Exploring potential solutions to water issues in California and the American West https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/solutions/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. 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. Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Solutions Wed, 17 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Alastair Bland https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/17/is-resistance-futile-cigarette-butts-still-dominate-coastal-litter https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/17/is-resistance-futile-cigarette-butts-still-dominate-coastal-litter Smokers burn through 6 trillion cigarettes every year, and most are tossed into the environment. Butts contain microplastics and harmful chemicals, and new research suggests they may be directly toxic to wildlife. Efforts to curb butt litter have been largely futile. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Thu, 20 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Jay Ziegler https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/20/congress-must-move-to-renew-federal-fund-vital-for-watershed-protection https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/20/congress-must-move-to-renew-federal-fund-vital-for-watershed-protection The Land and Water Conservation Fund is set to expire on September 30, and Congress has made no move to revive it. That’s a mistake, as the fund is important to protect landscapes that deliver essential water supplies. 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. Agriculture American West Climate & Weather Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Thu, 13 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Ted Kowalski https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/13/more-conservation-cooperation-vital-to-our-new-era-of-water-shortages https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/13/more-conservation-cooperation-vital-to-our-new-era-of-water-shortages New evidence tells us water shortages aren’t going away in the Colorado River Basin. They’ll likely just get worse. Survival requires new funding sources and a new commitment to conservation. Agriculture American West Climate & Weather Energy Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Tue, 11 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/11/crisis-at-lake-powell-looms-large-as-long-term-drought-reaches-upstream https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/11/crisis-at-lake-powell-looms-large-as-long-term-drought-reaches-upstream Water shortages at Lake Mead have drawn all the attention in recent years. Now water rationing has reached far into the Colorado River’s snowy headwaters, prompting concern about the long-term operation of Lake Powell. 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. Agriculture American West Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Solutions Fri, 07 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/07/water-agencies-farmers-fret-over-californias-move-to-regulate-wetlands https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/07/water-agencies-farmers-fret-over-californias-move-to-regulate-wetlands Managing groundwater recharge basins and irrigation ponds could become more troublesome under California’s plan to counteract the Trump administration’s rollback of wetland protections, industry experts say. American West Climate & Weather Management & Supply Solutions Thu, 06 Sep 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Lindsay Abrams https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/06/why-some-water-managers-are-unprepared-for-climate-change https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/06/why-some-water-managers-are-unprepared-for-climate-change California water managers vary in their willingness and ability to take climate risks into account, according to a recent study from U.C. Davis. Improved relationships between scientists and decision-makers may help. 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. American West Environment & Wildlife Management & Supply Solutions Tue, 28 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Lindsay Abrams https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/08/28/expert-views-managing-wildfires-to-protect-water-resources https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/08/28/expert-views-managing-wildfires-to-protect-water-resources Researchers weigh in on the complex relationship between forest and water management in a region increasingly threatened by both wildfires and drought. Agriculture Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Toxic Taps Mon, 27 Aug 2018 06:00:00 +0000 Kirsten James https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/08/27/californias-cant-miss-chance-to-provide-safe-drinking-water-for-all https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/08/27/californias-cant-miss-chance-to-provide-safe-drinking-water-for-all State legislators have until the end of the month to pass the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund. There is an urgent need to provide clean drinking water to the 1 million Californians who lack access to such supplies, says Kirsten James of Ceres. 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 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. American West Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Solutions Wed, 22 Aug 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Robin Meadows https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/08/22/a-century-on-the-battle-over-yosemites-hetch-hetchy-valley-continues https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/08/22/a-century-on-the-battle-over-yosemites-hetch-hetchy-valley-continues A lawsuit aimed at draining San Francisco’s reservoir in Yosemite National Park recently met another obstacle. But efforts to restore the flooded valley are far from over, supporters say. American West Climate & Weather Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Solutions Tue, 21 Aug 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Stephen Pyne https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/08/21/all-wildfires-are-not-alike-but-the-u-s-is-fighting-them-that-way https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/08/21/all-wildfires-are-not-alike-but-the-u-s-is-fighting-them-that-way We need a new strategy to address multiple issues with wildfires, particularly in the wildland-urban interface where development and nature mix, says Arizona State professor Stephen Pyne.