Thanks to a ruling from Alameda County Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch, something must get done about the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta's collapsing ecosystem -- or the pumps will be shut off in less than 60 days, threatening deliveries of drinking and agricultural water to 25 million Californians. »

The driest periods of the last century — the Dust Bowl of the 1930s and the droughts of the 1950s — may become the norm in the Southwest United States within decades because of global warming, according to a study released Thursday. »

The message stays the same, but it gets clearer every year: As greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere rise, California likely will suffer more severe droughts, floods, forest fires and wildlife extinctions. »

A national directive by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could devastate scenery and wildlife habitat in California by forcing Central Valley flood control officials to chop down virtually all trees and shrubs on their levees. »

The West Sacramento City Council will consider a proposed ordinance Wednesday requiring flood control fees for new developments that don't meet the city's flood safety standards. »

The debate has pitted farmers and metropolitan water planners who argue for more dams and canals against environmentalists and Democrats who control the Legislature. They favor conservation and oppose any measures that will leave a heavy imprint on the environment. »

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed $4.5 billion in bonds to build two new dams, which his administration says are needed to boost water supplies. Most Democratic lawmakers and conservationists are opposed. Some of the issues involved in the debate are addressed in this article. »

Scientists can't say with certainty that such dry spells are the result of global warming, but the reports create a worrisome backdrop on which to consider the second report this year of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.  »

The Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee on Tuesday passed a bill that sets a deadline for choosing the best way to transport water around the state. »

The West Sacramento City Council unanimously supported an ordinance Wednesday night for fees on construction for which the developer chooses not to meet the city's standard for flood protection. »

This month, property owners in California's capital are taking part in an unusual mail-in vote to decide whether to tax themselves for greater flood protection. While the vote is weighted so those most at risk would pay more, many residents are wondering why the tax is needed at all—especially after voters statewide approved billions of dollars for flood control last November. »

A number of water resources experts say water demand is not likely to increase substantially, even with the population growth expected by 2030. They say conservation programs, improvements in residential design and changes in the economics of farming will likely offset increased demand from a larger population. »

The feds are saying most of California is in a drought. State officials aren't going that far. But everyone agrees it's a dry year. What does that mean for the north valley? Well this year, there should be enough water for most homes and farms, but more wildfires are expected. »

The farm bill, which comes before Congress later this spring, could be another vehicle to take on our other major flood protection challenge -- the Sacramento River watershed. »

So how much water does it take to grow corn? Using figures from the Water Education Foundation and USDA, the answer is about 2,500 gallons of water. For one gallon of ethanol. Gulp. »

Bigger levees, a better Folsom Dam, diminished risk: They're on order now that Sacramento residents have approved a property tax increase to double the city's flood safety. »

Who knows whether Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will ever manage to build a water reservoir, somewhere, to fulfill one of his goals akin to his favorite flavor of the month. But he sure is making the case in the wrong way.  »

The Assembly Committee on Natural Resources has voted to approve landmark legislation by to integrate climate change in state and local water planning. The bill is being supported by a growing list of water agencies and environmentalists.  »