Water

The Ashland City Council voted to borrow the money to fund a new water treatment plant earlier this month. Now, one resident is trying to force the city to bring the issue to voters.

The revised proposal grants water providers an extra five years for reducing outdoor irrigation. Cities and water agencies are relieved, while critics say Californians will keep wasting water.

Researchers found that the world’s most rapidly declining basins are in farm regions, especially drier areas like the San Joaquin Valley. Wells are drying out and land is sinking.

In a milestone for creating a major new source of drinking water, California has approved its first standards for turning sewage into potable water supplies delivered to homes and businesses.

Whoever Gov. Kotek appoints to the job will be in the middle of intense water conflicts worsened by drought, climate change and development.

Unlike a year ago, water storage is above average. Whether the year is wet or dry, though, remains uncertain despite El Niño conditions.

Recent federal data shows that the water supply in Redding, California had around three times the recommended level of toxic chemicals in the water. But that data was taken out of context, and the city’s water supply is safe, according to officials.

Jackson County has seen fewer violations of water laws this year among cannabis growers. The state water agency chalks that up to increased enforcement and education.

A discrimination complaint filed by Native American tribes and environmental justice groups alleges that California has failed to protect water quality in the Bay-Delta. The EPA is investigating.

Oregon lawmakers recently approved legislation allowing the state’s water resources department to pursue immediate court relief over water use violations that cause irreparable harm.

On Wednesday, Jackson County commissioners voted to request a drought declaration from Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. Despite average precipitation and above average snowpack, the county is still considered to be in moderate drought.

Even during epic floods, California is trying to prepare for the next drought by capturing water from this year's epic winter storms.