Water

National

Yosemite valley to close over flood threat as snowpack melts

The Associated Press

Much of the famed valley at California's Yosemite National Park will be temporarily closed starting Friday due to a forecast of flooding as rising temperatures melt the Sierra Nevada's massive snowpack.
Environment

After the deluge: Floods may taint more drinking water in California

Alastair Bland

Nitrate contamination of well water has been a decades-long problem in the San Joaquin and Salinas valleys — and now stormwater has flushed more fertilizer and manure into aquifers.
Environment

What might cuts to dwindling Colorado River mean for states?

Suman Naishadham

In recent years, an imbalance between the river’s flows and how much water users are promised has forced federal officials to consider steps never taken before.
Environment

Feds float options to reduce water pulled from Colorado River

Ken Ritter and Suman Naishadham

The Biden administration has evaluated how seven Western states that are reliant on the dwindling water supply from the Colorado River could dramatically cut their water use in the basin.
Environment

Dramatic photos show how storms filled California reservoirs

Terry Chea, Noah Berger and Josh Edelsoon

Twelve of California’s 17 major reservoirs are now above their historical averages following three years of drought that drained them to dangerously low levels.
Local

EPA lends $170 Million for Bud Lewis Desalination Plant environmental upgrades

City News Service

Rep. Mike Levin helped secure the funds, which he said would save ratepayers up to $54 million compared with alternative financing strategies.1
Local

California ends some water limits after storms ease drought

Adam Beam

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he will stop asking people to voluntarily cut their water use by 15%.
Environment

Much of drought-plagued West Coast faces salmon fishing ban

Julie Watson and Lisa Baumann

Federal officials are expected to prohibit king salmon fishing this season along much of the West Coast, which many predict could stretch into 2024 season as the drought and other factors take their toll on the iconic Chinook fish.
Health

Billions of people lack access to clean drinking water, U.N. report finds

Seyma Bayram

A new U.N. water report warns the world is headed toward a global water crisis if human-caused climate change and population growth aren't addressed.
Environment

No California salmon: Fishery to be shut down this year

Alastair Bland

The salmon industry, worth about half a billion dollars, is devastated. The culprits: Drought and decades of water diversions and development.