On the calendar today …
- WEBINAR: A New Source of Water Supply for Southern California: A Panel Discussion on the Regional Recycled Water Program from 10am to 11am. California water agencies have increasingly focused on implementing new technologies and developing new infrastructure to become more water independent. The Regional Recycled Water Program is one such infrastructure program. This potential project could produce high quality water to be used for groundwater recharge in basins in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. At this WELL Webinar, join engineers, experts, and stakeholders to learn the what, why, who, and how of the Regional Recycled Water Program. Click here to register.
- PUBLIC MEETING: Draft Proposition 68 Floodplain Management, Protection, and Risk Awareness Grant Program Guidelines and PSP from 11am to 12pm. At this virtual public meeting, staff will present the Draft Guidelines and PSP and will solicit comments. The Draft Guidelines and PSP can be downloaded from the program’s webpage. Click here to register.
- WORKSHOP: Delta Adapts Vulnerability Assessment Findings from 6pm to 7pm. The Delta Stewardship Council, together with community partners from Restore the Delta, Fathers and Families of San Joaquin, Little Manila Rising, and Third City Coalition, are excited to share and discuss the project’s findings. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
Sierra Nevada snowpack still below average after winter storms
“The California Department of Water Resources performed a snow survey Wednesday, the results of which were decidedly mixed. “The state experienced a series of storms over the past couple of weeks that dropped significant amounts of rain and snow,” said Sean de Guzman, the water department’s chief of snow surveys. “But it’s not nearly enough to make up the deficit we’ve experienced the last few months.” … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: Sierra Nevada snowpack still below average after winter storms
California needs more storms, groundwater to avoid prolonged drought, experts say
“Northern California was walloped at the end of January by the winter’s first big storm, which poured heavy rain and loads of snow across the region. That was great for the snowpack in the Sierra, which supplies around a third of California’s water needs. The most recent survey showed the snowpack is 70% of normal for this time of year statewide, a big increase from the 52% a month ago. But that storm was not nearly enough to get the state out of drought trouble, according to Sean de Guzman with the California Department of Water Resources. “It looks like we’re just going to continue to be chasing average conditions for the foreseeable future,” explained de Guzman, DWR’s Chief of Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting. … ” Read more from Capital Public Radio here: California needs more storms, groundwater to avoid prolonged drought, experts say
SEE ALSO:
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- THIS JUST IN … Dry Conditions Continue Even as Recent Winter Storms Bring Much-Needed Snow, from Maven’s Notebook
- Despite recent storms, California’s dismal snowpack fuels concern about dry year ahead, from the San Francisco Chronicle
- Eastern Sierra precipitation conditions get a nice bump, from the Sierra Wave
- California is still thirsty after the recent series of winter storms, rainfall figures show, from the LA Times
New federal law may boost Delta, Bay restoration, protection
“The major Northern California waterways may be getting a renewed lease on their ecological and economic lives, as federal support for protection and restoration of the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary could nearly double in coming years following enactment last month of the Protect and Restore America’s Estuaries Act. As one of 28 “estuaries of national significance” eligible for funding through the new law, the San Francisco Estuary and other estuaries along every U.S. coast each may now receive as much as $1 million a year in federal aid, Caitlin Sweeney, director of the San Francisco Estuary Partnership, noted in a press release issued Tuesday. … ” Read more from the Vacaville Reporter here: New federal law may boost Delta, Bay restoration, protection
Winery wastewater guidelines impact half of all California operations
“A new set of winery wastewater guidelines will be imposed on a statewide basis. The State Water Resources Control Board recently adopted a general order regulating how wastewater will be processed and discharged. Traditionally there have been regional guidelines, but the new order will be the first statewide mandate applied to wastewater from wineries. “What the state water board adopted last week will apply to a wide array of California wineries and require them to get a permit from their regional water quality control boards to continue their operations,” said Noelle Cremers, Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs for the Wine Institute. “It’s our estimation that about 1,500 wineries will be subject to the order.” … ” Read more from Ag Net West here: Winery wastewater guidelines impact half of all California operations
DWR continues critical operations during public emergencies
“The Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues operations to maintain critical functions while modifying the way we work in the face of the current emergencies, like COVID-19 and fires statewide, to protect our staff and the public. DWR continues providing California its core services of water delivery, flood protection, dam safety, and infrastructure maintenance. Following guidance from Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Department of Public Health (CDPH), DWR has made several changes due to COVID-19. … ” Read more from DWR News here: DWR continues critical operations during public emergencies
Press release: Westlands Water District applauds Gov. Newsom’s habitat improvement funding proposal
“After the California State Assembly Budget Subcommittee #3 hearing discussing Governor Gavin Newsom’s state budget proposal, Tom Birmingham, Westlands Water District general manager, issued the following statement in strong support of the California Natural Resources Agency’s “Proposition 68: Habitat Improvement” budget change proposal (BCP). “Robust, effective habitat restoration is critical to supporting at-risk species and ensuring a reliable water supply for our environment, agriculture, communities and economy. This habitat improvement funding represents an important step toward early implementation of the Voluntary Agreements, and we stand in strong support of these efforts to improve the health of the Sacramento River, San Joaquin River and Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta.” … ” Read more from Westlands Water District here: Press release: Westlands Water District applauds Gov. Newsom’s habitat improvement funding proposal
Press release: Federal judge and enviro groups say it’s time to end debate on Yuba River dams
“On Monday, February 1, Judge John Mendez of the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California issued an order to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Army Corps of Engineers that was critical of their continued delay in making a decision that could seal the fate of the Yuba River’s threatened fish species, which include Spring-run Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and green sturgeon. Mendez’s ruling comes on the heels of a letter sent by South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), Friends of the River, and 12 coalition partners urging NMFS to take action on the Corps’ Yuba River dams and craft a watershed-wide solution to save the Yuba’s threatened fish species. …
The letter was issued at a crucial moment in an Endangered Species Act lawsuit filed by Friends of the River. In a victory for Friends of the River, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in October 2019 that the 2014 decision by NMFS regulating the Corps’ management of Englebright Dam and Daguerre Point Dam is legally flawed. As a result of that ruling, NMFS must make a choice whether to further explain its 2014 decision or start over, reassessing the dams’ impacts on Yuba’s threatened fish, and issuing a new decision, called a biological opinion. SYRCL’s coalition letter demands a new biological opinion, presenting compelling evidence that harm caused by the Corps’ dams, compounded by increased harm from climate change, has led to a dramatic decrease in Yuba River fish populations that puts them in ever greater danger of extinction in the watershed.
“Although NMFS has known since the 9th Circuit’s ruling in October 2019 that it has to make a decision about whether to issue new Endangered Species Act regulations for the Corps’ Yuba River dams, NMFS has continually delayed doing so. On Monday Judge Mendez said the delay could no longer go on indefinitely,” said Eric Wesselman, Friends of the River Executive Director.
Mendez has ordered NMFS and the Corps to tell the court whether they have decided to provide “a more reasoned explanation” of the 2014 decision or whether NMFS “will issue a new biological opinion.” Further, if in ten days they still have not decided, they must provide the court with “a specific estimate of when that decision will be made.”
According to SYRCL and Friends of the River, action is long overdue and critically urgent. The salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon do not have time to wait. Their survival is in jeopardy.
“Friends of the River and SYRCL hope this letter, which summarizes close to 20 years of conversations, lawsuits, and comment letters, will make clear the need for NMFS and the Corps to comply with their legal obligations for the lower Yuba,” said Melinda Booth, SYRCL’s Executive Director.
The two organizations are optimistic that the new federal era will bring about accountability, transparency, and inclusion in holistic watershed management. They also hope it will provide much-needed funding and coordination between all important stakeholders who do the work necessary to preserve the species native to the Yuba River.
A dozen partners from across California and the nation signed onto the coalition letter, including Fly Fishers International, Gold Country Fly Fishing, Sierra Club, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, Center for Biological Diversity, California Coastkeeper Alliance, Trout Unlimited, San Francisco Baykeeper, The Sierra Fund, Nevada City Rancheria Tribal Council, Stoecker Ecological, and Patagonia. Other supportive organizations of the letter include American Rivers and Our Children’s Earth Foundation.
About SYRCL: The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL, pronounced “circle”) is the leading voice for the protection and restoration of the Yuba River watershed. Founded in 1983 through a rural, grassroots campaign to defend the South Yuba River from proposed hydropower dams, SYRCL has developed into a vibrant community organization with over 3,500 members and volunteers based in Nevada City, CA. See: www.yubariver.org
About Friends of the River’s lawsuit: The name and case number in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California is Friends of the River v. National Marine Fisheries Service, et al., 2:16-cv-00818-JAM-EFB.
In regional water news and commentary today …
Marin: Advanced metering, desalination would bolster water supply amid construction mandates, says Rick Johnson, of Novato, a former employee of the San Francisco Water Department
“Samuel Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” features the phrase, “Water, water, every where, nor any drop to drink.” Unlike the Ancient Mariner who was trapped on a salt-water ocean without fresh water, we in Marin County have fresh water surrounded by a salty bay and ocean. Water reality is too often overlooked when legislators and regional agencies impose quotas for building more housing. Marin is split into two water districts. Southern Marin is represented by the Marin Municipal Water District and northern Marin by the North Marin Water District. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Advanced metering, desalination would bolster water supply amid construction mandates
San Francisco increases access to clean water with 12 new drink tap stations
“The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday announced the installation of 12 new drink tap stations around the city’s Tenderloin, Bayview and Mission District neighborhoods to ensure residents there have access to clean drinking water. The stations, installed along main thoroughfares, come after the SFPUC last July installed temporary fixtures at six fire hydrant locations in the Tenderloin to allow for better drinking water access there. ... ” Read more from SF Bay here: San Francisco increases access to clean water with 12 new drink tap stations
Pleasanton city council drops pursuit for potable water
“Pleasanton is no longer pursuing potable reuse as a water supply alternative after the City Council voted 3-2 to stop studying the matter with other regional agencies on Tuesday. In addition to ending Pleasanton’s participation in evaluating a regional potable reuse project with the Zone 7 Water Agency, Danville San Ramon Services District and city of Livermore, among others, the council directed $300,000 from the capital improvement program that was earmarked for more potable water studies be used to treat hazardous per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Well #8, which is owned by the city and currently out of operation. … ” Read more from Pleasanton Weekly here: Pleasanton city council drops pursuit for potable water
San Jose implements six full capture, maintenance-friendly stormwater treatment solutions to protect vital watersheds
“Northern California is home to some of California’s most admired landscapes, Yosemite and the Redwood Forest, but the Silicon Valley also serves as a global center for technology and innovation. San Jose is the largest city in Silicon Valley and third-largest in California, with a population of over 1 million and covers around 180 square miles. Nestled along San Francisco Bay’s southern shoreline, San Jose stormwater runoff impacts six local watersheds. To protect these watersheds, the City of San Jose is pursuing a multi-phased project to implement large-scale stormwater solutions across the city in three of the largest watersheds: Coyote, Guadalupe, and San Tomas. … ” Read more Stormwater Solutions here: San Jose implements six full capture, maintenance-friendly stormwater treatment solutions to protect vital watersheds
After a resignation, Marina Coast Water District seeks applicants to fill a partial term
“Marina Coast Water District is small but influential in local water issues, caught in the middle on various politically fraught issues. For one, the water district—which is adjacent to California American Water’s service area, but not in it—has long been an antagonist to Cal Am. The one-time partners on a now-defunct desalination project have been embroiled in litigation over that former project for years. And Marina Coast has been an outspoken leader in opposition to Cal Am’s more recent proposed desalination project, fighting it since the earliest steps. (That project proposal was eventually withdrawn, though a new, similar proposal is pending.) … ” Read more from Monterey Weekly here: After a resignation, Marina Coast Water District seeks applicants to fill a partial term
Winners and losers: SLO County supervisors are hoping new rules for the Paso Robles water basin will give smaller farmers more flexibility
“When given a chance, San Luis Obispo County 5th District Supervisor Debbie Arnold is eager to talk about the flaws she sees in the county ordinance governing water use in the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin. Arnold finds it inherently unfair. In 2013, amid drought and dried-up wells, the Board of Supervisors essentially banned any new or expanded groundwater use over the aquifer that could not be offset by a reduction in pumping. Striving for water neutrality, the county hoped the policy could help stabilize an overpumped basin that supports 40 percent of SLO County’s agricultural economy and thousands of rural residents. But more than seven years later, Arnold laments how the ordinance created winners and losers. … ” Continue reading at New Times SLO here: Winners and losers: SLO County supervisors are hoping new rules for the Paso Robles water basin will give smaller farmers more flexibility
Paso Robles: Water Resource Recovery Facility shows resiliency in face of recent storms
“Although the Central Coast experienced an intense storm system last week, the City of San Luis Obispo’s proactive preparation allowed for minimal disruptions to regular services. This was exemplified by the extraordinary measures taken by the City’s Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), where a comprehensive upgrade to the facility—called SLO Water Plus—is currently underway while also maintaining full operational capacity. SLO Water Plus is the City’s largest capital investment to date, totaling approximately $111 million in construction costs. Upon the project’s completion in 2024, the upgrades and enhancements will provide significant long-term benefits to water quality and the environment. … ” Read more from the Paso Robles Press here: Water Resource Recovery Facility shows resiliency in face of recent storms
Santa Barbara approves sea-level rise adaptation plan
“The global climate crisis continues to exacerbate many precarious environmental issues, and for coastal cities like Santa Barbara, the detrimental impacts of rising temperatures on flooding and erosion are all too apparent. In order to proactively address these concerns, the City Council unanimously approved a resolution to implement an adaptation plan to alleviate the effects of rising sea levels along Santa Barbara’s shoreline. The proposal, which projected that sea levels will increase by 0.8 feet by the year 2030, encompassed both short-term and long-term recommended courses of action as well as a structure for future decision-making in the face of unpredictable environmental changes. … ” Read more from the Santa Barbara Independent here: Santa Barbara approves sea-level rise adaptation plan
Residents report unprecedented amount of trash washing up on Malibu beaches
“Malibu residents and visitors to Paradise Cove, Big Dume and Little Dume Beaches say they are horrified by the amount of trash floating in the water and washing up on the shore beginning in mid January. The trash accumulated in large piles ashore and included everything from dozens of used needles (medical waste) to a dead dog. One local, Alexa Woodward, said she and a friend were out on the water doing some stand-up paddle boarding near Little Dume, going south toward Paradise Cove on Jan.17 when they found themselves surrounded by refuse. … ” Read more from the Santa Monica Daily Press here: Residents report unprecedented amount of trash washing up on Malibu beaches
Press release: LA’s National Estuary Program reauthorized by Congress to protect urban coastline
“Congress reaffirmed its support and strong commitment to the National Estuary Program a time tested, non-regulatory program that enables communities to restore and protect the bays and estuaries they call home. The Santa Monica Bay National Estuary Program(SMBNEP), a partnership between the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission and The Bay Foundation, is one of 28 “estuaries of national significance” along every coast that will benefit directly from legislation approved by Congress. It was strongly supported by Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris and 48 California Representatives including: Ted Lieu, Maxine Waters, Karen Bass, Julia Brownley, Janet Napolitano, Adam Schiff, Pete Aguilar, Nanette Diaz-Barragán, Tony Cardenas, Judy Chu, Jimmy Gomez, Alan Lowenthal, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Brad Sherman, Norma Torres, and Kevin McCarthy.
“The Protect and Restore America’s Estuaries Act, with strong bipartisan support and unanimous approval from the Senate, was signed into law on January 13, 2021. The Act reaffirms support for the work of the National Estuary Program, and nearly doubles the annual funding limit to $50 million. Under the new law, each NEP could receive as much as $1 million each year. The SMBNEP works with our communities at the local level to protect the coastal resources essential for tourism, commerce, storm protection, clean water and marine-based food supply such as fisheries and aquaculture. Increasing threats from pollution, harmful algal blooms, accelerating land loss, and risks to biodiversity threaten the vitality of estuaries across the country, and are a growing concern.
“These actions demonstrate a clear recognition by Congress of the economic and environmental value of our nation’s estuaries and coasts,” said Lexie Bell, Chair of the national nonprofit Association of National Estuary Programs, established in 1995 to bring the National Estuary Programs together for collaboration and shared learning.
Rep. Tom Malinowski, D-N.J., a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the original sponsor of the bill introduced in July 2019 said, “Estuaries nurture a vast array of marine life, filter pollutants from rivers before they reach the sea, and are the natural infrastructure that protects human communities from floods and storms. As extreme weather events increasingly threaten these nurseries of the sea, I’m very proud this important legislation was signed into law, so these critical waterways will continue to be protected.”
Senators Whitehouse of Rhode Island, Cassidy of Louisiana, and Carper of Delaware were instrumental in securing passage of the bill, and are long time champions of estuaries and coastal protection.
“In addition to funding ecological restoration, research, and providing grants, the National Estuary Program ensures that the management plans guiding nationally significant estuaries consider the effects of increasing and recurring extreme weather events and develop and implement appropriate adaptation strategies,” said SMBNEP Director and TBF Chief Executive Officer Tom Ford. “We are greatly appreciative of the strong support from our Senators and Representatives for the important work being done in our estuaries through our program and in collaboration with so many partners across sectors,” said Ford.
Last year, the SMBNEP successfully accomplished the following with partners:
- 562 endangered white abalone outplanted in Fall 2020 to restore the abalone population off Palos Verdes;
- TBF’s Abalone Lab is holding and caring for 1500 endangered white abalone to be outplanted in 2021;
- Commercial urchin divers spent 283 hours underwater restoring 4.2 acres of kelp forest;
- Over 10,000 pounds (5 tons) of iceplant removed at the Zuma Lagoon site of the Malibu Living Shorelines Project, to be replaced by over 700 native plants;
- Over 1,400 native plants installed at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve;
- Over 3,000 boaters engaged on preventing pollution;
- One community garden implemented in Inglewood, CA with over 100 Environmental Charter Middle School-Inglewood students virtually engaged on the garden’s purpose, planning, and construction;
- 28 Coastal Research Institute interns from Loyola Marymount U., U. of Southern California, U. of California, Irvine, and U. of California, Los Angeles, contributed over 800 hours to The Bay Foundation projects.
Group seeks order to stop the Ballona restoration project
“A group called Protect Ballona Wetlands, has filed a Petition for Writ of Mandate with the LA Superior Court. The lawsuit seeks to restrain the Calif. Dept of Fish and Wildlife from approving a project to “restore, enhance, and establish native coastal wetland and upland habitats on approximately 566 acres within the Ballona Reserve.” The group alleges that the State’s description of the plan as restoration is “disingenuous.” They say that the plan will actually harm wildlife, take the land out of its natural state, and irreparably harm endangered species. … ” Read more from the Santa Monica Observer here: Group seeks order to stop the Ballona restoration project
After public pressure, Long Beach will explore ways to buy parkland along LA River
“After a publicity blitz by residents pushing for more open space on the city’s west side where parks are scarce, Long Beach will explore the possibility of purchasing parcels of land adjacent to the Los Angeles River. At a City Council meeting Tuesday, Councilman Al Austin asked that city manager to look at what it would cost—and how Long Beach could come up with funding—to purchase land next to the river. ... ” Read more from the Long Beach Post here: After public pressure, city will explore ways to buy parkland along LA River
Water lawsuit settled with Redlands and 2 other cities in San Bernardino County
“A lawsuit against several cities and the county of San Bernardino over failing to file water efficiency reports required by the state has been settled and the jurisdictions are now working on fulfilling the terms of the settlements. The Natural Resources Defense Council estimated 340 cities and counties in the state did not file one or more annual reports on permit programs for new irrigated landscapes, robbing the public of critical information regarding local conservation efforts. The lawsuit was filed in December 2019 against Redlands, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and the county. … ” Read more from the Redlands Daily Facts here: Water lawsuit settled with Redlands and 2 other cities in San Bernardino County
Apple Valley to live stream closing arguments in right-to-take trial against Liberty Utilities
“Apple Valley officials announced Tuesday that the town will live stream closing arguments in its eminent domain case against Liberty Utilities, which are scheduled to take place Thursday and Friday. San Bernardino Superior Court, where the right-to-take trial is being heard, is closed to the public amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but Thursday and Friday’s proceedings can be viewed live on Apple Valley’s Public, Education and Government (PEG), which is commonly referred to as AppleValley.TV, according to a town press release. … ” Read more from the Victorville Daily Press here: Apple Valley to live stream closing arguments in right-to-take trial against Liberty Utilities
Imperial Irrigation District board members assigned to various regional boards despite tensions
“During Imperial Irrigation District Board meeting director comments, Norma Galindo commented from her remote distancing location, and started off memorializing recently passed, former IID General Manager, Kevin Kelley, then segued into a discourse about prayer. “We talk about prayer, I don’t believe many do, or if they do, they pray for the wrong thing. I am troubled by the hypocrisy in our leadership when we talk about praying. … However, contention rose at the first action item, appointing directors to the various boards and organizations to represent the voice and direction of the IID. … ” Read more from the Desert Review here: Imperial Irrigation District board members assigned to various regional boards despite tensions
In national water news today …
When will the winter weather end in the U.S.? A national spring forecast
“Winter seemingly took forever to take hold across a large chunk of the United States this season due to true Arctic air holding back until the middle and latter part of January. However, once it arrived, it did so in a dramatic fashion, helping to set off blockbuster snowstorms across the Midwest and the Northeast as a train of storms slammed into California unleashing heavy rain and yards of mountain snow. Despite Old Man Winter’s fashionably late arrival, he made a no-holds-barred entrance. And AccuWeather forecasters are warning in the company’s annual spring forecast, released this week, that the winter hits may keep on coming even well into spring for some regions. … ” Read more from CBS Channel 8 here: When will the winter weather end in the U.S.? A national spring forecast
Column: The agenda on a collision course with American farming
Wayne Western writes, “Not surprisingly, environmental groups such as the NRDC are acting like six-year-olds on Christmas morning. The political trifecta was successful and advancing their agenda is certainly attainable. America First is out and America Must Support, is in. President Biden’s pen can’t move fast enough as the disinformation age continues. In an NRDC Blog by Kate Poole, she quotes a survey completed by a pollster to measure the favorability toward the activists’ 30×30 Plan. … ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: The agenda on a collision course with American farming
EPA nominee Regan pledges ‘urgency’ on climate change at confirmation hearing
“During his confirmation hearing on Wednesday, President Biden’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Michael Regan, pledged to act with “a sense of urgency” on climate and to increase the agency’s focus on science, transparency and combating inequality. “Our priorities for the environment are clear. We will restore the role of science and transparency at EPA. We will support the dedicated and talented career officials. We will move with a sense of urgency on climate change, and we will stand up for environmental justice and equity,” Regan said in his opening statement. … ” Read more from The Hill here: EPA nominee Regan pledges ‘urgency’ on climate change at confirmation hearing
5 unusual technologies for harvesting water in dry areas
“Water scarcity is among the top five global risks affecting people’s well-being. In water-scarce areas, the situation is grim. Conventional sources like snowfall, rainfall, river runoff and easily accessible groundwater are being affected by climate change, and supplies are shrinking as demand grows. … Water-scarce countries need a fundamental change in planning and management. We are looking at how to do this, through the creative exploitation of unconventional water resources. From Earth’s seabed to its upper atmosphere, we have a variety of water resources that can be tapped. But making the most of these requires a diverse range of technological interventions and innovations. … ” Read more from Water Online here: 5 unusual technologies for harvesting water in dry areas
How one of the world’s wettest major cities ran out of water
“Climate change is bringing rising sea levels and increased flooding to some cities around the world and drought and water shortages to others. For the 11 million inhabitants of Chennai, it’s both. India’s sixth-largest city gets an average of about 1,400mm (55 inches) of rainfall a year, more than twice the amount that falls on London and almost four times the level of Los Angeles. Yet in 2019 it hit the headlines for being one of the first major cities in the world to run out of water—trucking in 10 million liters a day to hydrate its population. This year, it had the wettest January in decades. The ancient south Indian port has become a case study in what can go wrong when industrialization, urbanization and extreme weather converge and a booming metropolis paves over its flood plain to satisfy demand for new homes, factories and offices. … ” Read more from Bloomberg News here: How one of the world’s wettest major cities ran out of water
Precipitation watch …
Not much to watch, though.
Today’s featured articles …
DELTA LEAD SCIENTIST REPORT: How different genetically are fall-run and spring-run chinook salmon?; Social science in the Delta; and activities of the Delta Science Program
At the January meeting of the Delta Stewardship Council, Delta 
Lead Scientist Dr. Laurel Larsen discussed the recent science publication, ‘A complex phenotype in salmon controlled by a simple change in migratory timing.’ She also introduced Dr. Jessica Rudnick, the new California Sea Grant Social Science Extension Specialist hired to work in the Delta and updated the Council on the Delta Science Program’s ongoing activities.
Click here to read this article.
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
WATER PLAN eNEWS: ~~SGMA Webinar~ IRWM Webinar~ Water Recommendations~ Climate Report~ Headwater Forests~Stream Gaging~ Ag Tech ~~
