Rio Grande Going Dry
The Rio Grande spans 1,900 miles through largely arid and desert lands.[1] Colorado, New Mexico and Texas all depend on the river for their agriculture and nourish their cities. While the river does become more shallow in the summer this year it is extremely low. The Rio Grande is already dry along a 20-mile stretch south of Albuquerque. [2] Next month Albuquerque may see the Rio Grande go completely dry for the first time in more than 30 years. [3] Currently, about 87% of New Mexico in severe or worse drought, despite recent rainfall. On June 21st the northern New […]
Hydroponic Island Launch
The Green Initiative Fund has provided a grant to the Waterway team of interns at UC Davis Arboretum for the design and installation of a hydroponic island. Along with the Public Garden Learning by Leading™ Waterway Stewardship the interns launched a floating island filled with wetland plants. Students were involved with the planning and development of the design, materials, and layout of the floating ecosystem for two quarters. The island was put in to improve both water quality and wildlife as well as the aesthetic appeal of the Arboretum Waterway. Being the lowest part on UC Davis’ campus, the Waterway is […]
An Arizona Resource in Jeopardy
Lake Mead provides nearly 40% of Arizona’s water supply, making it an extremely valuable resource. New projections from The Bureau of Reclamation show that the lake has a one in five chance of dropping below 1,000 feet of elevation before 2026 due to drought and overuse. [1] By having what is known as junior priority status on the Colorado River, Arizona would be the first to experience cuts on the resource. Seven states and parts of Mexico all pull from the river-meaning Arizona will experience cuts soon. When this happens, the state will be forced to rely on whatever water they […]
Baltimore Water Rates Increase by 40%
The rate hike publicized by Baltimore County last week is the first of five yearly rate increases that will increase the average bill by about 40%. Existing water and sewer rates have been increased by 13.9% in an executive order signed on July 1, but also established a timetable rate increases through June of 2023. [1] These increases were put in place to help maintain and replace aging infrastructure throughout the city, construct a new filtration plant at Fullerton, and upgrade current treatment plants. Water rates are set to increase 10% while sewer will see an increase of 3% every year […]
Texas Drought Causing Major Issues
Statewide, 83 percent of Texas is suffering from drought and it is causing problems. [1] More than half of Texas Counties are under a burn ban due to the imminent threat of wildfires.[2] Crops are so dry the farmers are struggling to see any profit. The beef industry is taking a hit because of high feeding costs, closing plants and eliminating jobs.[3] In addition, the population is continuing to climb while water remains scarce. By 2060 the population of Texas is expected to grow by 80 percent, that is more than 57 million people in need of water. If Texas does […]