Water

Saltwater contamination in water supplies addressed with barrier

112,000 pounds of riprap were ferried in as part of the emergency drought salinity barrier to prevent saltwater from intruding into California's freshwater. more »

Committee passes infrastructure bill; praised by national ag, water coalition

The act includes more than $8 billion for Western water projects that expand conservation and recycling, improve ecosystems, fix aged infrastructure and build new facilities. more »

Extreme drought impacts bring emergency action from risk management body

USDA is working with crop insurance companies to help expedite the claims process. more »

California almond grower appears in Western Growers’ videos on drought

In an ordinary year, Woolf Farming would be prepping for almond harvest. This year, trees are coming down because there's not enough water to irrigate them. more »

Strain on California water system target of ARS research

USDA researchers are developing strategies and approaches to adapt California crop production to climate stressors, including extreme heat and drought. more »

Drought exposes need to upgrade water facilities

The drought is shining a spotlight on California's aging water infrastructure, with dry canals more prone to cracking and other damage, large repair projects already needed and a plan to invest $5 billion to address the issue. more »

Historic drought year limits agricultural water deliveries

With the third lowest snowmelt and precipitation runoff in recorded history, Fresno Irrigation District will end most agricultural water deliveries on June 30. more »

First reviews of local sustainable groundwater plans released in California

California Department of Water Resources has released reviews of four local plans, approving two and returning the others to the respective agencies for improvement in order to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. more »