{"id":213078,"date":"2025-09-09T14:57:12","date_gmt":"2025-09-09T14:57:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/213078\/"},"modified":"2025-09-09T14:57:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T14:57:12","slug":"parched-california-looks-to-water-recycling-desalination-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/213078\/","title":{"rendered":"Parched California looks to water recycling, desalination and more"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the more than four decades since I started at the L.A. Times, we\u2019ve never had a reporter cover water with the depth and persistence of Ian James. California\u2019s story is often the story of water \u2014 who\u2019s got it, who doesn\u2019t and who will find our next acre-foot. Ian is a former foreign correspondent who has written about everything from novel water solutions like reclaiming sewage, to the intersection of H2O with wildlife<\/a> and farms. Essential Cal talked to Ian about his work.<\/p>\n

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Q: How long do you shower?<\/p>\n

A: I don\u2019t use a timer, but I\u2019m frugal and conscious of how much water I\u2019m using. Water-saving toilets and appliances also make a difference. Every little bit of water-saving helps.<\/p>\n

Q: You\u2019ve written compelling stories<\/a> about the challenges of bringing water to our parched metropolis. What are some of the solutions that most people don\u2019t know about?<\/p>\n

A: One is the potential for Southern California to reduce reliance on faraway water sources by harnessing more local sources. Our region\u2019s water agencies can invest in projects including capturing more stormwater, recycling wastewater and cleaning up contaminated groundwater. And there are nature-based solutions, such as restoring local watersheds by removing concrete and asphalt. This can reactivate natural floodplains to help capture runoff and allow water to percolate underground to replenish aquifers. Still, many experts have told me they expect Southern California will need to continue relying on imported water from the Colorado River and the Sierra Nevada for a substantial portion of our supplies.<\/p>\n

Q: Gov. Gavin Newsom and many water managers want to build a 45-mile-long tunnel, costing a minimum $20 billion, under the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to deliver water south. What\u2019s the latest on where that plan stands?<\/p>\n

A: Gov. Newsom has called the Delta Conveyance Project<\/a> essential for the state\u2019s future. State officials say building the tunnel would be the most effective way to ensure enough water as global warming erodes the reliability of the State Water Project. Representatives of water agencies and business groups support the project. Among the opponents are environmentalists and local leaders in the Delta, who argue that building the tunnel would be devastating to local farms, the ecosystem and the Delta\u2019s fish. The project\u2019s costs are also generating debate. The latest state estimate was $20 billion, but another analysis touted by tunnel opponents estimated the costs could be three times that or more.<\/p>\n

\"Reporter <\/p>\n

Reporter Ian James, right, listens as veteran river guide and environmentalist John Weisheit points out their location during a journey along the Colorado River in Utah in 2022. <\/p>\n

(Albert Brave Tiger Lee \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n

Q: Agriculture uses a lot of water. I\u2019m thinking of California\u2019s major crops, including almonds<\/a>, pistachios, wine grapes and hay to feed cattle. Are you hearing people talk about a need for farms to use less water?<\/p>\n

A: Yes. In Southern California, for example, farmers in the Imperial Valley have been leaving some hay fields dry for part of the year in exchange for payments as part of a federally funded voluntary program<\/a>. The goal is to help address water shortages on the Colorado River<\/a>. In the Central Valley<\/a>, local groundwater agencies are in charge of curbing overpumping over the next 15 years. It\u2019s widely expected that the restrictions will eventually require permanently retiring parts of the valley\u2019s farmland and converting those lands to other uses, such as solar farms or habitat restoration areas.<\/p>\n

Q: Some communities, like Orange County, already treat sewage so thoroughly it\u2019s safe to use as drinking water.<\/a> It\u2019s stored underground until it\u2019s pumped out and delivered to taps. Is this something we\u2019re likely to see more of?<\/p>\n

A: Yes. L.A., San Diego and the Metropolitan Water District all have plans for large water recycling projects. I recently wrote about a report by UCLA researchers that found California is recycling 22% of its treated wastewater, which is a lot less than drier states like Nevada or Arizona. They said California should take steps to treat and reuse more wastewater. <\/p>\n

Q: During California\u2019s last big drought in 2022, people in Ventura County had to limit watering their yards to one day a week. Are more restrictions likely on the horizon in Southern California?<\/p>\n

A: Another major drought is always possible. But managers of water agencies say they are taking various steps to prevent a recurrence of shortages. One of the fixes involves re-engineering pipelines and adding new pump stations to more easily move water. Some of the area\u2019s water agencies are also supporting testing of new technology to desalinate seawater<\/a>. As for the current situation, the last three wet winters have given the water supply a boost. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which delivers water for 19 million people, has a record amount of water banked in reservoirs as well as underground storage areas.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s top stories \" <\/a> <\/p>\n

U.S. Border Patrol Sector Chief Gregory Bovino marches with federal agents in downtown Los Angeles in August.<\/p>\n

(Carlin Stiehl \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n

The Supreme Court allows Trump\u2019s administration to resume indiscriminate immigration raids in Los AngelesPublic school is a right. Should child care be considered one too?<\/p>\n