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Why New California Drought Regulations Have Caused an Uproar
Dozens of local water agencies are opposing state regulations to ban wasteful water practices, partly due to issues relating to the water board’s authority.
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Dozens of local water agencies are opposing state regulations to ban wasteful water practices, partly due to issues relating to the water board’s authority.
Eileen Sobeck was recently hired as executive director of California’s powerful State Water Resources Control Board after decades in federal service. Politics in Washington, she says, make this an important time for states to lead on water and climate issues.
Max Gomberg Water Conservation and Climate Change Manager, State Water Resources Control Board
Officials and regulators need to work together to help water managers face new challenges, says Max Gomberg, water conservation and climate change manager at the State Water Resources Control Board.
The state is currently investigating whether it is feasible to develop standards for direct potable reuse, which would allow treated wastewater to be sent direct to customers for drinking without first being stored in a reservoir or aquifer.
A new water conservation process adopted by the state allows local agencies to avoid strict water conservation mandates. Analysts worry these ‘stress tests’ may cause problems if the drought worsens.
The water consumed by California marijuana growers will now be regulated by state officials under a new program that could be up and running within a year. The goal is to protect wildlife and habitats.
California officials this month adopted streamlined permitting for nonpotable water recycling projects. By the end of this year, they’re expected to do the same for potable water recycling. Jennifer West of WaterReuse California explains what’s ahead.
It takes energy to get clean drinking water to our homes. So when California embraced new conservation mandates last year, it meant savings of not just water but also energy. And researchers from U.C. Davis found out just how much energy.
Lake Mead, which stores Colorado River water used by California and other states, hit a record low last month. Here’s what this means for people who depend on the reservoir.
Kirsten James Oversees the California Policy Program, Ceres
California may be in danger of losing the gains it has worked hard to achieve in the last year in water conservation. A wet winter doesn’t mean California is in the clear.
California’s emergency water conservation mandate was extended until October, but the Water Board is contemplating changing it after pressure from water suppliers that would like to see regulations eased or eliminated.
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