California Water Science Center
Read about the latest research, outreach events, partnerships, and other activities taking place at the California Water Science Center
News
In this section you will find California Water Science Center news and events. If you are with a media outlet and are requesting information please contact: Sally House, Science Communications, at (916) 698-0270.
USGS Science Helps Agencies Create Conservation Plan for Santa Ana River, Native Fishes
The U.S. Geological Survey is playing a role in providing the science being used by agencies to manage the habitat for two threatened California fish species – the Santa Ana Sucker and the Arroyo Chub. Both species, which live in the Santa Ana River Watershed, are of special interest to local, state and federal agencies desiring to protect the fishes’ fragile ecosystem.
History of Metal Contamination Recorded in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Soil
Scientists have traced the history of lead and mercury contamination in tidal wetlands of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey article published in Science of the Total Environment.
Scientists from Kazakhstan Visit the California Water Science Center
Scientists from visited the Califonia Water Science Center to discuss California water issues as part of their national tour.
The Role of Snowpack, Rainfall, and Reservoirs in Buffering California Against Drought Impacts
How reservoirs, snowpack and rainfall help California survive droughts.
During Recent Droughts: Central Valley Groundwater Levels Reached Historical Lows and Land Subsidence Intensified
This year, groundwater levels in many wells in California’s Central Valley are at or below historical low levels. In addition, from 2007 through 2015, land subsidence that correlates to areas with large groundwater level declines has strongly increased in two large agricultural areas near the towns of El Nido and Pixley, according to a new article by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Drought River Temperatures Potentially Dangerous for Fish
The rising temperatures in many of California's rivers have become potentially lethal to anadromous fish, and other fish species. Even in rivers controlled by reservoirs, where operators have traditionally been able to help control river temperature by timed releases, the combination of low flows, reduced cold-water pools in reservoirs and high air temps has resulted in elevated river temps....
April Showers may Bring May Flowers, but Winter Snow is Water in the Bank
The type of precipitation falling from the sky matters, especially for delicate mountain ecosystems.
Drought Affects Streamflow Across California
With California experiencing its worst drought in over a century, 2013 is in the record books as the driest calendar year in the state’s 119-year recorded history.