CALIFORNIA’S DROUGHT CRISIS
LESSONS LEARNED: DROUGHT THEN AND NOW
With California experiencing its second driest year on record, CalMatters investigates what’s improved and what’s worsened since the last drought — and vividly portrays the impacts on California’s places and people.
‘Everyone loses’: Sacramento Valley struggles to survive unprecedented water cuts
Sacramento Valley growers protected for decades by their water rights are suffering for the first time during this record-breaking drought. Wildlife refuges are struggling, too.
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DATA
DROUGHT: THE BASICS
Water in California, explained
Where does our water come from?
It originates as rain and snow. Some falls in Oregon and drains into the Klamath River, and some falls in the vast drainage of the Colorado River. But most of it lands in California — about 200 million acre-feet on average per year.
California Drought and Water Tracker
This dashboard provides current and historical perspective on water issues facing the state using a variety of public available datasets, and explores how droughts are making those issues worse.
MORE DROUGHT COVERAGE
California now has mandatory water conservation in urban areas: How will the new rules affect your supplier?
The measures are substantially weaker than a previous proposal after an onslaught of criticism. But they will still save enough water through 2050 to supply the state’s entire population for a year, at a cost of $4.7 billion.
Drinking water of almost a million Californians failed to meet state requirements
Almost 400 suppliers, two-thirds in communities of color, don’t meet safety and reliability standards. Fixing them would cost billions.
This giant freshwater fish — North America’s largest — gains California protection
Die-offs from algae blooms in San Francisco and Delta water diversions have left a giant, shark-like, prehistoric creature at risk. State wildlife officials approved white sturgeon as a candidate for listing, which triggers protection.
These 42 California dams need repairs. But lawmakers cut the funds in half
The dam repairs would store more water and protect the public, but legislators and the governor, facing a huge deficit, cut $50 million.
Watch: California’s runoff flows down the drain. Can more be captured?
Researchers say if California could collect and treat more stormwater in cities, it could provide enough water to supply a quarter of the state’s urban population.
$20 billion: The Delta tunnel’s new price tag
The centerpiece of California’s water wars pits Gov. Newsom against local communities and environmentalists. A new report says the benefits of the tunnel exceed the cost since other water supplies would cost more.
California sets nation’s first water standard for cancer-causing contaminant
Water suppliers say the costs will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical, hexavalent chromium is found statewide.
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 and mandatory reporting of well use.
California farmers depleted groundwater in this county. Now a state crackdown could rein them in
Kings County agencies and growers may face probation and millions of dollars in fines — which could be the first step toward the state wresting control of groundwater.
California salmon fishing banned for second year in row
Federal officials moved to cancel commercial and recreational salmon fishing off California as the fish still aren’t thriving.
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