California Water Science Center
Read about the latest research, outreach events, partnerships, and other activities taking place at the California Water Science Center
News
In this section you will find California Water Science Center news and events. If you are with a media outlet and are requesting information please contact: Sally House, Science Communications, at (916) 698-0270.
Scientists Study Selenium Hazard in the Salton Sea Environment
In the past decade, Salton Sea water elevation has declined due to drought, lining of canals, and changes to management of the Colorado River. This has resulted in the creation of new wetlands caused by drains and rivers no longer reaching the Salton Sea.
USGS Unveils Mobile Flood Tool for the Nation
The U.S. Geological Survey announced Friday the completion of a new mobile tool that provides real-time information on water levels, weather and flood forecasts all in one place on a computer, smartphone or other mobile device.
Invasive Mussel Species Impacts the Food Web in Lake Mead
In an article for the journal Science of the Total Environment, USGS scientists and others discuss the impact of invasive quagga mussels on the ecosystem of Lake Mead located on the border of Arizona and Nevada.
How Changing Climate Will Impact the Flow of Sediment to the San Francisco Bay‐Delta
The health of the San Francisco Bay‐Delta depends on a sediment supply that has been recently declining due to sediment trapping in upstream reservoirs. Reduced sediment supply increases water clarity in the Bay-Delta, which in turn influences ecological processes and aquatic life.
Scientists Collect Water Quality Data Prior to Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades
The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San) is currently completing major upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant. In anticipation of these upgrades, USGS scientists are gathering data to establish baselines for current nutrient levels and dynamics in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta).
USGS Participation in Annual Lake Tahoe Summit
The USGS Nevada and California Water Science Centers participate in annual Lake Tahoe Summit
Scientists Launch Two-Pronged Approach to Map Cyanotoxins in Bay-Delta
Over the last few decades the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta has experienced declines in phytoplankton productivity and a shift in species composition resulting in observed increases in harmful algal blooms (HABs).
Study to Commence on the Effects of Wildfires and Fire Retardants in California Watersheds
California Water Science Center Research Chemist Dr. Charles Alpers will commence a study on assessing the effects of wildfire and fire retardants on nutrient transport in California watersheds.
USGS Responds to Spring Flooding
U.S. Geological Survey field crews are measuring flooding across the country as spring weather is in full swing. Warming temperatures, increased precipitation and snowmelt have caused moderate to major flooding in the upper Midwest, East Coast, Central Plains and the Southeast portions of the country.
Modeling Water Supply and Demand in the Transboundary Rio Grande to Support Long Term Management Strategies
Changes in population, agricultural practices, and climate are increasing demands on available water resources, particularly groundwater, in the southwest.
California Groundwater Wells Receive Grades for Improvement and Degradation
In California, groundwater is a major source for drinking and other uses. Identifying where groundwater quality is getting better or worse is essential for managing groundwater resources.
Toxic Mineral Selenium Found in California Fish Species
Spinal deformities in California native fish species, the Sacramento Splittail, were first seen in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in 2011. It is now known that this is due to exposure to the chemical element selenium.