The release of California’s water by President Trump, while seemingly fulfilling a promise to help farmers, ironically targeted the very people he intended to assist. The water released came from reservoirs crucial to these farmers’ livelihoods, leaving them with significantly less water for their crops.
This action highlights a troubling lack of foresight and planning, a pattern seemingly characteristic of the administration’s approach. The rushed release, with minimal consultation and consideration for the long-term consequences, paints a picture of impulsive decision-making rather than thoughtful policy. One might even argue it points to a disregard for the intricate details of water management and its impact on agricultural communities.… Continue reading
The US Army Corps of Engineers released approximately 2.2 billion gallons of water from two Central California reservoirs at President Trump’s order, purportedly to aid fire-ravaged Southern California. This action, however, is criticized for its lack of coordination with state and local water managers and its wasteful timing during a wet winter, jeopardizing agricultural water supplies later in the year. The released water did not reach Los Angeles, as it flowed into the Tulare Lake bed, offering limited irrigation benefits and potentially causing future water shortages for Central Valley farmers. Experts and state officials express deep concern over this poorly planned release.
Read More
Trump claims he unleashed a torrent of water upon California, solving its water woes. Local officials, however, paint a drastically different picture, arguing that his actions brought the state perilously close to devastating floods.
The core of the disagreement hinges on the timing and manner of water releases from reservoirs. Trump’s pronouncements celebrate the release of billions of gallons of water as a triumph, a victory in his ongoing battle against what he perceives as California’s mismanagement of its water resources. This celebratory tone starkly contrasts with the apprehension and alarm felt by local officials.
Their perspective emphasizes the abruptness and scale of the water release.… Continue reading
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers significantly increased water releases from Terminus and Schafer Dams in Tulare County, California, a move spurred by an executive order seemingly linked to President Trump’s pronouncements. These releases, totaling billions of gallons, were made without typical coordination with state and local officials, causing concern among water managers and farmers who rely on these reservoirs for irrigation. The timing, during winter with low demand and minimal snowpack, and lack of a clear water transportation plan, have drawn sharp criticism and questions regarding the decision-making process and potential negative impacts on agriculture and communities. State officials have emphasized the lack of consultation and the current absence of a need for the released water.
Read More
California officials have vehemently refuted former President Trump’s claim that he personally dispatched the National Guard and restored water supplies during a state emergency. Trump’s assertion is unsupported by evidence, contradicting official statements and records. The state maintains its own emergency response protocols and credits its own agencies and personnel for the successful crisis management. This public denial underscores a continued partisan disagreement regarding the handling of the emergency.
Read More
Devastating floods in Valencia, Spain, highlighted a critical water crisis exacerbated by preceding drought conditions. The extreme weather events, linked to climate change, damaged sanitation infrastructure and left hundreds of thousands reliant on emergency water supplies. Simultaneously, multinational corporations continue extracting significant water volumes for bottling, raising concerns about equitable resource allocation amidst widespread shortages. This situation, mirrored in other regions like Catalonia and Uruguay, underscores a global water security threat fueled by both climate change and the privatization of water resources.
Read More
Rioters set fire to the Israeli embassy in Mexico City, a shocking and concerning act that has raised numerous questions and sparked heated debates. The first thing that comes to mind is the scarcity of resources in Mexico City, particularly the shortage of water. With the city already on the brink of running out of drinking water, the decision to set fire to a building seems incredibly ill-advised. It begs the question, why would anyone choose to exacerbate an already dire situation by wasting precious resources on such destructive acts?
It’s disheartening to see tensions escalating to this extent, especially when there are numerous pressing issues that deserve attention and resources.… Continue reading
I often find myself contemplating the photos of the land subsidence in California, specifically in the farm region where the ground is collapsing due to excessive water pumping. The irony of this situation occurring after Tulare Lake’s reappearance is undeniable. It is disheartening to know that the ground under the lake is made of dense clay, incapable of replenishing the aquifer that has been rapidly depleted. The issue at hand is not a recent development; in fact, it has been known for decades that the resource-harvesting practices in this region are unsustainable.
Farmers in California, one of the wealthiest and most politically influential industries in the state, have resisted any suggestions for more responsible water usage.… Continue reading
Mexico City, with its 21 million residents, is facing a severe water shortage, and the situation is dire. It’s shocking to realize that the most populous city in North America is struggling to provide its citizens with the basic necessity of water. The root of this crisis lies in a combination of factors, from inefficient infrastructure to over-extraction of the underground aquifer. This city, once a series of lakes chosen by the Aztecs to build their thriving civilization, is now sinking at an alarming rate of around 20 inches per year due to over-extraction and poor planning.
The issues plaguing Mexico City’s water supply are exacerbated by climate change, as severe droughts and high temperatures have made water sources evaporate at an alarming rate.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker