CALIFORNIA’S DROUGHT CRISIS
LESSONS LEARNED: DROUGHT THEN AND NOW
With California experiencing its second driest year on record, CalMatters investigates what’s improved and what’s worsened since the last drought — and vividly portrays the impacts on California’s places and people.
‘Everyone loses’: Sacramento Valley struggles to survive unprecedented water cuts
Sacramento Valley growers protected for decades by their water rights are suffering for the first time during this record-breaking drought. Wildlife refuges are struggling, too.
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DATA
DROUGHT: THE BASICS
Water in California, explained
Where does our water come from?
It originates as rain and snow. Some falls in Oregon and drains into the Klamath River, and some falls in the vast drainage of the Colorado River. But most of it lands in California — about 200 million acre-feet on average per year.
California Drought and Water Tracker
This dashboard provides current and historical perspective on water issues facing the state using a variety of public available datasets, and explores how droughts are making those issues worse.
MORE DROUGHT COVERAGE
More water for urban areas, some farms: Biden, Newsom officials announce long-awaited new water delivery rules
New operating rules for massive Delta systems will increase water deliveries to Southern California cities and some growers. Salmon numbers could drop, especially in dry years.
‘No way, not possible’: California has a plan for new water rules. Will it save salmon from extinction?
Growers and cities support the Newsom administration proposal, saying it strikes a balance for uses of Delta water. But environmentalists say the “healthy rivers” rules would actually harm California’s iconic salmon.
Unstoppable invasion: How did mussels sneak into California, despite decades of state shipping rules?
Most ships discharging ballast water into California waters are inspected, but state officials have tested the water of only 16 ships. Experts say invaders like mussels are inevitable under current rules and enforcement.
Here we go again: California prepares to battle Trump over environmental policies
A lot is at stake with the new Trump administration: California’s water projects, its unique authority to clean its air, federal support for offshore wind and disaster aid for wildfires.
‘Immediate threat’: Mussel invades California’s Delta, first time in North America
The golden mussel’s appearance in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is its first confirmed detection in North America — and it has the potential to clog major water supply pumps.
A third straight year with no California salmon fishing? Early fish counts suggest it could happen
Low counts of spawning salmon could mean another year without fishing. Experts say the outlook still has time to turn around.
Is a new plan for delivering Delta water worse than Trump’s rules? Environmentalists say yes.
Growers support a federal and state proposal for operating California’s massive systems that send river water south. But it could harm more salmon and other endangered fish.
‘Dirty Delta’: California’s largest estuary is in crisis. Is the state discriminating against people who fish there?
Immigrants, tribes and other people of color rely on fish from San Francisco Bay and Delta rivers. California faces a federal discrimination probe for failing to protect them.
‘Unlawful regulation’: State suffers big setback in water lawsuit filed by growers
A judge slaps the state with an injunction, saying the water board overstepped its authority in Kings County: “There has been no review, analysis, or ability to challenge their conduct.”
‘I won’t let them drink the water’: The California towns where clean drinking water is out of reach
Drinking water contamination is a chronic, insidious threat in California’s rural communities. Some have been waiting for clean water for years.
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