Water

Newspapers across the West have been replete with stories about California’s water woes. But almost all those reports – including my recent GOAT post – focus on California’s Central Valley where farmers from the North (the Sacramento Valley), the South (the San Joaquin Valley) and the Center (the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta) compete with municipalities, wildlife […]

California’s State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project (CVP) – which serve the vast Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys of California – have projected dramatically reduced water delivery to all water users.  Municipalities, wildlife refuges and farmers who hold water rights can expect to receive 50% to 60% of what has been requested.  […]

This week, the Montana Senate is voting on legislation that could give gas companies much more control over water pumped out of coalbed methane wells in the Powder River Basin. Senate Bill 505, if passed, will legitimize what many Montanans consider “water theft.” A single coalbed methane well can produce around 16,800 gallons of water every day. Water […]

Yesterday, President Obama signed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009.  His signature ensures protection for more than 2 million acres of wilderness nationwide, and sets the long-awaited Navajo-Gallup water project in motion, delivering badly needed infrastructure and acre feet to the Navajo Nation.  More than  70,000 people in the Navajo Nation do not have easy access […]

A deal in the 1920s divided water rights amongst Western states. But back then, water conditions were more ideal. Now that we’re in somewhat of a prolonged drought, many water managers are warning that there may not be enough water to fulfill the Colorado River Compact. Matt Jenkins spun an excellent tale about the issue […]

In a defeat for those organizations and interests which support proposed Klamath River Water and Dam Deals, the California Water Resources Board has rejected a request from energy giant PacifiCorp to once again delay consideration of the impacts PacifiCorp’s five Klamath River dams have on water quality. In a late February letter to “interested parties” […]

Bottled water has always been an elaborate PR scam– both an invented necessity and a bizarre symbol of luxury. Nevertheless, I buy it sometimes, especially on long car trips. I don’t know why, but I usually pick Fiji. Maybe it’s the square shape and snazzy palm frond label.  I have always known that I am being seduced by […]

You can get a decent sampling of the folks attending the 51st Annual Convention of the Colorado Water Congress at a Hyatt in Denver just by looking at the coat rack. Navy sport coats and professorial tweeds predominate, but there is also a camouflage fishing vest, fringed duster, and a smudgy Carhardt jacket. The Grand Mesa Ballroom  is […]

Updated January 27th “State and federal funding is available”– now that’s a phrase we haven’t heard much lately in California. The bond freeze has crippled programs across the state,  and anyone who relies on government grants–from social services to conservation groups — is feeling the pain.  But the Chinook salmon and steelhead population of Battle Creek, […]