Urban water agencies serving a third of Californians, including in Santa Cruz County, won’t need to cut use, while Central Valley and desert cities face the most cuts.
Rachel Becker / CalMatters
Posted inLatest News
Drinking water of a million Californians fails to meet state requirements
Almost 400 suppliers, two-thirds in communities of color, don’t meet California’s water safety and reliability standards. The report lists four water systems serving Santa Cruz County residents in the “failing” category, including the financially troubled Big Basin Water Company.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
California sets nation’s first water standard for cancer-causing contaminant
Water suppliers say the costs of the State Water Resources Control Board approving a standard for hexavalent chromium will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical, hexavalent chromium is found statewide.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California acts to halt Kings County’s groundwater overpumping
State officials, for the first time, put a local groundwater basin on probation to stop overuse. The order triggers hefty fees for Kings County growers and mandatory reporting of well use.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California farmers depleted groundwater in this county. Now a state crackdown could rein them in
Kings County agencies and growers could face probation and millions of dollars in fines — which could be the first step toward the state wresting control of groundwater.
Posted inLatest News
California salmon fishing banned for second year in row
Federal officials moved Wednesday to cancel commercial and recreational salmon fishing off California as the fish still aren’t thriving. It’s another blow to the commercial fishing industry, which is still awaiting disaster aid from the canceled 2023 season.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California farmers could save a lot of water — but their profits would suffer
California farms could use 93% less water, but less-thirsty crops, such as grains and hay, are much less lucrative than nuts and fruits. Fallowing a small fraction of the thirstiest crops would save 9%.
Posted inLatest News
Saving salmon: Newsom unveils blueprint for ending decades-long decline
With salmon populations throughout California declining for decades and facing the threat of extinction, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday unveiled a state strategy aimed at protecting and restoring the iconic species “amidst hotter and drier weather exacerbated by climate change.”
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California approves rules that turn sewage into drinking water
Suppliers now have detailed steps to create a new source of drinking water. But it’s not really “toilet-to-tap.” Due to the cost, it’ll likely be only large suppliers.
Posted inLatest News
Commission OKs desalination plant on Monterey Bay — the most contentious one yet
The California Coastal Commission voted 8-2 to approve the plant in Marina, despite the ecological risks to the Monterey Bay coast, high costs of the water and a divide between affluent and lower-income communities.