Water/Drought
Back to homepageFeds probe Nestle’s CA operations
Nestle, which has spent months weathering attacks on its water bottling practices in California, has been targeted by the federal government for investigation. “Under pressure from environmental groups’ lawsuits, the U.S. Forest Service has begun a comprehensive environmental review of Switzerland-based bottled water
Read MoreSinking CA land to cost billions
California’s struggling infrastructure faced the daunting prospect of too little water underground and too much falling from the sky. “Four years of drought and heavy reliance on pumping of groundwater have made the land sink faster than ever up and down
Read MoreCA stares down tough water storage task
California officials have found their drought difficulties are compounded by an ironic new challenge: too much rainwater to store. Despite decades spent puzzling over the tall order of improving the state’s massive network of waterways, “those who need water the
Read More17 years later, O.C. desalination plant inches toward finish line
The massive $1 billion Carlsbad desalination plant — the largest in North America — begins normal operations this month after a long legal and regulatory odyssey. The plant is expected to provide 54 million gallons of water a day, or
Read MoreCA water priorities in question
Regulators and officials grappling with California’s ongoing drought face another unceasing problem: a chorus of criticism. From conservation to infrastructure, statewide policies and priorities have come under attack from a broad assortment of adversely affected residents. Water districts themselves have wound
Read MoreWater woes bring uneven fines and regulations
California’s ongoing water crisis promised to extend the controversy over fines and regulations well into the next year — if not beyond. While some areas suffer, others flourish, and fines — in some instances aggressively applied — have been meted
Read MoreOfficials: Get used to paying more for less water
Californians may need to get used to paying more for water, despite and because of their successful efforts at conservation, according to state water officials at a recent Assembly committee hearing. Californians exceeded the state’s 25 percent water conservation mandate
Read MoreLargest U.S. desalination plant nears CA open
California has begun its biggest foray into desalination. Located in Carlsbad, in the San Diego area, the plant has raised hopes for drought relief — but has brought elevated stakes along with it. “The billion-dollar project is only the nation’s second
Read MoreCA drought brings fines, shaming
After a wave of new rules, regulations and crackdowns, many water-conserving Californians have evaded formal and informal punishment. With no end in sight, however, others have begun to face both forms of penalties. The mood of the public and officials alike has tilted
Read MoreMWD’s biggest customer rips it in online campaign
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California — the giant water wholesaler which supplies 19 million people — finds itself the target of an unusual campaign by the San Diego County Water Authority, which has been both MWD’s biggest customer
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