Californians to face steep fines for violating water orders under new legislation

The new legislation, which is now awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature, would double daily fines for water rights holders who commit minor violations. Those violating curtailment orders could face fines of up to $10,000 per day — a 20-fold increase — plus $2,500 for every acre-foot of water taken.

California is 100% drought free

California is 100% drought free for the first time in over three years, according to the California Drought Monitor.

California's reservoirs are brimming

This winter’s historic precipitation and the wet spring so far have left California's reservoir levels healthy for the first time in many years, the California Department of Water Resources reported. 

California's reservoirs are brimming

This winter’s historic precipitation and the wet spring so far have left California's reservoir levels healthy for the first time in many years, the California Department of Water Resources reported.

California ends some water limits after storms ease drought

California Gov. Gavin Newsom ended some of the state’s water restrictions on Friday because a winter of relentless rain and snow has replenished the state’s reservoirs and eased fears of a shortage after three years of severe drought.

Reservoirs high stakes 'cat & mouse' game with Mother Nature

While an abundance of water is making its way into California reservoirs, federal, state and local dam operators are worried about two uncontrollable things: more atmospheric rivers and a quick melt of the snowpack in the mountains.