In California water news this weekend …
A journey through time: How ancient water systems inspired today’s water technologies
“Where there is water, there is life. The history of civilization is the history of water technologies. To thrive, society must engineer technologies to harness the essential resource: water. The life of civilization flows as the world explores ways to store, transport, and purify drinking water and smartly eliminate or recycle wastewater. Water is the fountainhead of culture and innovation. Civilizations face two main water problems: abundance and distribution. Where there is too much water, the rule of survival is to stay above. But also, how do you survive when and where there is too little water? … ” Read more from Smart Water Magazine here: A journey through time: How ancient water systems inspired today’s water technologies
Welcome precipitation across NorCal, but not enough to keep pace; SoCal remains dry
“It will come as a surprise to absolutely no one in California that 2020 has brought a pretty abysmal start to the rainy season. The formal stats certainly bear that out: most of NorCal has experienced its driest Sep-Dec-to-date period since at least the 1970s, and some spots are experiencing a record-dry start to the season. SoCal did see a bit of additional early-season rain weeks ago, but even down south things are now far drier than average for the date. Offshore wind events recently have produced extreme fire risk and even a limited number of large fires south of Santa Barbara–a trend that will likely continue during offshore wind events for the foreseeable future. … ” Read more from Weather West here: Welcome precipitation across NorCal, but not enough to keep pace; SoCal remains dry
SEE ALSO: CW3E AR Update: 11 December 2020 Outlook, from the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes
MWD approves $59 million for Delta Tunnel planning despite massive opposition
Dan Bacher writes, “The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board of Directors voted to approve $59 million for funding Delta Tunnel planning on December 7, despite over three hours of testimony by Southern California water ratepayers, environmentalists and Tribal advocates against the funding. Out of the 80 people who spoke at the meeting, the overwhelming majority, 60, spoke against the tunnel. Only 20 people, including representatives of water districts, spoke on behalf of the the project. … ” Read more from the Daily Kos here: MWD approves $59 million for Delta Tunnel planning despite massive opposition
Bringing water to Wall Street may spark bubble for the world’s most vital resource, UN warns
“Trading water futures like oil or gold is expected to leave the market vulnerable to a speculative bubble, according to Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation. “The news that water is to be traded on Wall Street futures market shows that the value of water, as a basic human right, is now under threat. It is closely tied to all of our lives and livelihoods, and is an essential component to public health,” the top official said in a statement. … ” Read more from RT here: Bringing water to Wall Street may spark bubble for the world’s most vital resource, UN warns
SEE ALSO: The future of water is traded in the stock exchange, from Smart Water Magazine
California Fish and Game Commission Meets
“At its December 9-10 meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. The following are just a few items of interest from this week’s meeting. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) presented its annual report on the progress of its statewide Marine Protected Areas Program. The report highlighted research and monitoring efforts, outreach and education, enforcement and compliance statistics, policy, permitting and Tribal engagement. … ” Read more from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife here: California Fish and Game Commission Meets
In commentary this weekend …
Biden election offers hope for preserving the Delta, says the Mercury News
They write, “The forthcoming Biden administration is California’s best — and perhaps only — hope for solving vexing water issues that have largely been put on hold for more than a decade. It should be clear that state leadership is incapable of crafting a comprehensive water strategy. The California Department of Water Resources continues to push for pumping additional water from the fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta at the expense of its immediate and long-term health. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Biden election offers hope for preserving the Delta
Another View: Statewide network would improve floodplains, say Jim Provenza and Gary Sandy, members of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors and Robin Kulakow, founder of the Yolo Basin Foundation
“In California’s contentious water battles, finding points of agreement is a challenging task as diverse interests compete for a steadily dwindling, essential natural resource. By pulling together these diverse interests, we found a way to make progress towards improving what is arguably California’s hardest-working floodplain, the 60,000-acre Yolo Bypass. Given the statewide importance of improving floodplains for habitat and agriculture while simultaneously increasing their ability to handle bigger storms caused by climate change, this experience offers a ray of hope for an increasingly complex future. … ” Read more from the Woodland Daily Democrat here: Statewide network would improve floodplains
Podcasts …
SCIENCE IN SHORT PODCAST: Putting Nature, Not People, in the Path of Sea Level Rise
People, property, and nature all exist in the vulnerable zone of shoreline around the San Francisco Estuary that will soon be flooded by sea level rise. In this interview Julie Beagle, a lead climate scientist with the San Francisco Estuary Institute, discusses ways of defending our shores including several kinds of “nature-based” treatments that can delay and soften the onslaught, wave-absorbing “coarse beaches,” and adaptation planning focused on “operational landscape units.” Along the way, Beagle also describes how her own focus widened from natural systems alone to the people likely to be displaced by rising tides and other effects of climate change. “These are wicked scary problems,” she says.
WATER TABLE PODCAST: Martha Davis and Tom Ash
Individual water choices matter. Martha Davis spent much of the past two decades in a leadership position at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency. She currently serves on the boards of the Mono Lake Committee, the Sierra Institute for Community and Environment, and the Community Water Center. Martha joins us to reflect on the late water conservation legend Tom Ash, a horticulturist who spent three decades in public water and was a leader in believing what you do in your backyard can make a difference. This conversation is a sweet one.
INGRAINED PODCAST: The Case for Sites
Jim Morris writes, “Insufficient investment in water storage has brought about an almost yearly struggle in California, and another dry start to the rainy season is cause for concern. A big part of the solution to inadequate water storage may come from a project that has been debated for more than half a century – Sites Reservoir, which would be built in rural Colusa and Glenn Counties. Sites Reservoir is the largest surface storage facility proposed to be added to California’s water supply system since New Melones Reservoir in 1979.” More resources and transcript here.
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING: RSS Discovery
Steve Baker writes, “Captain Albert Scott wanted to overwinter in the Antarctica for the first time so the strongest ship of its time, The Discovery, was built in Dundee, Scotland. How did the discoveries of Captain Scott and the Discovery exemplify the value of water? 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 …
Does Klamath dam removal even need an extra $45 million?
“After the signatories to the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement officially recommitted to removing four dams on the Klamath River last month, local politicians brought up concerns with Oregon, California and PacifiCorp committing more funds to the project. In a joint statement, Klamath County Commissioner Donnie Boyd, State Representative E. Warner Reschke and State Senator Dennis Linthicum said the parties entering into a Memorandum of Agreement would hold Oregon taxpayers responsible for more unforeseen financial hurdles associated with the project in the future. … ” Read more from the Herald & News here: Does Klamath dam removal even need an extra $45 million?
Land in Western Hills donated to city of Ukiah as open space
“At a special virtual meeting held Wednesday, the Ukiah City Council approved having City Manager Sage Sangiacomo negotiate a final agreement for the donation of open space in the Western Hills. “This is part of a vision we’ve been working on for a long time,” said Sangiacomo, explaining that the parcel being donated by David Hull near Doolan Canyon is 128 acres with “a number of assets, including redwood forest land, oak woodland, and of course the watershed.” … ” Read more from the Ukiah Daily Journal here: Land in Western Hills donated to city of Ukiah as open space
Lake Oroville to open temporary, low boat launch ramp
“While water levels remain low at Lake Oroville, the California Department of Water Resources will open a temporary, low boat launch ramp in the Oroville Dam Spillway Boat Ramp area beginning Monday, Dec. 14. According to a DWR press release, both the Loafer Creek and Lime Saddle boat ramps are out of service as a result of declining water levels, and the paved spillway boat ramp will also be out of service as of Monday. … ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Lake Oroville to open temporary, low boat launch ramp
Paradise sewer: It’s now or never
“It’s now or never. That’s the message from Paradise town engineer Marc Mattox as it relates to building a sewer within the town limits. On Tuesday night, the Paradise Town Council voted unanimously to move forward on an environmental impact report on the potential of building a sewer pipe to Chico‘s water treatment plant. … ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Paradise sewer: It’s now or never
Cache Creek flood study included in Water Resources Development Act
“A study sought by the city of Woodland as part of a planned upgraded levee system for the Lower Cache Creek area north and south of town has been included in the passage this week of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020. Democratic Congressman John Garamendi, who represents Yolo County, announced passage of the Act, which includes other projects for the California Delta and Central Valley. … ” Read more from the Woodland Daily Democrat here: Cache Creek flood study included in Water Resources Development Act
Montage Healdsburg resort developer fined record $6.4 million for water violations
“State water quality regulators have fined the developer of Montage Healdsburg, the ultra-luxury resort set to open Saturday, more than $6.4 million for environmental violations tied to hotel construction during the stormy winter months of late 2018 and early 2019. The fine — the largest environmental penalty of its kind on the North Coast — was approved Friday by the Santa Rosa-based North Coast Water Quality Control Board following a nearly eight-hour virtual hearing. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Montage Healdsburg resort developer fined record $6.4 million for water violations
West Marin salmon habitat project hits milestone
“A project to remove a major barrier to the recovery of endangered coho salmon was completed Friday in West Marin. The years-long effort led by the Olema-based Salmon Protection and Watershed Network, or SPAWN, removed artificial obstacles on a section of San Geronimo Creek for the first time in 120 years. They had stymied the migration and survival of coho salmon and threatened steelhead trout. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: West Marin salmon habitat project hits milestone
Bay Area: The year’s highest king tides are headed our way — and the lowest tides, too
“The highest tides of 2020 are headed to the Bay Area on Monday, and unsettled weather in the region might roil the waters up even more. The tide inside the Golden Gate is expected to peak at 7.1 feet on Monday morning, about 2 inches higher than the highest tides recorded last month and the ones projected for January. Popularly known as king tides, such extremes are concentrated around the holidays, when the Earth is closest to the sun. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Bay Area: The year’s highest king tides are headed our way — and the lowest tides, too
Bay Area: Mavericks explodes with ‘best waves in 10 years,’ pioneering waterman says
“The surf on Tuesday at Mavericks was “as good as it’s been in 10 years,” big-wave pioneer Jeff Clark said. Clark ought to know. He was the first surfer to ride Mavericks, the formidable reef break west of the Pillar Point headlands. … With surf in the 50-foot range, Clark said Tuesday was “an amazing day — the biggest, best Mavericks we’ve seen in 10 years.” … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Bay Area: Mavericks explodes with ‘best waves in 10 years,’ pioneering waterman says
Monterey facing major impact from sea level rise
“There will be major effects from sea-level rise on Monterey’s transportation systems, causing entire road closures, including shutting down the Lighthouse Tunnel to some 55,000 cars that make daily trips, experts explained to the city’s Planning Commission this week. “This is going to be a slow-motion train wreck,” said Commissioner Michael Dawson about the massive infrastructure damage the rising seas could cause. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Monterey facing major impact from sea level rise
Southern steelhead are adaptive and resilient
“Southern California steelhead are statistically the most endangered native fish in America. In the early 1900s, hundreds of thousands of them returned to the rivers between San Louis Obispo and Mexico. Now, there are reportedly under a few hundred adults returning annually. Rainbow trout historically populated all coastal streams of southern California with permanent flows, as either resident or anadromous forms, or both. Today, the southern steelhead range spans over 30,000 square km (about 11,580 square miles), has over 41,500 km (25,785 miles) of mostly intermittent streams. … ” Read more from Cal Trout here: Southern steelhead are adaptive and resilient
Study shows promising solutions for water quality improvements in Lake Elsinore
“The Lake Elsinore & San Jacinto Watersheds Authority recently wrapped up a one-year study that evaluated the Lake Elsinore fishery and identified potential solutions to improve the lake’s ecosystem and overall water quality in Lake Elsinore. The study was funded by the Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Load Task Force, a committee of water agencies and organizations representing the San Jacinto River Watershed under LESJWA. … ” Read more from Valley News here: Study shows promising solutions for water quality improvements in Lake Elsinore
Coastal Commission grants OC Parks short-term fix of Capo Beach ahead of master plan
“The California Coastal Commission voted 8-2 on Wednesday, Dec. 9, to allow for OC Parks to use sand cubes and boulders at Capistrano Beach while the agency formulates a long-term master plan solution. Capistrano Beach has sustained considerable damage and erosion in recent years. However, residents and local stakeholders are at odds over what a solution would look like—and several commissioners were vocal about their reluctant “yes” vote. … ” Read more from the San Clemente News here: Coastal Commission Grants OC Parks Short-Term Fix of Capo Beach Ahead of Master Plan
South Coast Water District to receive $8.3M From feds for desalination project
“South Coast Water District is set to receive an $8.3 million federal grant for the Doheny Ocean Desalination project secured during the previous round of funding, a district spokesperson said Wednesday. The grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation was green lighted by Congress in 2019. SCWD is in line to receive an additional $11.7 million grant for the desalination project that could potentially be approved by lawmakers this year or next. … ” Read more from the Laguna Independent here: South Coast Water District to receive $8.3M From feds for desalination project
California wildlife officials reject proposal to put housing on San Diego ecological reserve
“A controversial and unprecedented land deal that would have allowed a housing development on 219 acres of ecologically prized land in San Diego County was defeated Tuesday. The California Wildlife Conservation Board voted five to one, with its chairman Chuck Bonham abstaining, to deny a proposed land exchange between the state and developer group GDCI Proctor Valley, L.P. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: California wildlife officials reject proposal to put housing on San Diego ecological reserve
Along the Colorado River …
BuRec looks to possible end of Paradox desalination project
“A highly effective but problematic Colorado River desalination project in western Montrose County’s Paradox Valley could come to an end due to the federal Bureau of Reclamation’s difficulty finding an acceptable means of continuing it. The agency on Friday released a final environmental impact statement that included analysis of three new approaches for removing salty groundwater from the valley to keep it from eventually reaching the Dolores River and ultimately the Colorado River. It instead settled on a “no-action” alternative that entails continuing to operate an existing deep injection well until that is no longer feasible. … ” Read more from the Grand Junction Sentinel here: BuRec looks to possible end of Paradox desalination project
Arizona State University study reveals groundwater generates 43 percent of state GDP
“A new study highlights the tremendous impact groundwater has on Arizona’s economy and underscores the need to make sure every community has tools to protect and manage it far into the future, said Todd Reeve, director of Business for Water Stewardship (BWS), which commissioned the report. “Today, Arizona relies on groundwater for 40 percent of its water supply, and sustained access to groundwater remains essential for industrial, agricultural and municipal uses in Arizona,” said Reeve, whose organization currently is working with dozens of businesses across the state that are investing in and advancing solutions to make sure communities, economies and ecosystems have clean water to flourish. … ” Read more from Chamber Business News here: Arizona State University study reveals groundwater generates 43 percent of state GDP
And lastly …
13 of the World’s Most Fascinating Dams
“There are many jaw-dropping structural feats around the world, each with its own interesting engineering designs. But the one type of structure that always leaves us in great awe is dams. Their sheer dimension and immense capacity tend to have a humbling effect on anyone who comes across these structures. It often feels a bit like standing in front of a calm, reassuring giant staring at you in all its glory. And it goes without saying, dams are some of the most intricately designed structures in the world. … ” Read more from Interesting Engineering here: 13 of the World’s Most Fascinating Dams
Catch up on last week’s news in the Weekly Digest …
WEEKLY WATER NEWS DIGEST for Dec 6-11: When SGMA isn’t working and it’s time to adjudicate; Conveyance projects and the human right to water; plus all the week’s top stories, and more …
Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …
SOCIETY & NATURAL RESOURCES JOURNAL: SGMA in CA: A Grand Experiment in Environmental Governance
HYDROVISIONS: Toxic terra, Groundwater management in Nevada; Strategies for safeguarding water quality during groundwater recharge; and more …
NOW AVAILABLE: Updated Version of Central Valley Groundwater-Surface Water Model
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: First snow on the Merced River (2012) by Chris Chabot
