In California water news this weekend …
As fires rage, California center aims to better understand their remedy: Atmospheric rivers
“At the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, researchers feel the urgency as they examine connections between West Coast precipitation and a devastating wildfire season, which has yet to conclude. The center, part of Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif., has unlocked many secrets of atmospheric rivers — airborne jets of tropical moisture that can break droughts and quell fires but also unleash raging floodwaters. Under the leadership of Director Marty Ralph, the center measures the strength of atmospheric rivers on a one-to-five scale, and there is now a greater understanding of how their presence or absence determines so much, such as whether vegetative fuels will be primed to ignite when fire comes too close. … ” Read more from the Washington Post here: As fires rage, California center aims to better understand their remedy: Atmospheric rivers
When the floods came
“The day the first drops of winter rain-spattered onto the parched earth, Southern California’s ranchers heaved a collective sigh of relief. It was Nov. 14, 1861, and the region was in the grip of a severe drought. The ranchers had been praying feverishly for rain for months. At long last, they thought, as they tipped their faces heavenwards to the dark clouds gathering overhead. Little did they know that they — along with the rest of the Pacific West — were about to get far, far more than they had bargained for. From that day until March 1862, not just Southern California but the entire Pacific Coast was battered by a series of exceptionally intense storms that rolled in relentlessly, one after another, for five long months, creating one of the wettest periods the region has experienced in the past 2,000 years. … ” Read more from USC Dornsife here: When the floods came
Flying the foothills: Stanford researchers lead an airborne survey effort to investigate where water could recharge groundwater aquifers in California’s Central Valley
“Groundwater managers across the Central Valley striving to attain sustainability for underground aquifers are largely operating without a map. California’s 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requires managers to attain groundwater sustainability by 2042. However, critical knowledge is lacking on where water flows from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to recharge water supplies underground, and where there are sites that could be used to enhance the recharge, making it difficult to ensure water depleted through pumping and irrigation is balanced by new water coming in. “With the commitment to meeting the goals of SGMA came the recognition of all the data gaps. How can we get the information we need about California’s groundwater systems?” said Rosemary Knight, a professor of geophysics in the Stanford School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences. “You can’t get sufficient coverage by drilling wells so, in this case, we’re flying the foothills – using a helicopter to carry a geophysical system to image beneath the ground.” … ” Read more from Stanford News here: Flying the foothills
Zero Delta smelt, longfin smelt and Sacramento splittail found in October CDFW Midwater Trawl
Dan Bacher writes, “The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has released the October 2020 Fall Midwater Trawl results and zero Delta smelt, longfin smelt and Sacramento split tail, all once abundant native fish species, were caught, as was the case also this September. We will see the final results for the pelagic (open water) species surveyed at the end of December after the November and December totals of Delta smelt, longfin smelt, striped bass, threadfin shad, American shad and Sacramento splittail caught in the annual trawl are tallied by the CDFW. Once the most abundant native fish in the entire Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, no Delta Smelt were reported in the Fall MIdwater Trawl in either 2018 and 2019, due to many years of massive water exports from the Delta through the State Water Project and Central Valley Water Project, combined with toxics and declining water quality. … ” Read more from the Daily Kos here: Zero Delta Smelt, Longfin Smelt and Sacramento Splittail Found in October CDFW Midwater Trawl
Feds, Cargill appeal Redwood City salt pond ruling
“Seeking to overturn a federal district court determination that the Cargill salt ponds in Redwood City are covered by federal Clean Water Act protections, the Environmental Protection Agency under the Trump administration and Cargill Inc. representatives filed appeals to the ruling this week. “We disagree with the District Court’s ruling on critical facts, application of court precedent and lack of deference to the administrative expertise and authority of the past two administrations to implement their governing regulations,” said a statement from David Smith, consulting counsel for DMB Pacific Ventures which represents Cargill Inc. … ” Read more from the Daily Journal here: Feds, Cargill appeal Redwood City salt pond ruling
Bone-dry weather conditions continue grip on San Francisco Bay Area; Lake, Napa Counties in extreme drought
“With much of Napa and Lake counties falling into extreme drought conditions, forecasters warned Saturday that little if any precipitation was expected until mid-December at the earliest. The U.S. Drought Monitor map released late this week revealed that major portions of Napa, Lake and Solano counties have dropped into the extreme drought state. … ” Read more from KPIX here: Bone-dry weather conditions continue grip on San Francisco Bay Area; Lake, Napa Counties in extreme drought
California’s miserable year ending in drought, fire and darkness
“Most Californians, it’s safe to say, can’t wait for 2020 to end. But the year is getting in a few parting shots on its way out the door. December has brought the Golden State a grim encore of all the miseries that made 2020 so surreal. Fires are once again threatening homes and forcing evacuations. Utilities are shutting off electricity to prevent live wires from falling in high winds and sparking more wildfires. Rain refuses to fall. And another coronavirus lockdown looms, as infections spiral out of control. None of this seems out of a place in a year that at one point saw San Francisco’s smoke-darkened skies literally turn orange. But a state once known for optimism is exhausted. … ” Read more from Bloomberg Green here: California’s miserable year ending in drought, fire and darkness
In people news this weekend …
AWARDS
ACWA presents Curt Aikens with Lifetime Achievement Award
“The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Curt Aikens, who has devoted much of his career to the incredible growth of Yuba Water Agency. ACWA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made a remarkable and lasting contribution to California water. For much of his career, Aikens served as general manager of Yuba Water Agency. He is credited with leading numerous projects, including New Bullards Dam and Reservoir and New Colgate Powerhouse. Aikens also led the effort to develop and implement the Yuba River Accord. ... ” Read more from ACWA’s Water News here: ACWA presents Curt Aikens with Lifetime Achievement Award
ACWA presents Past President Bette Boatmun with Lifetime Achievement Award
“The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Bette Boatmun, who has been serving on the Contra Costa Water District Board of Directors for more than 45 years. ACWA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made a remarkable and lasting contribution to California water. Boatmun has supported numerous projects for Contra Costa Water District, including the construction and expansion of Los Vaqueros Reservoir and building the Randall-Bold Water Treatment Plant. She has also been actively involved in ACWA throughout her career and led the association as president from 2002-2003. … ” Read more from ACWA’s Water News here: ACWA presents Past President Bette Boatmun with Lifetime Achievement Award
ACWA presents Emissary Award to Paul Jones
“The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today presented its 15th annual Emissary Award to Paul Jones, general manager of Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). Presented at ACWA’s 2020 Fall Virtual Conference & Exhibition, the award recognizes individuals who have made remarkable contributions to California water through voluntary service to ACWA. Jones is a 30-year veteran of the water industry who has continuously advocated for sustainable and practical solutions on multiple issues that align with ACWA’s priorities, including safe and affordable drinking water and recycled water. At a 2018 hearing, he introduced the alternative funding proposal developed by ACWA, in coordination with the California Municipal Utilities Association, that positioned a water tax as an unviable and unnecessary alternative. … ” Read more from ACWA’s Water News here: ACWA presents Emissary Award to Paul Jones
AGENCY/PROJECT AWARDS
Provost & Pritchard honored with a pair of 2021 ACEC-California Awards
“The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) has selected two Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group’s projects to receive awards in their California 2021 Engineering Excellence Award competition. The McMullin On-Farm Flood Capture and Recharge project was selected for a merit award while the Main Canal Reservoir for the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) was honored with a commendation award. The awards will be presented to the firm at the Engineering Excellence Awards Virtual Celebration on February 4, 2021. According to ACEC California, the Engineering Excellence Awards competition has become an effective tool for engineering and surveying recognition for projects that benefit local communities and California as a whole. … ” Read more from the Valley Voice here: Provost & Pritchard honored with a pair of 2021 ACEC-California Awards
SCV Water takes home top honors for communications efforts
“SCV Water ongoing communication efforts surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals were honored with a PRism Award from the Public Relations Society of America – Los Angeles Chapter (PRSA-LA). “We’re honored that our ongoing outreach surrounding PFAS was recognized with this prestigious award,” said SCV Water’s General Manager Matt Stone. “Our customers come first, and we’re committed to timely and transparent communication about how we are restoring their water quality.” SCV Water took home a PRism award in the Crisis Communications – Government Category. The multi-year strategy for customer and stakeholder engagement across multiple communication platforms included legislative policy development, community meetings, media relations, collateral development, website, video, social media and direct mail. … ” Read more from ACWA’s Water News here: SCV Water takes home top honors for communications efforts
East Bay Municipal Utility District wins 2020 Best in Blue Award
“The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today presented its Huell Howser Best in Blue Award to the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) for its highly successful Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) Outreach Campaign. EBMUD conducted an unprecedented public outreach campaign to educate its customers about the impacts of pre-emptive power shutoffs on its water and wastewater systems. The district urged customers to conserve water supplies for critical needs such as firefighting. Their innovative campaign utilized a range of tools over multiple channels including press announcements and newsletters, an interactive map and micro-targeted email communications. The comprehensive campaign messaging proved successful and, during the district’s 2019 PSPS events, EBMUD water use in the affected pressure zones dropped between 32 to 40 percent. … ” Read more from ACWA Water News here: East Bay Municipal Utility District wins 2020 Best in Blue Award
Orange County Water District wins Association Of California Water Agencies Region 10 Outreach Award
“The Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) was recognized by the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) as the Region 10 winner of the 2020 Outreach Recognition Award for outstanding efforts in helping ACWA accomplish its legislative goals. The award was presented during this week’s ACWA 2020 Fall Virtual Conference & Exhibition.“OCWD’s mission to provide a reliable, high-quality water supply to the 2.5 million people in our service area is at the forefront of everything we do,” said OCWD President Vicente Sarmiento. “We’re honored to be recognized for our legislative efforts that seek to advance local, state and federal policies that support a safe and sustainable water supply for our constituents.” … ” Read more from OCWD here: Orange County Water District wins Association Of California Water Agencies Region 10 Outreach Award
APPOINTMENTS
From the Office of the Governor:
Rebecca Eisen, 71, of Oakland, has been appointed to the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission. Eisen was a Member of the California State University Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2020. She was a Law Partner at Morgan, Lewis and Bockius from 2003 to 2015 and an Associate and Partner at Brobeck, Phleger and Harrison from 1980 to 2003. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law and a Master of Arts degree in English literature from San Francisco State University. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Eisen is a Democrat.
Robert “Keith” Dyas, 68, of Rosamond, has been reappointed to the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, where he has served since 2005. Dyas has been an Engineer at Reserve Systems Inc. since 2013. He served as an Environmental Engineer for the U.S. Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base from 1994 to 2012 and as a Civil Engineer there from 1984 to 1994. Dyas was a Mechanical Engineer at Occidental Petroleum Corporation from 1975 to 1984. He earned a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from California State University, Fresno. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $250 per diem. Dyas is a Republican.
Raji Brar, 45, of Bakersfield, has been reappointed to the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, where she has served since 2017. Brar has been Chief Operations Officer and Owner at Countryside Corporation since 2003. She served as a Member of the Arvin City Council from 2006 to 2008. Brar was a Chemist at BC Laboratories from 2000 to 2002. Brar earned a Master of Science degree in health care from California State University, Bakersfield. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $250 per diem. Brar is a Democrat.
PROFILES
Jerry Brown, rediscovered on Colusa County ranch, reflects on past, present and future
“Jerry Brown, California’s longest-serving governor, dominated the political landscape of the Golden State for decades. But now he’s living so far off the grid that he’s nearly impossible to find. And after two years of trying, KCRA 3 finally caught up with Jerry Brown at his rural ranch home in Colusa County. “We just had our harvest by the way,” Brown told KCRA 3 while showing us his property. At 82 years old, Jerry Brown is still on the move — he loves living in a remote corner of California. … ” Read more from KCRA Channel 3 here: Jerry Brown, rediscovered on Colusa County ranch, reflects on past, present and future
Featured scientist: Brian Olson, CDFW’s Comprehensive Wetland Habitat Program coordinator
“Brian Olson is the CDFW’s Comprehensive Wetland Habitat Program coordinator. He leads a four-person team tasked with preserving, restoring and enhancing California’s wetlands – on both public and private land – for the benefit of wildlife. Born in Redding and raised in Weaverville, Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife, fisheries and conservation biology from UC Davis and a master’s degree in avian sciences, also from UC Davis. He joined CDFW in his current role in 2015. He is based in West Sacramento. Q: Why do we need to manage wetlands in the first place? A: We have a lot fewer than what we’ve had in the past and still have a lot of wildlife that depend upon them. … ” Read more from CDFW here: Featured scientist: Brian Olson
Podcasts …
DAUGHERTY WATER FOR FOOD PODCAST: Felicia Marcus
“Felicia Marcus has been making waves in California water management and regulation for more than three decades. She most recently served as Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, with responsibility for drinking water, water quality, and water rights. Prior to that, as Regional Administrator of the U.S. EPA Region IX she was responsible for the range of environmental issues under EPA’s jurisdiction. Earlier, Marcus headed the Los Angeles Department of Public Works dealing with wastewater, water and solid waste recycling, stormwater management, and other environmental issues. She is currently the Landreth Visiting Fellow at Stanford University’s Water in the West Program. In addition, she is active on numerous volunteer boards, including the Daugherty Global Water for Food Institute and the Sustainable Conservation Advisory Board, and has received many awards for her work and approach. Learn more about Felicia Marcus and her work with farmers in California on water issues in this podcast.”
LET’S TALK WATER PODCAST: Bide(n) time for America’s Water Resources with Peter Gleick
“Dr. Peter Gleick, co-founder and president emeritus of the Pacific Institute, believes Joe Biden could be the man to save American water policy, which has been foundering under Donald Trump. In his co-authored policy brief, Water Recommendations to the Next President, Gleick and his colleagues lay out the biggest issues with US water safety and access, and what President Elect Biden needs to do to guarantee continued clean water for all Americans and limit the global repercussions of climate change.“
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING PODCAST: Montana Water Rights
Steve Baker writes, “During a 19th Century quest to provide miners with a legal claim to their mineral rights was the emergence of a similar doctrine used for assigning water rights. Handling water issues in Montana started off with much controversy over the philosophical approach that should be followed. Do we share or do we follow a first in time, first in right philosophy? Water is a Many Splendor’ed Thing brings you another water relationship that has a personally significant impact to your life. ” Produced by Steven Baker, Operation Unite® Bringing People Together to Solve Water Problems, Online at www.operationunite.co
In regional water news this weekend …
Alameda leading Bay Area in studying impacts of sea level rise locally
“The Alameda City Council unanimously accepted a pioneering report on the effects of sea level rise on groundwater last month. The report, “The Response of the Shallow Groundwater Layer and Contaminants to Sea Level Rise” finds that rising groundwater levels are a hidden threat related to sea level rise. According to the city’s press release, “communities are developing climate adaptation plans to protect communities from flooding. However, these plans often neglect an important potential flood hazard — emergent groundwater.” The process is described as a “slow but chronic threat” that, as waters rise, damages buried infrastructure, floods below-grade structures and emerges aboveground, even before coastal floodwaters crest the shoreline. … ” Read more from the Alameda Sun here: Alameda leading bay area in studying impacts of sea level rise locally
Monterey: Smaller estuaries provide unique habitats
“Estuaries are unique and important coastal ecosystems that reside at the interface of inland freshwater habitats and saltwater marine habitats. Many people know of and have visited the larger central coast estuaries including Elkhorn Slough and Morro Bay but fewer people realize that there are many smaller river mouth estuaries along our coastline. Just as our larger estuaries, these river and creek mouths act as mixing zones where freshwater flowing to the coast mixes with ocean waters, providing unique habitats for a variety of flora and fauna. … ” Read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel here: Smaller estuaries provide unique habitats
Critical concrete: Goodwin Dam jump started Manteca’s development
“Nestled in the rustic Stanislaus River canyon below the western horizon from busy Highway 108-120 in the bottomland of Tuolumne County is arguably the most critical chunk of concrete ever poured when it comes to powering the Manteca economy. It is here some 35 miles to the northeast of Manteca you’ll find Goodwin Dam. The 400-foot high dam was completed in December of 1912 primarily as a storage and diversion point for the South San Joaquin Irrigation District and its 112-year-old partner – the Oakdale Irrigation District. … ” Read more from the Manteca Bulletin here: Critical concrete: Goodwin Dam jump started Manteca’s development
Santa Barbara: The Endangered Species in Our Backyard: Our Role in Their Survival
“Bearing a striking resemblance to their freshwater cousins, the Rainbow Trout, with hues of green, silver and pink, a steelhead is a remarkable fish. Steelhead are anadromous, meaning they are born in freshwater, spend part of their adult lives in the ocean, and return to the rivers and streams where they were born to lay their eggs. When they leave the rivers they are six to eight inches, and return to spawn when they are as big as ten pounds. This transformation is vital to their surrounding ecosystem because the steelhead bring back a huge amount of nutrients with them from the sea. A Southern Steelhead is unique from the steelhead you would find further north because they have adapted to the arid climate of Southern California. They have learned to survive in warmer water and to persist through long periods without substantial water flow, essentially waiting it out in small pools in the highest reaches of the watershed until the rains come. … ” Read more from the Odyssey here: Santa Barbara: The Endangered Species in Our Backyard: Our Role in Their Survival
Does a dry fall in Los Angeles always lead to a parched, fire-prone winter?
“After a summer of record heat and California’s worst fire season in history, Santa Ana winds have repeatedly buffeted the Southland during a critically dry autumn. Will this warm, dry weather pattern finally come to an end, or will it continue through the winter? There’s a lot of evidence pointing to a dry winter, but it’s not a sure thing. “The odds certainly favor a drier-than-average winter in Southern California,” said climatologist Bill Patzert, “but don’t bet your mortgage on it. Mother Nature can foil the forecasters.” … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Does a dry fall in Los Angeles always lead to a parched, fire-prone winter?
Water Replenishment District postpones meeting on hiring former Carson mayor
“The Water Replenishment District of Southern California’s board has postponed its next meeting to Tuesday, Dec. 8, when it is expected to clarify a controversial vote to hire former Carson Mayor Albert Robles as general manager. The board had initially continued its Thursday meeting to the next day, but board President Vera Robles DeWitt changed the date just four hours before the Friday meeting was slated to begin. … ” Read more from the Daily Breeze here: Water Replenishment District postpones meeting on hiring former Carson mayor
Elsinore Valley: Historic partnership reached to secure water supply for the future
“Western Municipal Water District (Western) and the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) are pleased to announce a historic partnership that is more than 20 years in the making. After working together through temporary agreements to ensure reliable and safe water supply to our customers, a long-term partnership was approved by the Board of Directors for both Western and EVMWD in late October and executed by both agencies in November. The new agreement between Western and EVMWD will provide water supply stability for both agencies as they plan for existing and future service demands across the region. … ” Read more from ACWA Water News here: Elsinore Valley: Historic partnership reached to secure water supply for the future
Rancho Water Planning and Administration committee discusses past due payments
“The Rancho California Water District’s Planning and Administration Committee discussed the issue of the recent State Water Resources Control Board’s Financial Impacts Survey that is collecting data from 650 community water systems in the state, Thursday, Nov. 19. Further, they had a discussion about a coalition of regional agencies that is developing white paper messaging regarding the issue with the state. “A lot of this discussion is around the moratorium on water disconnect for non-payment and I miss you remember Gov. Newsom’s executive order back in April and retroactive to March 4,” Tyson Heine, customer and support services manager of Rancho Water, said. … ” Read more from Valley News here: Rancho Water Planning and Administration committee discusses past due payments
Along the Colorado River …
What happens if some of the most secure water in Arizona comes up for grabs? asks columnist Joanna Allhands
She writes, “Imagine that you had a bunch of Colorado River water. Water with some of the most senior rights in the state. The river would have to be virtually dry before your supply was cut. Now imagine that by fallowing some land and installing more efficient irrigation, you think you can free up a decent chunk of this highly coveted water to lease to others who are in desperate need of more renewable supplies. For many years, this has simply been a “what if” scenario for the Colorado River Indian Tribes, which unlike many other tribes in Arizona with water rights, do not have the ability to lease, exchange or store it underground. But that could soon change if their proposal makes its way through Congress. And it could have profound impacts on how water is bought, sold and moved in this state. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: What happens if some of the most secure water in Arizona comes up for grabs?
Vegas bets big on water
“Las Vegas is a city few would associate with conservation. Sprawling urbanization orbits towering casinos that welcome more than 42 million tourists a year, many here to experience the unrestrained consumption the city is famous for. But the city has fought to become a model for water conservation in the Southwest and for arid regions across the globe. Yet while Vegas’s efforts can provide a template for others, the city’s past and potentially its future also warrant caution. The Colorado River provides more than 1 in 10 Americans with their water, and demands are expected to exceed supply by 2040. Well-managed conservation does not offset the damage of the kind of boundless economic growth the U.S. prides itself on: there is only so much water. … ” Read more from the LA Progressive here: Vegas bets big on water
In national water news this weekend …
US EPA recommends testing wastewater for PFAS
“Some facilities may have to test for the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their wastewater, under a new strategy from the US Environmental Protection Agency. The effort could eventually help reduce the level of environmentally persistent and toxic PFAS in drinking water drawn downstream of such facilities as well as in fish and river sediment. But environmental advocates say the guidance amounts to little for people who have drinking water contaminated with PFAS. … ” Read more from Chemical and Engineering News here: US EPA recommends testing wastewater for PFAS
PFAS power lawyers steer multibillion-dollar litigation boom
“Legions of lawyers are working behind the scenes on multibillion-dollar litigation over a class of human-made chemicals known as PFAS—a legal snarl so vast it’s drawn comparisons to the groundbreaking lawsuits against the tobacco industry. Chemical companies, water utilities, and the U.S. government face a surge of legal challenges related to contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Nicknamed “forever chemicals” for their ability to build up and linger in the environment and human bodies long after exposure, PFAS are commonly used in cookware, rugs, and other household items. ... ” Read more from Bloomberg Law here: PFAS power lawyers steer multibillion-dollar litigation boom
Catch up on last week’s news in the Weekly Digest …
WEEKLY WATER NEWS DIGEST for Nov 30 – Dec 4: Conveyance projects panel discusses Imperial Valley to San Diego pipeline, “fish-friendly” Delta diversions; Preliminary findings from the Delta’s climate change vulnerability analysis; the week’s top stories, and more …
Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Draft Prop 1 Groundwater Grant Program Guidelines
NOTICE: Public workshop to focus on water conveyance needs and funding options in Colorado River and South Lahontan region
NOTICE: Consideration for Adoption of Revisions to the Salt and Nitrate Control Program (CV-SALTS)
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Mount Lassen by R3li3nt
SALT POND PHOTO by Doc Searles.
