Groundwater

Of all the environmental problems facing California, depletion of its groundwater may be the most important according to this piece.

NASA satellite imagery reveals that two of California's main groundwater sources are being rapidly depleted by agriculture and exurban development.

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.

A new rating system for open and planted spaces has been created, offering a way to identify the most sustainable landscapes.

In order to clean up groundwater pollution from dry cleaning chemicals, Orland, California is planning on injecting soybean oil into the problem area. The plan is touted as lower risk and lower cost than other methods.

Portland is well-known for many things in the urban planning community. Now, it's being recognized as a leader in stormwater management.

Sea levels are declining near Juneau, Alaska, as a result of melting glaciers. Though it may seem a good sign in the face of climate change, the expanding earth is causing some major environmental concerns.

Water shortages and environmentally-based restrictions are leaving Central California's agricultural lands dry. As a result, farmers are increasingly tapping into groundwater sources. Many are calling on the state to monitor the use of its aquifers.

The state governments of Missouri and Arkansas are expected to sign an agreement this year to create a watershed and aquifer protection pact geared at controlling water quality from sources that cross state boundaries.

As part of a plan to utilize the city's rainwater and recycle it back to lake Michigan, Chicago has been renovating its 13,00 alleys to become permeable surfaces, where rainwater can soak back into the ground. 40 alleys have been redone so far.

The City of Saco, Maine is turning land the federal government once labeled a toxic Superfund site into a hub for hiking, fishing, and recreation.