted the struggles faced by small water systems. Legal and policy solutions are in the works, but they must remain adaptable to meet the needs of small communities. Economics Environment & Wildlife Innovation Solutions Tue, 04 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Mary Catherine O’Connor https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/04/as-synthetic-microfibers-spread-in-water-solutions-are-blossoming https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/04/as-synthetic-microfibers-spread-in-water-solutions-are-blossoming Synthetic garments are shedding tiny plastic fibers at an alarming rate, threatening wildlife that ingest the bits. Potential solutions include new textile blends, better washing machines and special filters. So far, a complete fix remains elusive. American West Economics Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Mon, 03 Sep 2018 14:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/03/amid-trump-rollbacks-california-moves-to-regulate-wetlands-on-its-own https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/03/amid-trump-rollbacks-california-moves-to-regulate-wetlands-on-its-own The Trump administration is moving to weaken the so-called Waters of the U.S. rule, which protects wetlands and other waterways from development. California plans its own regulations to fill the gap, but progress is slow. Economics Environment & Wildlife Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Wed, 29 Aug 2018 09:20:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/08/29/the-hot-new-venue-for-summer-weddings-your-local-sewage-plant https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/08/29/the-hot-new-venue-for-summer-weddings-your-local-sewage-plant Wastewater treatment has always been hidden away, as nobody wanted to be near it. Now utility managers are inviting the community into their world by building parks, hiking trails and attractive spaces for special events. Economics Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Thu, 23 Aug 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Erik Porse, Kathryn Mika, Stephanie Pincetl, Mark Gold, William Blomquist https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/08/23/exchange-pools-los-angeles-provides-innovative-groundwater-strategy https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/08/23/exchange-pools-los-angeles-provides-innovative-groundwater-strategy In a part of Los Angeles County, a community exchange pool has been established that allows entities to store and purchase groundwater. It’s an adaptive strategy that could be more common as California works to implement its Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Agriculture American West Economics Law & Policy Wed, 15 Aug 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/08/15/why-one-arizona-county-could-upend-the-southwests-drought-plan https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/08/15/why-one-arizona-county-could-upend-the-southwests-drought-plan New federal estimates suggest serious water shortages on the Colorado River are closer than thought. While Arizona water users try to cooperate on a conservation fix, one group of farmers stands in the way of a compromise. Agriculture Economics Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Mon, 06 Aug 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/08/06/california-groundwater-law-means-big-changes-above-ground-too https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/08/06/california-groundwater-law-means-big-changes-above-ground-too The state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act is likely to result in fallowing thousands of acres of farmland. Local governments are just waking up to the big opportunities, and risks, in how that land gets reused. Economics Energy Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Thu, 02 Aug 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Lindsay Abrams https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/08/02/deeply-talks-water-conservation-and-efficiency-challenges https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/08/02/deeply-talks-water-conservation-and-efficiency-challenges Statewide regulations and local innovations are contributing to making water conservation a ‘California way of life.’ Listen to two experts explain the implications of new water efficiency laws and highlight promising trends in conservation throughout the state. Economics Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Tue, 31 Jul 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Alastair Bland https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/07/31/does-the-bay-area-have-enough-water-for-economic-growth-and-salmon https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/07/31/does-the-bay-area-have-enough-water-for-economic-growth-and-salmon A final draft of the state’s plan to increase flows in key tributaries of the Bay-Delta will mean more water for fish but less for urban areas like the San Francisco Bay Area. American West Climate & Weather Economics Environment & Wildlife Management & Supply Mon, 30 Jul 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/07/30/hot-weather-land-abuses-fueling-algal-blooms-in-western-waters https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/07/30/hot-weather-land-abuses-fueling-algal-blooms-in-western-waters Toxic bacteria produced by some algae are a threat to public health. Climate change may be one reason algal blooms have become a growing concern for many water agencies. Agriculture Economics Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Fri, 20 Jul 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Mike Wade https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/07/20/state-water-boards-delta-plan-is-no-fix-for-fish-and-hurts-farms https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/07/20/state-water-boards-delta-plan-is-no-fix-for-fish-and-hurts-farms The board has failed to listen to the concerns of cities, farms, school districts and other experts when it comes to its Bay-Delta Water Quality plan that would reduce flows in critical California rivers, says Mike Wade of the California Farm Water Coalition.