drought Archives - SJV Water

State hears from the public on potential take over of groundwater pumping in the Tule subbasin

April 5, 2024

• by Jesse Vad, SJV Water

The Tule subbasin is next up to face the state in a groundwater probation hearing. Staff from the state Resources Water Control Board held a public workshop on Friday to go over its recommendations and hear from the public prior to the hearing on September 17. Probation is the first step toward possible state takeover…

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Grant to pay for long-term solution ideas to fix recurring water problems in rural Tulare County communities

March 19, 2024

• by Lisa McEwen, SJV Water

Heads up to creative consultants interested in finding long-term solutions to stubborn drinking water problems in small, rural communities such as Teviston and Allensworth: Tulare County has a grant for you. Tulare County is offering a $371,000 contract for a consultant or consultants to use in finding long-term fixes to wells that routinely dry up…

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Tale of the tape: Where we are – for now – on California’s water roller coaster

February 16, 2024

• by Jesse Vad, SJV Water

Over the past three years, California has been put through a water whiplash, going from multiple years of crippling drought directly into one of the wettest years on record. The data shows how stark the experience was while state officials point to both successes and areas needing improvement that arose during the turbulent last few…

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Fresno farmers have one more day to apply for irrigation project money

February 15, 2024

• by Jesse Vad, SJV Water

Farmers in the Fresno Irrigation District have through February 16 to apply for federal money to pay for irrigation projects on their land. The WaterSMART program, administered by the Bureau of Reclamation and the National Resources Conservation Service, is sending money to farmers to update water systems and make them more resilient and conservation-focused. The…

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Local agencies need more than “words on paper” from the state to help fight drought and flood

January 23, 2024

• by Lisa McEwen, SJV Water

A Tulare County official who’s faced multiple droughts and devastating floods over the past decade appreciated the California Water Commission’s latest “policy paper” on how best to respond to such calamities but she had some advice of her own for the state: Locals need resources – money, equipment, personnel – not just “words on paper.”…

Drinking Water • Uncategorized

Fiercely dedicated to the valley, a one-time housing assistance nonprofit emerges as a major player in water solutions

October 19, 2023

• by Lisa McEwen, SJV Water

In a state where there seems to be no middle ground on water, one entity has proudly planted a flag of neutrality. Self-Help Enterprises’ focus is apolitical and purely practical — getting water to people in need. The Visalia-based nonprofit is known for both its quick response in emergencies as well as sticking around to…

Rivers • Uncategorized

Will a pending water rights bill on Gov. Newsom’s desk be a game changer in California water? It depends

September 15, 2023

• by Jesse Vad, SJV Water

A water rights bill that made it through the Legislature this year is, arguably, a much weakened version of its original form, but the fact that it addresses senior rights at all is a significant step, according to experts. Senate Bill 389, which clarifies the state Water Resources Control Board’s ability to investigate senior water…

Rivers • Uncategorized

Kern River to get a new Watermaster, but one with a familiar name

August 24, 2023

• by Lois Henry

Art Chianello will step in as the new Kern River Watermaster at the start of the new water year, which is Oct. 1. Chianello, who retired as head of the City of Bakersfield’s Water Resources Department in Sept. 2022, is extremely famliar with the inner workings of the Kern River as a large chunk is…

Drinking Water

New administrator assigned to help with Teviston’s water woes

August 23, 2023

• by Jesse Vad, SJV Water

The state has assigned an engineering company to take control of, and improve, the water system in the small Tulare County town of Teviston. Teviston, a rural community of about 460 people, has been hard hit by water problems for years. The town well broke down in the drought of 2021, leaving families without water…

Floods

High water in the Kern River brings new legal issues as local group seeks to keep water in the riverbed

August 10, 2023

• by Lois Henry

A local group that’s suing the City of Bakersfield for how it manages the Kern River, is seeking a court order that would force the city to keep water in the normally dry riverbed as this year’s massive runoff begins to recede. “The relief sought is narrowly focused,” states the motion for a preliminary injunction…

NEWS

State hears from the public on potential take over of groundwater pumping in the Tule subbasin

Grant to pay for long-term solution ideas to fix recurring water problems in rural Tulare County communities

Tale of the tape: Where we are – for now – on California’s water roller coaster

Fresno farmers have one more day to apply for irrigation project money

Local agencies need more than “words on paper” from the state to help fight drought and flood

Fiercely dedicated to the valley, a one-time housing assistance nonprofit emerges as a major player in water solutions

Will a pending water rights bill on Gov. Newsom’s desk be a game changer in California water? It depends

Kern River to get a new Watermaster, but one with a familiar name

New administrator assigned to help with Teviston’s water woes

High water in the Kern River brings new legal issues as local group seeks to keep water in the riverbed

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