On the calendar today …
- MEETING: Central Valley Flood Protection Board meets at 9am. Agenda items include a briefing on 2022 Central Valley Flood Protection Plan update; a briefing on the Merced Watershed Flood MAR study, and Board’s Enforcement Program Informational Briefing. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.
- FREE TEK Science & Management Webinar Series: Rivers & Fish 11:00am to 11:40am. With Charlie Reed, Karuk/Humboldt State University Native American Studies and Keith Parker, Yurok Fisheries Department Molecular Biologist. Register at: http://tinyurl.com/scsTEKseries.
- WORKSHOP: Implementation of the adopted general waste discharge requirements for winery process water from 12pm to 1pm. Topics include: enrollment eligibility, compliance timelines, and an overview of the requirements. Registration is not required. More information here. Click here to participate via Zoom.
- FREE WEBINAR: Eel River Toxic Cyanobacteria from 5pm to 6pm.Keith Bouma-Gregson led ERRP volunteers from 2013 through 2016 in studying cyanobacteria and his Dissertation that summarized findings earned him a PhD from UC Berkeley. He is now lead State Water Resources Control Board staff person dealing with state-wide harmful algae blooms. Rich Fadness of the North Coast Water Board is also an Eel River cyanobacteria expert and will talk about lesser known toxic species. Scientist Michael Thomas has recently joined Rich at the North Coast Water Board and will be taking over Eel River algae studies. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
California drought debate: critics push for statewide emergency declaration
“Two California counties are now in an official drought. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced Mendocino and Sonoma counties are in a drought emergency. “We are experiencing drought conditions throughout the vast majority of the state,” Newsom said. Despite those conditions, Newsom did not declare an emergency for the entire state. Republican Senator Andreas Borgeas Chair of the state’s Agriculture Committee is pushing for a state-wide declaration. With California’s major reservoirs at half capacity and this year’s precipitation 50 percent of average. Officials say it’s the state’s fourth driest year on record. ... ” Read more from CBS 13 here: California drought debate: critics push for statewide emergency declaration
Warm temperatures trigger unprecedented decline in Sierra snowpack’s water content
“As extreme drought conditions continue to expand across the San Francisco Bay Area, a leading climate researcher issued a new warning Thursday of another sign that a water supply crisis is developing across the region. Dan McEvoy, a researcher with the Western Region Climate Center, told KPIX 5 he was startled to discover that several locations in Sierra had seen the biggest decline in snowpack’s water content on record for the time span covering the first three weeks of April. … ” Read more from Channel 5 here: Warm temperatures trigger unprecedented decline in Sierra snowpack’s water content
Salmon advocates criticize Governor for promoting Sites Dam, voluntary agreements during drought
Dan Bacher writes, “Governor Gavin Newsom’s drought emergency proclamation directs state agencies to take “immediate action” to bolster drought resilience and prepare for impacts on communities, businesses and ecosystems if dry conditions extend to a third year, according to Newsom. However, salmon and environmental justice advocates criticized Newsom for using the drought to advocate for Sites Reservoir in Northern California and for his agribusiness-backed voluntary agreements that have held up badly-needed state actions to save salmon and other imperiled fish species from extinction. “California is facing the familiar reality of drought conditions, and we know the importance of acting early to anticipate and mitigate the most severe impacts where possible,” Governor Newsom said. “Climate change is intensifying both the frequency and the severity of dry periods. This ‘new normal’ gives urgency to building drought resilience in regions across the state and preparing for what may be a prolonged drought at our doorstep.” … ” Read more from the Daily Kox here: …Salmon advocates criticize Governor for promoting Sites Dam, voluntary agreements during drought
Video: California’s water scarcity issue: ‘Where rivers ran, now dust’
“Meet the Press Reports: Water Security delves into the growing issue of water scarcity. NBC News chief environmental affairs correspondent Anne Thompson discusses the issue of access to water.” Watch video at Yahoo News here: Video: California’s water scarcity issue: ‘Where rivers ran, now dust’
Newsom takes limited action in addressing drought conditions
“Governor Gavin Newsom has taken limited action to address the drought conditions that California is currently experiencing. During a visit to Lake Mendocino, Governor Newsom has declared a drought emergency in two counties. Newsom said that the state will not be looking to address the drought conditions with a “one-size-fits-all solution.” Instead, state officials will be operating their drought response from a regional perspective. “We will be declaring, in a targeted manner, a drought emergency here in Mendocino County and Sonoma County,” Newsom stated. “We have an emergency order that allows us to build in an iterative manner as conditions persist and present themselves to add other counties to that list as necessary. But we are taking a sequential approach. We are taking a targeted approach. And we are taking an approach based on actual conditions on the ground.” ... ” Read more from Ag Net West here: Newsom takes limited action in addressing drought conditions
Storms to drench much of the Bay Area this weekend. Here’s what to expect
“A burst of rain is expected to drench the Bay Area this weekend, bringing much-needed moisture to a parched region. The rains will likely be intense — but short-lived, tapering off to another stretch of warm, dry conditions by the middle of next week, meteorologists said. Showers were expected to start in the North Bay as early as Saturday evening, with steady rainfall pounding much of the Bay Area Sunday. Lingering showers were expected in the central coast through Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service. ... ” Read more from the SF Chronicle here: Storms to drench much of the Bay Area this weekend. Here’s what to expect
White House panel to address Western water
“President Joe Biden is convening a White House panel to address drought in the West, focusing on immediate financial and technical assistance for affected irrigators and Native American tribes. The working group will be led by the Interior and Agriculture departments and coordinate with other federal agencies as well as state, local and tribal governments to address the needs of suffering communities, the USDA explained. The panel, which was announced during Biden’s April 21 National Climate Task Force meeting, will take a proactive approach to providing drought assistance while working to build long-term resiliency to water shortages, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland explained. ... ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: White House panel to address Western water
Commentary: What can help get us through this drought
Chandra Chilmakuri, the assistant general manager of the State Water Contractors, writes: “Living in California means living with droughts – there’s no getting around it. The devastating 2014-15 drought resulted in water shortages for our communities, farms and the environment, prompting California’s water leaders and decision-makers to implement early planning, improved collaboration, added conservation measures and new local supply projects to help balance the water needs of people and fish in preparing for the drought that is currently before us. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: What can help get us through this drought
Researchers: ‘solar canals’ in California could save water, fight for climate change
“It’s an idea that could save billions of gallons of water and produce renewable energy – while saving money all at the same time. Researchers at UC Merced and UC Santa Cruz think they have a solution to the state’s biggest needs. Everyone is dependent on water and energy, and in California, residents have struggled with both. UC Santa Cruz researcher Brandi McKuin learned that covering 4,000 miles of California canals with solar panels would prevent loss of water from evaporation and create even more energy by cooling the panels to increase power. “We are also looking at doing that without disturbing ecosystems,” she said. … ” Read more from Good Day Sacramento here: Researchers: ‘solar canals’ in California could save water, fight for climate change
In regional water news and commentary today …
Klamath Water Users Association brings legal challenge to Klamath Project Operations
“On April 19, Klamath Water Users Association filed court papers to re-open a lawsuit and seek a ruling that the Bureau of Reclamation’s current approach to regulating water deliveries for the Klamath Project is illegal. KWUA filed a motion in federal court asking the court to lift a stay of existing litigation and then rule on critical legal issues that affect irrigation water availability. KWUA’s Executive Director and Counsel Paul Simmons emphasized that the action will not affect irrigation water supplies this year. “As much as I wish otherwise, there is no litigation path insight that will change our terrible situation this year. KWUA wants to establish sideboards that will control future years’ operations in a more reasonable way.” … ” Read more from Klamath Falls News here: KWUA Brings legal challenge to Klamath Project Operations
Commentary: Klamath ag community must stand up for rights
Unnamed author writes, “There is plenty of water in the Upper Klamath Lake reservoir to supply Klamath Project farmers with water, which is appurtenant and deeded to their land, including enough water to protect sucker fish in the Upper Klamath Lake reservoir. Klamath Irrigation District needs to run the Project as they are contracted to do for the patrons of the Klamath Reclamation Project. ... ” Read more from the Herald & News here: Klamath ag community must stand up for rights
Management council recommends closing chinook fishery in Northern California due to expected low Klamath River fall returns
“The Pacific Fishery Management Council has recommended closing the commercial chinook fishery between the Oregon border and the Fort Bragg area —the California Klamath Management Zone — due to low fall salmon returns forecasted for the Klamath River. Meanwhile, the recreational fishery will be open for chinook from June 29 through Aug. 1, according to a Friday news release from the PFMC. These recommendations will take effect if adopted by U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, according to the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations. … ” Read more from the Lost Coast Outpost here: Management council recommends closing chinook fishery in Northern California due to expected low Klamath River fall returns
Wildlife Conservation Board grants $54,980 for Trinity Reservoir management plan
“The Wildlife Conservation Board today approved a grant award of $574,980 to Humboldt County to develop a water management plan for Humboldt County’s 1959 contract for water releases from Trinity Reservoir. Completion of the water management plan is necessary to make Humboldt County’s contract water available to support fishery resources and other beneficial uses in the Trinity River and lower Klamath River. “Commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries are a vital part of Humboldt County’s economy and cultural identity,” said Steve Madrone, Humboldt County Fifth District Supervisor. “Humboldt County is committed to protecting and restoring our natural and cultural resources. … ” Read more from KRCR here: Wildlife Conservation Board grants $54,980 for Trinity Reservoir management plan
Help develop a plan for groundwater use in the Sierra Valley
“The greater Sierra Valley community is invited to an upcoming workshop to discuss groundwater conditions and trends in Sierra Valley and to generate ideas on how to sustainably manage groundwater in the basin. Everyone is welcome. No specific knowledge or expertise is needed to join the conversation. A brief presentation and user-friendly handouts will give you the information you need to weigh in. The content at two public workshops will be the same, so please attend at the date, time and location that works best for you. Both workshops will proceed rain or shine, with refreshments provided! ... ” Read more from Plumas County News here: Help develop a plan for groundwater use in the Sierra Valley
Gold Rush return to Grass Valley? Company works to reopen Idaho-Maryland mine, but protesters oppose
“It’s been decades since gold country in California has been actively mined, but a Canadian company wants to change that in Grass Valley. Taking a stroll down Main Street, photos in store windows show the town is known for its rich Wild West history and its role in the Gold Rush. That once included the Idaho-Maryland mine, not far from downtown – but untouched since 1956. “At the time they were going to double the production, going from 1,000 tons per day to 2,000 per day,” said Benjamin Mossman, CEO of Rise Gold Corp in Grass Valley. When he heard this fact, he saw the golden opportunity. “Based on that, there’s a lot of gold left to be mined,” Mossman said. ... ” Read more from Good Day Sacramento here: Gold Rush return to Grass Valley? Company works to reopen Idaho-Maryland mine, but protesters oppose
New traveler responsibility pledge educates visitors about taking care of the Sierra
“Popularity of the Lake Tahoe-Truckee region continues to grow as visitors seek recreation amenities and outdoor spaces that the Sierra is known for. To protect and preserve vulnerable ecosystems and residential communities, regional visitor bureaus have joined forces to focus on educational tactics that reinforce the importance of mindful, responsible travel. To encourage stewardship and offer specific actions that visitors can take to help protect Lake Tahoe, surrounding communities, wildlife and the environment, a new Traveler Responsibility Pledge will be introduced this spring. Composed of six tenets that align with primary sustainability initiatives of the region, the pledge outlines actions visitors and residents can do to immediately reduce their travel related impacts. … ” Read more from YubaNet here: New traveler responsibility pledge educates visitors about taking care of the Sierra
City of Calistoga awarded $2 million in water project grants
“The City of Calistoga is in the process of finalizing an agreement for $2 million in grants from the state, which will be used for three water and habitat projects. The funds will be used for critical water transmission line repair of the Conn Creek Waterline; a cease-and-desist order project at Riverside Ponds; and improved habitat with removal of fish barriers like the removal of the old Pioneer Park Bridge. ... ” Read more from the Napa Register here: City of Calistoga awarded $2 million in water project grants
Sonoma county goes after winery over huge wine spill
“The Sonoma County District Attorney’s office wants to penalize Rodney Strong Vineyards after a faulty wine-blending tank caused what could be the biggest wine spill in county history last year. Roughly 97,000 gallons of cabernet sauvignon leaked into Russian River tributary Reiman Creek on Jan. 22, 2020, the fault of a blending tank hatch that unexpectedly popped open. At the time, the winery believed that at least 50% of the wine never made it past its vineyard ponds, pumps and drainpipes — and the recovery efforts of winery personnel and a third-party contractor — but added, “Unfortunately, some wine made it from the creek into the Russian River.” The spilled wine would have filled eight large tanker trucks. ... ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: Sonoma county goes after winery over huge wine spill
California Coastal Commission endorses Point Reyes ranch, elk plan
“After nearly 12 hours of debate on Thursday, California’s top coastal regulators conditionally approved a controversial federal plan to allow commercial cattle ranchers who rent land in Point Reyes National Seashore to obtain longer leases and a plan to kill some of the park’s tule elk to prevent conflicts with ranches. The California Coastal Commission voted 5-4 to endorse the National Park Service’s plan so long as it met several conditions. These include improving water quality tests near ranches; reporting on the progress of the water quality plan and climate adaptation strategies to the commission at a public hearing within 12 months; and returning in 2026 to update the commission on the progress to address water contamination near ranches. ... ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: California Coastal Commission endorses Point Reyes ranch, elk plan
Extreme drought conditions expand into Solano, Contra Costa and Alameda Counties
“Extreme drought conditions continued to expand in the San Francisco Bay Area Thursday with Solano County and parts of Contra Costa and Alameda counties now added to a growing federal list of California regions facing water supply challenges. Federal water officials update the U.S. Drought Monitor every Thursday. This week’s update revealed the growing water crisis in the Bay Area. … ” Read more from Channel 5 here: Extreme drought conditions expand into Solano, Contra Costa and Alameda Counties
Town of Discovery Bay plans for wastewater project
“The Town of Discovery Bay is inching forward in its plans to complete a state-mandated denitrification project for its wastewater treatment systems. The project has been on the town’s horizon for more than a decade, but work will begin this summer and should take two years to complete. It must be done in time for the town’s Federal National Pollutant Discharge Eliminating System (FNPDES) permit to change on Jan. 1, 2024. The permit covers wastewater discharge into Old River; the new permit will require the town to reduce the nitrogen entering the water, hence the title, “denitrification.” ... ” Read more from The Press here: Town of Discovery Bay plans for wastewater project
Bay Area conservationists say region much healthier, but more action required to save the earth
“People who make their livings fighting to protect the Bay Area say the region is a lot healthier than it was when Earth Day began in the 1970s. “But it is still not as clean as it could be. It is not in great shape right now,” said Cole Burchiel, field investigator for San Francisco Baykeeper, an organization that looks for threats to the Bay and tries to hold polluters accountable. “We are still having catastrophic pollution events like the Chevron oil spill,” Burchiel said. … ” Continue reading at KTVU here: Bay Area conservationists say region much healthier, but more action required to save the earth
Legal brief: Bay Area water pollution
A federal court in California denied PG&E’s request to dismiss a Clean Water Act claim brought by a former San Francisco resident over pollution left by the Cannery gas plant, which operated from 1898 to 1906 when it was damaged in the Great Earthquake. Via Courthouse News Service.
South Bay residents warned about triple threat of drought, fire danger, air quality
“Santa Clara County fire officials are putting out a call to action because of the triple threat of drought, wildfires and unhealthy air. “We are urging residents to take action now to prepare for wildfire,” said Luisa Rapport, Public Information Officer for Santa Clara County Fire. She said fire seasons in California will be longer and hit harder than in decades past. “Much like considering the Bay Area earthquake country, we also want our residents to consider California wildfire country,” Rapport said. This year, low rainfall has led to low water levels in the reservoirs. It’s creating extremely dry fuels in the hills and wildlands surrounding many Bay Area neighborhoods. … ” Read more from Channel 5 here: South Bay residents warned about triple threat of drought, fire danger, air quality
Monterey One Water proposes doubling rates over 4 years
“Monterey One Water (M1W) has proposed doubling monthly rates by 2024. M1W says they need additional revenue to support “increases to critical expenses like chemicals and utilities,” to assist with “staffing needs” and to “ensure the fiscal strength of the Agency.” Currently, the monthly maximum rate for homes, apartments and condos is set at $24.55 but by 2024 that rate would increase to $50.95. For motels and hotels, the proposed monthly rate (per room) would be $21.75, up from $9.80, a 122% change. … ” Read more from KSBW here: Monterey One Water proposes doubling rates over 4 years
Will April showers finally come Fresno’s way?
“When did it last rain in Fresno? March 20, and that was little more than a drip — .03 inches to be exact. But, according to the National Weather Service Hanford forecast, a storm will deliver snow to the Sierra Nevada and rain to the Valley floor as early as Saturday night. It’s too early to know how much precipitation is coming, but the NWS forecast says there’s “a very high potential of receiving widespread measurable precipitation.” After the storm blows through, afternoon temperatures will return by mid-week, the NWS says. … ” Read more from GV Wire here: Will April showers finally come Fresno’s way?
Commentary: Why we must kill zombie Poseidon
Randy Kokal writes, ” … For about 20 years the zombie Poseidon project has been haunting Orange County. It threatens us with the prospect of outrageously expensive water bills in order to produce 50 million gallons a day of unneeded water. It wants to do so using the most expensive methods known to the commercial water industry. The Poseidon proposal is not only extremely expensive but it is quite unnecessary. If we don’t take action to stop it now, our children, grandchildren and maybe even our great-grandchildren may end up paying as much as $6300 each through increased water bills over the course of the 35 year “take or pay “contract. ... ” Read more from the Voice of the OC here: Commentary: Why we must kill zombie Poseidon
Invasive seaweed found in Newport Bay
“Multiple federal, state and local agencies have been notified of an invasive algae species discovered in Newport Bay, Calif. The algae, which is native to Florida and other subtropical and tropical locales, is scientifically known as Caulerpa prolifera. It can grow quickly, choking out native seaweeds and potentially harming marine life through lost habitat. The unusual patch of algae discovered by a diver in Newport Bay was eventually identified by the California Department of Food and Agriculture which alerted other agencies. Federal, state and local agencies have been meeting and working quickly to identify the extent of the algae’s infestation in Newport Bay. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) scientists and divers are currently being deployed to map and identify the location of the species. … ” Read more from the Department of Fish & Wildlife here: Invasive seaweed found in Newport Bay
FEMA awards Rancho Water $1 million for new electrical generators
“The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded a grant for $1 million to the Rancho California Water District. The grant will cover 71% of the cost to purchase six of the seven planned on-site electrical generators. In the event of a power shutdown, these generators will be essential to keeping the water flowing to Rancho Water customers throughout the service area. Rancho Water relies on electric-powered pump stations and wells for delivering drinking water throughout the District’s service area. … ” Read more from Valley News here: FEMA awards Rancho Water $1 million for new electrical generators
Can the Seven Oaks Dam near Highland increase San Bernardino Valley’s water supply?
“The San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District is asking: Can an old dam learn new tricks? Specifically, the wholesale water district has its sights on the Seven Oaks Dam located near Highland that holds snowmelt and storm water runoff from the San Bernardino Mountains. As operators, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers typically releases the water in one flush, making it impossible for water agencies to capture any of the flow, explained Heather Dyer, CEO and general manager of Valley District. The dam, completed in 2000, functions as a flood-control tool, she said. Valley District wants to add water conservation by controlling the releases, slowing them down, so that the water can be pooled in percolation ponds along the Santa Ana River and seep into the aquifer, which acts as an underground reservoir. … ” Read more from the Redlands Daily Facts here: Can the Seven Oaks Dam near Highland increase San Bernardino Valley’s water supply?
A water way forward: Borrego Springs has plan in place to address water crisis
“Borrego Springs is running out of water. The aquifer that lays under the Borrego basin is disappearing, it’s critically over-drafted. In 2017, California created the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), which mandated that Borrego become water “sustainable,” meaning water inflow equals outflow, by 2040. Keep in mind, that Borrego is 100% dependent on groundwater, there is no feasible way to bring water into the basin, and due to climate change, the aquifer is not going to suddenly replenish. To become sustainable, Borrego needs to cut 75% of its water usage by 2040. After years of back and forth and lack of a cohesive plan, a recent court decision has finally put a water plan in place for Borrego Springs. … ” Read more from NBC San Diego here: A water way forward: Borrego Springs has plan in place to address water crisis
Fight ignites over fate of fishing at Sweetwater Authority’s Loveland Reservoir
“David Thomas knows the cove that once was. He spent much of his childhood at Loveland Reservoir near Alpine, sneaking onto the eastern shore to cast a line where the lake had been deemed off limits for fishing. It landed him in trouble, he admits. “I had to go to court and tell the judge why I thought it was not fair that we didn’t get to fish in the best part of the lake,” said Thomas, now 50 and still an avid Loveland visitor. “So, I have a commitment to fight for this to stay open because I fought so hard earlier.” He eventually got his wish. The cove has been part of the designated area for Loveland’s fishing program for nearly 25 years and now includes a floating dock, portable restrooms and a parking lot up the hill. But today, that dock sits in mud and much of the cove no longer holds water. … ” Read more from KPBS here: Fight ignites over fate of fishing at Sweetwater Authority’s Loveland Reservoir
San Diego: Researcher digs into wetlands to measure habitat’s carbon capturing ability
“Driving an electric vehicle and turning to alternative energy sources such as solar power are steps scientists say can help slow climate change. But researchers say there are also some potential climate solutions found in nature. A researcher in San Diego, along with an environmental nonprofit, is trying to figure out just how well wetlands can clean up the atmosphere and capture carbon. The Formosa Slough in San Diego is part of the estimated 10% of wetlands left in the entire state of California. It’s the location of an ongoing research project. ... ” Read more from Spectrum 1 News here: Researcher digs into wetlands to measure habitat’s carbon capturing ability
San Diego: Agencies reach agreement over water deliveries
“The San Diego County Water Authority and the Vallecitos Water District have reached agreement over pipeline repairs and how to measure water deliveries while moving ahead as partners to ensure long-term water supply reliability. The Water Authority’s Board of Directors on Thursday approved terms of a settlement with Vallecitos designed to end litigation filed in 2020. Vallecitos’ Board of Directors previously approved the terms. A pipeline repair in late 2017 brought to light differences in how the two agencies interpreted their agreement for water deliveries from the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, which opened in 2015 and has produced more than 70 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water. The differences were over the timing and makeup of water deliveries, along with the responsibility for repairs to facilities that connect the Water Authority’s desalinated water pipeline to a Vallecitos pipeline. ... ” Read more from the San Diego County Water Authority her: San Diego: Agencies reach agreement over water deliveries
Earth Day shines spotlight on Tijuana River Valley’s trash and sewage
“President Joe Biden held an Earth Day Summit in Washington, D.C., 3,000 miles away. On the opposite corner of the continental United States, an environmental group based in the city of Imperial Beach, Calif., hoped the president’s message would bring a more pronounced cleanup effort in the Tijuana River Valley. The valley is home to tons of trash, used tires, plastic bottles, other debris, and millions of gallons of raw sewage that make their way north of the border from Mexico. … ” Read more from Channel 5 here: Earth Day shines spotlight on Tijuana River Valley’s trash and sewage
Along the Colorado River …
First federally declared water shortage projected for Lake Mead
“Lake Mead is still expected to experience its first federally declared water shortage next year, a recently released federal study shows. Projections released by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation last week show Lake Mead’s elevation at the end of this year reaching 1,067 feet, a level that would trigger a shortage declaration. The projection was based on the most probable inflow. Bureau of Reclamation spokeswoman Patti Aaron said officials have worked for years to ensure reliable water and power, so the projections are not cause for immediate concern. But that doesn’t mean the region’s water challenges should be ignored. “We’re in the 22nd year of drought, it’s important to pay attention to conservation,” Aaron said. “And everyone needs to contribute to doing the best we can to save water.” ... ” Read more from the Las Vegas Review-Journal here: First federally declared water shortage projected for Lake Mead
As a hotter, drier climate grips the Colorado River, water risks grow across the Southwest
“The water level of Lake Mead, the country’s largest reservoir, has dropped more than 130 feet since the beginning of 2000, when the lake’s surface lapped at the spillway gates on Hoover Dam. Twenty-one years later, with the Colorado River consistently yielding less water as the climate has grown warmer and drier, the reservoir near Las Vegas sits at just 39% of capacity. And it’s approaching the threshold of a shortage for the first time since it was filled in the 1930s. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: As a hotter, drier climate grips the Colorado River, water risks grow across the Southwest
In national water news today …
How water poverty impacts public health in the US
” …Around 785 million people, which equates to around 1 in 10 people worldwide, still lack access to drinking water facilities. A surprisingly large number of these people live in rich nations. In fact, one study found that between 2013 and 2017, around 1.1 million people in the U.S. had insecure water access. Almost a half of these people lived in the 50 largest metropolitan areas of the U.S. This included 65,000 people in New York who did not have access to piped water. ... ” Read more from Medical News Today here: How water poverty impacts public health in the US
Running out of water: Freshwater supplies have been shrinking worldwide. How are the U.S. and China coping?
“Water is essential to life on earth yet only 71% of people have access to safely managed drinking water. In China, only 14% of water usage goes to the basic needs of hydration, sanitation, hygene, and cooking. 62% of China’s water is used in argiculture and 22% in industry and power generation. China’s population has more than doubled since 1962. That growth, combined with the country’s industrial rise, as well as heavier use of fertilizer and pesticides, has led to widespread water pollution. In 2014, China had just a quarter of the renewable freshwater resources per person than Americans did and one third of the global average. The U.S. takes advantage of its higher-than-average freshwater resources by using the most water per capita of any country—three times more than China uses. Of course, water in neither country is evenly distributed. ... ” Continue reading at the USC US-China Institute here: Running out of water: Freshwater supplies have been shrinking worldwide. How are the U.S. and China coping?
Study surveys global risk of dry wells
“Wells serving many of the world’s rural households, farms, and factories are at risk of running dry if groundwater levels in their areas continue to decline. According to a new analysis of 39 million wells, between 6 percent and 20 percent are no more than five meters below the top of the water table. The math in these scenarios is unforgiving. “This implies that millions of wells are at risk of running dry if water tables decline just a few meters,” Scott Jasechko of the University of California, Santa Barbara, told Circle of Blue. Jasechko and co-author Debra Perrone, also of UCSB, published their peer-reviewed study online on Thursday in the journal Science. … ” Read more from Circle of Blue here: Study surveys global risk of dry wells
Up to 20 percent of groundwater wells are in danger of running dry
“As many as one in five wells worldwide is at risk of running dry if groundwater levels drop by even a few meters, according to a new study appearing Thursday in the journal Science. Wells supply water for half the world’s irrigated agriculture, as well as drinking water to billions of people. But the aquifers that wells draw from have been imperiled in recent years as intense demand and lack of government management have allowed them to be drained. The scale of the threat has been difficult to calibrate, however, especially at a global level. ... ” Read more from Bloomberg here: Up to 20 percent of groundwater wells are in danger of running dry
When you think climate change, you need to think about water
“With nearly a half its land lying below sea level, the Netherlands knows a lot about water and how to make sure a city’s infrastructure is resilient to it, particularly flood risks and freshwater supply. Arcadis, a Dutch engineering firm, is applying that knowledge to cities around the world by creating infrastructures with sustainability at the forefront, such as water recycling facilities inside manufacturing companies in Mexico. While a growing number of companies such as Arcadis are creating solutions and investing in ways to combat climate change issues, there’s still untapped potential for water investment, according to industry experts participating in the recent GreenFin virtual event. … ” Read more from Green Biz here: When you think climate change, you need to think about water
‘Blue carbon’ can boost global climate change reduction efforts, expert says
“With national and international momentum building for protecting and enhancing coastal habitats to help combat climate change, countries around the world—and U.S. states—are exploring ways to expand and account for “blue carbon,” that is, atmospheric carbon that’s captured in the world’s coastal ecosystems. Tidal wetlands, mangroves, and seagrass beds remove carbon dioxide from the air via photosynthesis and store the resulting carbon in their branches, leaves, roots, and soil. Because they take more carbon out of the atmosphere than they release into it, these ecosystems are known as “carbon sinks” and can play an important role in efforts to slow climate change. … ” Read more from Pew Charitable Trusts here: ‘Blue carbon’ can boost global climate change reduction efforts, expert says
And lastly …
9 best hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area
“Between its quirky neighborhoods, rich cultural history, and thriving culinary scene, the charms of San Francisco are many and well-known. But to really know the Bay Area, a hike is in order. Within a short drive of the city are craggy Pacific promontories, serene redwood forests, wetlands teeming with wildlife, and many other distinct topographies. These nine trails within a short drive of San Francisco will get you to the heart of the region’s natural beauty. Here are the best hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area, according to Condé Nast Traveler. ... ” Check it out at Condé Nast here: 9 best hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area
By the numbers report …
By the Numbers ReportAlso on Maven’s Notebook today …
DELTA eNEWS: ~~ Delta Voice~ New Councilmember~ DSC Meeting~ Agriculture Workshop~ NHA Meeting ~~
