California

Voluntary agreements in California have been touted as an innovative and flexible way to improve environmental conditions in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the rivers that feed it. The goal is to provide river flows and habitat for fish while still allowing enough water to be diverted for farms and cities in a way that satisfies state regulators.

An ambitious plan would use carbon credits as incentives to convert Delta islands to wetlands or rice to halt subsidence and potentially raise island elevations.

As California’s Salton Sea dries up, toxic dust on the dry lakebed blows into neighboring communities and causes a serious health hazard. Lindsay Fendt reports. https://vimeo.com/400802228 Length: 2:04 Download script Download full resolution...

Water conservation in California’s southern desert is causing an environmental disaster as the Salton Sea quickly shrinks. Lindsay Fendt reports. https://vimeo.com/400802260 Length: 2:04 Download script Download full resolution video

An explanation of California’s water development — as well as the challenges, today and tomorrow, of providing water for the state’s people, places and things.

A new book looks at the Golden State’s history to understand its current water crisis.

Water conservation in California’s southern desert is causing an environmental disaster as the Salton Sea quickly shrinks.

Scientists fear that eventually the toxic residue of more than a century of agricultural runoff will be blown into the air — and into the lungs of residents.

Farmers, large and small, are beginning to grapple with what the state’s first major groundwater regulation means for them.

Dams can stop the natural flow of sand and silt to the sea—resulting in coastal wetland loss and disappearing beaches—as well as preventing fish from reaching vital spawning grounds.