Chapter
The Complex History of Water Management in California
04:08 - 14:13 (10:04)
This podcast explores the history of water management in California that has led to the state's overreliance on big dams to capture runoff and the failure to recharge the state's all-important aquifers. The aquifer is California's most important resource, but the state's current water management approach doesn't take advantage of excess water to recharge it.
Clips
California's water system consists of a series of dams, rivers, and levees that were built to capture and manage water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
04:08 - 09:35 (05:26)
Summary
California's water system consists of a series of dams, rivers, and levees that were built to capture and manage water for irrigation and drinking purposes. However, due to more intense and severe rainfall patterns caused by climate change, the state's system is struggling to keep up and prevent catastrophic floods.
ChapterThe Complex History of Water Management in California
EpisodeThe California Floods
PodcastThe Daily
Decisions made decades ago regarding California's water management system and the state's heavy reliance on the agriculture industry have led to problems with flooding, drought, and depletion of groundwater resources.
09:35 - 11:08 (01:33)
Summary
Decisions made decades ago regarding California's water management system and the state's heavy reliance on the agriculture industry have led to problems with flooding, drought, and depletion of groundwater resources.
ChapterThe Complex History of Water Management in California
EpisodeThe California Floods
PodcastThe Daily
The state of California does not use its excess water to recharge its aquifers, which is considered its most important resource, despite the worsening rainstorms.
11:08 - 14:13 (03:05)
Summary
The state of California does not use its excess water to recharge its aquifers, which is considered its most important resource, despite the worsening rainstorms. This results in wasteful and harmful runoff while a considerable amount of the groundwater reserves remains untapped.