On the calendar today …
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- WATER BOARD WORKSHOP: Hexavalent Chromium Maximum Contaminant Level Estimates of Costs at 9:30am. The State Water Resources Control Board will hold a public workshop to receive information and solicit public input regarding estimates of costs associated with a range of potential hexavalent chromium maximum contaminant levels (MCL) and treatment technologies. Click here for the full meeting notice and online access instructions.
- METROPOLITAN BOARD MEETING at 12pm. The board will be voting on whether to fund Metropolitan’s share of Delta conveyance planning costs for the next two years. Agenda, meeting materials, and remote access link available on this page.
- WATER COMMISSION WORKSHOP: Southeastern California conveyance at 2:45pm. The focus of this session will be on the conveyance needs for Southeastern California, including the Colorado River region and the Mono, Inyo and San Bernardino County region. All types of conveyance options are being considered, including constructed and natural infrastructure, as well as governance. Click here to register.
- ONLINE EVENT: Reading California Book Discussion—The Dreamt Land: Chasing Water and Dust Across California at 5pm. Mark Arax, author of The Dreamt Land, joins the Commonwealth Club to discuss his award-winning book about water movement and usage in California. Click here for tickets.
- WEBINAR: Klamath River Restoration Effort with Dave Meurer at 7pm. Dave Meurer is the Community Liaison for the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC). Dave will explain that KRRC is part of a cooperative effort to re-establish the natural vitality of the Klamath River, primarily by removing all four hydroelectric dams on the river and then restoring the footprint of the reservoirs. Presented by Klamath Audubon. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
Wall Street’s new water market is the latest sign we’re headed toward a Mad Max future
“We need water to cook and wash our bodies and clothes, and especially to drink—without it, we can’t live. Despite this, Wall Street traders are going to start betting on it as a commodity. This week, with the launch of $1.1 billion contracts tied to water prices in California, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange will launch the country’s first water market. It will allow farmers, hedge funds, and municipalities to essentially make wagers on the price of water and likelihood of water scarcity. Water will be a commodity, like gold or oil. … ” Read more from Gizmodo here: Wall Street’s new water market is the latest sign we’re headed toward a Mad Max future
SEE ALSO: Investors can now trade water futures, from CNN
Delta Adapts: Creating a climate resilient future
Delta Stewardship Council Executive Officer Jessica Peason writes, ” … Using best available science is a foundational practice of the Delta Stewardship Council (Council). The Delta Reform Act requires the Council to make use of the best available science to implement the Delta Plan, including relying on the advice of the Delta Independent Science Board, and the Delta Plan acknowledges that climate change has impacted and will increasingly impact the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as a water source, as an ecosystem, and as a place. Anticipating and preparing for the climate crisis has always been integral to pursuing our agency’s mission. In 2018, the Council took a bold step toward better understanding future effects of climate change on the Delta by initiating an unparalleled study of climate vulnerabilities for the entire Delta region. … ” Read more from the Delta Stewardship Council here: Delta Adapts: Creating a climate resilient future
RELATED CONTENT: DELTA ADAPTS: Preliminary findings from the first comprehensive climate change vulnerability assessment for the Delta
New Stanford study allows regional prediction of uranium in groundwater
“Lurking in sediments and surrounding the precious groundwater beneath our feet is a dangerous toxin: uranium. Scientists have long known this and tested for it. But now Stanford researchers have identified the trigger that causes naturally occurring uranium to dislodge from sediments and seep into groundwater, pointing to a solution for managing the toxin before it becomes a problem. In a new regional model that combines aquifer information with soil properties for predicting groundwater quality, the researchers pinpointed the factors associated with uranium contamination. … ” Read more from Stanford News here: New Stanford study allows regional prediction of uranium in groundwater
For the West’s drinking water, wildfire concerns linger long after smoke clears
“For many communities in the West, the water that flows out of kitchen faucets and bathroom showerheads starts high up in the mountains, as snowpack tucked under canopies of spruce and pine trees. This summer’s record-breaking wildfires have reduced some of those headwater forests to burnt trees and heaps of ash. In high alpine ecosystems, climate change has tipped the scales toward drier forests, lessened snowpack, hotter summers and extended fire seasons. … ” Read more from KNPR here: For the West’s drinking water, wildfire concerns linger long after smoke clears
Why winter wildfires may get worse
” … Strong, dry winds are common in Southern California during the fall and winter months. Known as Santa Ana winds, or Diablo winds in Northern California, they originate as masses of cool air in the Great Basin region of the western United States. High-pressure ridges in the atmosphere cause these air masses to sweep down through the mountains toward the coast, warming up and gathering speed as they go. When paired with hot, dry weather conditions, they’re a major fire hazard. The winds can fan small sparks into raging infernos. … ” Read more from Scientific American here: Why winter wildfires may get worse
SEE ALSO: California’s worst wildfire season extends into December, with ‘critical’ fire risk, from the Washington Post
California is working with Jet Propulsion Laboratory to gather satellite data from Earth observation in climate change efforts
“A new Jet Propulsion Laboratory located in Pasadena (NASA JPL) partnership will enable state agencies to understand the effects of climate change better and find ways to create resilience, protect habitats, and use California’s natural as well as working lands to be able to store and extract carbon from the environment. A memorandum of understanding with the JPL has been signed by the California Natural Resources Agency, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, allowing the increasing access to data from Earth-based satellites and other ground-based technologies. The compilation of remote sensing data, including information gathered on 21 November by Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite, will be key in explaining current situations, forecast potential vulnerabilities, and advise climate adaptation initiatives. … ” Read more from the Glendive Gazette here: California is working with Jet Propulsion Laboratory to gather satellite data from Earth observation in climate change efforts
California’s ancient redwoods face new challenge from wildfires and warming climate
“After this year’s historic wildfires, California’s oldest state park — Big Basin Redwoods — looks more like a logging village than an iconic hiking and camping mecca. There’s a near constant buzz of chainsaws. Rumblings from trucks and logging skidders fill the air as crews busily cut charred, fallen trees and chop down “hazard trees” rangers worry will topple on to the park’s roadways. … ” Read more from NPR here: California’s ancient redwoods face new challenge from wildfires and warming climate
In regional water news and commentary today …
Documentary looks at Eel River Basin
“In partnership with the Eel River Recovery Project and the Institute for Sustainable Forestry, KEET-TV will present the documentary “Harmony in The Eel River Basin,” which will premiere on Monday at 10:30 p.m. This documentary is produced in conjunction with and on the heels of the PBS series “The Age of Nature,” which aired in October and is available on PBS Passport. That series showcases areas around the world where humankind’s destruction of the natural environment is not the end of the story. Regeneration of various habitats are showcased in the series. … ” Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Documentary looks at Eel River Basin
Lake Mendocino is low, but no water shortages forecast thanks to new tech
” … Lake Mendocino currently sits at 712 ft above sea level (the lake’s height is referenced from sea level). That’s very low. But despite years of dry conditions and the fact that California’s 2019–2020 water year was the third driest in the Upper Russian River watershed in recorded history, it’s not the lowest the lake has ever been. Thanks to a new set of satellite technologies and water management techniques dubbed FIRO, or Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (pronounced FEE-roh), the lake is still more than a dozen feet above its record low. And, FIRO has proved so successful at better managing lake levels, that without it there may have been a water shortages this year. … ” Read more from the Mendocino Voice here: Lake Mendocino is low, but no water shortages forecast thanks to new tech
Water environmental group threatens Calistoga with lawsuit, again
“Stemming from litigation dating back to 2008, the City of Calistoga is confronted again with a long-standing threat from an environmental group over the operation of Kimball Dam. Grant Reynolds, a director of Water Audit California, delivered a letter to the City of Calistoga on Monday criticizing the city for not fulfilling its commitment to complete a “stream study … and other aspects of its commitments.” … ” Read more from the Napa Register here: Water environmental group threatens Calistoga with lawsuit, again
Success in the Sierra: French Meadows Forest Restoration
“After six months of strategic forest treatments, partners of the French Meadows Forest Restoration Project (Project) are wrapping up their second season of implementation work. Located in the headwaters of the Middle Fork American River, in the Tahoe National Forest, the Project aims to restore forest health by reducing high-severity fires across 28,000 acres of critical watershed, and to study the effects of forest treatments on ecosystem health. In its second season, the partnership expanded its efforts beyond the heavily-trafficked area around French Meadows Reservoir and into the upper reaches of the watershed. … ” Read more from Rocklin & Roseville Today here: Success in the Sierra: French Meadows Forest Restoration
Sacramento: Fall’s salmon run at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery observed in two ways
“The fall salmon run is happening right now on the American River, and for many in the greater Sacramento area, that usually means a visit to the Nimbus Fish Hatchery to check out the fish ladders and nearby spawning grounds. Although the hatchery visitor center is closed because of the pandemic, observing the salmon run can still happen, in a safe way, from the hatchery’s nature trail. … ” Read more from KCRA Channel 3 here: Fall’s salmon run at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery observed in two ways
Solano County: Drinking water forum planned
“A free Drinking Water Virtual Forum is offered for residents of the Solano Subbasin, which includes parts of Davis, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17. This community event will be held on Zoom and available in English and Spanish. … The event is hosted by the Solano Groundwater Sustainability Agency Collaborative, the Local Government Commission and The Freshwater Trust. … ” Read more from the Davis Enterprise here: Solano County: Drinking water forum planned
Arcata: Climate change puts the heat on clean up of dioxin hotspot
“City Council Vice Mayor Paul Patino said he intends to pull the approval of the Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan and Plant Improvement Project from the items scheduled to be rubber stamped by the city council. The $60 million investment is a response to the threat of sea level rise which involves enlarging levees around the Arcata Wastewater Treatment Facility. Patino is calling on the council to further discuss the project after he learned the mud around the bay shoreline of the wastewater facility has the highest levels of dioxin ever discovered in Humboldt Bay sediments. ... ” Read more from the Lumberjack here: Arcata: Climate change puts the heat on clean up of dioxin hotspot
‘These mountains could turn into jelly.’ Above Santa Cruz, residents fear devastating mudslides
“The fire that rampaged through the San Lorenzo Valley in August and September burned hotter and destroyed more acreage than anyone in these rugged, rural and breathtaking mountains can remember. The CZU August Lightning Complex fire killed Tad Jones, a 73-year-old man who lived in the mountains above Santa Cruz. It also destroyed hundreds of homes, displacing residents, and left scores without potable water. Now the region is bracing for more devastation, in the form of potentially deadly debris flows caused by winter storms. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: ‘These mountains could turn into jelly.’ Above Santa Cruz, residents fear devastating mudslides
After deadlock, Diablo Grande gets new water district director. Residents criticize board
“The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors appointed a new director to the financially troubled Western Hills Water District. The county last week selected Diablo Grande resident Julie Davis, filling a position that had gone vacant for three months after the resignation of Barry Ivy, who moved away. A real estate broker who sells homes in the Diablo Grande community, Davis was not immediately available for comment. Supervisor Jim DeMartini, whose district covers the area, said she was the best of four applicants. … ” Read more from the Modesto Bee here: After deadlock, Diablo Grande gets new water district director. Residents criticize board
Santa Barbara District Attorney reaches settlement with SoCal Edison for dumping of debris into Mission Creek
“The Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Office announced Monday that it has reached a settlement with Southern California Edison to resolve civil and criminal actions stemming from a grading project that caused significant environmental harm to the Mission Canyon area last year. The criminal and civil complaints allege that between Dec. 4 and Dec. 16, 2019, SCE engaged in an unpermitted road maintenance and widening project along 1.6 miles of Spyglass Ridge Road starting at the base of the Inspiration Point trail, according to a statement issued Monday by District Attorney Joyce Dudley’s office. … ” Read more from Noozhawk here: Santa Barbara District Attorney reaches settlement with SoCal Edison for dumping of debris into Mission Creek
SEE ALSO: Edison Pleads to Water Code Crime, Will Pay $3.5 Million, from the Santa Barbara Independent
SoCal: Congressional representatives call out water district’s hiring of former board member Albert Robles
“Nine U.S. congressional representatives have issued a public rebuke of the Water Replenishment District of Southern California over its lack of transparency in a move to hire former Carson Mayor Albert Robles as the district’s new general manager. In a joint letter, the House members wrote they are “deeply troubled” by the board of directors’ sudden 3-2 vote to hire Robles, who served on the board for 25 years, as general manager during a meeting where Robles originally was being considered for a lesser, though equally controversial, role. … ” Read more from the Daily Breeze here: Congressional representatives call out water district’s hiring of former board member Albert Robles
West Valley Water District, SB Valley College sign agreement to support water technology, engineering program
“Working together to provide an extraordinary academic and work experience that will deliver stable, higher-paying jobs to the Inland Empire, today West Valley Water District (WVWD) Board of Directors President Channing Hawkins and San Bernardino Valley Community College (SBVCC) President Diana Rodriguez signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create paid or non-paid and part-time or full-time internships and jobs. ... ” Read more from Inland Empire Community News here: West Valley Water District, SB Valley College sign agreement to support water technology, engineering program
Fish restocked in Lake Elsinore to improve water quality
“Lake Elsinore is being restocked with fish — the latest in continuing efforts to help improve the lake’s water quality and ecosystem. Early Friday, Dec. 4, the lake was stocked with bluegill, black crappie, striped bass and redear sunfish. The species were chosen after a year-long population study found that some types of fish — including channel catfish, largemouth bass, silverside minnows and mosquitofish — were overpopulating the lake. … ” Read more from the Riverside Press-Enterprise here: Fish restocked in Lake Elsinore to improve water quality
Along the Colorado River …
Litigation changes IID water rights: California’s Colorado River water users do not have traditional water rights
“Farmer Michael Abatti v. Imperial Irrigation District is a landmark decision by the California Court of Appeals concerning the millions of acre-feet of Colorado River water used annually to meet the needs of Southern California’s agricultural empire. The issue was the nature of landowners’ rights to use Colorado River water to irrigate their fields. The plaintiff, a farmer and landowner in the Imperial Irrigation District (“IID”), asserted that the farmers possess appropriative water rights to the Colorado River water delivered by IID, and are entitled to receive the quantities of water they have historically used on their fields. The Court of Appeals disagreed with most aspects of the plaintiff’s claims. The California Supreme Court recently declined to review the dispute making Abatti the law of the land. … ” Read more from Cal Ag Today here: Litigation changes IID water rights
‘Everything is drying up’: As springs on Hopi land decline, a sacred connection is threatened
“At the base of a sandstone mesa, the ground descends in a series of stone terraces and steps, forming an oval-shaped ceremonial gathering place with flat rocks arranged around a central pit. At the bottom, a pool of water shimmers in the sun. This natural spring, called Toreva Spring, is a sacred place for Hopi people. For centuries, they have held religious ceremonies here while looking into its serene waters. When he was a boy, Howard Dennis sat by the water during ceremonies and dangled his feet in the cool spring. “See that little ledge right there? At the bottom, that’s how high it used to be,” Dennis said, motioning to the dry edge of the pit. Over the past four decades, he said, the water level in the spring has dropped 8 to 10 feet. … ” Read more from Arizona Central here: ‘Everything is drying up’: As springs on Hopi land decline, a sacred connection is threatened
In national water news today …
Congress to fast-track whittled-down infrastructure bill
“Negotiators quietly released a final pared-down water infrastructure bill Friday night, an apparent compromise eked out after the original, sprawling plan hit roadblocks and disagreements. House members are now slated to cast their votes as early as tomorrow on S. 1811, the “Water Resources Development Act of 2020,” which will come up under suspension of the rules, a way to fast-track noncontroversial measures. The fate of the bill has been a source of anxiety for congressional onlookers as negotiations between staffers on the Senate Environment and Public Works and the House Transportation and Infrastructure committees quietly continued in recent months. … ” Read more from E&E News here: Congress to fast-track whittled-down infrastructure bill
What wastewater can reveal about COVID-19
“Accurately identifying changes in community COVID-19 infections through wastewater surveillance is moving closer to reality. A new study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, identifies a method that not only detects the virus in wastewater samples but also tracks whether the infection rates are trending up or down. Testing wastewater – a robust source of COVID-19 as those infected shed the virus in their stool – could be used for more responsive tracking and supplementing information public health officials rely on when evaluating efforts to contain the virus, such as enhanced public health measures and even vaccines when they become available. … ” Read more from Stanford News here: What wastewater can reveal about COVID-19
PFAS litigation ‘second wave’ ahead if Biden delivers new rules
“The incoming Biden administration’s pledge to take quick action to address “forever chemicals” will have ripple effects in high-stakes lawsuits playing out across the country. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are already feeding a fast-growing web of litigation among manufacturers, water utilities, states, and people affected by contamination, as some of the chemicals have been linked to cancer and other health problems. … ” Read more from E&E News here: PFAS litigation ‘second wave’ ahead if Biden delivers new rules
Today’s featured articles …
WATER COMMISSION: Conveyance projects and the human right to water
Panel discussion outlines challenges facing disadvantaged communities and small water systems
The Water Resilience Portfolio directs the Water Commission to assess the state’s role in financing conveyance projects that could help meet the needs in changing climate. In recent months, the Commission has been hearing from panels of experts on various related subjects.
At their November meeting, the Commission heard from two panels: the first panel was from project proponents who discussed conveyance projects being proposed by their organizations, which was covered in this post here: WATER COMMISSION: Conveyance projects panel discusses Imperial Valley to San Diego pipeline, “fish-friendly” Delta diversions, and more …
The second panel discussed the human right to water within the context of conveyance projects. The panelists were invited to share their thoughts on how conveyance projects can demonstrate that they have adequately considered the human right to water, how climate change will impact their communities, and how underrepresented communities can better be included in the planning, design, and governance of water projects. And even though the Commission has explicitly stated they are not including Delta conveyance, the panel ended where most California water issues end up: in the Delta.
Click here to read this article.
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
