Water

Changing rainfall patterns impact on strawberries studied in Maine

University of Maine researchers are studying how changes in rainfall patterns caused by climate change could affect strawberries in the Northeast. Principal investigator Rachel Schattman, an assistant professor of sustainable agriculture, and her research team... more »

Columbia Basin water availability topic of forecast

Changing climate, crop needs, and population growth are among key factors influencing when water will be available and where water will be needed in Washington’s Columbia River Basin. That’s according to a new report being prepared by the... more »

‘Destructive impacts’ lead to EPA, Army revisiting WOTUS definition

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Army announced June 9 their intent to revise the definition of “waters of the United States,” known as WOTUS, to "better protect our nation’s vital water... more »

Enhanced push for water supply infrastructure comes from national coalition

Citing an “acute and critical need” magnified by another all-too-familiar drought, a national coalition representing thousands of Western farmers, ranchers, water providers, businesses and communities urged Senate leaders yesterday to take action to address the... more »

Over-simplifying California water conservation brings dangers

You hear it every time drought returns to California: "Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth." "Collect shower water in a bucket before it warms up." While valuable, these tried and true drought... more »

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to get drought barrier

In response to worsening drought conditions in California, on June 3 the Department of Water Resources began construction on a temporary emergency drought barrier on the West False River in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The... more »

Farm groups seek review of order on fertilizer use in California

Saying new regional regulations will have a profound impact on food production, farm organizations have petitioned the California State Water Resources Control Board to review a regional board's order limiting applications of fertilizer and other... more »

Districts for irrigation look to transfers as California water dwindles

With very little water to spare this drought year, water districts struggling with limited or no supplies look to their counterparts in other districts to negotiate water transfers to add whatever flexibility they can. Districts... more »