Marin's water district reservoirs 106% of normal
As Northern California continues to bake under the weight of the stubborn drought, one water agency find's its self blessed by Mother Nature's good aim.
Serious drought damage to $5 billion California rice industry
California's huge rice industry north of Sacramento, is so renowned, its rice is exported worldwide. But the drought is doing its damage to this crop that generates $5 billion in sales each year.
Heat domes and heat waves take more water from reservoirs
With California's 5 largest mega-reserviors only 35% full, well under where they should be this time of year, water loss is an issue water suppliers are deeply concerned with. As it relates to water, we're starting to get the first tastes of what dangers lurk in a warmer, changing and climate confused environment.
Dead fish cleanup at Lake Merritt as the Bay deals with harmful algae bloom
Scientists are studying what may have caused a harmful algae bloom that has killed thousands of fish in recent days. Some experts suspect wastewater could be a contributing factor.
Extreme heat is coming to more parts of US
A dire environmental study predicts that the number of Americans experiencing extreme heat will grow from 7 million to more than 100 million in 30 years.
Saltwater pushes its way into California's waterways
Saltwater from the ocean is moving farther into California's freshwater rivers and streams. Jacob McQuirk, an engineer with the Department of Water Resources, talks about how climate change is contributing to this dynamic.
Effects of low-levels of water in lakes and reservoirs
The low-water levels in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs are having impacts on the communities around them. Jeanine Jones from the Department of Water Resources talks to KTVU about the effects.
North Bay water agencies promote conservation during the heat spell
The recent hot spell that has hit the Bay Area has magnified the need for one of our most precious resources: water. Whether it’s used for keeping a lawn healthy and green, or for staying hydrated while out in the sun, water in the Bay Area is a resource that is no longer as abundant as it used to be.
Turning recycled water into wine
A Petalum winery has found that using recycled water may be the best way to sustain its vineyard without another reliable access to water. KTVU's Mark Tamayo reports.
Drought impact on wildlife
California's prolonged drought is taking a toll on wildlife across the state. Experts tell KTVU that many animals are struggling to find water and food, which has prompted them to shift their behavior or migration patterns to survive.
Megafloods could submerge huge swathes of California, study predicts
California is at risk of catastrophic "megafloods" because of climate change, according to a new study from UCLA and the National Center for Atmospheric research. KTVU's Tom Vacar reports.
Family-owned ranch adapts to water shortage
The McEvoy Ranch in Petaluma produces olives and other crops. To survive amid a drier and drier environment, the ranch has been introducing techniques to conserve water and remain viable.
Kern County bear roams Von's parking lot
A bear was seen on video footage aimlessly wandering the parking lot of a Von's grocery store in Kern County. The footage taken at Lake Isabella's Kern Valley Plaza was shared on social media on Monday.
Deadline looms for drought-stricken states to cut water use by 15 percent
Banks along parts of the Colorado River where water once streamed are now just caked mud and rock as climate change makes the Western U.S. hotter and drier.
Drought-friendly plants invigorate California yards
Green yards are still possible. Cricket Riley from the Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery walks us through the plants and shrubs that will live well under drought conditions.
Recycled water is new idea in conservation
Recycling water may be a technique for helping reduce consumption. Roger Bailey, the general manager of the Contra Costa County Sanitary District tells KTVU about the potential and challenges of recycling water.
San Francisco consumers are conserving more this year
Summertime water use among San Francisco residents is far lower than what it was last year and is also well below the state average. Still, officials are trying to convince users to fix leaks and find other spots where water may be going to waste.
Mandatory water restrictions showing signs of progress
Santa Clara County is one pat of California like others that have imposed limits on when people may water their lawns and the good news is that people are starting to adhere to the cutbacks.
Californians choosing native plants as drought continues
Native plants are a good choice for California landscaping, especially in a drought. Ann Marie Benz with California Native Plant Society explains the benefits and savings of native plant gardens and lawns.
Critically low water levels at Lake Shasta, California's largest reservoir
Lake Shasta, the largest reservoir in California, is experiencing the lowest levels of rainfall since Shasta Dam was constructed in the 1940s. Water allotments to Central Valley fammers, and urban water districts in the Bay Area, have been severely cut back as a result.