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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