Jesse Vad

The epidemic of dry wells stems from plummeting groundwater levels, caused in part by agriculture’s heavy reliance on groundwater due to severely curtailed surface water deliveries because of the drought.

In a new paper, scientists show that airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys flown with helicopters can locate ancient underground passageways, called paleochannels. They say the finding could have significant impacts on how water is recharged in the valley.

City leaders predicted they'd run out of water before year-end after their surface water allocation was cut due to drought. Now a deal is in place with the Patterson Irrigation District to help bridge the gap.

Towns like Huron, Avenal, Coalinga and others may have to dig deep into their limited budgets to buy water at staggeringly high prices – in one case nearly 1,300% above the normal price.

In Tulare County, officials worry there may not be enough trucks or drivers to get emergency water supplies to communities that go dry.

A California Senate proposal to spend $2 billion to buy senior water rights would focus mostly on rights in northern California watersheds with another large chunk aimed at farmland retirement throughout the state.

The water coming out of Millerton Lake just above Fresno is flowing because of a contract within California’s complicated water rights system. But, ironically, late spring rains could halt the flow.

Looking at water levels near Hanford in Kings County, researchers determined land will continue sinking for centuries unless groundwater is replenished in those areas.

The Kings River East Groundwater Sustainability Agency covers eastern Fresno County and a chunk of northern Tulare County. Its board of directors approved a letter disavowing ag's responsibility to raise groundwater levels enough to protect all domestic wells.

The new proposed funding comes at a critical time as groundwater restrictions take effect and drought grips the state for a third year in a row.