In California water news this weekend …
Spring arrives with meteorologists’ grim forecast for California water supply
“Saturday marks the first day of astronomical spring and the outlook is grim for the western portion of the country, where drought conditions will persist. “Drier conditions in the Southwest U.S. associated with La Niña and the failed 2020 summer monsoon have been contributing factors to the development and intensification of what represents the most significant U.S. spring drought since 2013,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). … ” Read more from CBS Bay Area here: Spring arrives with meteorologists’ grim forecast for California water supply
Drought is the West’s next big climate disaster
“Much of the U.S. West is facing the driest spring in seven years, setting up a climate disaster that could strangle agriculture, fuel deadly wildfires and even hurt power production. Across 11 western states, drought has captured about 75% of the land, and covers more than 44% of the contiguous U.S., the U.S. Drought Monitor said. While drought isn’t new to the West, where millions of people live, grow crops and raise livestock in desert conditions that require massive amounts of water, global warming is exacerbating the problem — shrinking snowpack in the Rocky Mountains and extending the fire season on the West Coast. … ” Read more from Bloomberg here: Drought is the West’s next big climate disaster
Bill to create a Southern LA County water watchdog puts agencies on edge
“A proposal to create a watchdog for South Los Angeles County’s dozens of disjointed and struggling water systems has stirred fear among public agencies and companies further down the pipeline that they could be the target of hostile takeovers. AB 1195, introduced by Assemblywoman Christina Garcia, would establish the Southern Los Angeles County Regional Water Agency and grant it authority to assist failing water systems with aging infrastructure, or to take control if a system is no longer able to provide affordable, clean drinking water. But the lack of clear criteria for what qualifies for a takeover has led to concerns that this new agency, if formed, would have sweeping powers that could usurp local control. ... ” Read more from the Long Beach Press Telegram here: Bill to create a Southern LA County water watchdog puts agencies on edge
California has a new idea for homes at risk from rising seas: Buy, rent, retreat
“At a normal tide on a normal day on the Southern California coast, ankle-high waves glide over a narrow strip of gold sand. On one side sits the largest body of water in the world. On the other, a row of houses with a cumulative value in the hundreds of millions of dollars, propped on water-stained stilts. Property value ebbs and flows, but when it comes to coastal real estate “the trend lines are pretty clear,” says California state legislator Ben Allen, squinting in the sun. “And they’re not pretty. Within the span of a 30-year mortgage, more than $100 billion worth of American homes is expected to be at risk of chronic flooding. As the climate warms and oceans rise, narrow strips of sand like the one Allen is standing on, will be submerged, leaving coastal communities — affluent and not — with the torturous question of how to adjust. Build seawalls? Dump sand? For how long and at what cost? “ … ” Read more from NPR here: California has a new idea for homes at risk from rising seas: Buy, rent, retreat
ACWA weighs in on state water affordability legislation
“ACWA and its member agencies care greatly about water affordability and recognize the centrality of this issue during these uniquely challenging times. ACWA is advocating in Washington, D.C. (already with some success) and in Sacramento for federal and state funding to help public water systems and treatment works cover customer arrearages accrued during the pandemic. This funding is needed quickly — through immediate action — as opposed to through the legislative process for long-term policy bills. Two state policy bills introduced this year and related to water affordability are well-intended but contain fundamental flaws that would make the measures counterproductive. … ” Read more from ACWA’s Water News here: ACWA weighs in on state water affordability legislation
Harder requests new funding for flood protection project impacting 165,000 people, 262 critical sites
“Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) sent a letter with Rep. Jerry McNerny (CA-9) requesting new federal funds for the Lower San Joaquin River Flood Risk Management and Feasibility Study projects. The $36.5 million in requested funds would go toward the Army Corps of Engineers and San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency’s critical flood damage reduction efforts. If implemented, the project will protect 165,000 Valley residents, reduce annual property damage by 84%, and increase the resilience of 262 critical infrastructure sites, 12 of which are essential to daily life in the Valley. The project is expected to yield $7 for every $1 of taxpayer money invested. “When you’ve got a project that will protect lives, improve water infrastructure, and return $7 for every $1 invested, you make it happen,” said Rep. Harder. “Our efforts on making the Lower San Joaquin River more climate-resilient is a no brainer, and it’s time for the federal government to step up and help get it done.” … ” Read more from Congressman Josh Harder here: Harder requests new funding for flood protection project impacting 165,000 people, 262 critical sites
Fish in hot water: Developing a scientific method for fish conservation
“As of 2021, California is home to 31 distinct kinds of native salmon, steelhead and trout species, 20 of which are found only in our state. These fish are prized for their economic and cultural significance by local communities, and for their recreational attributes by anglers from around the world. But these fish face an alarming threat that can’t be ignored. If current trends continue, nearly half of these fish will be extinct within the next 50 years. How do we know this? And perhaps an even better question: what can be done about it? The answers to both of these questions are rooted in CalTrout’s history of turning science into action, made possible by our close relationship with the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences. ... ” Read more from Cal Trout here: Fish in hot water: Developing a scientific method for fish conservation
The recreational red abalone fishery to remain closed until 2026
“While the spring season typically signals the start of the recreational red abalone season, CDFW reminds anglers that the northern California recreational red abalone fishery will remain closed until April 1, 2026. Red abalone stocks continue to be impacted by large scale die offs in this area due to the collapse of the bull kelp forest, which is their primary food. At its December meeting, the Fish and Game Commission extended the fishery closure for an additional five years to 2026. The Commission closed the fishery in 2017 because of the mortality of red abalone populations due to environmental stressors. …
” Read more from the Department of Fish & Wildlife here: The recreational red abalone fishery to remain closed until 2026
California green group trying to make big plastic pay for scourge of pollution
“If you leave Los Angeles by boat and head due west for the Hawaiian Islands, about halfway you will reach The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a collection of floating trash comprised primarily of discarded plastic. The rotation gyre of discarded rubbish has grown exponentially, increasing ten-fold every single decade since 1945, to its present dimensions of 600,000 square miles, or roughly the size of Alaska. It weighs an estimated 87,000 tons. … While many of the solutions proffered by various organizations focus on the technological innovations that make clean-up possible, there is an environmental organization that has undertaken a novel approach to combating the scourge of global plastic pollution. … ” Read more from Courthouse News Service here: California green group trying to make big plastic pay for scourge of pollution
In commentary this weekend …
Commentary: California needs to repeat history by passing new clean water laws
Terry Tamminen, president of 7th Generation Advisors and former secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency writes, “The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act, California’s state clean water law, passed in 1969 and became the model for the 1972 federal Clean Water Act. Nearly half a century after passage of the landmark federal law, it is time for both the state and the nation to assess progress and chart a new course. Once again, California is leading the way with Assembly Bill 377, a new bill introduced by Assemblyman Robert Rivas (D-Hollister). Although new legislation is needed, the existing federal and California clean water acts have produced successes that should be celebrated. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: California needs to repeat history by passing new clean water laws
Why do we have lawns anyway? (And what we can do instead)
Staff writer Landon Iannamico writes, “If I were to ask you to picture the average American home, you would probably think of a suburban landscape with white picket fences, luxurious minivans and well-manicured, rich green lawns. Despite the fact that most Americans do not live in these kinds of households, this is what most of us are subconsciously trained to aspire to live in — the quintessential image of the “American Dream.” … But where did this obsession come from? A lawn, taken out of context, is a very peculiar landscaping choice. … ” Read more from the Daily Californian Weekender here: Why do we have lawns anyway? (And what we can do instead)
In people news this weekend …
PASSINGS
Obituary: Larry Richard Brown
“Larry Brown was a kind, generous and thoughtful man who lived an exemplary life, devoted to his family and to the conservation of the natural world. He was born on March 12, 1956, in San Gabriel to Marilynn and Gordon Brown. … Larry was a renowned research scientist who was recently acknowledged by a Stanford study as among the world’s top 2% of scientists in his field. Larry’s research career got its start at UC Davis where he obtained a Ph.D. in ecology in 1988 and continued as a postdoctoral researcher, working closely with the eminent California fish biologist Dr. Peter Moyle. He headed a five-year project studying the effects of invasive species on the native fishes of the Eel River, especially salmon and steelhead. One of the products of this research was discovering that coho salmon, once an important sport fish in California, were in severe decline in all streams along the California coast. … ” Continue reading at the Davis Enterprise here: Obituary: Larry Richard Brown
PROFILES
Ann Hayden: The collaborative habitat creator
“The lure of a ten-speed bike was all it took. This was no ordinary bicycle, however. This was a radiant red Schwinn with swooping sight lines, 10 gears of unfettered pedal power that would serve as a freedom chaser to propel 9-year-old Ann Hayden to explore country roads in her rural Yolo County neighborhood. And Ann was ready to go. Her parents, on the other hand, weren’t about to bend so easily to a simple plea from their daughter. A deal was struck instead. Her parents would buy the bike if Ann completed a year of 4-H, the agricultural youth development program, which her brothers had been participating in for years. After all, her parents were so committed to the 4-H experience that they had a wooden sign made that read “Hayden’s Hogs” which was proudly displayed at the entry way to their house. ... ” Continue reading at the NorCal Water Association blog here: Ann Hayden: The collaborative habitat creator
Michael Mendez: Climate Change and Environmental Justice in California
“Michael Mendez is an assistant professor in the School of Social Ecology at UC Irvine, and has spent time doing public policy work as an advisor, senior legislative consultant, lobbyist, and as a gubernatorial appointee during the passage of California’s internationally acclaimed climate change laws. Most recently, Governor Newsom appointed Michael to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, which regulates water quality in a region of 11 million people. He is author of the book Climate Change from the Streets (Yale University Press). Q:You’ve had really interesting experiences on your way to joining the faculty at UC Irvine. Can you tell us a bit more about your path and how it has shaped the work you do now? A: As a scholar, my work is situated at the intersection of climate change, public health, and public policy. … ” Read more from The Confluence here: From the Ground Up: Climate Change and Environmental Justice in California
APPOINTMENTS
From the Office of the Governor:
E. Joaquin Esquivel, 38, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the State Water Resources Control Board
… where he has served since 2017 and serves as Chair. Esquivel was Assistant Secretary for Federal Water Policy at the California Natural Resources Agency from 2015 to 2017. He served in the Office of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer from 2007 to 2015 as a Research Assistant, Legislative Aide and Legislative Assistant for Native American, water and agriculture issues and as Director of Information and Technology. Esquivel was a Center Youth Manager at Gay Associated Youth from 2002 to 2004. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $164,122. Esquivel is a Democrat.
Alexandre Makler, 53, of Berkeley, has been reappointed to the California Water Commission
… where he has served since 2020. Makler has been Senior Vice President, West Region at Calpine Corporation since 2014, where he has held multiple positions since 1999, including Vice President of Strategic Origination and Development and Vice President/Assistant General Counsel. He was an Associate at Pillsbury Winthrop from 1998 to 1999 and at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle from 1995 to 1998. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Makler is a Democrat.
Jose Solorio, 50, of Santa Ana, has been appointed to the California Water Commission
… Solorio has been a Government Affairs Officer at Moulton Niguel Water District since 2018. He was a Santa Ana City Council Member from 2016 to 2020 and from 2000 to 2006, Senior Policy Advisor at Nossaman LLP from 2014 to 2017 and a California State Assemblymember for the 69th District from 2006 to 2012. Solorio was a Marketing Program Administrator and Government Relations Representative at the Orange County Transportation Authority from 1998 to 2006. Solorio earned a Master of Public Policy degree in government and business policy from Harvard University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Solorio is a Democrat.
Podcasts …
CA STATE OF MIND PODCAST: California considers world’s first guidelines on microplastics in drinking water
“They’re in your food. They’re in your drinks. They’re in the air. Microplastics are pretty much everywhere. And California may become the first place in the world to attempt limits on how much of it can be in your drinking water. On this week’s California State of Mind, Elizabeth talks with CalMatters’ Rachel Becker about how the state is planning for possible new restrictions even though there are large gaps in scientific data about how dangerous they are.”
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING PODCAST: A Watery Economy
Steve Baker writes, “Water is, for the most part, a transparent resource that is invisible to your typical American. Its tangible contributions in our lives are eventually seen when the resource is taken away. Paul Jewel, Kittitas County Commissioner, feels that people can take water for granted. It truly is our single, biggest economic indicator. Most people don’t appreciate that. 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 …
Legal brief: Klamath Tribal water rights
A federal judge affirmed dismissal of a lawsuit in which Oregon ranchers sued to prevent the Klamath Tribes from exercising their superior water rights that interfere with irrigation of the ranchers’ lands. The tribes have preexisting authority to control their water rights under an 1864 treaty with the U.S. government. Via Courthouse News Service.
Audio: Klamath County commissioners declare drought in the basin
“For the second year in a row, there will likely not be enough water in the Klamath basin to sustain fish, farmers and birds. Klamath County commissioners recently declared a drought in the basin and asked the state to do the same. Mark Johnson, deputy director of the Klamath Water Users Association, tells us about the impact of water conditions on farmers in the region.” Listen from OPB here: Audio: Klamath County commissioners declare drought in the basin
Klamath Basin: Reclamation’s proposed operations draw criticism from all sides
“Though the Bureau of Reclamation has yet to announce an official allocation to the Klamath Project for this summer, hydrologic projections for Upper Klamath Lake are looking worse by the day — and no one is happy with the agency’s draft operations plan. Irrigation district managers in the Project received a notice from Reclamation last week that diversions of water from Upper Klamath Lake and the Klamath River will be delayed until April 15 at the earliest. ... ” Read more from the Herald & News here: Reclamation’s proposed operations draw criticism from all sides
The Yurok Tribe takes decisive action to protect spring salmon
“Spring Fish Stocks Suffer as a Consequence of Habitat Loss, Excessive Water Diversions. The current quantity of adult spring Chinook in the Klamath River is a small fraction of historic abundance. For example, over 11,000 adults were estimated to be holding in the South Fork Trinity River during 1964, yet abundance has hovered around 20 fish during recent years. The Tribal Council continues to be concerned about the status of this important species, which is expected to be one of the primary runs of fish that will re-populate the Upper Klamath Basin post-dam removal. Therefore, conservation regulations have been implemented by the Yurok Tribe to mitigate further population declines. … ” Continue reading at the Daily Kos here: The Yurok Tribe takes decisive action to protect spring salmon
Mess along Sacramento River in Sutter County has recreation area looking like ‘dumping grounds’
“It’s a nasty sight along the Sacramento River in Sutter County. People like Jason Cooper are so fed up he posted a video of the mess on Facebook. You can see a growing homeless encampment, piles of trash and even broken down vehicles left along the river bank. “They’re polluting the whole water, the whole area out here just causing a bunch of mess,” one local farmer told CBS13. He didn’t want his name disclosed publicly for fear of retaliation. ... ” Read more from CBS 13 here: Mess along Sacramento River in Sutter County has recreation area looking like ‘dumping grounds’
Sacramento: USACE gets ready for the Sacramento River East Levee Contract 2 (SREL 2) works
“Greater Sacramento, California, is considered one of the most at-risk regions in the United States for catastrophic flooding. Its location, at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, has made it necessary to rely on an aging system of levees, weirs, and passes, as well as Folsom Dam upstream, to reduce flooding. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, California Department of Water Resources, and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, worked together to significantly reduce that flood risk. ... ” Read more from Dredging Today here: USACE gets ready for the SREL 2 works
Point Reyes seashore water tests find high bacteria levels
“Five waterways in the Point Reyes National Seashore were found to contain unsafe concentrations of bacteria — including up to 40 times the state health standards for E. coli at one site, according to recently published tests. The environmental organization that funded the water quality tests says the results raise questions about whether the National Park Service is doing enough to curb runoff pollution from commercial beef cattle and dairy ranches operating within the seashore. The findings come as the California Coastal Commission prepares to vote on April 22 on a controversial proposal to extend ranch leases to up to 20-year terms. ... ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Point Reyes seashore water tests find high bacteria levels
Commentary: Protecting Santa Clara County’s water future in the face of climate change
Tony Estremera, Chair of Valley Water Board of Directors, writes, “This year, I have the privilege of serving as chairperson of the Valley Water Board of Directors. Our agency and community are facing many challenges, and I look forward to addressing those issues head-on. In this leadership position, my goal is to make sure our Board is action-oriented and forward-thinking. I also want to make sure our Board represents all people and responds to their needs. This is incredibly important as we continue to seek solutions to the many water-related challenges facing our communities. … ” Read more from San Jose Spotlight here: Protecting Santa Clara County’s water future in the face of climate change
Off-road vehicles to be banned at Oceano Dunes within three years
“The California Coastal Commission has ordered an end to off-road driving at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area within three years as part of an effort to restore eight miles of fragile coastline to a more natural state. In a 10-0 vote late Thursday night, the panel ended a 40-year battle with the California Department of Parks and Recreation over off-highway vehicle, or OHV, activity at the only state park where vehicles can be driven along the beach. However, off-roaders vowed to take the matter to court. “The California coast won,” said Steve Padilla, chair of the commission. “Fundamentally, California law doesn’t allow for that kind of use in environmentally sensitive areas.” … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Off-road vehicles to be banned at Oceano Dunes within three years
SEE ALSO: Commentary: Off-roaders and snowy plovers face off at the Coastal Commission, from the LA Times
Some thoughts on the “On-Going Legal Battle over LADWP Long Valley Leases” in Mono County
Sierra Wave reporter Deb Murphy writes, “Ranchers in Long Valley will be able to continue irrigation on their Los Angeles Department of Water and Power leases based on a five-year historical baseline of 3.2 acre-feet per acre according to a ruling from the California Superior Court earlier this month. The ruling by Alameda County Judge Evelio Grillo is just the latest in a three-year battle that began in spring of 2018 when LADWP notified the lessees water allotments would dorp from 5 acre-feet per acre to nothing but stock water on the 6,400 acres. Los Angeles claimed the ranchers were getting “free water,” but the dry leases offered in 2018 were 60- to 70-percent less than previous wet leases. ... ” Read more from Sierra Wave here: Some thoughts on the “On-Going Legal Battle over LADWP Long Valley Leases” in Mono County
COVID-19 leads to delinquent Indian Wells Valley Water District accounts
“The Indian Wells Valley Water District has seen as many as 800 delinquent accounts owing a total of $156,000 at one time during the pandemic, although the most recent number was 539 in February according to General Manager Don Zdeba. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic delinquent accounts averaged more like 50 per month. Zdeba was the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of China Lake Zoom meeting Wednesday. He talked about the impact of the pandemic on the water district. … ” Read more from the Ridgecrest Independent here: COVID-19 leads to delinquent Indian Wells Valley Water District accounts
Escondido: Construction begins on MFRO facility that will provide sustainable ag water
“Construction of Escondido’s $65 million Membrane Filtration Reverse Osmosis Facility for Agriculture (MFRO Facility) commenced recently, marking a milestone in the City of Escondido’s goal of providing agriculture growers a high-quality irrigation supply and easing the burden on its wastewater infrastructure. The groundbreaking marks milestone in creating a sustainable water source for agriculture growers. … ” Read more from Escondido Times-Advocate here: Construction begins on MFRO facility that will provide sustainable ag water
New River talks continue with federal officials
“Why isn’t more thought or federal funding going into New River clean-up on the U.S. side of the border? It’s a question that Imperial County officials have asked in their most recent letter to the Daniel Avila, acting commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission. The letter, sent March 9 but ratified at the Imperial County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, March 16, outlines concerns the county has in response to a letter from Avila earlier in the year. … ” Read more from the Holtville Tribune here: New River talks continue with federal officials
Next door in Nevada …
Nevada town sues for rights to water leaking from US canal
“A Nevada town founded a century ago by pioneers lured to the West by the promise of free land and cheap water in the desert is trying to block the U.S. government from renovating a 115-year-old earthen irrigation canal with a plan that would eliminate leaking water that local residents long have used to fill their own domestic wells. A federal judge denied the town of Fernley’s bid last year to delay plans to line parts of the Truckee Canal with concrete to make it safer after it burst and flooded nearly 600 homes in 2008. Now, lawyers for the town a half-hour east of Reno have filed a new lawsuit accusing the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation of illegally failing to consider the expected harm to its municipal water supply and hundreds of private well users who tap into the groundwater based on what they say are binding water allotments, some dating to World War II. … ” Continue reading at the San Diego Union-Tribune here: Nevada town sues for rights to water leaking from US canal
Along the Colorado River …
Tucson’s water supply can survive ‘worst case’ CAP cuts, city official says
“Even though Tucson gets most of its water from the Colorado River, its top water official says the city can withstand the deepest cut it’s likely to get from that supply in the foreseeable future. This assurance comes after researchers recently warned the Colorado River Basin could face severe future cuts in water supplies due to climate change and other pressures. The “worst plausible scenario” of a cut the city could face is 50% of its total Colorado River allocation from the Central Arizona Project canal system, said former Tucson Water Director Tim Thomure. … ” Read more from the Arizona Daily Star here: Tucson’s water supply can survive ‘worst case’ CAP cuts, city official says
A Colorado River showdown is looming. Let the posturing begin
“A showdown is looming on the Colorado River. The river’s existing management guidelines are set to expire in 2026. The states that draw water from it are about to undertake a new round of negotiations over the river’s future, while it’s facing worsening dry conditions due in part to rising temperatures. That means everyone with an interest in the river’s future — tribes, environmentalists, developers, business groups, recreation advocates — is hoping a new round of talks will bring certainty to existing water supplies and demands. … ” Read more from High Plains Public Radio here: A Colorado River showdown is looming. Let the posturing begin
NOAA predicts Southwest to experience significant drought conditions
“The Southwest is projected to experience the most significant spring drought since 2013. A new report from climatologists at NOAA says the drought is due to La Niña and a failed 2020 summer monsoon. The projected drought conditions will affect approximately 74 million people. “The Southwest U.S., which is already experiencing widespread severe to exceptional drought, will remain the hardest hit region in the U.S., and water supply will continue to be a concern this spring in these drought-affected areas,” Mary Erickson, deputy director of the National Weather Service, said in the report. … ” Read more from KJZZ here: NOAA predicts Southwest to experience significant drought conditions
In national water news this weekend …
Trump rule imperils more than 40,000 waterways
“More than 70% of U.S. waterways reviewed under a controversial Trump-era rule could be permanently damaged after they were not afforded federal protection, according to Army Corps of Engineers data obtained and reviewed by E&E News. The agency reviewed 55,519 waters and water features since the Navigable Waters Protection Rule took effect in June under the Trump administration. Of those, more than 40,000 did not qualify for federal protection under the Clean Water Act. Such “jurisdictional determinations,” good for five years, pave the way for mining companies, developers and property owners to obtain permits to fill or dredge streams, tributaries, lakes and wetlands, ditches, swales and stormwater ponds. Wetlands and streams that are not given federal protections can be damaged and destroyed forever, along with their abilities to sequester carbon and protect downstream water quality. … ” Read more from E&E News here: Trump rule imperils more than 40,000 waterways
Can more farmers be convinced to conserve and restore wetlands?
“Across the U.S., waters have become increasingly infiltrated by plastics, sediment, drugs like antibiotics, and agricultural chemicals. Fertilizer and manure are common sources of two ubiquitous contaminants — phosphorous and nitrates — which are implicated in a variety of serious health– and ecosystem challenges. They’re applied (and sometimes overapplied) on farms, from where they can leach into groundwater or runoff into streams and other waterways when it rains. This has created what Larry Weber, co-founder of the Iowa Flood Center (IFC) at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, calls a “water quality disaster.” ... ” Read more from Salon here: Can more farmers be convinced to conserve and restore wetlands?
Ogallala Aquifer depletion: Situation to manage, not problem to solve
“The Ogallala Aquifer’s future requires not just adapting to declining water levels, but the involvement of a wide range of participants comfortable with innovation who will help manage the situation and drive future changes. That was the message heard by more than 200 participants from across eight states who listened in and identified key steps in working together during the recent two-day Virtual Ogallala Aquifer Summit. … Often people feel the need to solve the issue of declining groundwater across many parts of the aquifer, when in fact, what is needed is to look at how we manage change, Tracy said. Adaptive management is about driving the change — realizing it is coming and trying to affect what is happening rather than just responding. … ” Read more from Agri-Life here: Ogallala Aquifer depletion: Situation to manage, not problem to solve
Dambot to aid dam inspection personnel
“A US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) team is developing a tele-operated robotic platform to aid dam inspection personnel with assessment of earth dam outlet works. The system – called Dambot – has already been successfully tested could change the course of closure gate assessments, while also safeguarding USACE team members. Construction materials used in outlet works at dams are vulnerable to corrosion and fatigue issues that may compromise the structural integrity of the system and put personnel entering the tunnel in jeopardy. USACE maintains these aging structures, many in unidentified or deteriorated conditions. … ” Read more from Water Power & Dam Construction here: Dambot to aid dam inspection personnel
Catch up on last week’s news in the Weekly Digest …
WEEKLY WATER NEWS DIGEST for March 14 – 19: Secretary Crowfoot on the Voluntary Agreements, Wicked water problems and water wars, and all the top water news stories of the week
Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …
NOW AVAILABLE: Strategies for Preventing and Managing Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms (HCBs)
