Water

Kings County agencies and growers may face probation and millions of dollars in fines — which could be the first step toward the state wresting control of groundwater.

The nationwide cost to treat or replace contaminated drinking water is estimated at $1.5 billion a year. The ubiquitous chemicals, linked to cancer and other diseases, build up in people and the environment.

California's water supply is the healthiest it's been this century thanks to two consecutive wet winters, but the state's water interests continue jousting over priorities.

California farms could use 93% less water but less-thirsty crops, such as grains and hay, are much less lucrative than nuts and fruits. Fallowing a small fraction of the thirstiest crops would save 9%.

Chinook counts are less dire than last year, but fishery managers are still opting to heavily reduce or ban commercial and recreational fishing this year because “caution is warranted.” The salmon industry is devastated.

Large numbers of young Chinook salmon were found dead two days after being released from a state hatchery. Biologists say they were shocked by the die-off — but it was a predictable aftermath of human efforts to restore nature.

Researchers say if California could collect and treat more stormwater in cities, it could provide enough water to supply a quarter of the state’s urban population.

As California's precipitation becomes more erratic due to climate change, the state needs more tools, including more storage capacity, to make the water supply reliable.

California has many long-term public policy issues, but politicians tend to have short attention spans. A new legislative report that catalogs major issues could spur action.

State officials said a Humboldt County cannabis operation took water from streams and damaged wetlands for years without authorization. The owner called the fine extreme and unfair but agreed to pay and restore wetlands.