Rust Water

This unusually glassy and reflective  pool of water is this color due to rust sludge. The flood gate at the Watson Lake  dam has a small hole causing a continually oxidation of the surrounding rust and leaching into the water.

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Family Fun

" I grew up around water. Going to the beach to take waves or walk or watch the sunset has always been a part of my life. Even on vacation, we play in the water."

This image was submitted by Tracy E. from Santa Cruz while on vacation in Hawaii.

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California Canal Fact

In 1920, the Fresno Irrigation District became the successor to the privately owned Fresno Canal and Land Company.  The District inherited over 800 miles of canals and distribution networks that were constructed between 1860 and 1890.  In addition to the canals, the District also retained extensive water rights on the Kings River.  The District receives a small amount of water from the San Joaquin River through the Friant Water Authority.

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First Swim

"This little guy spent months floating around in the womb. This is his first big swim on the outside. He seems at home."

This image was submitted by Daryl A in Los Angeles, CA.

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Flint Water Prices $$$$

"A 2014 MLive-Flint Journal analysis of water rates in Genesee County showed that the city charged $35 more per month in water and sewer rates than the next-highest municipality in the county, and $90 more monthly than the lowest. As water rates continued to rise 6.5 percent in the current fiscal year, problems with bacteria and total trihalomethanes have also been on the rise, although testing in January and February showed Flint water was meeting all drinking water standards."

More can be read  here 

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Arizona Water Banking Authority 

 "The Arizona Water Banking Authority (AWBA) was created in 1996 to protect Arizona’s Colorado River interests and to provide for interstate banking opportunities. The primary functions of the AWBA are: to provide a stored reserve of water to communities dependent on the CAP during times of drought on the Colorado River; to assist Colorado River communities during times of shortage by providing water exchange mechanisms; to replenish depleted aquifers with CAP water to meet water management goals; and to provide a pool of water for use in Indian water rights settlements. The AWBA can also contract with similar authorities in California and Nevada to allow these states to annually store unused Colorado River water in Arizona. In the future, Arizona users can recover (pump) the stored water (less a 5% “cut to the aquifer”) and the interstate partner will draw a similar quantity directly from the Colorado River. The AWBA, the in-lieu recharge program and CAP pricing structures for agricultural users have promoted CAP utilization since the mid-1990s." Information about the Water Banking Authority is found at www. awba.state.az.us.

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Water Line

"The west was waiting for El Nino to bring the much need rain to ease the drought. Waterlines are still visible and increasing."

This image was shared by Shirley S in Arizona.

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Bubble Net Feeding

Humpback Whales typically migrate up to 25,000 km (16,000 mi) each year . It is one of the larger rorqual species, ranging in length from 12–16 m (39–52 ft) and weighing upwards of about 36,000 kg (79,000 lb). The Humpback is know for it's unique style of pod feeding called "bubble net feeding; a group of whales swims in a shrinking circle blowing bubbles below a school of prey. The shrinking ring of bubbles encircles the school and confines it in an ever-smaller cylinder. This ring can begin near 30 m (98 ft) in diameter and involve the cooperation of a dozen animals. Using a crittercam attached to a whale's back, researchers found that some whales blow the bubbles, some dive deeper to drive fish toward the surface, and others herd prey into the net by vocalizing. The whales then suddenly swim upward through the "net", mouths agape, swallowing thousands of fish in one gulp. Pleated grooves in the whale's mouth allow the creature to easily drain all the water initially taken in."

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Sea Stars

Starfish are marine invertebrates. There are about 2,000 species of starfish calling the world's oceans home, from the tropics to frigid polar waters. They are found from the intertidal zone down to abyssal depths, 6,000. The fossil record for starfish is ancient, dating back to the Ordovician around 450 million years ago.Starfish and other echinoderms are sensitive to marine pollution. The common starfish is considered to be a bioindicator for marine ecosystems

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The Emerald Necklace

A connected valley of green encircles the the city of Cleveland, Ohio and is affectionately referred to as the emerald necklace. Officially this beautiful resource is classified as Cleveland Metroparks.

Cleveland Metroparks educates the region on their connectedness to watersheds through its newly-constructed Watershed Stewardship Center.  Science-based programs invite teachers, students, professionals and public to learn about replicable storm water management methods.  An associated pilot storm water program resulted in a 30% reduction in peak storm water flows.

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 Fresh Water to Go

Founded in 1958, IBWA's member companies include U.S. and international bottlers, distributors, and suppliers. IBWA unifies the bottled water industry and represents uncompromising commitment to the safety and availability of bottled water worldwide. While IBWA represents companies of all sizes, the vast majority of our 640 members are small, locally owned companies, with 60% reporting $2 million in annual gross sales and 90% reporting less than $10 million in annual gross sales. - See more at: http://www.bottledwater.org/about#sthash.CFG4jnp4.dpuf

  "The International Bottled Water Association was Founded in 1958, IBWA's member companies include U.S. and international bottlers, distributors, and suppliers. IBWA unifies the bottled water industry and represents uncompromising commitment to the safety and availability of bottled water worldwide. While IBWA represents companies of all sizes, the vast majority of our 640 members are small, locally owned companies, with 60% reporting $2 million in annual gross sales and 90% reporting less than $10 million in annual gross sales." - See more at: http://www.bottledwater.org/about

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he International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters.

Founded in 1958, IBWA's member companies include U.S. and international bottlers, distributors, and suppliers. IBWA unifies the bottled water industry and represents uncompromising commitment to the safety and availability of bottled water worldwide. While IBWA represents companies of all sizes, the vast majority of our 640 members are small, locally owned companies, with 60% reporting $2 million in annual gross sales and 90% reporting less than $10 million in annual gross sales.
- See more at: http://www.bottledwater.org/about#sthash.CFG4jnp4.dpuf

 

 

he International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters.

Founded in 1958, IBWA's member companies include U.S. and international bottlers, distributors, and suppliers. IBWA unifies the bottled water industry and represents uncompromising commitment to the safety and availability of bottled water worldwide. While IBWA represents companies of all sizes, the vast majority of our 640 members are small, locally owned companies, with 60% reporting $2 million in annual gross sales and 90% reporting less than $10 million in annual gross sales.
- See more at: http://www.bottledwater.org/about#sthash.CFG4jnp4.dpuf

Nice Water

"Who doesn't want a Nice tall glass of water...? The temperature is rising and everyone is getting thirsty as California breaks heat winter records!"

This was shared by Arthur H from Clovis, CA. 

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Turf and Toilet

 The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) recently announced two new rebate programs to help Californians replace inefficient toilets and tear out water-guzzling lawns, further conserving water during the state’s historic drought. DWR will oversee the two rebate programs, which provide a $100 consumer rebate to replace one old toilet per household and up to $2 per square foot for lawn replacement. Californians can visit www.SaveOurWaterRebates.com to apply for the rebates.

This image is from Pacific Coast Highway.

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simply Magnetic 

"Water is life sustaining and adds beauty to our world. Whoever has water has power. The lack of water can lead to the loss of power. Wee all need to protect out water and keep it clean. I use magnets to do my laundry. By using magnets the surface tension of the water is changed in order to clean the clothe which is that same objective of laundry detergent. However, by using magnets, I get clean laundry without adding harmful chemicals to the water. SAVE OUR WATER"

 

The above image & text were submitted by Janell O. from Fresno, CA.

 The Merced River flows through Yosemite National Park. 

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Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, formerly known as Bonfante Gardens, is a garden themed family park in Gilroy, California. It is the home of the Circus Trees, created by Axel Erlandson.
 

" I was at Gilroy Gardens before the drought started to received national media attention. The day I was at the gardens it rained lightly with a nice breeze."

This was submitted by Alejandra S from Dinuba, CA.

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After the Rain

"This beautiful view is after the rain. I was extremely excited that the Central Valley had received water since there is a severe drought."

This image was submitted by Alejandra V from Buena Park, CA.

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Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a growing population of over 4.3 million people with approximately 60% of that number living in the urban areas. The country has worked over the last decade to expand the coverage of water services to the non-rural areas.  According to an article in the Costa Rica Star in 2012,
"Costa Rica’s water access systems are very close to the world average. A recent report from the nation’s water laboratory indicates a 90% coverage rate of potable drinking water...San José is the province with the most coverage (92.1%), followed by Heredia (88.1%), Cartago (82.6%), Alajuela (78.1%), Puntarenas (77.5%), Guanacaste (76.2%) and Limon (76.0%)."

" I love water and it's different uses from practical to recreation. I am enjoying the beautiful water falls of Costa Rica on vacation and feeling adventurous. "

This was submitted by Katrina G on vacation in Costa Rica from California.

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$4.95 Hand Wash

"How many gallons? Go brown... remember? 

 No washing your car Central Valley- besides it actually just rained. 

Our cars are cleaner than they have been in forever!"

This was submitted by Corrina A. from Clovis, CA.

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Below the Dam

"Usually this is ALL under water. You can see 15-20 feet of the the boulders that are normally under water. The old water marks are visible. The snowfall has been decent this year, so hopefully come spring some of this is back underwater."

This was submitted by Eva S at the San Joaquin River in CA.

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Down the Drain

"Not all drains are created equal, be aware that unless the drain is fitted with the proper trap, what ever you wash or dump goes down the drain and into the water supply."

This was submitted by artist Gail D from Fowler, CA.

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The Colorado River

The Colorado River Basin supplies water to 30 million people and thousands of acres of farmland.  It is one of the most contested, recreated-upon, and carefully controlled rivers on Earth. Diverted under peaks, utilized by turbines that create hydropower, and stored by enormous reservoirs, the 1,450-mile-long Colorado faces growing challenges associated with increasing population, declining ecosystems, drought, and expected climate change.

If you are interested in learning more about some of the issues facing the Colorado River Basin and those working towards solutions click HERE

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Watering Hole

"This fallen tree turned into a watering hole for an array of woodland creatures. Even in death the tree continues to be a vital part to the forest  and watershed."

This was submitted by Susan M. outside of  Santa Cruz, CA.

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Lost Lake

Millerton Lake is located in the southern portion of California's Central Valley in Fresno and Madera counties. The lake lies in the upper San Joaquin River Watershed.Millerton Lake was created in 1944 by Friant Dam, which was completed in 1942.  

" This is the run off from the San Joaquin River- we use it for floating and fishing" 

This was submitted by Ben V from CA.

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Mist Dance

 " This adagio  transpired and inspired in the interior soft mist falling from the museum ceiling. The water was the third dancer."

 This was submitted by V.S. in Scottsdale, AZ.

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Water in Michigan

My Your Our Water traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan in September of 2015. The sign was installed in the Grand River off the 6th street bridge and the Trike was seen along the riverwalk. MYOW participated in  the Annual Mayors' River Cleanup, environmental parade and numerous conversations about water issues. Since that fall visit, local Michigan water issues have finally garnered national attention. The Flint water crisis has taken the water stage. the town of approximately 100,000 has been drinking lead contaminated water since the Emergency City Manager switched the city from water supplied by Detroit from Lake Heron to water pulled from the Flint River. As this nightmare unravels, more and more information has come to light that the local and state government was aware of the water issues and failed to act. A refresher of the issues can be found at the Washington Post

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Discarded Water Faucets

"Discarded water fountains got me to thinking about water shortages in Mexico City and lead water in Flint, Michigan.We have known about water issues for a LONG time. It's a shame. It's unethical. we need to step up and start helping people. We need to conserve.  we need to think about our neighbors. We need to think about the bigger picture."

This was submitted by Rick R in Fresno, CA. 

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Rain Collection

 "I live on five acres and have my own well. It's very expensive to pump water for my gardens, so I use any and all containers to collect and use rain water. I have been trying to conserve water for over a decade and hope my personal effort influence those around me to make water smart choices.We need water for every aspect of our lives."

This was submitted by Christine M from Squaw Valley, CA.

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Toxic Sink

"While it looks like a lovely emerald swirl, it's a toxic residue of metals and chemical that have be dumped down the drain..."

This image was submitted by Marie from Fresno, CA

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Grey Water

Grey water is gently used water from your bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines. It is not water that has come into contact with feces, either from the toilet or from washing diapers. This water can be used a second time in your yard for gardening and lawn needs. Interested in using grey water in your yard? Click here.

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