Bobby Costa News Today

Described as part of the U.S. West's driest period in 1,200 years, the drought is forcing California's water managers, cities and farmers to look for new ways to stabilize their fresh water supplies

As drought continues, a battle rages in the delta as salt water threatens the availability of water for cities and farmers that rely on it

RIO VISTA, Calif. (AP) — Charlie Hamilton hasnt irrigated his vineyards with water from the Sacramento River since early May, even though it flows just yards from his crop.

State water managers, cities and farmers to look for new ways to stabilize their supply of fresh water.

State water managers, cities and farmers to look for new ways to stabilize their supply of fresh water.

Saltwater from the ocean is pushing further into the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, which supply water to millions of people and acres of farmland.

California’s vital waterways are becoming saltier in the face of severe drought. The change in river salinity puts fish and agriculture alike at risk. Some solutions against the saltwater intrusion include a desalination plant, an artificial rock barrier, and groundwater pumps.

As the California drought continues to drag on, two large rivers have water that is too salty to be used for drinking water. This comes following a very dry winter in California.

The Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers are central arms of California's water system

Parts of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers have become too salty to use as the state's punishing drought drags on.