Drought

Old water towers on dense New York City rooftops.

NYC Under Drought Warning, Residents Urged to Conserve Water

Amid a series of brush fires, including one in Manhattan, the city issued the first drought warning in 22 years and announced plans to release water through the Delaware Aqueduct to supplement local reservoirs.

November 24, 2024 - Associated Press

People walking and on bikes on paved multiuse path in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York City.

New Yorkers Face New Climate Risks

A two-acre fire in a city park prompted city officials to ban grilling while urging residents to conserve water to limit the impact of a historic drought.

November 14, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Google office building in Virginia.

Virginia Data Centers Draining State’s Water Supply

Being the world’s largest data center hub is having a severe impact on local water resources.

May 9, 2024 - Grist

Lake Mead on the Colorado River with boats in a marina and clear low water line.

Colorado River States Inch Closer to Agreement

Upper Basin and Lower Basin states each say their plan for conserving the Colorado River’s water is the most sustainable.

March 12, 2024 - The Land Desk

Drought tolerant desert plants including large agaves in the front yard of a Spanish-style Southern California home with red tile roof.

California Agency Awards $38 Million for Turf Replacement

The grant funds grass replacement rebates for commercial and residential properties and water-saving devices for fire stations.

November 16, 2023 - Governing

"Severe Drought - Conserve Water" freeway sign.

Wet Summer Pulls California Out of Drought

The entire state is drought-free for the first time in years.

November 10, 2023 - KTLA

Aerial view of Buckeye, Arizona with sunset sky.

Arizona Town Looks for New Water Sources, Insists Development ‘Full Steam Ahead’

While many Southwest cities are looking for ways to conserve water and limit growth as water supplies become strained, one town is pressing ahead with rapid development.

October 29, 2023 - The Guardian

People lounging on grass in Alamo Square park in San Francisco overlooking painted ladies Victorian houses and city skyline

Drinking Water More Precious Than Grass in California

Ornamental grass—the kinds of grass that line medians and roadsides but never serves for recreation—is a vanishing amenity in a drought-stricken West.

September 14, 2023 - Los Angele Times

Aerial view of green colf course next to rocky desert cliffs in Moab, Utah

A Reckoning for Southwestern Golf Courses

Amid a growing water crisis, more cities are cracking down on ornamental uses of grass and golf course greens.

August 3, 2023 - High Country News

View of green carrot field against backdrop of arid Southwest mountains

Southwest Coming to Grips With Water Crisis

Will banning lawns and limiting water use be enough as new communities continue to sprout up across the drying west?

June 20, 2023 - Circle of Blue

Town of St. George, Utah with small white church and red rock cliffs in background

Can Southwest Utah’s Water Supply Handle its Explosive Growth?

A remote corner of the state is the nation’s fastest-growing metro area, but concerns about water supplies across the Southwest signal an uncertain future.

March 5, 2023 - CNN

Water SUpply

California Rejects Six-State Colorado River Plan, Proposes Its Own

State officials claim a proposal agreed upon by the other six states using Colorado River water disproportionately impacts California farmers.

February 1, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

Golf course with palm trees and mountains in background in Palm Springs, California

Despite Water Crisis, Desert Golf Courses Thrive

Officials in the Coachella Valley seem reluctant to restrict water supplies to the many golf courses and ornamental lakes that dot the region, opting instead to cut water deliveries to a groundwater recharge facility.

January 30, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of Central Arizona Project water canal through desert landscape

Arizona Governor Takes Steps to Modernize Water Policy

A newly released report warns of rapidly dwindling groundwater resources as developers plan to build hundreds of thousands of new homes.

January 26, 2023 - Inside Climate News

Close-up of signs being held up at climate change protest

Survey: Mayors Concerned About Direct Impacts of Climate Change

Almost all U.S. mayors have some level of concern about climate change in their communities, but local leaders face some challenges in taking action.

January 22, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Sunset view over canal and downtown Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale Cuts Water Supply to Nearby Suburb

The city claims it has no responsibility to provide water to the unincorporated Maricopa County community.

January 18, 2023 - The Washington Post

Flooded park in Pakley, California during late 2022 atmospheric river storm

California’s Reservoirs are Filling Up, but For How Long?

Recent storms are bringing plenty of water to parched parts of California, but scientists warn the relief won’t be a long-term solution to longer, drier periods.

January 15, 2023 - The New York Times

Sprawling warehouses and agricultural landscapes mix with low-rise residential developments in the Arizona desert.

Arizona Tapping Groundwater to Fuel Suburban Growth

Critics say Arizona’s growth patterns are unsustainable and dangerous, given the depleted Colorado River and the state’s deepening reliance on groundwater.

December 28, 2022 - Los Angeles Times

A small dam located in a rural location.

The Year in Public Lands

Public policy decisions that will impact land and water conservation in the American West.

December 27, 2022 - High Country News

Aerial view of California Squeduct snaking past housing developments in the Mojave Desert

Southern California Water District Declares Drought Emergency

State water officials say the region’s agencies will only receive 5 percent of their requested supplies for the start of 2023 due to intense drought conditions that continue to sap western water supplies.

December 16, 2022 - Associated Press via Yahoo News

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