Drought
Stemming the Flow of "Unaccounted-for Water"
For decades, water utilities in Georgia have had a certain amount of water go missing - up to 30% of their supply, in some cases. With water becoming more precious, utilities are finally trying to solve the mystery.
The Macon Telegraph
Band of States Struggle Through Drought
From Florida to Arizona, 14 states are in the midst of a major drought. The effects have been far-reaching and devastating to both the environment and economy.
The New York Times
State Subsidies Enable the Southwest's Largest New Urbanist Development
It's at Albuquerque's edge, it's the size of Manhattan, and it's happening, despite drought, recession and tightening state budgets. An annotation of Mesa del Sol's master plan explains how and why.
High Country News
Parts of U.S. at 'Extreme' Risk of Drying Out
A new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council shows that many parts of the Great Plains and the Southwest U.S. are facing severe water shortages in the near future.
National Geographic
Seeking Solutions to California's Drought
This piece from National Geographic takes a look at the three-year drought that's plaguing California's cities and farms.
National Geographic
O.C. Homeowners Sued for Removing Lawn
In Orange, California, city codes require that front yards be 40% landscaping. After considerately adding drought-resistant plants and bark to save water, the city sued an Orange couple.
www.latimes.com
Fighting Drought in California
Three years into a statewide drought, California officials have taken drastic steps to reduce water use in cities and farms. 60 Minutes looks at the drought and efforts to combat the water shortage.
CBS
Watching Water Loss Via Satellite
NASA satellites have tracked the loss of water in California's Central Valley over the past few years, and finds that drought coupled with over-irrigation are stressing the state's supplies.
BBC
Thirsting in America's Fruit Basket
To protect the endangered Delta Smelt fish, pumping of water from California's Sacramento Delta has been drastically cut back. Add in the state's three-year-long drought, and the result is a major problem for the state's people and farmers.
The Economist
How Water Affects Renewable Energy
Renewable energy production takes a lot of water. With droughts and shortages plaguing many areas, the limited supply could crimp the ability of renewable energy providers to create green energy.
The New York Times
Drought Policy and Flooding Streets in LA
While residents ration water for lawn-watering, Los Angeles has experienced double the breaks in water mains as in previous years. The breaks have destroyed streets and flooded businesses, leaving many looking for answers.
The New York Times
Heart of California's Agriculture on Life-Support
Water restrictions on farms in the state have atrophied jobs in the fertile Central Valley, giving communities some of the highest rates of unemployment in the state. As jobs dry up, the need for aid is surpassing what's there to give.
The Wall Street Journal
California Bill Seeks Sharp Cuts in Per-Capita Water Use
The state of California is looking to reduce its per-capita water usage 20% by 2020, a plan that's moving forward in the state legislature. The plan could mean drastic changes for many cities in the arid parts of the state.
Miller-McCune
Three Year Deadline to Find New Water for Georgia
The drama over water between Florida, Alabama and Georgia is heating up, as a U.S. District Court ruled recently that Georgia's withdrawals from Lake Lanier are illegal. It's going to have to find a new source of water -- and inter-state cooperation.
Associated Press
Lose Lawn, Gain Money
Cities in the Southwest are drying up. With less water to go around, water-intensive plantings like vast lawns are becoming an environmental faux pas. Now some cities are compensating residents for getting rid of them.
GreenBiz
The Planetizen News Brief - 7/2/09
4:20 minutes (3.98 MB)
Rural areas feel the pain of renewable energy, Colorado catches rain, and London turns its temporary Olympic stadium permanent -- all on this week's Planetizen News Brief, airing weekly on the nationally-syndicated radio show "Smart City". Read, listen or download.
Australia a Model of Changing Climate
With years of drought, recent deadly fires, outbreaks of pests and a multitude of other problems, Australia is becoming the poster child for what effects global climate change will have.
Los Angeles Times
Water Problems Call for Action from Obama
Global water shortages are an issue the Obama Administration will need to address, according to this piece from Citiwire.
Citiwire
Water Threat: 'Bigger Than Financial Crisis'
As the World Water Forum convenes in Istanbul, two new reports warn that water shortages will elevate to a global crisis within the next two decades, creating a problem even bigger than the current economic crisis.
The Independent
The World in Drought
Population centers the world around are caught in the grips of devastating droughts. Though temporary conditions, their increasing frequency should be a call to water-saving action, writes Tom Englehardt.
Mother Jones





















