Exploring new technology, cutting-edge partnerships and collaborations that are driving change in the water world. https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/innovation/rss en 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. 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 American West Environment & Wildlife Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Thu, 18 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/18/why-california-law-requires-a-clear-benefit-for-groundwater-recharge https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/18/why-california-law-requires-a-clear-benefit-for-groundwater-recharge Aquifer recharge by itself isn’t enough to win a water diversion permit in California, says Erik Ekdahl of the State Water Resources Control Board. A more specific benefit is required, and the board is working to ease the process. 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. American West Climate & Weather Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Mon, 08 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Brent Gardner-Smith https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/08/in-colorado-water-bosses-begin-to-accept-climate-change-impacts https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/08/in-colorado-water-bosses-begin-to-accept-climate-change-impacts Old assumptions aren’t working to predict today’s water supplies in the Rocky Mountain state, much less the future. Many planning scenarios ‘are actually pretty scary,’ says one water official. Agriculture American West Climate & Weather Environment & Wildlife Innovation Management & Supply Fri, 05 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/05/deeply-talks-drought-on-the-colorado-can-we-adapt-to-changing-runoff https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/05/deeply-talks-drought-on-the-colorado-can-we-adapt-to-changing-runoff Shrinking snowpack in the Colorado River watershed is not just a water supply problem, but could also lead to a variety of water quality concerns. Listen to two experts describe these changes and how we might adapt. American West Climate & Weather Environment & Wildlife Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Wed, 19 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/19/monsoon-storms-key-to-recharging-groundwater-may-become-less-common https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/19/monsoon-storms-key-to-recharging-groundwater-may-become-less-common A new study has revealed that monsoons in the Southwest have already become less common but more extreme in nature, posing new challenges for water managers eager to capture crucial runoff. 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 Climate & Weather Energy Environment & Wildlife Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Fri, 14 Sep 2018 05:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/14/can-we-operate-the-colorado-river-differently-amid-climate-change https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/14/can-we-operate-the-colorado-river-differently-amid-climate-change It will be challenging to adapt to changing precipitation and snowmelt patterns in the vital Colorado River watershed. Jack Schmidt at Utah State University is launching a project that may provide some answers. 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. 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. Agriculture American West Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Fri, 24 Aug 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Kirsten James https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/08/24/the-unanticipated-benefits-of-californias-water-policies https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/08/24/the-unanticipated-benefits-of-californias-water-policies From software to robots to technology originally designed to detect water on Mars, market-based policy approaches are spurring innovation, writes Ceres’ Kirsten James. 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. Climate & Weather Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Tue, 17 Jul 2018 09:00:00 +0000 Sean Bothwell https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/07/17/10-signs-of-california-water-progress https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/07/17/10-signs-of-california-water-progress The Golden State may face a future with more extreme weather, which will further stress water resources, but California is well on its way to dealing with this new reality, writes Sean Bothwell of California Coastkeeper Alliance. Climate & Weather Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Fri, 13 Jul 2018 07:48:00 +0000 Tara Lohan https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/07/13/how-communities-are-turning-stormwater-from-a-liability-to-an-asset https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/07/13/how-communities-are-turning-stormwater-from-a-liability-to-an-asset A new report from the Pacific Institute outlines creative collaborations and policy changes needed to better scale stormwater solutions, explains research associate Morgan Shimabuku. Energy Innovation Wed, 27 Jun 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/06/27/new-desalination-process-could-extract-vital-battery-material-lithium https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/06/27/new-desalination-process-could-extract-vital-battery-material-lithium Lithium is found in seawater and in some groundwater. A new filtering material could be used in desalination to extract lithium, potentially offsetting the high cost of producing freshwater from the ocean, says University of Texas chemical engineer Benny Freeman. Agriculture Economics Environment & Wildlife Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Fri, 22 Jun 2018 07:30:00 +0000 Alastair Bland https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/06/22/a-new-groundwater-market-emerges-in-california-are-more-on-the-way https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/06/22/a-new-groundwater-market-emerges-in-california-are-more-on-the-way The pilot program is kicking off in Ventura County, but experts say that it may be replicated in other parts of the state as California works to comply with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and curb overpumping of aquifers. American West Climate & Weather Innovation Solutions Tue, 19 Jun 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/06/19/new-tool-will-help-save-water-by-measuring-plant-health-from-space https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/06/19/new-tool-will-help-save-water-by-measuring-plant-health-from-space A new “space botany” instrument to be mounted on the International Space Station will offer the best data yet on plant stress, helping to track water demand on farms, cities and natural habitats, explains NASA’s Joshua Fisher. Climate & Weather Environment & Wildlife Innovation Law & Policy Solutions Fri, 08 Jun 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Robin Meadows https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/06/08/bay-area-project-tackles-sea-level-rise-and-water-quality https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/06/08/bay-area-project-tackles-sea-level-rise-and-water-quality A horizontal levee built by the Oro Loma Sanitary District in the San Francisco Bay Area helps treat wastewater, provide wildlife habitat and protect against sea level rise. And it’s a model that may soon be replicated in the area. Agriculture Economics Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Thu, 07 Jun 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Kirsten James https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/06/07/in-berry-country-california-farmers-get-innovative-to-save-groundwater https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/06/07/in-berry-country-california-farmers-get-innovative-to-save-groundwater Driscoll’s Berries and its farmers in Ventura County are working to save water and tackle sustainable management of the local groundwater, writes Kirsten James of Ceres. Climate & Weather Innovation Solutions Thu, 31 May 2018 03:20:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/05/31/new-device-produces-water-from-thin-air-no-electricity-required https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/05/31/new-device-produces-water-from-thin-air-no-electricity-required Omar Yaghi of the University of California, Berkeley, helped invent a sponge-like metal compound that harvests water molecules out of the atmosphere at night and then releases it as a liquid upon exposure to sunlight. Environment & Wildlife Innovation Management & Supply Solutions Thu, 24 May 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Tara Lohan https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/05/24/new-restoration-effort-would-give-big-boost-to-lake-tahoe-watershed https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/05/24/new-restoration-effort-would-give-big-boost-to-lake-tahoe-watershed A large tract of land has been purchased along the Upper Truckee River in the hope of running restoration projects to aid the watershed and improve Lake Tahoe’s prized clarity. Nicole Cartwright of the Tahoe Resource Conservation District explains what comes next. American West Economics Innovation Law & Policy Solutions Wed, 23 May 2018 04:00:00 +0000 Tara Lohan https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/05/23/little-known-accounting-policy-could-fuel-green-infrastructure-surge https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/05/23/little-known-accounting-policy-could-fuel-green-infrastructure-surge Most water agencies don’t think of local water projects like green roofs or efficiency rebates as assets, but now they can. And that means agencies can now access capital markets for funding, which could help dramatically grow these projects. American West Innovation Law & Policy Solutions Fri, 04 May 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Mary Ann Dickinson https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/05/04/how-colorado-river-basin-states-can-improve-water-efficiency https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/05/04/how-colorado-river-basin-states-can-improve-water-efficiency An assessment of the seven Colorado River Basin states shows that there are two key areas where states are lagging and a stronger legal framework could help, writes Mary Ann Dickinson of the Alliance for Water Efficiency.