Water Education Foundation announces photography contest – “California Water”

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 18, 2010 at 6:40 am

From the Water Education Foundation:

“The Water Education Foundation is an impartial, nonprofit organization whose mission is to create a better understanding of water resources and foster public understanding and resolution of water resource issues through facilitation, education and outreach.

The Water Education Foundation is seeking the best California water photographs that best represent each of the following categories:

• California Rivers
• The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
• Indoor/Outdoor Water Conservation
• Agricultural Water Use
• Fish and Wildlife
• Urban Water Use
• Recreation

PRIZES: The top three entries will be announced and posted on the Foundation’s website, Facebook page and Aquafornia along with a link to the artist’s webpage. The winners will also receive $50 and a copy of the Foundation’s Emmy award-winning DVD, Salt of the Earth: Salinity in the Central Valley.

GUIDELINES: Photo submissions should be in color, creative but realistic and must be at least 8 ½ by 11 at 300dpi. You can submit as many entries as you’d like but they must be original work. Please email digital photo submissions by April 10, labeled with your name and title of the piece to Robin Richie, rrichie@watereducation.org. No calls please. The winner will be chosen in May.

All entries become property of the Water Education Foundation and could be used in future publications. Photographer will receive a photo credit and copy of the publication for any photos used. The Foundation reserves the right to edit, modify, publish, use, and reproduce any and all entries without further compensation.

March 18, 2010 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Aqua Blog Maven on the road, day 2

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 11, 2010 at 6:11 am

Well, I had hoped to post a picture gallery of all that I saw yesterday, but for some reason, I am unable to upload my pictures onto flickr, so I’ll do a big slideshow over the weekend after I return. Here’s a shot of Hoover Dam that is small enough to upload. Our tour of Hoover Dam was great! It was a busy day and we saw a lot of interesting things.

Today, it’s on to the Central Arizona Project pumping plant, Parker Dam, Metropolitan’s Gene Village facilities, a trip to the Colorado River Indian Tribes reservation, and a tour of the Yuma Desalting Plant. Another busy day!

I hope you have a great day.

March 11, 2010 · Filed Under Articles

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Aqua Blog Maven on the road today!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 10, 2010 at 6:59 am

I’m in Las Vegas this morning, getting ready to start the Water Education Foundation’s Lower Colorado River Tour. They’ve got a busy day planned for us, which will include a private tour of Hoover Dam, a cruise on Lake Mead,and a trip to the Lake Havasu Wildlife Refuge. I’m planning on taking lots of pictures and will try to post a gallery at the end of each day.

There’s not much downtime for us, as there will be people presenting to us on the bus and DVD’s being shown to us en route to our various destinations. I’m sure I will learn a lot and have fun, too!

During this period of time, regional water news and smaller stories will appear in a condensed format as a way to save some time getting the posting done. Doubtful I’ll have a chance to update the site or even have internet access during the day, so my next dispatch will be from Lake Havasu City.

Enjoy your day!

March 10, 2010 · Filed Under Website News

1 Comment

A Sunday morning slideshow of pictures from around California

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 28, 2010 at 8:37 am

Slow news day today. It feels so relaxing after yesterday when I posted 33 items …

I recently uploaded a lot of pictures from all around the state onto my flickr page – click here to check out all of my pictures at the flickr website. Aquafornia pictures are available for your non-commercial use under the Creative Commons license; all I ask for is credit for Aquafornia and a link to the photo’s flickr page if possible.

I have been experimenting with photo galleries and flash programs, and I discovered that I can now embed flickr slideshows! Unfortunately, I can’t add my own custom comments for the slideshow, although you can see the title & description by clicking on the “Show Info” link at the top left on the screen. Note that you can see the pictures in full screen view by clicking on the icon in the bottom right corner.

So, if you feel so inclined, sit back and enjoy views of waterscapes and infrastructure from around California….

February 28, 2010 · Filed Under Aquafornia Exclusives

2 Comments

Register now for the Water Education Foundation’s Colorado River Tour

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 22, 2010 at 7:55 am

There’s not much time left to register for the Water Education Foundation’s upcoming tour of the Colorado River, scheduled for March 10 through the 12th The tour starts in Las Vegas, and over the next three days, winds it’s way through the Colorado River and the Imperial Valley, providing participants with behind-the-scenes access to water infrastructure and the chance to hear from people on all sides of the contentious issues facing the Colorado River system today.

I will be going on this tour and I’m so looking forward to it! I’ve never been on one before. The Foundation has put together this interactive Google map that shows all the stops we’ll be making: Hoover Dam, Lake Havasu Wildlife Refuge, the Yuma Desalting Plant, IID Headquarters, and more. I’ll get to see places that I could never get to on my own, and I plan to take a lot of pictures. Maybe I’ll post them as we go along, but I’ve read the articles Rebecca has written about the tours, so I know I’m going to be very busy!

The Water Education Foundation’s Lower Colorado River Tour is March 10-12. Check out this interactive map to find out what sites along the lower Colorado River we will be visiting. The blue points are the locations we will be visiting on Day 1, the red points Day 2 and the green points Day 3. For more info about our tours and to register, visit www.watereducation.org/tours.

View Lower Colorado River Tour Map in a larger map

For more information on the Foundation’s Colorado River tour, click here.

February 22, 2010 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Last day for the reader survey: Please take a moment to tell me what you think of Aquafornia

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on January 12, 2010 at 6:51 am

Thank you to all who have taken the time to answer the reader feedback survey.

If you haven’t yet, could you please take a few moments of your time to tell me what you think of Aquafornia? It’s just ten questions long, and you don’t have to answer all of them if you don’t want to. At the end, you will have a chance to enter any comment, suggestion or message you’d like.

Your opinions and comments matter to me, and I want to know how well Aquafornia meets your needs and expectations.

Click here to take survey!

This will be the last day I will be collecting responses. I’ll tabulate the results and post them, as well as respond to your comments and questions in a later post.

If you have any other comments, suggestions, or feedback, please feel free to send me an email.

Thank you for your continued readership!

January 12, 2010 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Aquafornia Reader Survey: Please take a moment to let me know how I am doing!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on January 11, 2010 at 7:28 am

What do you think of Aquafornia? Love it? Hate it? Am I missing something? Here’s your chance to let me know by taking the reader survey!

It’s just ten questions long, and you don’t have to answer all of them if you don’t want to. At the end, you will have a chance to enter any comment, suggestion or message you’d like.

Your continued readership and support is important to me, and I want to make sure this blog meets your needs and expectations. Your comments & suggestions will be considered and possibly used to shape Aquafornia in the future, so please, take a moment to give me some feedback!

Click here to take survey!

If you have any other comments, suggestions, or feedback, please feel free to send me an email.

Thank you for your continued readership!

January 11, 2010 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

The Foundation’s Northern California tour shows participants where California’s water system begins

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on January 4, 2010 at 8:17 am

Rebecca Scott fills us in on all the activities of the Water Education Foundation’s action-packed Northern California tour:

Many people don’t think about where their water comes from, which is ironic since the average family turns on the faucet 70 times a day. It is important to acknowledge the systems behind the faucet – the systems that transport water throughout all of California. The majority of people in California receive some of their water from the State Water Project (SWP) and the Central Valley Project (CVP), both of which begin in Northern California.

In October, the Foundation held its Northern California Tour which gave participants an inside look at the dams and rivers that feed into the water system of the whole state. What happens up north affects the water supply to the south, as we have clearly seen with the off and on shutting down of the pumps due to fish population decline and the biological opinions.

On the tour one of the many issues we discussed was the biological opinion requirements to change operations at several of the dams and facilities we visited in an attempt to restore the declining populations of salmon and steelhead. I led the tour, and Rita Schmidt Sudman, the Foundation’s Executive Director, joined the group. This tour not only gave us a better understanding of Northern California water issues but also shed light on the fact that everything in water is connected in California.

Read more

January 4, 2010 · Filed Under Articles

1 Comment

Happy New Year!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on January 1, 2010 at 9:13 am

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Aquafornia & the Water Education Foundation thank you for your continued readership, and wish you and yours the very best in 2010!

Here’s a picture gallery of the New Year’s celebrations from around the world from the Boston Globe’s Big Picture blog.

January 1, 2010 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Merry Christmas to all!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 25, 2009 at 12:18 am

AQUAFORNIA
&
THE WATER EDUCATION FOUNDATION
wish you and your family and happy and healthy holiday!!!

December 25, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Aquafornia open for the holidays!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 24, 2009 at 8:00 am

California water news never stops flowing, and Aquafornia will continue going with flow, right on through the holidays.

Yes, your water-obsessed blogger will be posting any water news that’s out there, every day as usual, although perhaps a little later than first thing in the morning……

I hope Santa Claus brings you everything on your wish list!

Meanwhile, check out this slideshow from the Boston Globe’s Big Picture on snow!

December 24, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Oops… technical difficulties!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 19, 2009 at 11:24 am

So much for automatic upgrade, which crashed my blog software this morning.

It is now fixed – hence I can post and tell you this – but I must be out the door now as my son is in the soccer playoffs this afternoon, playing for his region’s championship…. GO GREEN GOBLINS!!!!

There’s plenty to post so look for an update later today.

December 19, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

2 Comments

Aquafornia included in list of “100 Best Blogs for Socially-Minded MBAs”

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 18, 2009 at 8:03 am

Aquafornia – The California Water News Blog is currently featured as one of “100 Best Blogs for Socially-Minded MBAs” – a comprehensive list compiled by the people at OnlineClasses.org to highlight the important connection between ethics and social responsibility in today’s business world.

Online Classes.org is a one-stop site with resources for anyone interested obtaining a degree or certificate through online education. Aquafornia and other sites included are cited as providing “insight and thought-provoking posts on environmental and social justice topics” – beneficial reading not only for MBA students, but for all socially-conscious individuals. Take a step toward learning more about global issues – check out the list at: http://www.onlineclasses.org/2009/12/06/100-best-blogs-for-socially-minded-mbas/

December 18, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

3 Comments

Aqua Gems: Perfect for last-minute gift giving

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 14, 2009 at 8:22 am

From the Water Education Foundation:

If you’re still searching for a last-minute holiday gift or that certain something to highlight your New Year’s Eve ensemble, AquaGems jewelry is the perfect fit. AquaGems is a line of necklaces, bracelets and earrings available for sale through the Water Education Foundation. Each piece from three distinct collections is a one-of-a-kind creation and handmade in California.

Swarovski crystals, lapis lazuli, blue topaz and pearls are just some of the materials used to make these unique pieces. Most pendants and bracelets are strung on strong, coated steel Soft Flex wire. All components are sterling silver unless otherwise noted. AquaGems jewelry is shipped in a colorful drawstring pouch, along with care instructions and information on the Foundation’s mission for water education.

Proceeds from the sale of AquaGems benefit the school and other educational programs of the Water Education Foundation, a non-profit organization. Help support the Foundation and make the holidays even more special for someone you love.

Visit the Foundation’s website at www.watereducation.org/products for more information or call Jean Nordmann at (916) 444-6240.

December 14, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Note to readers: State Water Project Allocation to be announced today

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 1, 2009 at 7:47 am

Today the Department of Water Resources will issue it’s first allocation for the State Water Project for the new year. The press release is expected around 10am and will be posted here upon receipt.

December 1, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

1 Comment

Now you can follow the Water Education Foundation on Facebook!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on November 18, 2009 at 8:10 am

From the Water Education Foundation:

If you are a Facebook user – or thinking of becoming one – now you can stay up to date with the Water Education Foundation by becoming a fan on Facebook. Fans can check out the latest information on Foundation events, tours, links and products, as well as network with other water-affiliated users.

Our extensive photo gallery gives viewers an inside look at our tours, a glimpse of Foundation documentaries in the making and much more.

Connect with Project WET and learn the latest on our special projects and publications. Leave us your comments and feedback by posting a message on our wall or on our discussion board.

Check us out by simply typing Water Education Foundation in the searchbox.

November 18, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Top of the scroll: On this day, Veterans Day, please take a moment to remember…

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on November 11, 2009 at 8:12 am

Regardless of how you might feel about our current military involvements, please take a moment today to remember all veterans, both the ones who have passed on and those who are still with us today, who have given their energies, time, and lives in service to our country.

Enjoy your holiday!

November 11, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Road trip! Aqua Blog Maven tours Southern California reservoirs

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on October 28, 2009 at 8:08 am

And speaking of road trips, I recently took one. Having been blessed with a day completely free of familial obligations, I and trusty AquaDog took to the road to visit some Southern California resevoirs, including the area’s largest reservoir, Diamond Valley Lake.

To cut to the chase, here’s a picture of Diamond Valley Lake. An MWD press release in July of 2009 said it was down 100 feet.

If you want to check out more of my pictures, click Read more

October 28, 2009 · Filed Under Slideshows

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

The Los Angeles Aqueduct in pictures: See how it all began in this Aquafornia exclusive!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on October 5, 2009 at 6:58 am

The Los Angeles Aqueduct was the very first large-scale water project ever completed in California. Mulholland & his engineer’s system of bringing the Owens River water to Los Angeles was an engineering feat of it’s time, second only to the Panama Canal. It is still in use today, nearly one-hundred years later. Follow the path of the aqueduct from Mono Lake to Southern California in this Aquafornia exclusive:

Picture Tour Of La Aqueduct

View more presentations from Aquafornia.

This presentation is best viewed in full screen mode. Click the button fourth from the left on the command bar at the bottom of the slideshow’s window.

Enjoy!

October 5, 2009 · Filed Under Slideshows

4 Comments

Tuesday’s top of the scroll …. …. is a whole bunch of commentary!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on September 15, 2009 at 8:49 am

The top of the scroll designation usually goes to the most interesting story out there. However, today there’s a bucketload of commentary, and everyone has something interesting to say, so I have arranged them beneath this post in the newest to oldest, as best I could determine.

Enjoy!

September 15, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

A note to my readers….

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on September 7, 2009 at 9:03 am

There’s a worm going around infecting WordPress blogs worldwide, and unfortunately, Aquafornia is no exception.

While this problem is being worked on, I have suspended the ability to register on the site; those who have already registered can still comment. In the meantime, if you would like to comment and this is preventing you from doing so, please email me with your comment and the post you want it on, and I will put it there for you.

I am also in the process of cleaning out over 5000 mostly-bogus spammer/hacker registrations. I am trying to be careful not to delete actual users; please forgive me if I delete yours. You can re-register once the problem is fixed.

Good news is, if you were hoping for user name “Inseftzitte” or “JervegroriBug”, it will be available soon!

September 7, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

A note to my readers….

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on August 30, 2009 at 5:00 am

I have an early morning obligation this morning; the site won’t be updated any further until probably Sunday afternoon.

Unless Sunday morning’s news is boring. Then Monday….

Thanks for understanding! :)

-Aqua Blog Maven

August 30, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Picture gallery of the Owens Valley and other waterscapes of California and Northern Nevada

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on August 18, 2009 at 8:11 am

I recently traveled to Reno for a week, stopping along the way and taking lots of pictures. I will be putting these pictures with other pictures I have taken over the years, and will be building another photo tour – this one of the Owens Valley and the L.A. Aqueduct system. This post is the pictures from my trip, and is just a sampling of the slideshow to come. Look for it in a couple of weeks.

This picture is of some wildflowers in the Owens Valley.

So … from the LA Aqueduct siphon at Jawbone Canyon to the alpine scenery of the Sierras, from the Lake Tahoe to Nevada’s Pyramid Lake, and even a picture of the very first dam ever built by the U.S. Reclamation Service, click ‘Read More’ to check out some pictures from my trip!

August 18, 2009 · Filed Under Owens Valley & Mono Lake, Slideshows

2 Comments

Introducing Aqua Gems: Look great while helping the Water Education Foundation!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on August 3, 2009 at 7:24 am

From the Water Education Foundation:

A new line of jewelry is now available for sale through the Water Education Foundation. Perfect for gift-giving, AquaGems is a line of handmade necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that echo the multihued aspects of the West’s water resources. From the deep, earthy tones of the Colorado River to the pearly foam of the Pacific, these one-of-a kind pieces are crafted in California from the finest materials, including sterling silver and semiprecious gemstones.

Proceeds from the sale of AquaGems benefit the school and other educational programs of the Water Education Foundation, a non-profit organization. Help support the Foundation and receive something beautiful to wear in return! Pieces from 3 unique collections are available:

The Colorado River Collection – From the bold colors of the canyons to more muted tones of the desert sand and skies, the Colorado River Collection embodies the spirit of the Southwest. Here you’ll find pieces that incorporate turquoise, silver and other traditional materials.

The Pacifica Collection – This collection incorporates the jewel tones of deep water and the pale hues of foam along the sandy shore of the West’s mighty ocean. Materials used include recycled “beach glass,” coral, genuine cultured pearls, Swarovski crystals and semiprecious stones.

The Sierra Streams Collection – The Sierra Streams Collection encompasses the earth tones: the greens and browns of forests and farmland nurtured by precious waters flowing westward to the sea, as well as the blues of rushing streams and limpid mountain lakes. Materials used in this collection include lapis lazuli, carnelian, jasper, and other forms of quartz.

Most pendants and bracelets are strung on strong, coated steel Soft Flex wire. All components are sterling silver unless otherwise noted. “Bali silver” refers to sterling beads and clasps that have a unique design and are treated with a special oxidizing solution to give them an antique appearance.
AquaGems jewelry is shipped in a colorful drawstring pouch, along with care instructions and information on the Foundation’s mission for water education.

For more information, visit the Foundation’s website by clicking here or call Jean Nordmann at (916) 444-6240.

August 3, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

A note to my readers: Aqua Blog Maven is taking a day or two off

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on June 26, 2009 at 7:58 am

Dear Readers:

As regular readers know, Aquafornia is updated every day, seven days a week by one lone person – me.

However, the time has come for me to take a couple of days off.

The site will be updated next on Sunday afternoon, and I expect there will be a lot to be posted.

Meanwhile, there’s a beach chair waiting for me ….

Thank you for your continued readership, and I hope you enjoy your weekend!

With warmest regards,

Aqua Blog Maven

Picture of chairs on the beach by flickr photographer Rosa Say.

June 26, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

1 Comment

Support the Water Education Foundation with every internet search

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on April 13, 2009 at 6:05 am

Here is an easy way that you can support the Water Education Foundation – and therefore, Aquafornia – just by searching the internet:

You can help the Water Education Foundation every time you search the Internet. GoodSearch.com is a search engine powered by Yahoo and each time you search using GoodSearch, they donate a penny to the Foundation. Pennies can add up by using GoodSearch each time you search the Internet. GoodShop.com is a new online marketplace that donates a percentage of your purchase to Foundation. There are hundreds of popular merchants and shopping on GoodShop is just the same as shopping on retailer’s websites directly.

Decide to make every search and purchase matter by using GoodSearch and GoodShop. This is an easy way to help the Foundation at no cost to you. Go to GoodSearch by clicking http://www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=898475 and make this your homepage or add it to your toolbar. On the GoodSearch page, there are links to clear instructions on how to make it your home page or add it to your toolbar. The direct link for GoodShop is http://www.goodshop.com/?charityid=898475. With these direct links, the Foundation is automatically entered as your nonprofit of choice, but if you go to www.goodsearch.com or www.goodshop.com, enter The Water Education Foundation as the nonprofit you choose to support. You can also track the amount raised by clicking the “Amount Raised” button.

You can help the Foundation every day, and it is just a click away. Please take a few minutes to look at this website and help us spread the word. Forward this message to your family, friends and coworkers and let them in on this easy way to do good every day.

Thanks for your support.

April 13, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Happy Easter!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on April 12, 2009 at 8:03 am

HAPPY EASTER
from Aquafornia &
The Water Education Foundation

We hope you have an enjoyable day!

April 12, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Picture gallery from above California, the Delta and Sacramento

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 15, 2009 at 7:59 am

This past week, I had the pleasure of attending the Water Education Foundation’s Executive Briefing in Sacramento. It was a wonderful chance to listen to legislators, water officials, and environmental representatives talk about the issues facing California’s water supply. It was also great opportunity to meet some of my readers, and I thank you all for your kind comments regarding the blog.

While I was there, I took some time to drive down to the Delta, and here are some of the pictures I took while I was on my trip.

March 15, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

A note to my readers ….

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 10, 2009 at 7:03 am

Tomorrow, I’m heading north to Sacramento to attend the Executive Briefing put on by the Water Education Foundation on Thursday and Friday. The airport shuttle is picking me up at 6 am. Usually at that time, I’m sitting in front of my computer, posting to the blog, but not tomorrow. I will hunt down wi-fi access wherever I find it while I’m sitting in airports (do they have internet on planes now?), but I can’t say for sure when Wednesday’s update will be complete. Rest assured, though, that I will be catching it all, and posting it when I can.

While up in Sacramento, I’ll be heading down to the Delta and up the Sacramento River a bit. If I have time, I’ll blog about what’s going on at the briefing, and maybe even post some of the pictures. However, I make no promises. I have no plans to sit around my hotel room and blog. :)

I anticipate a normal posting schedule for Thursday and Friday.

I thank you for your continued readership, and if you’re attending the briefing too, come up and say hi!

March 10, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Introducing … the Aquafornia Discussion Forum!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 23, 2009 at 7:30 am

Do you have something to say about California water issues? Now you can have your chance in Aquafornia’s new discussion forum. You can access it by clicking on the “Join Our Discussion Forum” graphic located below the Information Desk, or by clicking here.’

I’ve put some questions in there to get things started, or you can start your own thread. Please note that you need to be registered and logged in to participate. Click here to register.

February 23, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 25, 2008 at 10:00 am

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Thank you for your continued readership and support. I wish for all of you and your families a wonderful and memorable holiday season.

From Aqua Blog Maven and the staff at the Water Education Foundation

December 25, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Aquafornia is home for the holidays!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 24, 2008 at 8:09 am

Yes, dear readers, while all those other water news services may let you down by taking some time off over the holidays, your water-news-obsessed Aqua Blog Maven will not let you down. Aquafornia will be in the house and blogging for you throughout the holidays, with water news posted by 8am (on most days) including weekends, so stay tuned and stay informed!

For those of you traveling today, travel safe.

Happy Holidays to all,
-Aqua Blog Maven

December 24, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

Weekend highlights: a $10K bet, DiFi’s letters, the Colorado River, and more

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 22, 2008 at 7:57 am

Weekend highlights, for those of you who were too busy preparing for the holidays to keep up with the fast paced, ever changing California world of water….

In Sunday’s Stockton Record, Jeffrey Michael, an economist at the University of the Pacific, thinks the PPIC has it all wrong and is willing to bet $10K he’s right.

In Sunday’s Sacramento Bee, Laura King Moon of the State Water Contractors wrote a commentary saying it’s not only the export pumps causing problems. Diane Feinstein apparently has the same thought in mind, as she’s written two letters to officials asking them to address Sacramento’s wastewater treatment plant’s discharges and the proliferation of invasive species.

The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Sunday paper included a comprehensive article on the future of the Colorado River, while a development in Arizona wins approval to use groundwater to irrigate a golf course.

Wired Science is reporting on a study which determined that ocean waves are getting bigger and stronger; good news for surfers but bad news for shorelines.

Weekend odds and ends: It’s how you operate the canal that matters, working landscapes for forestry and ag, limiting growth by water policy, water lecture series online, the earth as art, and check out the *new* water cycle!

Aqua Blog Maven needs some more peeps!

Holiday note: DWR Water News and the BC Water News may take a break over the holidays, but rest assured, all you water news junkies, Aquafornia will be open for the holidays, seven days a week, with news posted in most cases by 8am!

December 22, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

From the Information Desk: Why the Delta is so important to all Californians

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on November 12, 2008 at 6:04 am

Another Aquafornia exclusive from the Information Desk:

Anyone in California who remotely follows water news or current events has no doubt heard about the Delta, and the multitude of problems and issues facing this vital region. These issues, if left unresolved, can have huge ramifications for the entire state, but it can be hard to understand just how this relatively small area in Northern California could be of such concern to those of us living in Southern California, or elsewhere in the state. Many Californians, including some who live in the region, don’t even know where or what the Delta is, or why they should really care. What could the Delta possibly have to do with me?

Well, a lot, actually. Everyone in California depends upon the Delta for something, be it drinking water, fresh produce or livestock, goods shipped over the highways and railways that transverse it, or gas and electricity that is carried in pipes and transmission lines. Wildlife also depends on the Delta, as it provides a crucial habitat for wildlife, and an important stop for migratory birds.

The relatively small region has a big job: it is the hub of California’s massive water storage and delivery system, with water exports to agricultural and urban users in the Bay Area, Central California, and Southern California. Two-thirds of Californians rely on the Delta for their drinking water.

However, the Delta is in decline by all accounts. Its levee system is fragile, many of its native species are declining, there are water quality issues in some areas, and no governmental entity seems to be squarely in charge. The issues facing it are complex and intertwined; it is virtually impossible to fix one problem without creating several others. However, in recent years, it has become obvious to all the stakeholders that ‘business as usual’ in the Delta region simply isn’t sustainable.

These issues, if left unresolved, will have ramifications for nearly every California resident. So, let’s take an in-depth look at the issues facing this unique region of our state.

Read the rest of this Aquafornia exclusive by clicking here.

November 12, 2008 · Filed Under Articles

Share Your Thoughts - Post A Comment

From the Information Desk: California’s Water Crisis

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on November 11, 2008 at 6:18 am

This week, I’ll be highlighting exclusive articles from Aquafornia’s Information Desk, which is at the top of the right hand side bar. The article, California’s Water Crisis, takes a look at the factors putting pressure on California’s water supply, and a rundown of possible solutions to meet the challenges ahead:

California’s modern history is written in gold mining, railroads, and most recently, the development of water. Water irrigates millions of acres of farmland, making California the nation’s leading agricultural producer and exporter of agricultural goods. Water has made the development of Southern California and Bay Area cities possible.

However, California now faces monumental challenges in meeting the water demand of its current and projected population. Further compounding the problem is that the public remains largely unaware of the major issues confronting the state’s water supply.

While some agencies have built regional projects to increase local water supply and storage, California’s state and federal water systems have not seen any major upgrades since the State Water Project was completed in 1973, despite the addition of nearly 14 million residents.

According to population projections, the state’s total population will increase to 60 million people by the year 2050, an increase of over 56% from the 2000 census numbers. As the state’s population continues to grow, this is putting strain on our existing water supplies, as well as bringing into question the ability to accommodate this expected future growth.

At the same time, drought and climate change are reducing the snowpack California depends on to fill its reservoirs, and the Delta, critical hub of California’s water system, faces multiple risk factors to its fragile levees while continuing to experience ecosystem decline and plummeting native fish populations.

Continued population growth throughout the Southwest combined with a persistent drought in the Colorado River basin is putting increased pressure on the limited resources of the Colorado River. In addition, Indian reservations, left out of previous water rights agreements, have begun to exercise their long-held but unused water rights, putting further strain on the limited resources of the Colorado River.

Ensuring a water supply to meet the needs of California’s existing residents while providing for future population growth has become a major statewide issue as news stories and research reports highlight the challenges that lie ahead and legislators debate putting another multi-billion dollar bond measure in front of voters. More dams, increased conservation, water transfers, desalination and more – there are many possibilities, each with its benefits and drawbacks. There is no easy answer; unfortunately, no silver bullet.

To really understand the situation and the challenges ahead, we’ll look at some background information on California and water. Next we’ll take a look at the factors putting stress on California’s water resources. Then we’ll look at our options for meeting the challenges ahead. Lastly, we’ll look at what water agencies and the legislature are doing to prepare California for a drier future.