Maven’s Notebook • California Water Impact Network

The courts, project costs, and political realities are combining to sink the DCP…

Maven’s Notebook • Restore the Delta

Groups warn the project ignores state law, threatens important Tribal cultural sites, and the health of the Delta ecosystem….

Maven’s Notebook • Delta Counties Coalition

Court decision is now final, protecting ratepayers, the Delta, and the rule of law…

Ashley Castaneda • Restore the Delta

SACRAMENTO, CA — A coalition of Tribes and environmental advocates has submitted a letter to the California Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife opposing AB 2215. 

Mavens Notebook • Lois Henry, SJV Water

Financial support for the controversial Delta Conveyance Project has been eroding among Kern County agricultural water districts over the past year and lost another significant chunk when the Wheeler Ridge-Maricopa Water Storage District opted recently to cut its contribution by nearly 97% – from $4.6 million down to $146,000.

Mavens Notebook• State Water Board

This procedural ruling responds to the Delta Tribal Environmental Coalition’s (DTEC) November 21, 2025 evidentiary objections to exhibits submitted by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and related testimony by Anecita Agustinez, Kristina Reese, and Susan Lassell (DWR’s witnesses). 

Mavens Notebook• Michelle Paul, California Farm Water Coalition

From the moment California’s earliest residents called the vast, fertile soils of California’s Central Valley home, efforts began to solve one of the state’s oldest challenges: harnessing the water.

Mavens Notebook• Harrison Tasoff

For half the world’s population, the water in their drinking glasses comes from below them. Groundwater also supplies 40% of global irrigation projects.

Mavens Notebook• State Water Board

The State Water Resources Control Board today released for public comment a draft water right decision and associated permit for a new reservoir located approximately 65 miles northwest of Sacramento.

Mavens Notebook • Alan Riquelmy, Courthouse News Service

Attorneys and officials opposed to a massive California water project pleaded their case Thursday to an oversight panel, arguing point by point how the Delta Conveyance Project failed to meet specified criteria.

The Bee • Lia Russel and Chaewon Chung

Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a new version of the plan to create a 45-mile tunnel to divert water from the Sacramento River and route it under the Delta. By California Department of Water Resources

Mavens Notebook •

• Early 2026 storms bring heavy rain to the western US, raising flooding risk in Northern California

• California appellate court upholds bar on revenue bonds for Delta Program

Mavens Notebook •

Sacramento, CA – On December 31, 2025, the Court of Appeal for the Third Appellate District affirmed a trial court decision against the State Department of Water Resources (DWR), which sought to validate bond resolutions and revenue pledges to finance DWR’s controversial Delta Tunnel project known as the Delta Conveyance Project

Mavens Notebook • Delta Stewardship Council

The following parties have appealed the California Department of Water Resources Certification of Consistency (C20257) for the Delta Conveyance Project, which was submitted to the Delta Stewardship Council on October 17, 2025.

New Civil Engineer • Michala Techau, Gareth Dooley, and Dirk Poker

California’s $20.1bn (£15.3bn) Delta Conveyance Project (Delta Water Tunnel) will be the largest water infrastructure investment in the state’s history, at a planned length of 72.5km, an 11.9m external diameter and a planned schedule of 14 years of construction.

Mavens Notebook • Regina Cuellar

For over 50 years, California law and regulations have designated beneficial water uses that require water quality protection.

Manteca/ Ripon Bulletin • Dennis Wyatt

INDEPENDENCE — High in the eastern Sierra in early July, rain and hail fell above the county seat of Inyo County.

It helped feed the stream that gives life to the community of 761 souls known as Independence that most view as just a wide spot on Highway 395 as you zip from Reno to San Bernardino.

LA Times • Ian James

As Gov. Gavin Newsom pushes for building a giant water tunnel beneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, his administration says it’s the “single most effective” way for California to provide enough water as a warming climate brings deeper droughts and more intense storms.

Stocktonia • Jerry McNerney

California State Senator Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) represents the 5th Senate District, which includes Stockton and much of the Delta region. 

CAL Matters • Devon Provo

Most mornings, I walk my dog at Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena, pausing by the reservoir to watch grebes and ducks glide across the water.