water

Community members are invited to share their opinions on BenitoLink. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Opinion

COMMUNITY OPINION: California can learn from wave of storms

Mary Zanger writes the state should follow California Policy Center's Edward Ring's proposed steps to solve the state's water issues.

BenitoLink Special Report

BL Special Report: Grant gives neighborhoods hope for drinkable water

Wells are contaminated with arsenic, manganese and E. coli.  

The West Hills Water Treatment Plant. Photo by Robert Eliason.

News Release

Vehicle crash causes disruption of water supply

West Hills Water Treatment Plant will be off line for an undetermined time.

Settling Pond at the San Juan Wastewater Treatment Plant. Photo by Robert Eliason.

News Release

SJB reaches a settlement with the Regional Water Quality Control Board

The settlement includes relief for some of the fines and a suspension of future fines and penalties until the force-main project is build.

Stan Pura explains new technologies and methodologies on his farmland. Photo courtesy of Shawn Novack.

Column

COLUMN: Technology and water use efficiency for agriculture

Shawn Novack writes that over the last two decades county farmers have been using new technologies and methodologies for efficient water use.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.

News Release

Green Business Committee to host water emergency meeting

Shawn Novack of the Water Resources Association of San Benito County will be the speaker.

San Luis Reservoir in 2021. Photo courtesy of Shawn Novack.

Environment / Nature

California starts its third year of drought with a record dry spell

Water resources available to San Benito County are dwindling.

Photo courtesy of Shawn Novack.

Column

COLUMN: Update on the Groundwater Sustainability Plan

Shawn Novack writes that groundwater is a critical buffer against the impacts of drought and climate variability/change.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Column

COLUMN: Bureau of Reclamation reduces water allocations

Shawn Novack writes that effective April 1, water supply for all Central Valley Project M&I water service contractors was be reduced to public health and safety only.

Blue valve water customers will not receive state water this year. Photo by John Chadwell.

Agriculture

San Benito County growers will not receive any state water this year

The water district says only a quarter of previous years’ allotments will go to small-parcel accounts.

San Justo Reservoir. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Community Opinions

COLUMN: Our water supply, the elixir of life

Shawn Novack writes about steps agencies take to meet water needs.

California still needs about another foot of snow water content. Photo provided by the Dept of Water Resources website.

News

COLUMN: Drought! It ain’t over until it’s over!

The State Water Resources Control Board approved emergency water conservation regulations will stay in place for a year and would empower cities, counties and other local jurisdictions to fine violators as much as $500.

Contributed Articles

San Benito County issues flood warning for Dec. 25 evening

County warns of flooding danger on the evening of Christmas.

Residents, including District 2 San Benito County Board of Supervisors Kollin Kosmicki, at the in-person town hall meeting on Nov. 30, 2021. Photo by Katie Moorer.

Government / Politics

Water and sewage rates in San Juan Bautista may rise more than predicted

Study cites COVID-driven labor shortages and increased costs of materials.

San Luis Reservoir in 2021. Photo courtesy of Shawn Novack.

Commentary

COMMENTARY: California drought update

Shawn Novack writes that it is time for residents to conserve water voluntarily. San Luis Reservoir is at 30% of its average storage level.

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