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A letter to the editor is presented concerning factors behind flooding in southern Louisiana on August 11, 2016 including the marginal condition of the majority of earthen levees in the United States and anomalously high temperatures which contributed to record-high moisture int he atmosphere.

The article discusses drought in California as of March 28, 2014, suggesting that lessons can be learned from the Millennium Drought in Australia from 1997-2009. Topics include the economic impact of the Millennium Drought, the role of water reforms including water markets, irrigation infrastructure, and water entitlements to critical habitats and populations, and public reaction to drought.

The article discusses the threat to California's levees as a result of a drought as of August 2015, noting problems such as soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition, land subsidence, and future flooding risks in relation to similar situations in Australia, the Netherlands, and Texas.

The article offers information on importance of proactively addressing aging and problematic dams. Topics discussed include need a scientific and legal framework in place to evaluate if and when dam removal is required; role of Environmental impact assessment in dam rehabilitation and removal decisions; and need to address socio-economic, technological, and regulatory barriers to dam maintenance.