AQUAFORNIA KICKOFF-Sites Reservoir Could Break Ground in 2026; Ariz.’s First Ag to Urban Water Transfer Approved
In today’s Aquafornia scroll:
- California’s newest lake, a North State reservoir, could break ground in 2026, Record Searchlight (Redding, Calif.)
- First-ever legal transfer of water from rural Arizona to cities approved for Buckeye, Queen Creek, KJZZ (Phoenix, Ariz.)
- Lawmakers tackle FEMA’s future, weather prediction, E&E News by Politico
- Looming threat in California Delta could devastate a summer tradition, SFGate
- Click here to read all of today’s water news from California and across the West
Water Word of the Week: The nonprofit North American Lake Management Society marks July as Lakes Appreciation Month and offers suggestions on how to engage with these natural or manmade water bodies, including by organizing a shoreline cleanup or enjoying boating, kayaking or canoeing on a lake. Reservoirs are artificial lakes that are usually built by damming a river and flooding a valley. They are used for recreation, water storage and hydroelectric power. Lake Mead is the nation’s largest reservoir, and Shasta Lake is California’s largest. Lakes are an important and sometimes central part of a watershed. So, we’re making lakes our Water Word of the Week. You can learn more about this and other water-related topics in Aquapedia, our online water encyclopedia.
What’s on Tap: The Delta Protection Commission’s Executive Director Selection Ad Hoc Committee will meet July 23 to consider candidates for the Executive Director position in a closed session. The Delta Stewardship Council meets July 24 to discuss the Sacramento Area Council of Governments’ draft transportation plan and possible appointments to the Delta Independent Science Board, among other items. See details on these and other upcoming water meetings on our events calendar.
At the Foundation: It’s never too early to start thinking about applying for our preeminent water leadership programs. Applications for the 2026 cohorts will be available this fall for the William R. Gianelli Water Leaders program, focused on California participants, and the biennial Colorado River Water Leaders program, focused on participants from across the basin. Consider now whether you or someone at your organization is an emerging leader in their early to mid-career and would be a good fit for one the programs. Learn more about the programs and how to find out when applications are available.
Water Resource of the Week: Our California Water Map features lakes, rivers, creeks and other natural waterways while highlighting the integral role water plays in the state. The map also shows man-made reservoirs and aqueducts – including federally, state and locally funded projects – along with the wild and scenic rivers system. Also featured are photos of California’s natural environment, rivers, water projects, wildlife, and urban and agricultural uses.
Western Water, our flagship publication by Foundation journalists, is available online. Check out our latest article:
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Aquafornia is a news roundup compiled each weekday by the Water Education Foundation’s journalism team.
