As wildfires become increasingly intense and frequent in California, particularly near reservoirs, experts say threats to water resources will require more proactive preventative measures. Massive swaths of land have burned annually across the state, and rebuilding can take years after the ashes have been swept away. Toxic chemicals linger in the scorched soils even longer, and can make their way into water sources, said Ann Willis, California regional director with American Rivers, a nonprofit focused on protecting clean water resources.

Other wildfire impact news:

• KJZZ (Phoenix, Ariz.): Dragon Bravo Fire could threaten Grand Canyon National Park’s sole drinking water source
• The Center Square: Florida, Wisconsin senators investigate CA’s Palisades Fire
• Tahoe Daily Tribune (South Lake Tahoe, Calif.): ‘It elevates the rural community voice’: El Dorado Water Agency joins Wildfire Solutions Coalition
• CalMatters: Seven years after California’s deadliest fire, schools — and kids — are still recovering