Southern California’s unusually dry December is raising water supply concerns. While Northern California has seen ample rain, Southern California’s dryness aligns with the La Niña pattern, resulting in minimal precipitation. The Department of Water Resources is monitoring the situation closely, acknowledging the challenges despite prior wet years. Forecasters remain hopeful for rain in the coming months.
Elicit Plant, a leader in biosolutions for broadacre crops, has raised $48 million in Series B funding to accelerate its global expansion, particularly in the U.S. Corn Belt. The company’s phytosterol-based biosolutions offer farmers a sustainable way to reduce crop water use by 20%, addressing the growing challenge of water stress across the globe.
California’s pistachio industry is booming, surpassing Iran as the world’s top exporter of the nut. Farmers are drawn to pistachios due to their drought tolerance and high profitability, but the industry faces challenges like water conservation and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) participated in a White House roundtable on water security and climate resilience, advocating for a circular water economy, innovative conservation technologies, and a skilled water workforce. WEF emphasized the need for policy changes to incentivize water conservation and highlighted the importance of workforce development to address future challenges.
Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air, a California-based plumbing company, partnered with Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) to install two free water-efficient toilets for a senior citizen in need. This initiative, part of their ‘Hero Helps’ program, aims to give back to the community and improve the lives of residents. The replaced toilets are expected to save significant amounts of water and lower utility bills.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has completed a long-term project to restore the Ittgalpura and Sadenahalli lakes in Bengaluru, handing them over to the local authorities for ongoing maintenance. The project, part of RCB’s Go Green Initiative, aims to combat water scarcity and improve the local environment.
The Water and Conservation Department (WCD) has released the revised answer key for the Jalsandharan Exam 2024, allowing candidates who took the re-examination for Water Conservation Officer (Construction) and Group-B (Non-Gazetted) posts to assess their performance. Candidates can raise objections to the answer key until August 23rd.
Finish, a leading dishwasher detergent brand, has launched the Finish Water Challenge in partnership with Flume Water to encourage consumers to reduce their water usage at home. The campaign, which runs for 60 days, encourages participants to skip the rinse cycle when washing dishes, saving up to 20 gallons of water per load. The challenge aligns with Finish’s broader mission to address water conservation concerns and their Every Drop Counts Water Report, which details the nation’s freshwater situation.
AXA Hong Kong & Macau’s annual ‘Week for Good’ campaign focused on water and the environment, with over 1,000 employees and financial consultants participating in coastal cleanups, upcycling workshops, and educational programs to raise awareness about water conservation and marine ecosystem preservation. The initiatives underscore AXA’s commitment to its climate strategy and highlight the urgent need to address global water scarcity.
Barcelona’s tourism industry is undergoing a transformation as the city grapples with its worst drought in centuries. Hotels and accommodations are implementing innovative water conservation measures, showcasing a shift towards sustainability in response to the climate crisis.
