Golden Mussels, a $500K Hack, and the Colorado River Crisis — Feb 16, 2026

This week: Golden mussels are spreading across the Central Valley with treatment costs hitting millions. The Colorado River is tracking toward its driest year on record. Sacramento's groundwater bank account looks healthy but the long-term forecast is sobering. Plus — Modesto demands equitable cost-sharing, Yolo votes for Prop 26 fees, and the DWR review process takes a friendlier tone. In the trends: rain vs snow worries, cybersecurity wake-up calls, well registration progress, and massive January recharge.---AI can make mistakes. Check important info.WaterOne.ai (Mizu Analytics, Inc.) strives to provide timely, accurate, and reliable coverage of water, agriculture, and related issues. However, no guarantee is made as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information presented. All content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, financial, or professional advice. Users are solely responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided, and WaterOne disclaims all liability for errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of this site. The opinions expressed are those of the authors.