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Shortage Declaration in the Colorado River Basin Takeaways

Today, the US Secretary of the Interior declared a first-ever Shortage Condition for the Lower Colorado River Basin. After more than 21 years of drought in the western United States intensified by human-caused climate change, the Bureau of Reclamation has released a study projecting that the elevation of Lake Mead will be below an elevation triggering a Tier 1 Shortage Condition that will reduce water access to some users starting in January 2022. It’s a historic move sending reverberations throughout the water policy world — both within the United States and globally.

Megadrought Spurs First-Ever Federal Colorado River Cutbacks

How Water Shortages Are Brewing Wars

What Does It Mean When a Community Runs Out of Water? Many in California Are Finding Out

Comments on the California Public Utilities Commission Amended Scope for a Low Income Water Rates Assistance Program

This letter from the Center for Accessible Technology; Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security; Natural Resources Defense Council; The Environmental Justice Coalition for Water; Community Water Center; and Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability (collectively the Joint Advocates) contains comments on the California Public Utilities Commission Amended Scope for a Low Income Water Rates Assistance Program.

Ways to Save Water During the Drought – and Whether It’s Worth Doing at All

Extreme Weather: How Is It Connected to Climate Change?

California Drought: Santa Clara County Residents Falling Far Short of Water Conservation Target

California Drought: Power Plant at Oroville Dam Shut Down Due to Low Water Levels

New Normal of Drought Requires New Approach to Water Conservation, Food Production: Experts

Young Farmers Lose Hope as Drought Closes In: ‘It’s Like a Sad Country Song’

Long Troubled Salton Sea May Finally Be Getting What It Most Needs: Action – and Money

Is Desalination the Answer to California’s Drought? Here’s What Experts Say

Here’s How California’s Largest Lake, the Salton Sea, Came to Be So Toxic

With Drought Worsening, Should California Have Much Tougher Water Restrictions?

All Together Now? Differences in Water Shortage Conditions Across California 

California is back in a drought. You’ve heard it on the news, you’ve heard it from scientists, and they’re right — 100% of the state is in at least moderate drought. Yet, California Governor Gavin Newsom has yet to declare a statewide drought emergency, instead opting for county-level declarations — 50 of 58 counties have been declared so far this year.

New Report Explores the Economic and Environmental Benefits of Water Reuse for Agriculture

July 14, Oakland, California -- A new report from The Water Research Foundation, Pentair Foundation, and the Pacific Institute examines the use of water reuse in agriculture. The report analyzes the benefits and includes case studies and an online benefit library.

Drought Is Stressing California’s Power Grid

The American West’s Climate Hellscape Is Just a Preview

How Will the West Solve a Water Crisis if Climate Change Continues to Get Worse?

July 2021 Newsletter

The monthly newsletter features the Pacific Institute’s research, publications, news about past and upcoming Institute staff outreach efforts, and media coverage of its work and analysis.

Drought Brings Stress, Economic Loss, and Societal Inequities

Climate Change is Here, Now

Gavin Newsom Calls on Californians to Cut Water Use by 15%, Expands Drought Emergency

The Climate Crisis Will Create Two Classes: Those Who Can Flee, and Those Who Cannot