Aiming to store more water and protect the public, legislators are negotiating with the governor to restore $50 million to help repair 42 aging dams throughout the state, including six in Santa Clara County.

The nationwide cost to treat or replace contaminated drinking water could reach billions of dollars a year. The ubiquitous chemicals are linked to cancer and other diseases.

The state takes more action on climate change in rules and legislation as drought is replaced by flooding.

Warning that the water supply will shrink by 10% due to climate change, Newsom set targets for recycled water and increased storage. But deadlines are distant, details are scant and there is no conservation.

If enacted this summer, California’s mandate — the first in the world — would increase sales of electric or other zero-emission cars to 35% in 2026, and prohibit new gasoline or diesel cars by 2035.

The April snowpack, key to how much water flows into reservoirs, is 38% of average statewide, proving that drought hasn’t relaxed its grip on California.

New data from urban areas suggests that people are ignoring the governor’s pleas for voluntary conservation during the drought.

After record-breaking snowfall in December, January and February were likely the driest on record, prolonging California’s drought. In Silicon Valley, the conditions could mean tightening restrictions and increasing rebates to reduce water use.

Nations addressing climate change took on gasoline and diesel vehicles in pledges that mirror California’s mandates and plans — and in some cases, go even further.

Growers’ groups voiced strong opposition, questioning the state water board’s power to stop senior rights holders from pumping the water.