The Latest Breaking News from Pacific Institute

Russia and Israel lead global surge in attacks on civilian water supplies

Exclusive: at least 228 water conflicts were recorded in 2022 – an 87% rise on the year before, Pacific Institute database shows

The Guardian - US · Nov 15, 2023

Planning for dry times: The West considers more reservoirs and aquifers

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — As parched California receives much needed rain and snow this winter, some local water officials are calling on state leaders to invest in new infrastructure projects that will store freshwater for inevitable dry times to come.

Tribune News Service · Dec 21, 2022

Nearly 20% of California water agencies could see shortages if drought persists, state report shows

LOS ANGELES — Most of California’s urban water agencies believe they have enough supplies to last through another seven months of drought, but nearly 20% of them — including many in Southern California — say they could be facing significant shortages, according to a new state report.

Los Angeles Times · Nov 30, 2022

EXPLAINER: How cities in the West have water amid drought

The sight of fountains, swimming pools, gardens and golf courses in Western cities like Phoenix, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Diego and Albuquerque can seem jarring as drought and climate change tightening their grip on the region

The Independent UK · May 24, 2022

California’s water conservation has been a bust so far. Will drought restrictions work?

LOS ANGELES — Almost a year after Gov. Gavin Newsom pleaded with Californians to voluntarily cut their water use by 15% amid a worsening drought, water conservation figures are still nowhere near that mark.

Los Angeles Times · May 8, 2022

California’s new drought rules: will they be enough to halt the ‘alarming challenges’ ahead?

As dry conditions prevail, the state is restricting outdoor watering while exploring other avenues of water

The Guardian - US · May 3, 2022

California could shrink water use in cities by 30% or more, study finds

LOS ANGELES — Green lawns, old appliances and leaky pipes all consume significant amounts of California's water, and researchers have calculated in a new study that the state could reduce water use by more than 30% in cities and suburbs by investing in measures to use water more efficiently.

Los Angeles Times · Apr 12, 2022