Often when reading about the drought I wish that individuals were empowered to do more. There are the standard tips to conserve water – turn off the faucet when brushing teeth, run the dishwasher less, etc. – but I already do all these things. They feel minor and ineffective, and it’s difficult to know how […]
Groundwater Depletion
During the drought, California has increasingly turned to groundwater to fill the deficit. Up until last year, groundwater was unregulated in CA – if anyone owned land and drilled a borehole, they could use as much of the water they found as they liked. It made sense during a time of abundance and made it […]
Water Rights in California Influenced by Gold Rush
California’s laws about water rights is an interestingly mixed system, largely influenced by the gold rush era. The eastern seaboard primarily uses a riparian system based on English common law, in which a person owning land with water flowing through it, may use a correlative portion of that water. But with the influx of gold […]
Carlsbad Desalination Plant
Construction is underway on a desalination plant in Carlsbad, CA that will provide approximately 7% of San Diego region’s potable water by 2020 (construction completion expected in 2016). Initial construction is estimated at $1 billion. Operating costs will be ~$50 million/year. The cost will be shouldered by San Diegans in the form of a $5-7 […]
California Drought Primer
California relies on a network of water storage and delivery systems to maintain supplies year-round. Precipitation and snowfall varies greatly by location, season, and year to year, with most occurring in northern California, while demand for water is primarily along the coast and valleys south of Sacramento. Most precipitation occurs October-April, but demand is highest […]