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Water Supply

All articles tagged with #water supply

Washington Bets on Conservation as Snowpack Shrinks and Drought Looms
environment3 days ago

Washington Bets on Conservation as Snowpack Shrinks and Drought Looms

Washington state has declared a statewide drought emergency after an unusually warm winter left mountain snowpack near record lows, threatening summer water supplies, fish habitat, and wildfire risk; officials warn supplies will likely fall short of demand and have launched emergency measures, including grants and expedited water-right processing, as forecasts show continued high temperatures and below-normal precipitation through June.

via KOMO|
#climate-change#drought#environment
Drought Drives Deep Wells and Rising Costs in Texas Hill Country
environment15 days ago

Drought Drives Deep Wells and Rising Costs in Texas Hill Country

Drought has driven groundwater levels down across Hays County, forcing deeper wells and a boil-water order in Radiance after the second well dried up; as of March, 100% of the district's monitored wells are below historic levels, with many new wells tapping the confined Lower Trinity Aquifer that cannot recharge. Rainfall would need 34 inches in six months to replenish the aquifer, an unlikely scenario, driving costs up: pumping reductions (~$1,500), pump replacements (~$7,500), and drilling new wells (up to ~$75,000), with Radiance taking a $40,000 loan. While current water tests show no major hardness or bacteria spikes, drought conditions raise future risks of mineral buildup and bacterial increases, threatening long-term water reliability for Hill Country communities.

via KUT|
#drought#environment#groundwater
Historic Snow Drought Tests the West's Water, Power and Fire Season
environment-energy16 days ago

Historic Snow Drought Tests the West's Water, Power and Fire Season

Winter 2026 brought an unprecedented snow drought across the Western U.S., with most basins well below the 1991–2020 median and only a few near or above average. The reduced snowpack tightens water supplies and river flows, signals possible cuts to water rights allocations, and threatens Lake Powell’s hydroelectric power capacity. Warmer temperatures and sparse snow raise concerns about a fiercer fire season, making this drought a high-stakes stress test for the West and a potential glimpse of a warmer climate future.

via The Conversation|
#climate-change#environment-energy#snow-drought
Snow drought reveals West's hidden water and wildfire risks
environment-energy16 days ago

Snow drought reveals West's hidden water and wildfire risks

The 2026 Western snow drought left most basins well below the 1991–2020 median snow water equivalent as unusually warm temperatures turned precipitation into rain, threatening spring runoff, water allocations, and hydroelectric power (notably Lake Powell). The drought also heightens wildfire risk and raises questions about subsurface water stores and future management across the Colorado, Columbia, and Missouri basins in a warming climate.

via The Conversation|
#climate-change#colorado-river-basin#environment-energy
Corpus Christi extends water supply with new permits and wells, delaying crisis
environment21 days ago

Corpus Christi extends water supply with new permits and wells, delaying crisis

Corpus Christi officials announced two moves to extend the water supply: state clearance to continue pumping about 40 million gallons daily from Lake Texana and a permit to draw water from four Nueces County wells, adding roughly 8 million gallons per day by the end of May and buying the city about two more months before a potential water emergency; the measures are described as temporary, as city leaders still seek longer-term supplies, and a 19-member advisory group was formed to develop long-term water plans.

via The Texas Tribune|
#corpus-christi#environment#lake-texana
Coastal refineries scramble for water as drought tightens supply
energy22 days ago

Coastal refineries scramble for water as drought tightens supply

Corpus Christi’s refineries are racing to secure alternative water sources as a brewing drought could trigger a citywide water emergency, risking production slowdowns that could push gasoline and jet-fuel prices higher. Flint Hills Resources and ExxonMobil are pursuing options like wastewater reuse and other non-public sources after a planned desalination project was shelved; state leaders are speeding up water projects to avert shortages, while industry officials warn of ripple effects on regional jobs and national energy supply.

via The Texas Tribune|
#corpus-christi#energy#oil-and-natural-gas
Corpus Christi on the brink: two months from emergency water rules
environment24 days ago

Corpus Christi on the brink: two months from emergency water rules

Corpus Christi could be just two months from declaring a level-one water emergency, with five projected scenarios showing shortages by May and little rainfall forecast through July–September. City leaders have not finalized a curtailment plan, while Gov. Abbott has ordered agencies to fast-track actions to stretch supplies. Officials are pushing to restart a stalled desalination project and are drilling wells in Nueces and San Patricio counties to shore up supply, despite permitting hurdles and potential legal challenges. The council approved hundreds of millions for groundwater projects and land purchases, but completion is years away and gaps in supply remain possible.

via The Texas Tribune|
#corpus-christi#desalination#drought
Corpus Christi braces for 25% water-use cut as drought tightens
local24 days ago

Corpus Christi braces for 25% water-use cut as drought tightens

With reservoirs at roughly 8.6% capacity amid a severe drought, Corpus Christi is briefing its city council on new models that could accelerate a Level 1 water emergency and require a 25% cut in usage, while officials pursue a diversified supply plan—groundwater, wastewater reuse and desalination—after last year’s desalination project was killed and ongoing permitting and funding hurdles persist.

via The Texas Tribune|
#city-council#corpuschristi#desalination
Abbott presses Corpus Christi over looming water crisis with threat of state takeover
state-government1 month ago

Abbott presses Corpus Christi over looming water crisis with threat of state takeover

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott criticized Corpus Christi leaders for delaying action on a looming water shortage and warned the state may intervene to ensure residents have reliable taps; the city has about $1 billion in supply projects coming online later this year or next, but ongoing industrial demand, drought and past planning missteps could trigger shortages within a year, prompting conservation measures and new desalination efforts that are years away.

via The Texas Tribune|
#corpus-christi#desalination#greg-abbott
Snowstorm Prep: Fill Your Bathtub for a Critical Water Lifeline
home2 months ago

Snowstorm Prep: Fill Your Bathtub for a Critical Water Lifeline

As winter storms approach, experts urge homeowners to fill their bathtubs with water to ensure a ready supply if pipes freeze and cut off the water; bathwater isn’t ideal for drinking, but can be boiled or purified for safety, and is useful for bathing, cleaning and flushing toilets during outages, alongside tips on identifying and thawing frozen pipes and general winter preparedness.

via Tom's Guide|
#emergency-prep#frozen-pipes#home
Western US Faces Severe Snow Drought and Water Supply Concerns
environment3 months ago

Western US Faces Severe Snow Drought and Water Supply Concerns

The western US is experiencing a snow drought in 2026, worsened by atmospheric river storms that caused heavy rainfall and melting of snowpack, which is critical for regional water supplies. Warmer temperatures have led to more rain instead of snow, exacerbating water shortages and increasing risks of flooding and landslides. Scientists are working to improve predictions and understand storm impacts to better manage water resources amid climate change.

via The Conversation|
#atmospheric-rivers#climate-change#environment
Recent storms improve California's snowpack but long-term water concerns remain
environment3 months ago

Recent storms improve California's snowpack but long-term water concerns remain

California's snowpack is currently below average at 71%, despite recent storms that temporarily improved conditions. The snowpack, crucial for the state's water supply, remains a concern due to variability influenced by atmospheric rivers and climate change, with the coming months critical for recovery. Reservoir levels are above normal, but the overall season's outcome remains uncertain, emphasizing the importance of continued storm activity.

via Los Angeles Times|
#atmospheric-rivers#california#climate-change