Drought

The University of California and the Department of Energy are working together to explain plant survival under severe drought conditions. The $12.3 million study is being conducted to examine the effects of climate change on California’s agricultural industry. The study will focus primarily on epigenetics, the study of trait variations …

The Mountain Meadow Reservoir has run dry after record low water levels. Dead fish lay where the lake once was. Because of the severity of the California drought, Pacific Gas & Electric, who own water rights to the reservoir, said they aren’t surprised it ran dry. “It’s the situation we …

The Westlands Water District (WWD) and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) are considering the possibility of buying four islands in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Their reasoning – easier access to water during the California drought. If one or both of the water agencies decide to purchase the islands, …

Under Governor Jerry Brown’s mandatory water cutbacks, the Olivenhain Muncipal Water District, located in Encinitas, is required to cut their water usage by 32 percent. To help combat the California drought, OMWD is utilizing Sensus water technology to help customers identify water leaks and periods of high water usage. “Our …

As the California drought continues, farmers in the north are using technology to their advantage. Smart phone applications and programs allow farmers to accurately measure how moist their soil is and when their crops need watering. The use of technology on farmland is a win-win for everyone: farmers are able …

Residents in Hemet will see drastic changes to their water and sewage rates. Rates are expected to increase 19 percent beginning in October, another 19 percent in March, a 4 percent increase in January 2017 and a 3 percent hike each January through 2020. City officials say the water rate …