BC Water News

A SERVICE OF BROWN AND CALDWELL

 

Monday, Jan. 11, 2016

It ain't easy

California's drought: How will we know when it's over?

Reservoir levels offer little relief. BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

Bay Area News Group

San Jose Mercury News

Now that 2016 has gotten off to a wet start, one question is turning up with increasing frequency: "How will we know when the drought is over?" The answer is more complicated than you'd think. Simply put: The drought could end this year. But for that to happen, rains will have to continue arriving in pounding, relentless waves through April to fill depleted reservoirs and dry rivers and push the Sierra snowpack to at least 150 percent of normal.

READ MORE ►
 

Demise of Klamath deal could rekindle old battles

Los Angeles Times

The demise of a deal to end decades of feuding on the Klamath River could rekindle old battles over water use and dams in a remote corner of California. The pact called for the removal of four hydroelectric dams, settled water rights disputes and spelled out water allocations for irrigators and wildlife refuges in the Klamath Basin. But the deal never got traction in Congress. Although some are holding out hope that it can be resurrected, others are doubtful.

READ MORE ►
 

State assesses using oilfield wastewater on crops

Circle of Blue

Tuesday, an expert panel on food safety will gather for its first public meeting to determine what safeguards are required for the reuse of oilfield wastewater for irrigation in the Central Valley. This "produced water" has been used for more than two decades to grow oranges, grapes, and other crops in Kern County, which accounts for more than 70 percent of the state's oil production.

READ MORE ►
 
  • Field Notes