Water

Why is this Important? [smc-hide] Water and energy use are interrelated. Energy is needed to extract, clean, pressurize, and transport water, as well as heat or cool it for commercial and residential use. Water or steam is used to propel turbines that produce hydropower and thermoelectric power. It is also a vital element of nuclear power production and natural gas extraction. In contrast, renewable energy sources tend to consume less water. Population growth, stress on water systems from climate change, and improvements in water quality regulations increase the demand for water resources and the cost of energy. Conservation and integrated [...]

Why is this Important? [smc-hide] Over the past decade, California residents have experienced two droughts: one from 2007-2009 and another beginning in 2012 through present day. The current California drought is one of the worst since recordkeeping began, and 2013 was the driest year in recorded history. Rainfall has declined dramatically, causing most of the states major reservoir levels to drop below 50%. The federal government also declared all 58 counties in California as natural disaster areas due to the drought. As a result, Governor Brown issued the first state mandate to cutback urban water usage in April 2015. Water [...]

Our local economy, environment, and our personal quality of life depend upon a safe, reliable, and efficient water system. Water Supply and Demand Background, Supply and Demand, City Updates Water QualityDrinking Water, Bay and Ocean Water, Wastewater Water Energy Nexus Energy Intensity of Water, Water used to Produce Energy Sea Level Rise and Flooding Projections, Evaluation, Management Legislation Watch Important federal and state water legislation Local Initiatives See More Resources Links to regional water agencies, services, and programs Mills Student ProjectsResearch on Water Issues

Looking for the Indicators Report? Start here. Or jump directly to the Key Indicator: Water. View all the event videos on our YouTube Channel. Quick links: Spring • Summer • Fall Water Summit Spring 2015 The Spring 2015 Indicators Launch and Lunch was held on Thursday April 30, 2015 at the Sobrato Center - Redwood Shores. Almost 120 guests attended the lively event focused on exploring our complex water system with an overview of the drought and the county's water sources. Event presentations (view or download PDF of slides). Event photos on Facebook. Our Water System: Peter Drekmeier, Tuolumne River [...]

2016 Key Indicator: Food Systems Agriculture and the Environment 100 Ponds Project. San Mateo County Resource Conservation District. http://www.sanmateorcd.org/project/100-ponds/ Assessing the Total Impact of TomKat Ranch. Research and Methodologies. November 2015. http://www.tomkatranch.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/TomKat-Total-Impact_Methodology_vPLAIN-1.pdf Birds of Conservation Concern. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. https://www.fws.gov/birds/management/managed-species/birds-of-conservation-concern.php Blueprint for a California Program on Climate and Agriculture. California Climate and Agriculture Network. http://calclimateag.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Blueprint-2015-Full-FINAL.pdf California Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. ArcGIS. https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?layers=6586b7d276d84581adf921de7452f765&useExisting=1 Carbon Sequestration Potential on Agricultural Lands: A Review of Current Science and Available Practices. National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. Kane, D. November 2015. Climate Monitoring: Climate at a Glance. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National [...]