In parts of California’s Central Valley, farmlands are being used to soak up storm water and replenish depleted groundwater.
Ian James
Posted inLatest News
Salmon fishing banned along California coast as population plummets
California’s Chinook salmon population is suffering, forcing the cancellation of the fishing season along the Pacific coast.
Posted inLatest News
Age, drought, rodents and neglect weaken California levees, heightening flood danger
The Pajaro River levee failure points to hazards that California has yet to address in many areas where communities are vulnerable, experts say.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘A foundation of racism’: California’s antiquated water rights system faces new scrutiny
As calls mount to reform California’s antiquated water rights system, some are calling on lawmakers to address the system’s legacy of racism.
Posted inEnvironment
Amid well-drilling and pumping, calls grow for stronger California water regulation
Well-drilling and pumping continue to draw down groundwater in California’s Central Valley. Calls are growing for stronger legislation and state intervention.
Posted inEnvironment
How do you track an atmospheric river? Climb aboard this high-flying reconnaissance jet
From the sky, scientists are dropping devices with parachutes to peer into powerful atmospheric river storms, giving California advance warning.
Posted inEnvironment
California faces catastrophic flood dangers — and a need to invest billions in protection
California’s Central Valley is at risk of catastrophic flooding. A new state plan calls for spending as much as $30 billion over 30 years to prepare.
Posted inLatest News
Two more rainstorms bring new dangers to California as officials tally widespread damage
A more intense atmospheric river is expected to arrive over California on Monday, bringing damaging winds along with heavy precipitation. Flash flooding and debris flow are possible over recently burned areas. Officials warned about an increasing risk of avalanches as snow piles up in the mountains.
Posted inEnvironment
Drought forces California farmers to idle vast growing areas, costing $1.7 billion
A third year of severe drought forced California farmers to leave an estimated 752,000 acres of farmland idle this year, according to a new report.
Posted inLatest News
Surfing in the desert? A developer’s plan for a surf lagoon sparks outrage
A developer plans to build a large surfing pool in La Quinta. Critics argue it would require too much water as California grapples with drought.