drought

HELIX ENDS DROUGHT RESTRICTIONS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy of Helix Water District

April 13, 2023 (La Mesa) -- The Helix Water District Board on April 5 adopted a resolution declaring an end to Level 2 Water Shortage response, which had mandated up to a 20% reduction in water use.  The action follows heavy rains that have ended drought conditions locally.


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DROUGHT EMERGENCY DECLARED FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: dry conditions at Lake Mendocino, via Calif. Dept. of Water Resources

December 19, 2022 (San Diego) -- Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has declared a Regional Drought Emergency for all of Southern California amid a fourth year of drought. MWD is calling on local water agencies to immediately reduce their use of all imported water supplies. This call could become mandatory if drought conditions persist in the coming months.


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DROUGHT WORRIES RETURN AFTER DRIEST JANUARY AND FEBRUARY IN CALIFORNIA HISTORY

By Rachel Becker, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo:  Lake Mendocino in Northern California in late October. Courtesy Department of Natural Resources

February 20, 2022 (San Diego) - The first two months of 2022 are shaping up to be the driest January and February in California history, prompting state officials to warn of dire water conditions ahead. 


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NEWSOM DECLARES DROUGHT EMERGENCY ACROSS CALIFORNIA

San Diego County included in drought declaration

By Rachel Decker, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

October 20, 2021 (San Diego) - Gov. Gavin Newsom today declared a drought emergency for the entire state of California, as conservation efforts continue to fall far short of state targets.


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METROPOLITAN WATER AUTHORITY ISSUES WATER SUPPLY ALERT DUE TO SEVERE DROUGHT; COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY URGES CONSERVATION

East County News Service

August 21, 2021 (San Diego) -- In response to the extreme drought conditions impacting Southern California, the Metropolitan Water District’s Board of Directors on Aug. 17 declared a Water Supply Alert, calling for consumers and businesses to voluntarily reduce their water use and help preserve the region’s storage reserves. The declaration comes a day after the Bureau of Reclamation declared a first-ever shortage on the Colorado River, which typically provides about 25 percent of Southern California’s water needs.


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NEWSOM URGES ALL CALIFORNIANS TO CUT WATER USE BY 15%

By Rachel Becker, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo:  Creative Commons image via Bing

July 9, 2021 (San Diego) - As extreme drought claims most of the state, California Gov. Gavin Newsom today asked Californians to voluntarily cut their water use by 15%.


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SAN DIEGO REGION IS DROUGHT-SAFE THIS SUMMER, COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY SAYS, BUT RESIDENTS ASKED TO CONSERVE WATER

Strategic investments and water-use efficiency mean no shortages or mandates in forecast
 
Source: San Diego County Water Authority
 
June 21, 2021 – Statewide drought conditions are highlighting the value of regionally and locally controlled water supplies in San Diego County, where the San Diego County Water Authority today announced that the region is protected from drought impacts this summer, and through 2045, despite continued hot and dry conditions. No shortages or regional water-use mandates are in the forecast, the result of three decades of strategic investments that create an aquatic safety net for San Diego County’s $253 billion economy and quality of life for 3.3 million residents.
 
At the same time, Water Authority Board Chair Gary Croucher asked residents to continue embracing water-use efficiency practices that have become part of the regional ethic. Simple but important steps include turning off the faucet while brushing teeth, fixing irrigation system leaks, and using hoses with automatic shut-off nozzles.

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WAS IT A “MIRACLE MARCH” FOR RAINS? NO, SAYS NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 28, 2018 (San Diego) –  Did the recent rains produce a “miracle March” to ease drought conditions?  No, says Alex Tardy, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego.  The good news is that the March rains did bring our region up to 37 percent of normal, better than the parched conditions earlier in the winter season.  But the forecast through mid-April predicts warmer and dryer conditions than on average – and already, much of Southern California is listed a D-1 or D-2, that’s moderate to severe drought levels.


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CALIFORNIA’S RAINFALL AND SNOWPACK LEVELS ARE FAR BELOW AVERAGE

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 7, 2018 (Sacramento) – California could be heading into a new drought.  Electronic measurements taken February 1st by the state’s Department of Water Resources reveal that rainfall and snowpack water levels remain below average, four months into the rainy season.


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IT’S OFFICIAL! DROUGHT IS OVER IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, SAN DIEGO WATER AUTHORITY DECLARES

 

East County News Service

Source: San Diego County Water Authority

Jan. 26, 2017 (San Diego) — Today the County Water Authority board declared an end to the drought in San Diego County.  The Water Authority will ask Governor Jerry Brown to rescind drought emergency regulations for areas of California no longer in drought conditions.


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STATE INCREASES WATER ALLOTMENTS DUE TO DECEMBER STORMS

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 27, 2016 (Sacramento) — With reservoirs rising from December storms, the California Department of Water Resources on December 21st announced that it will increase its early season estimate of water allocations for 2017.


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STATE MAY EASE WATER CUTS ORDERED DURING DROUGHT, BUT GOVERNOR MAKES SOME RESTRICTIONS PERMANENT

 

East County News Service

May 10, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) - On May 18th, the California Water Resource Control Board will determine whether or not to lift a statewide water conservation order imposed nearly a year ago. That order mandated that most cities and water districts cut water use by at least 20 percent.


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TOXIC WATER HURTS RURAL POOR AMID DROUGHT

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 8, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--As water supplies grow scarcer in California’s fourth year of drought, residents in impoverished rural towns are facing a new threat.  Groundwater pumped to record low levels means higher concentrations of arsenic are being found in drinking water in many areas.


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MASTER GARDENER REPLACES LAWN WITH WILDLIFE-FRIENDLY PLANTS

 

 

 

September 28, 2014 (San Diego) -- With San Diego knee-deep in a drought, it might be a good idea to ditch that thirsty turf grass in favor of a vibrant, easy-care garden that's also a haven for butterflies and other native species. San Diego County News Service met up with a San Diego Master Gardener who did just that.  Click the video to check out her beautiful yard.


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RAIN BRINGS MINIMAL RELIEF FROM DROUGHT

 

February 11, 2014 (Sacramento) – A storm over the weekend brought some rainfall to northern California, though any precipitation is welcome in the state’s extreme drought conditions .  The National Weather Service in Sacramento tweeted a photo to put things in perspective . It showed a five gallon bucket to represented the amount of water needed, with a 10-ounce coffee cup to represent how much rain has fallen.


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WATER CRISIS WILL LEAD TO SEVERE PROBLEMS, CA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION WARNS

 

Source: California Farm Bureau Federation

January 31, 2014 (Sacramento)-As California’s water situation worsens, the leader of the state’s largest farm organization said rural areas face “severe economic problems” from water shortages.

The State Water Project warned today it will not deliver water to its customers. The federal Central Valley Project—the largest single supplier of agricultural irrigation water in the state—is expected to do the same, unless significant rainfall occurs before its first allocation announcement next month.


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COLORADO RIVER FLOW CUT SHARPLY ACROSS SOUTHWEST DUE TO DROUGHT

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 25, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – For the first time ever, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has ordered that supplies of water from the Colorado River and Glen Canyon Dam be slashed.

The Colorado River is the most important water source for the Southwest-- and it accounts for about 60 percent of San Diego County’s water supply.  It’s under increasing pressure from a growing population in southwestern cities  amid extended  dry conditions.


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DROUGHT DECLARATION EXPECTED FOR CALIFORNIA

 

By Mark Gavit

As dry winter conditions continue, Gov. Jerry Brown can be expecting the California Department of Water Resources to present him with an emergency drought declaration draft.

Director of the DWR, Mark Cowin, told the California Board of Food and Agriculture that his agency is in the midst of deciding wether or not to present the governor with a drought declaration. Nancy Foley, spokeswoman for the DWR agency said that the declaration may appear "within a couple weeks."


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EARTHTALK®: DROUGHT LESSONS FROM THE DUST BOWL



 

By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss, E - The Environmental Magazine

June 17, 2013 (San Diego) -- Dear EarthTalk: Could it really be true that we are in the midst of the worst drought in the United States since the 1930s? -- Deborah Lynn, Needham, MA

Indeed we are embroiled in what many consider the worst drought in the U.S. since the “Dust Bowl” days of the 1930s that rendered some 50 million acres of farmland barely usable. Back then, drought conditions combined with poor soil management practices to force some 2.5 million Americans away from the Great Plains, only wreaking further havoc on an already devastated Great Depression economy. The lack of native prairie grasses or cover crops to keep the soil in place meant large swaths of formerly productive agricultural land turned to dust and blew away in so-called “black rollers.”

While we have learned a lot about maintaining soil quality since, drought conditions today are nevertheless taking a heavy toll on agricultural productivity, fresh water supplies and the economy—especially as the effects of global warming start to kick in more seriously.


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ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS

January 16, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)--ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

WORLD 

HEALTH

Read more for excerpts and links to full stories.


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EARTHTALK®: IS EXTREME WEATHER LINKED TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

E - The Environmental Magazine

Written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss

September 24, 2012 -- Dear EarthTalk: What is the scientific consensus on all the extreme weather we’ve been having—from monster tornadoes to massive floods and wildfires? Is there a clear connection to climate change? And if so what are we doing to be prepared?                                -- Jason Devine, Summit, PA


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ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS

September 13, 2012 --  (San Diego’s East County) – ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflecting all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:   

WORLD

  • US Ambassador murdered as extremists on all sides win, again (CSMonitor)
  • There may be no anti-Islamic movie at all (CSMonitor)
  • Obama vows to “bring justice” to ambassador’s killers (Reuters)
  • Another protest turns violent outside U.S. embassy in Cairo (CNN)
  • Global drought causes concerns around the world (CNN)
  • Syrian troops storm Damascus refugee area, chase rebels (Reuters)

US

  • 4 years later, auto industry rebounds (CBS News)
  • Federal court will review marijuana’s classification as a dangerous drug with no health benefits (Think Progress)
  • New York City hit by tornadoes (BBC)
  • Administration urges terror surveillance renewal  (UT San Diego)
  • U.S. Policy in Mideast challenged by assaults (Wall Street Journal)
  • Romney camp tries to manage fallout from Libya response (CNN)
  • New report warns of smart meter failures due to temperature and weather extremes (StopSmartMeters.org UK)
  • Disillusioned Obama supporter in RNC ad is actually Republican staffer (Talking Points Memo)

Read more for excerpts and links to full stories.


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ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS

 
July 19, 2012 --  (San Diego’s East County) – ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflecting all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:   
   
 U.S.
  • Drug trial offers hope for Alzheimer’s treatment (USA Today)
  • Worst drought in decades grips nation (Los Angeles Times)
  • Why Democrats are willing to walk off the “fiscal cliff” (Washington Post)
  • Can Obama save manufacturing? (Washington Post)
  • Controversial GOP spending bill released (The Hill)
  • Romney attacks on Bain questioned: Obama campaign accuses Romney of lying about Bain tenure (Boston Globe)
  • Could Obama’s negative attacks on Mitt Romney backfire? (USA Today)
  • NAACP crowd boos Romney for voting to repeal health reform (NBC)
  • Condi Rice a possible VP pick for Romney: pros and cons (CNN)
  • Supreme Court rejects ‘Stolen Valor’ law, says lying about military honors isn’t a crime (McClatchy News)
WORLD
  • Google searching for human traffickers, drug cartels  (Fox)
  • Olympics security shambles is a “humiliating shambles”, boss concedes (CNN)
  • Dutch, U.S. authorities investigating needles in airline sandwiches (CNN)
  • Central Damascus hit by clashes (Reuters) 
 
Read more for excerpts and links to full stories.

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HELIX ENDS DROUGHT-LEVEL RESTRICTIONS; CUSTOMERS ENCOURAGED TO KEEP CONSERVING WATER


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USDA OFFERS HELP TO FARMERS & RANCHERS IN SAN DIEGO & IMPERIAL COUNTIES

 

October 5, 2009 (Washington D.C.) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently designated San Diego and Imperial counties as part of a contiguous natural disaster area due to drought that began January 1, 2009, and continues. Farmers have eight months from the date of the USDA declaration – September 17, 2009 – to apply for assistance to help cover their losses.

 

“I am pleased that the USDA is acknowledging the hardship and heavy financial burden suffered by our farmers and ranchers due to water scarcity,” said Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego). “This declaration is a starting point to provide assistance, as the state and federal authorities work to ensure stable water supply.”


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HELIX WATER DISTRICT TO IMPOSE LEVEL 2 WATER RESTRICTIONS JULY 1: OUTDOOR WATERING RESTRICTED TO 3 DAYS A WEEK--EXCEPT FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH WATER-EFFICIENT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

By Kate Breece
HWD Public Affairs

Editor’s Note: Due to a family emergency I was unable to cover this important hearing. Thanks to Kate Breece at Helix Water District for providing this summary of the Board’s decision.

La Mesa, CA – Thursday, June 18, 2009 – Due to water the allocation cutback of 8% from the San Diego County Water Authority, and the continuing regional water shortage, Helix Water District Board of Directors approved raising the Water Shortage to Level 2 and implementing mandatory watering restrictions as of July 1, 2009.


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SAN DIEGO COUNTY IS AMONG WORST-HIT AREAS IN NATION FROM GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE, NEW FEDERAL STUDY FINDS

By Miriam Raftery June 17, 2009 (Washington D.C.)—Recent warming in the Southwestern U.S. including San Diego County has been among the worst in the nation, according to a newly-released federal report begun under the Bush administration and finalized by the Obama administration. Average temperatures here have increased 1.5 degrees during the past 20 years and are projected to soar three to five degrees above the historical baseline by 2050 and up to ten degrees by the end of this century, the report predicts.


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HELIX WATER UNVEILS A NEW RATE HIKE PLAN, MOVES CLOSER TO MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS

By Miriam Raftery

June 4, 2009 (La Mesa)—Deluged by protests from ratepayers, the Helix Water District Board unveiled a new rate hike plan at its meeting yesterday. The new proposal differs dramatically from earlier plans, which had proposed hikes of up to 90% on some residential users. The new proposal would assess a 24% rate increase on all residential users, regardless of lot size or family size. (The full revised water rate proposal may be viewed in the Board packet here: http://www.hwd.com/board/pack060309.pdf.)


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GOV. SCHWARZENEGGER DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY OVER DROUGHT; URGES 20% WATER USE REDUCTION. STEEP PRICE INCREASES LOOM, LOCAL WATER OFFICIAL WARNS

By Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2009 (San Diego's East County)--"This drought is having a devastating impact on our people, our communities, our economy and our environment, making today's action absolutely necessary," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who declared a state of emergency following three years of drought. The Governor's action aims to have water agencies reduce water usage by 20 percent.


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WATER SAVING REBATES AND CONSERVATION TIPS TO WEATHER THE CRISIS

By Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2009 (San Diego's East County)--Area residents must cut water consumption by at least 20% or face stiff financial penalties, local water authorities warn following a state declaration of emergency today due to the drought. Fortunately, there is help for consumers seeking ways to reduce their water usage.

"Sixty to 70 percent of water use in residential is out of doors," said Mark Robak, Otay Water District member.


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