Independent research and analysis of California's developed water systems
The Newsom administration's strategy for dealing with flood flows relies heavily on diversions to farmland for groundwater recharge. But flooding in the Tulare basin this year is showing how orchards are not resilient to floods. And orchards have also not been resilient to recent droughts. This is what happens to an almond orchard in full … Continue reading Orchards are not resilient to floods or droughts
The Governor Newsom's May Revise Budget provides an additional $115 million in investments in flood risk reduction, including: $75 million to support local flood control projects $40 million for the San Joaquin Floodplain restoration This is in addition to the $202 million proposed by the Governor in January to reduce flood risk in urban areas, … Continue reading Analysis: Proposed state investments inadequate to address increase in catastrophic flood risk
High flood flows in Tulare County are causing levee breaches. Levee breaches on Deer Creek and Poso Creek are currently endangering Allensworth, a California town that was founded by African-Americans, as well as the town of Alpaugh. For more background on Allensworth, see this article. Los Angeles Times reporter Ian James drove to Allensworth and … Continue reading Chaos in Tulare County shows need for advance flood planning