North State urban conservation on target

Thursday, Jul 2nd, 2015

The State Water Board announced today that statewide residential water use declined 28.9 percent in May compared with May 2013. This is up significantly from the 13.6 percent water savings in April compared with April 2013. All parts of the state showed improvements compared to April, with the Sacramento Valley region showing the largest improvement at 38.6 percent. Although these numbers are all very positive and show a commitment to meet the Governor’s requirements for urban conservation, the challenge will be forthcoming this summer as temperatures reach 100 degrees and the temptation increases to ramp up sprinklers for landscaping.

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Drought Impacting Waterfowl Breeding Populations in California

Tuesday, Jun 30th, 2015

On June 24, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) released its 2015 waterfowl Breeding Population Survey Report, which indicates that the total number of breeding ducks has declined.  The most numerous duck species in California, mallards, declined 27 percent from 2014.  Overall, the total number of breeding ducks is estimated to be 315,580, … Continue reading “Drought Impacting Waterfowl Breeding Populations in California”

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The Sacramento River Temperature Plan: Its Impacts on the Sacramento Valley

Thursday, Jun 25th, 2015

Every year in water is different. In this fourth consecutive dry and warm year, the spotlight is on the dynamics surrounding the Sacramento River Temperature Plan, which has emerged as a major challenge for water resources, fishery and refuge managers. The effects of implementing the plan are being felt directly along the Sacramento River, as well as indirectly in other parts of the Sacramento Valley and entire state.

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Planning for a Dry Year in the North State

Friday, Jun 19th, 2015

As we approach summer in this fourth consecutive dry year, there have been significant reductions in water supplies in every part of the Sacramento Valley. The attached infographic shows the surface water supply reductions, by percentage, in every part of the Sacramento Valley. The water rights priority system is generally working as water suppliers have … Continue reading “Planning for a Dry Year in the North State”

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