Environment - Page 3 of 40 - CalMatters

Kelly O’Brien listens to her well hum as it fills with cool water after more than a month of living without water, at her home on July 2, 2021. Photo by Rachel Becker, CalMatters

California enacted a groundwater law 7 years ago. But wells are still drying up — and the threat is spreading

by Rachel Becker August 18, 2021August 24, 2021

A recently raided illegal cannabis operation in Lancaster, on July 2, 2021. Water authorities say unlawful pot farms are stealing California water. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

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California’s desert becoming a hotbed for water bandits: Watch

by Byrhonda Lyons August 6, 2021August 9, 2021

A boat crosses Lake Oroville below trees scorched in the 2020 North Complex Fire, May 23, 2021. At the time of this photo, the reservoir was at 39 percent of capacity and 46 percent of its historical average. (Photo by Noah Berger, AP Photo

Facing ‘dire water shortages,’ California bans Delta pumping

by Rachel Becker August 3, 2021August 20, 2021

Recycling symbol

That recycling symbol doesn’t always mean what you think it does

by Marissa Garcia August 2, 2021September 8, 2021

The August Complex Fire burns near Lake Pillsbury in the Mendocino National Forest on Sept. 16, 2020. Photo by Noah Berger, AP Photo

California’s 2020 fire siege: wildfires by the numbers

by Julie Cart July 29, 2021July 30, 2021

Satellite image shows how green and full Lake Oroville was in June 2019 and how shallow and dry it is in June 2021.

Will Delta water users sue — again — to stop California’s drought rules?

by Rachel Becker July 27, 2021August 20, 2021

A water fountain at Rio Hondo Park in Pico Rivera, CA, on Nov. 6, 2020. . Photo by Tash Kimmell for CalMatters.

Forever chemicals: California unveils health goals for contaminated drinking water

by Rachel Becker July 21, 2021July 27, 2021

The vandalized water source where most water thefts occur in Lancaster, on July 2, 2021. The water is pumped into large containers that are sold and bought on the sides of the road. Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Thieves are stealing California’s scarce water. Where’s it going? Illegal marijuana farms

by Julie Cart July 20, 2021August 20, 2021

People walk near boat docks as they sit on dry land at the Browns Ravine Cove area of drought-stricken Folsom Lake, currently at 37% of its normal capacity, in Folsom on May 22, 2021. California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a drought emergency for most of the state. Photo by Josh Edelson, AP Photo

Newsom urges all Californians to cut water use by 15%

by Rachel Becker July 8, 2021July 14, 2021

Michelle Mariscal, an ecologist for the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority, walks into the Harbor Boulevard Wildlife Underpass in La Habra Heights, on June 30, 2021. "This is the wildlife's gateway to the open space on either side of this busy road," Mariscal said. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

California is betting $61 million that new highway crossings will keep wildlife safe

by Marissa Garcia July 6, 2021July 6, 2021