Drought

Smart Water Living: Urban Water Use Efficiency in SoCal: Article

Smart Irrigation Month: A Call to Action for Water Efficiency in California

July 24, 2025

By Esther N Lofton

Why Smart Irrigation Matters Now More Than Ever As Southern California enters the peak of summer, water agencies, utilities, and residents are turning their attention to one of the region’s most pressing challenges—sustainable water use. July is officially recognized as Smart Irrigation Month, a…

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UC ANR shares prospects for sustainably farming the ‘agave rush’

July 9, 2025

By Caroline D Champlin

The popularity of farming agave is taking off in California, with climate change motivating growers to consider planting drought-tolerant crops. With all that buzz, UC Organic Agriculture Institute hosted a field day for current and prospective agave growers to learn more about farming the plant with…

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UC Small Grains Blog: Article

Water productivity of winter cereal crops in the San Joaquin Valley: Research update

June 6, 2025

Authors: Maya Shydlowski, Caitlin Peterson, Josh Hegarty, Mark Lundy---Over 500,000 acres of farmland in California are expected to come out of production by 2040 because of water limitations from drought and state regulations. While some of this land may be put to other uses, much of this acreage could be…

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Collection

Gardening in a Changing Climate

Articles include diverse topics of wildfire concerns, firescaping, water conservation and how to's of watering during drought

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Students enthusiastically engage with a water filtration demonstration during the Children's Water Education Festival

Green Blog: Article

SoCal youth inspired by UCCE advisor’s passion for water conservation

May 29, 2025

By Michael Hsu

Esther Lofton, UCCE urban watershed resilience advisor, engaged students in LA and Orange counties with lively activities to celebrate Water Awareness Month in May.

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Water Resilience, Climate Change, and Water Systems in California: Article

Strengthening Drought Preparedness for Domestic Well Owners and Small Water Suppliers

April 22, 2025

By Laura E Garza Diaz, Laljeet S Sangha, Esther N Lofton

Droughts in California: A Frequent ChallengeSubject to severe short and long-term drought conditions, California has experienced two consecutive multiyear droughts in the past decade (Figure 1). The drought of 2012–2016, was considered one of the most severe on record, with…

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Berger Native Garden, by Rebecca Schoenenberger

UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Waterwise Tips

Even in years with plentiful winter rainfall, summers in Santa Clara County will always be dry. Planning your landscaping and gardens for summer dry conditions will put you ahead of the game for future droughts and water restrictions. Here are some useful tips and links for homeowners and gardeners who want…

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Hand turns on a tap with water splashing out of a glass

Survey: Water system consolidations improve water quality, infrastructure

February 28, 2025

By Michael Hsu

Kristin Dobbin, a UCCE specialist, is studying the consolidation of water systems, which can entail creating physical connections (such as pipelines) between water systems or administrative mergers that leave the physical infrastructure unchanged. Water system consolidation has become a top solution in…

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UC Marin Master Gardeners: Page

Managing Drought

This striking drought tolerant design incorporates rocks, monkeyflower, toyons, and lavender. Credit: UC Regents Water is an essential resource for all aspects of life. Californias years of rain and snow shortage are reminders to conserve our limited water supply. Recognize the signs of drought.

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UC Marin Master Gardeners: Page

Drought

Drought stressed leaves may curl and look scorched. Photo credit: UC Regents Water is essential for the chemical and physical processes that plants need to survive and grow. Healthy plants depend on the movement of water from the soil through the roots and up into the leaves.

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