Water

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The green benefits of rain gardens
Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

Rain Gardens: A Sustainable Solution for Stormwater Management

April 10, 2025
By Esther N Lofton, Erik C Porse
Rain gardens are transformed land depressions designed for storing and infiltrating stormwater runoff flowing from nearby impervious surfaces throughout urban environments. Coming in a variety of shapes and sizes, rain gardens offer a community friendly approach to generating several environmental benefits,…
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Ngodoo Atume with farmer
Green Blog: Article

Statewide team to assist small farms with SGMA

April 2, 2025
By Ngodoo Atume, Kristen Farrar
California relies on groundwater - water stored in underground aquifers and pumped through wells - for up to 41% of water supply in normal years and up to 60% during times of drought. In 2014, the California legislature signed into law the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) with the primary goal…
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Sample benefits of stormwater management
Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

Stormwater Management in Southern California

March 31, 2025
By Esther N Lofton, Erik C Porse
Stormwater management is the strategic practice of controlling and utilizing stormwater runoff from precipitation events as a valuable water supply source. Its main goals are to protect our environment and create healthier, sustainable communities. Exhibiting many different methods and tools for rainwater…
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Ocean water polluted with plastics and other pollutants
Pure Water Matters - Your Essential Guide to Drinking Water Quality!: Article

Contaminantes de Preocupación Emergente (CECs), Medidas de Mitigación y Regulaciones en el Sur de California

March 27, 2025
By Esther N Lofton, Daniel Gonzalez
Los Contaminantes de Preocupación Emergente (CECs) son sustancias que representan un riesgo para la salud y el medio ambiente, pero no se monitorean regularmente en el agua potable. Este artículo examina varios tipos de CECs, incluyendo PFAS, microplásticos, pesticidas, productos farmacéuticos y…
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Hand turns on a tap with water splashing out of a glass
Healthy Communities Blog: Article

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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Banner rain
UC Marin Master Gardeners: Page

Harvest Rainwater

Colorful rain barrels attached to downspouts harvest roof water for use in the garden. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Harvested rainwater is rainwater that is captured from the roofs of buildings on a residential property.
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Expert advice for gardening in a drought
UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County: Page

Gardening and Drought

 Prioritize Your PlantsHigh priority plants are usually trees and shrubs that provide shade, are expensive to replace, and take a long time to mature.Medium priority plants are groundcovers, perennials (edibles, herbs, and flowers), and vines that grow quickly and are usually inexpensive to replace.Low…
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banner rainwater
UC Marin Master Gardeners: Page

Graywater

One type of graywater system recycles water from your washer for landscape use. Credit: Pasadena Water and Power Graywater is untreated wastewater from bathroom tubs, sinks, showers, and washing machines.
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