Cadiz pipeline poised to pump groundwater out of the Mojave Desert

Jef Harmatz Jef Harmatz Send an email July 13, 2026

A controversial pipeline in the Mojave Desert is one step closer to moving forward after a federal approval last week. 

On Friday (July 10), Cadiz, Inc. announced via press release that they received a new approval from the federal government on a pipeline project that could impact aquifers surrounding Joshua Tree National Park.

An approval from the United States Bureau of Land Management allows Cadiz, Inc. to begin converting the Cadiz Northern Pipeline from natural gas to water conveyance. This is the latest approval of the Cadiz company’s pipeline proposal for the area, which has been challenged in court and faced a series of setbacks and approvals over the last thirty years. The general scope of their proposal has been to pump water from the Cadiz aquifer via pipeline to coastal communities, though the specifics of this plan have changed over the decades. 

On December 15, 2023, BLM approved the assignment of an existing right-of-way grant held for a natural gas pipeline to Cadiz Real Estate, LLC as part of a change of ownership. Last Friday’s most recent approval allows Cadiz to begin work on converting the pipeline back to a water supply project. The decision provides Cadiz, Inc. with a long-term operational permit from the federal BLM, though there are California State approvals that must be sought before the project can move forward. Cadiz, Inc. says that the federal approval will allow them to secure investors for the project.

As described by the company in their announcement the pipeline “will convey water from the Mojave Groundwater Bank, one of the largest new water supply projects in the Colorado River Basin, to High Desert and Inland Empire communities in California’s San Bernardino County, and is expected to provide one of the lowest-cost sources of new water in the drought-plagued Southwest.”

Critics say that the pipeline project will deplete local aquifers faster than they can recharge, and deplete resources used by residents and native species, many of which are already threatened and endangered. 

Previously Reported:

Federal Judge Revokes Permit For Cadiz Water Pipeline
Cadiz wins use of pipeline, but not for water
Cadiz Inc. looking at new opportunities for the ancient acquifer under its feet

Jef Harmatz Jef Harmatz Send an email July 13, 2026
Jef Harmatz

Jef Harmatz

Jef Harmatz is the co-host of Z107.7’s “Morning Show with Cody and Jef” and Z107.7’s News Director. He has worked as a journalist, cartoonist, chef, and delivery driver. He is known nationally for his writing and comics in publications like TimeOut, Popula, Roadtrippers, Solrad and Spiralbound, and for his album covers for Third Eye Blind and Sir Sly. He is known locally for his pop-up barbecue restaurant Hot Dog Panic. He remains unknown in the field of beekeeping, because he is too afraid of being stung to try it. When not on the radio, he draws comics and self-publishes little books. He lives with his partner and his dog Sunday in Yucca Valley, where he cooks them both elaborate meals.