On the calendar today …
SGMA: The Role and Design of Groundwater Markets from 10am to 11am
Join UC Davis Agriculture and Resource Economics for a discussion on groundwater markets and market design with economists Dr. David Sunding (UC Berkeley) and Dr. Matt Fienup (California Lutheran University). What is the value in trading, and how can we effectively design markets for the well-being of all? Click here to register.
In California water news today …
Improving water resilience for cities and farms with water partnerships
“The San Joaquin Valley and urban Southern California are worlds apart in many ways. Yet each face growing water challenges and a shared interest in ensuring reliable, affordable water supplies to safeguard their people and economies. Both regions’ water futures could be more secure if they take advantage of shared water infrastructure to jointly develop and manage some water supplies. In a new report, we explore partnership opportunities to boost water resilience in both regions. By creating more flexible supplies, such partnerships can help water agencies adapt to the changing conditions expected under climate change. By coordinating the location of infrastructure investments, partnerships can help bring water to where and when it is most needed, at least cost. … ” Read more from the PPIC here: Improving water resilience for cities and farms with water partnerships
DWR water flow experiment successfully increases habitat for endangered Delta smelt
“By experimenting with how salty ocean water mixes with fresh water within the Suisun Marsh, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has found a way to improve habitat conditions for endangered delta smelt within the upper San Francisco Estuary. DWR experimented in August 2018 with using existing water control structures, known as the Suisun Marsh Salinity Control Gates, to direct a pulse of fresh water from the Sacramento River into the salty Bay water of the marsh. Delta smelt move with the tides as they swim through the Delta and Suisun Marsh. … ” Read more from DWR News here: DWR water flow experiment successfully increases habitat for endangered Delta smelt
California water PFAS lawsuit – an increasing trend?
“On October 27, 2020, a California water PFAS lawsuit was filed by the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency against several companies, in which it is alleged that the companies are responsible for PFAS water contamination in southern California. It is alleged that the PFAS contamination is the result of various manufacturing processes and wastewater discharges. The water agency is seeking monetary damages to pay for the cost of “investigations, remediation, treatment, removal, disposal and monitoring” of the PFAS. It is expected that the Agency will seek millions of dollars in damages for the installation of state-of-the-art PFAS filtration systems. … ” Read more from the National Law Review here: California water PFAS lawsuit – an increasing trend?
SEE ALSO: PFAS regulations for groundwater could be imminent
CSU Hydraulics Lab creates physical model for Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project dam design
“The Colorado State University Hydraulics Lab has been working on the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project for the last 11 months. The lab plans on running the model built for the project for at least six more months, according to the lab’s manager Taylor Hogan. The expansion project works to improve the Bay Area’s “water supply reliability and water quality while protecting Delta fisheries and providing additional Delta ecosystem benefits,” according to the project’s website. … ” Read more from Colorado State University here: CSU Hydraulics Lab creates physical model for Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project dam design
After another dry October, have water worries returned?
“The orange sky got more attention, but the relentless blue skies of October might portend longer-term consequences. San Francisco has weather records stretching back to 1850. Only once in that time period has the city recorded 0.01 inches of rain or less back-to-back in the month of October, in 1965-1967, according to rainfall records kept by Jan Null of Golden Gate Weather. We’ve just tied that record. Downtown San Francisco recorded 0.01 inches of rain in October 2019 and again in October 2020; the weather station at the San Francisco airport, and several other stations around the Bay Area, have registered 0.00 back-to-back, according to the National Weather Service. … ” Read more from Bay Nature here: After another dry October, have water worries returned?
New forecast tool looks out to six weeks for early signs of ridging conditions – a phenomenon key to diverting winter storms and promoting U.S. West coast drought
“October 2020 has seen the continuation of abnormally dry conditions across much of California and the Western United States. As of the end of October, a considerable area of the Western United States is in Severe Drought or Extreme Drought, as classified by the United States Drought Monitor. On top of these severely dry conditions, downslope foehn winds have fanned multiple wildfires across the states of Washington, Oregon, California and Colorado throughout September and October. Ridging conditions, defined as extended regions of persistent high pressure in the atmosphere, play an important role in amplifying the likelihood of dry conditions across the Western United States. … ” Read more from the Center for Western Water and Weather Extremes here: New forecast tool looks out to six weeks for early signs of ridging conditions – a phenomenon key to diverting winter storms and promoting U.S. West coast drought
The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes launches new forecast tools for the atmospheric river scale
“CW3E has recently launched new tools focused on forecasting the Atmospheric River Scale. The new tools (available here), offer a 7-day forecast and review of the past 7 days for the Atmospheric River (AR) Scale. The AR Scale was originally launched in 2019 (overview video to the right). Similar to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, it categorizes atmospheric rivers 1-5. Storms are characterized by the maximum strength, determined by the amount of water vapor they carry, and the winds, and their duration in a given location. Category is assigned based on if the storm will potentially be weak (AR 1), moderate (AR 2), strong (AR 3), extreme (AR 4), or exceptional (AR 5). The scale also indicates if the storm will be beneficial, by relieving drought and refilling water supply, or hazardous, causing flooding and dangerous conditions. … ” Read more from the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes here: The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes launches new forecast tools for the atmospheric river scale
From vision to reality: Lessons learned in complete street implementation
“When then-Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation creating the Active Transportation Program (ATP) in 2013, communities throughout California took note. This new program was developed to encourage increased use of human-powered transportation methods while focusing on cities’ safety, health, and sustainability. Along with this new program, the concept of the complete street or green street started to gain momentum. Since then, three cities on the Central Coast have incorporated active transportation and complete street design features into their roadway infrastructure upgrades. Though such changes and upgrades may be challenging to implement, they have yielded better designs that also support healthy lifestyles for residents and visitors. ... ” Read more from Western City here: From vision to reality: Lessons learned in complete street implementation
In regional water news and commentary today …
Klamath Irrigation District court case continues
“Recent legal testimonies assert that the Oregon Water Resources Department has not taken exclusive charge of stored water in Upper Klamath Lake, despite court orders requiring it do so. In Klamath Irrigation District v. Oregon Water Resources Department, Judge Channing Bennett ruled in August that OWRD failed to comply with Oregon water law by allowing the Bureau of Reclamation to release flows down the Klamath River to improve habitat quality for endangered salmon. This case builds on a 2018 case that formally transferred control over stored water in Upper Klamath Lake from Reclamation to OWRD. … ” Read more from the Herald & News here: Klamath Irrigation District court case continues
Humboldt County supervisors to consider support for return of Karuk sacred sites
“The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors will consider a letter of support for the repatriation of two sacred Karuk Tribe sites during the board’s regular meeting this Tuesday. The sacred sites, Katimiîn and Ameekyáaraam, are currently managed by the Six Rivers and Klamath National Forests. If returned, the Karuk tribe would ensure traditional management practices and cultural values are integrated into management decisions. “About 95% of Karuk’s aboriginal territory is occupied by the U.S. Forest Service,” said Craig Tucker, natural resources consultant for the Karuk Tribe. “In order to hunt, gather or pray, the tribe has to work out some kind of an agreement with the Forest Service.” … ” Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Humboldt County supervisors to consider support for return of Karuk sacred sites
‘Major change’ in Bay Area weather forecast for Friday, including possible rain
“The National Weather Service is forecasting a “major change” in the weather across the Bay Area on Friday and through the weekend, with temperatures dropping, winds kicking up and the potential for rain. Dry conditions and seasonable temperatures are forecast through Thursday with the mercury dropping a degree or two each day, but coastal areas staying in the 70s and inland valleys in the 80s. Skies will be mostly sunny with some high clouds and onshore winds pushing lingering smoke from the Creek Fire in Fresno County into the region. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: ‘Major change’ in Bay Area weather forecast for Friday, including possible rain
Why stubborn Sierra wildfires continue to burn in Fresno, Madera and Tulare counties
“Critically dry fuels and an abundance of dead trees continue to fuel the Creek Fire and SQF Complex Fire in the Sierra Nevada range on the east side of the central San Joaquin Valley. The Creek Fire, burning in the Sierra National Forest in eastern Fresno and Madera counties, is already the fourth-largest wildfire incident in California history. Its footprint was estimated at 380,345 acres as of Sunday morning. … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee here: Why stubborn Sierra wildfires continue to burn in Fresno, Madera and Tulare counties
Valley Water builds a new wetland and restores Llagas Creek
“A former quarry in south Santa Clara County will be humming with fish and wildlife in the coming months as birds, frogs, turtles and a variety of other species benefit from a newly created wetland habitat and a restored Llagas Creek. The transformation is the result of Valley Water’s work to create a new wetland habitat at Lake Silveira and restore steelhead habitat in Llagas Creek, located in unincorporated Morgan Hill near the San Martin border. The restored section of Llagas Creek has water flowing in it for the first time in 40 years. … ” Read more from Valley Water here: Valley Water builds a new wetland and restores Llagas Creek
Valley Water committed to keeping our waterways clean while working on the challenge of homelessness
“One of the many challenges we face in 2020 is the continuing tragedy of homelessness. Several agencies, including Valley Water, work together on programs and efforts aimed at addressing the crisis. It is a complicated problem, with no easy solution. Valley Water’s role is to work with our partners to clean creekside encampments that contaminate our waterways. This cooperative effort includes local police departments, social services and nonprofit groups that help provide support to the unhoused. … ” Read more from Valley News here: Valley Water committed to keeping our waterways clean while working on the challenge of homelessness
New national climate change guide focuses on impact in San Joaquin Valley communities
“A new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists outlines wide-reaching environmental impacts affecting the health and economy of San Joaquin Valley communities from extreme heat to water scarcity and pollution. The report acts as a guide to help community members and advocates address climate change issues and prepare for challenges. Advocates at the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability contributed to the report. … ” Read more from Valley Public Radio here: New national climate change guide focuses on impact in San Joaquin Valley communities
Santa Barbara County to conduct groundwater survey flights
“Residents of the Santa Ynez and Lompoc Valleys may see an unusual sight in the skies this November, and it won’t be a UFO. It will be a low-flying helicopter carrying a large hexagonal frame. This unique equipment is part of a project to map aquifers and improve the understanding of groundwater in the area. The project is being conducted by Santa Barbara County and the Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District in cooperation with the local water agencies that comprise the three Groundwater Sustainability Agencies in the Santa Ynez River Valley Groundwater Basin. … ” Read more from the Santa Barbara Press here: Santa Barbara County to conduct groundwater survey flights
Imperial County farmer Michael Abatti looks to take fight with IID to U.S. Supreme Court
“Having been turned away by the California Supreme Court last week, farmer Michael Abatti looked to have lost his years-long fight with the Imperial Irrigation District over who owns valuable water rights on the Colorado River. But Abatti apparently isn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet. In paperwork filed in a state appellate court Monday, Abatti’s legal team indicated that they wanted to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the matter. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: Imperial County farmer Michael Abatti looks to take fight with IID to U.S. Supreme Court
New snapshot of what’s in the Tijuana River is as gross as you’d expect
“What’s in the Tijuana River? Ammonia, a byproduct of raw sewage. Phosphorous, an ingredient in soaps and cleaners that’s banned in the U.S. Metals used in the industrial plating industry. Parasitic worms. And DEHP, a chemical added to plastics. And of course, there’s poo. Analysts discovered fecal coliform, as it’s called in the science world, at concentrations hundreds of times over the safe recommended level, especially at Dairy Mart Road, an auto bridge on the U.S. side that inadvertently acts as a bottleneck for diluted sewage and trash flowing over the border. … ” Read more from Voice of San Diego here: New snapshot of what’s in the Tijuana River is as gross as you’d expect
In national water news today …
Who in the U.S. Is in ‘plumbing poverty’? Mostly urban residents, study says
“Even in the wealthiest countries, basic water services are not universal. At least 1.1 million people in the United States do not have hot and cold water running water in their house and a shower or tub for bathing, a new study finds. This “plumbing poverty” is highest in cities and most acute in those like San Francisco that have the greatest income inequality. Lack of plumbing infrastructure is not limited to those who are experiencing homelessness. Katie Meehan, lead author of the study, said that this is a key insight. … ” Read more from the Circle of Blue here: Who in the U.S. Is in ‘Plumbing Poverty’? Mostly Urban Residents, Study Says
People of color more likely to live without piped water in richest US cities
“People of color in some of America’s wealthiest cities are significantly more likely to live in houses without indoor plumbing essential for running water, new research reveals. Clean, safe, affordable water is essential for human health and economic survival. Yet access to running water is not universal in the United States, ostensibly the richest country in the world. … ” Read more from The Guardian here: People of color more likely to live without piped water in richest US cities
The future of farm conservation programs hinges on the election
” … In the past month, final rules for the two most popular conservation programs—the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)—were published. While the details of both programs are authorized by the Congress-devised and -approved farm bill, the USDA implements changes through its laborious, behind-the-scenes process of rulemaking. In fact, some advocates say the agency is not following the directives in the 2018 Farm Bill in some instances—and is using the rulemaking process to slowly chip away at the programs’ more meaningful impacts. … ” Read more from Civil Eats here: The future of farm conservation programs hinges on the election
Justices pick apart draft status in public-access fight
“The U.S. Supreme Court dove in Monday to debate over when the public has the right to access secret government documents that could illuminate the rationale behind endangered species protections. But the Freedom of Information Act tangle was notable for another reason as it also marked the debut on the bench of the newly confirmed Justice Amy Coney Barrett. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service: Justices pick apart draft status in public-access fight
SEE ALSO: Supreme court weighs public records law as Sierra Club challenges FOIA exemptions, from The Hill
Obstacles remain on infrastructure even if Democrats sweep
“If Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden wins the election, momentum could build on Capitol Hill for an infrastructure package that combats climate change and helps the economy recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. But it remains unclear how the package would be paid for — a sticking point that has derailed major action thus far. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, said an infrastructure bill should be top of mind for a potential Biden administration. ... ” Read more from E&E News here: Obstacles remain on infrastructure even if Democrats sweep
And lastly … The election distraction guide
Wound up because of the election? Yeah, me too. So check out the New York Times “Election Distraction Guide” … walk through a forest, learn to make awesome hot chocolate, take a yoga class and more. Check it out here: Election Distraction Guide
November outlook …
November 2020: Above-average temperatures likely for much of the country
“How will Autumn 2020 end? Will it buck the ongoing warmer-than-average trend seen so often this year? Will La Niña’s influence from the Pacific play a role in what sort of temperature and precipitation patterns we see? So many questions. But here is, hopefully, an answer of sorts. According to the November 2020 outlook from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, much of the country is likely to observe a warmer-than-average month, while the southern tier of the U.S. is also likely to see drier-than-average conditions. … ” Read more from Climate.gov here: November 2020: Above-average temperatures likely for much of the country
Today’s featured articles …
BLOG ROUND-UP: Delta tunnel costs and financing, The freezer of horrors, Climate change and water policy, and more …
Click here to read the blog round-up.
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program’s Prop 68 Final Implementation PSP
