On the calendar today …
- FUNDING FAIR: California Financing Coordinating Committee 2021 Virtual Funding Fair from 9am to 3pm. The funding fair will provide the opportunity to learn more about available grant, loan and bond financing options for infrastructure projects from federal, state, and local agencies. Click here to register.
- FREE WEBINAR: Living on the Edge: Managing Sea Level Rise in California from 11am to 12pm. With the recent flurry of coastal law bills before the California State Legislature and the myriad headlines advising that we must retreat from the shore, sea level rise (SLR) and related climate change topics remain front and center in California. Join Nossaman’s Water Industry Group for “Living on the Edge: Managing Sea Level Rise in California” as we sort through the pending legislation and discuss the basis for this ever-increasing concern with the encroaching ocean. Click here to register.
- FREE WEBINAR: Satellite monitoring of the San Francisco Estuary from 12pm to 1pm. The May Seminar Series webinar will feature the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA-JPL) scientist, Christine Lee. Dr. Lee will talk about leveraging various satellite assets to advance understanding of turbidity and temperature conditions in the San Francisco Estuary and how these conditions impact Delta smelt habitat. Click here to register.
- FREE WEBINAR: Water Reuse: Where Are We Now, and Where Are We Going? from 1pm to 2pm. In the water industry, we hear a lot about a diversified water supply and how there is no “one size fits all” approach when it comes to effective water management. The same can be said about water reuse. What should agencies consider when developing a water reuse project? Hear from experts in the field on lessons learned, best practices, and what’s to come, including a guide for California utilities to use when considering direct potable reuse (DPR) projects or future DPR regulations from the State Water Resources Control Board. Click here to register.
- GRA BRANCH MEETING: SGMA and GSP Development: Outreach and Engagement in Rural Communities from 5pm to 6:30pm. In implementing SGMA, rural communities face unique and unprecedented challenges. SGMA regulations and the development and adoption of a successful Groundwater Sustainability Plan requires extensive public and stakeholder outreach and engagement. This talk will touch on the specific challenges rural communities face as they navigate SGMA and outreach strategies to build strong and lasting stakeholder engagement. Click here for more information and to register.
In California water news today …
CVP ALLOCATIONS CUT
Federal government slashes water deliveries to farms, cities as California drought worsens
“California’s water supply got cut again Wednesday, with the federal government reducing allocations to cities and farms as the drought intensified. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced that municipal water agencies that rely on the Central Valley Project will have this year’s allocations slashed from 55% down to 25% — a level not seen since the drought of 2015. That could put additional pressure on the municipalities around greater Sacramento that depend on supplies from Folsom Lake, whose water levels have sunk dramatically this spring. The reservoir is at 46% of its usual capacity for late May. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Federal government slashes water deliveries to farms, cities as California drought worsens
Feds slash CVP allocations as drought worsens
“As hydrologic conditions in the West continue to rapidly deteriorate, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on May 26 announced it will not deliver agricultural water through the Central Valley Project in California this summer because of water supplies that tighten by the day. The agency formally zeroed out an early 5% allocation for ag water supplies north and south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, and slashed municipal and industrial water from 55% to 25% of normal supplies. The move was prompted by a 685,000 acre-foot reduction in projected natural flows to the Sacramento, Feather, Yuba, and American rivers between the April 1 and May 1 forecasts, according to the bureau. The cutbacks are a disappointment — but not a surprise — to growers who rely on federal water, many of whom have been planning major cutbacks in plantings this season based on the probability they would get no surface supplies. … ” Continue reading at the Western Farm Press here: Feds slash CVP allocations as drought worsens
Mandatory restrictions coming to Santa Clara County as feds cut water supply
“In the latest and possibly most severe evidence yet of California’s worsening drought, the federal government on Wednesday announced it will cut water deliveries to urban areas it serves by more than half — and to zero for many farmers across the Central Valley. The move will result in mandatory water restrictions across Santa Clara County, said Rick Callender, CEO of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, which provides water to 2 million people. “We are truly in an emergency situation,” Callender said. “We’re going to be seeking everything we can do to address this emergency. The public should expect tighter restrictions.” … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Mandatory restrictions coming to Santa Clara County as feds cut water supply
Valley communities face sharp 35% cut in water supplies from Feds
“Two months after suspending water deliveries to farmers in the Central Valley, Federal water managers announced Wednesday that their water allocation would be conclusively reduced to zero percent of their contracted amount. They also cut water allocations for municipal and industrial water contractors north and south-of-the-Delta by 35 percent – from 55 to 25 percent – of the contractor’s historic use. Local municipalities affected by the cut include Fresno and Tulare counties, along with the cities of Tracy, Coalinga, and Avenal. ... ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Valley communities face sharp 35% cut in water supplies from Feds
ICYMI: Reclamation updates Central Valley Project 2021 water supply
“[Yesterday], the Bureau of Reclamation announced an update to the initial Central Valley Project 2021 water supply allocation for municipal and industrial water service and agricultural contractors. Allocation amounts are based on an estimate of water available for delivery to CVP water users and reflects current reservoir storages, precipitation, and snowpack in the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada. The initial CVP water supply allocation was announced in February. Since then, hydrologic conditions have degraded. The 2021 water year for the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Basin is currently the driest since 1977. Between the April 1 and May 1 forecasts, there was a 685,000 acre-feet reduction in the projected natural flow to the Sacramento, Feather, Yuba, and American rivers. …
Statement from Federico Barajas, Executive Director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority:
“Today’s announcement reflects drier than expected conditions and affects the nearly 1.2 million acres of highly productive farmland and 3 million people, many living in economically disadvantaged communities, throughout the western San Joaquin, San Benito and Santa Clara Valleys. The challenge before us is unprecedented in the history of the Central Valley Project and demands significant engagement by both federal and state governments to reduce the very real impacts of the drought in the short-term while simultaneously significantly increasing investment in long-term and sustainable solutions – we must increase funding to repair and expand the critical conveyance infrastructure that serves as the backbone of California, we must build and expand facilities that increase our ability to store water during those flood years for future dry years we know will come, and we must continue to improve the operational flexibility of our system. Authority staff will continue to work with Reclamation and its member agencies to facilitate water transfers and analyze hydrologic conditions as the year progresses.”
Statement by Congressman David Valadao
““Today’s update from the Bureau of Reclamation is nothing short of a death sentence for countless acres of crops Americans rely on,” said Congressman Valadao. “Water is the backbone of our local economy, vital to tens of thousands of jobs, and the complete elimination of CVP water allocations for Central Valley farmers and families threatens the livelihoods of our entire community. Farmers and producers in the Valley feed the nation, but without immediate action, they simply cannot continue to grow their crops and struggling communities will continue to go without clean, reliable water. As a result, while fields in the Central Valley dry up and countless jobs are lost, families across the United States will face inevitable food shortages and higher costs.”
Westlands Water District prohibits landscape watering in response to Reclamation announcement
“In response to today’s announcement by the Bureau of Reclamation regarding the reduction of allocation to municipal and industrial water contractors from 55% to 25% of historic use, and the reduction of allocation to agricultural repayment and water service contractors from 5% to 0%, Westlands Water District notified all water users that the use of District municipal and industrial water supplies for outdoor landscape watering will be prohibited until further notice. The notice to all District water users reflects the need to conserve available water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. “Today’s announcement reflects the harsh realities of a second year of drought and the second driest year on record. Westlands recognizes the impact such a drastic curtailment will have on communities, but we are committed to working with our water users to ensure that available municipal and industrial water supplies are available to meet indoor demands,” said Tom Birmingham, Westlands general manager. “Reclamation’s inability to make water available for irrigation and ability to make only a small amount of water available for domestic use in the second year of drought is one more reminder that the State’s water supply infrastructure is inadequate. The Central Valley Project was originally designed and constructed to supply water through even extended droughts. However, post-construction increased demands, particularly resulting from ineffective implementation of environmental laws, have created a circumstance where basic human water supply needs cannot be met.”
OTHER STATEWIDE WATER NEWS
California drought enters dangerous territory. What’s ahead for fish, farms and cities
“In just a few weeks, California’s water conditions have gone from bad to terrible. Sacramento residents have been asked to cut water usage 10%. Their counterparts on the Russian River are being told to reduce their consumption 20%. Farmers across the Central Valley are letting fields lie fallow and dismantling their orchards. Government agencies are warning of massive fish kills on the Sacramento River. After a warm spring dried up practically the entire Sierra Nevada snowpack — and robbed California of enough water to fill most of Folsom Lake — state and federal officials have been forced to dramatically ramp up their drought response plans. …On Wednesday, the federal Bureau of Reclamation announced a new round of cutbacks, reducing deliveries from the Central Valley Project to 2015 levels. In a state known for almost chronic water shortages, the drought of 2021 is shaping up as a disaster. … ” Continue reading at the Sacramento Bee here: California drought enters dangerous territory. What’s ahead for fish, farms and citiesIn California’s drier future, what’s the best investment for securing water?
“Once again, California is in a drought. Much of Northern California and the Central Valley are experiencing “acute water supply shortfalls,” and the Sierra Nevada snowpack, a critical water source for Californians up and down the state during the dry season, is all but gone already—just 6% of normal for this time of year. California’s water system, already stressed by the dueling needs of massive urban centers and its agricultural sector, is crumbling in the face of climate change. The state’s climate is becoming increasingly unstable, oscillating between periods of drought and deluge, which is making the water supply hard to predict. To make sure they can deliver enough water to California’s farms and cities going forward, water managers are focusing on shoring up local supplies. But not everyone agrees on the best way to do that. Nowhere is this clearer than in Orange County’s Huntington Beach, the site of a proposed desalination plant. ... ” Read more from Yes! here: In California’s drier future, what’s the best investment for securing water?
An “interstate water system” could fix the West’s water woes
“California’s water woes are severe and worsening. A second dry year in a row has diminished the state’s water supply, and almost three-quarters of the state is in “extreme” or “exceptional” drought, the two highest categories. With the rainy season over and a hot, dry summer ahead, water shortages and brushfires are imminent. … There are both consumption and supply problems, and neither will be easy to fix. … Most proposed solutions, which have focused on conservation, have been unpalatable, while few have focused on ways to increase supply. And therein lies the rub: America does not have a water supply problem; it has a water distribution problem. ... ” Read more from the Big Think here: An “interstate water system” could fix the West’s water woes
California town sinks 2 feet per year; here’s why Corcoran slowly turns into sinkhole
“Over the past decade, the farming town of Corcoran, California, has been sinking two feet every year as agriculture firms pump underground water to irrigate crops. The 7.47 square-mile area in California’s San Joaquin Valley has 21,960 people and has sunk 11.5 feet in the last 14 years. Over the past decade, the farming town of Corcoran, California, has been sinking two feet every year as agriculture firms pump underground water to irrigate crops. The 7.47 square-mile area in California’s San Joaquin Valley has 21,960 people and has sunk 11.5 feet in the last 14 years. … ” Read more from Science Times here: California town sinks 2 feet per year; here’s why Corcoran slowly turns into sinkhole
INTERESTING NOTE: Snopes fact checks subsidence in Corcoran and rates it as True.
PPIC Fact Sheet: Paying for California’s water system
“Most funding for California’s water system comes from local utilities. The state’s extensive water system supplies cities and farms; prevents pollution of lakes, rivers, and coastlines; protects against floods; and supports freshwater ecosystems and the forested headwaters that are a major source of water supply. Many local, state, and federal agencies oversee this system and raise revenues from a variety of sources. California spends about $37 billion annually, with the lion’s share (84%) coming from local water bills and taxes. The balance comes from state (13%) and federal (3%) contributions. ... ” Read more from the PPIC here: Fact Sheet: Paying for California’s water system
PPIC Fact Sheet: Water affordability
“The cost of water is rising. Utilities rely on revenue from ratepayers to support water system costs, and water bills vary across the state. Water systems that rely on groundwater tend to have lower rates, because treatment and delivery costs are relatively low. Economies of scale are also important determinants of cost and affordability, with smaller systems facing higher per-customer costs for system investments. To cover rising costs, water bills have been rising faster than inflation in many parts of California. Investments to replace aging infrastructure, meet new treatment standards, diversify supplies, and maintain a well-trained workforce will continue to raise costs. Sewer systems are seeing somewhat similar trends. … ” Read more from the PPIC here: Fact Sheet: Water affordability
Chris Mathys, GOP primary candidate, begins effort to declare Delta smelt extinct
“The delta smelt could be declared endangered if Chris Mathys, a Republican primary challenger to David Valadao, gets his way. “Federal and state mandated rules related to the delta smelt in California are severely restricting the releases of surface water relied upon by California’s farmers and ranchers. Agriculture products are vital to California’s economy and farmers depend on an adequate water supply to grow nuts, fruits and vegetables that provide food for Americans and the rest of the world,” Mathys wrote in a statement. ... ” Read more and view petition here: Chris Mathys, GOP primary candidate, begins effort to declare Delta smelt extinct
ARS scientists tackle California climate woes
“A team of USDA agricultural scientists in the Golden State are helping farmers make the most out of a natural resource that is becoming ever more precious – water. California produces two-thirds of the nation’s fruits and nuts and one-third of its vegetables, but above average temperatures and long-term drought have put a strain on the water resources it takes to grow these crops. Most of California’s precipitation falls during the winter, which means summertime irrigation is required to produce many of the state’s crops. Higher temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns increase water demand and reduce supply. As a result, many growers use water-saving strategies like deficit irrigation (limiting water application outside of drought-sensitive growth stages) or incur the high cost of drilling deep groundwater wells. … ” Read more from the USDA here: ARS scientists tackle California climate woes
Restoring habitat for migratory fish: A look back at the Recovery Act
“Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, NOAA funded 125 habitat restoration projects in coastal areas throughout the country. … The Klamath River, which flows through southern Oregon and northern California, was once the third largest salmon-producing river on the West Coast. It provides habitat for dozens of native fish species, including Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and threatened coho salmon. But dams, land and water use impacts, and habitat loss have contributed to declines in fish populations. The decline has impacted tribal, recreational, and commercial fisheries and the communities and economies they support. … ” Read the full article at NOAA here: Restoring habitat for migratory fish: A look back at the Recovery Act
Letter: California Water Research writes legislators regarding funding for Delta Independent Science Board
“This letter is regarding appropriations made by the legislature for the Delta Independent Science Board, an independent board of the state of California. As detailed below, appropriations for FY 2020-21 have not been expended in support of the science board. We request that your committees ensure that the FY 2021-22 budget explicitly provides full support for the work of the Delta Independent Science Board through a line item or other means. … ”
One year after devastating Creek Fire, enviros seek to block efforts to prevent a repeat
“Nearly one year removed from California’s largest wildfire in its history – the Creek Fire – a push by Federal forestry officials to follow-through on calls to actively manage forests is facing stiff resistance from environmental groups. The face-off between the U.S. Forest Service and three environmental lobbies have led to a legal spat in Fresno’s Federal Court over the Service’s ability to activate dozens of projects to thin the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests, reduce vegetation, clear additional wildfire fuel, and install firebreaks to prevent deadlier wildfires in the Sierra foothills. So what’s culprit in the fight? The Southern Sierra Nevada fisher, a regional subspecies of the endangered weasel-like Pacific fisher. ... ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: One year after devastating Creek Fire, enviros seek to block efforts to prevent a repeat
Extreme heat drives ‘high risk’ summer for U.S. power, especially in California
“Extreme heat this summer could create energy shortfalls in California, Texas, New England and the U.S. West and Central regions, the organization responsible for North American electric reliability warned on Wednesday. California is most at risk of power shortages this summer as the state increasingly relies on intermittent energy sources like wind and solar, and as climate change causes more extreme heat events, drought and wildfires across the U.S. West. “California is at risk of energy emergencies during periods of normal peak summer demand and high risk when above-normal demand is widespread in the West,” the North American Electric Reliability Corp (NERC) said in its 2021 Summer Reliability Assessment. ... ” Read more from Reuters News here: Extreme heat drives ‘high risk’ summer for U.S. power, especially in California
In regional water news and commentary today …
Farmers with ties to Ammon Bundy buy land, make camp by shut Klamath irrigation canal
“Two farmers with ties to anti-government activist Ammon Bundy have purchased land by a shut-off irrigation canal in Oregon that would normally deliver water to a massive federal irrigation project along the California-Oregon border and have set up a protest encampment there, Jefferson Public Radio reports. The move comes after federal regulators shut off all water deliveries from the project’s main “A Canal” due to extreme drought and the need to balance the water demands of farmers with threatened and endangered fish species in the Upper Klamath Lake and Klamath River. … The two men who purchased the land near the canal, Dan Nielsen and Grant Knoll, have set up an information center at the site along with local members of the Oregon chapter of People’s Rights Network, a group founded by Bundy last year, the radio station reported. ... ” Read more from the Redding Record Searchlight here: Farmers with ties to Ammon Bundy buy land, make camp by shut Klamath irrigation canal
‘Ammon Bundy coming soon.’ Federal water cutoffs igniting rebellion in Northern California
“In the summer of 2001, local farmers and other activists armed with saws and blowtorches breached a chain-link fence and opened the headgates of a federal canal that supplies farmland in Oregon and far Northern California. Local farmer Grant Knoll was among the activists there that year. The protesters forced the gates open three times but were eventually blocked by U.S. marshals. Now, with a drought just as severe as two decades ago — and with farmers’ water again cut off — he’s prepared to fight again. This spring, he and another farmer, Dan Nielsen, bought the property next to the headgates in Klamath Falls, Ore. They erected a red and white tent surrounded by American flags and protest signs, and they’re holding regular gatherings. And they’re working with a group with close ties to anti-government activist Ammon Bundy. ... ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: ‘Ammon Bundy coming soon.’ Federal water cutoffs igniting rebellion in Northern California
Funding available for Klamath Basin drought assistance
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oregon and California have announced $1.8 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding to support the Klamath Basin and address critical needs during the ongoing drought, according to a USDA news release. Applications for drought assistance are due by June 16. In recognition of the catastrophic conditions the Klamath Basin is currently experiencing, NRCS will offer a dedicated sign-up and ranking for the Klamath without competition from other regions. ... ” Read more from the Herald & News here: Funding available for Klamath Basin drought assistance
Klamath Project irrigators say more drought relief needed after A Canal shutdown
“As Klamath Project irrigators brace for a year with little to no water, farm groups are calling for additional funding to help communities weather the extreme drought and avoid economic devastation. The unfolding crisis reached a crescendo on May 12 when the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced it would close the Project’s A Canal for entire 2021 irrigation season. Paul Simmons, executive director of the Klamath Water Users Association, said tensions are understandably high given the enormous stakes. His focus now is securing much-needed drought relief for 1,200 family farms and ranches to survive. ... ” Read more from the Capital Press here: Klamath Project irrigators say more drought relief needed after A Canal shutdown
Siskiyou County water ordinances spark claims of racial profiling and discrimination
“Following recent ordinances from Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors that prohibit the transfer of water along certain county roads without a permit, ripple effects have been seen throughout the community. The emergency ordinances were passed in an effort to crack down on illegal marijuana grow operations. “We essentially have about 6,000 people that live in one particular area, Shasta Vista,” said Siskiyou County Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue, “What’s primarily occurring there is illegal commercial cannabis.” Some of the roads included in the ordinance surround the Shasta Vista subdivision. “I think he’s trying to, run everybody off,” said Russell Mathis, a land owner in the Shasta Vista subdivision, “kind of like they did in the early 1800s when they didn’t like settlers — dam up the creek, run them out. That’s basically what I think he’s doing here by drying up the water. Nobody can survive.” ... ” Read more from Channel 12 here: Siskiyou County water ordinances spark claims of racial profiling and discrimination
Nevada Irrigation District will buy supplemental water from PG&E
“To ensure an adequate water supply, the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) is making arrangements to purchase supplemental water from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). The importance of finding additional water supplies continues to increase as drought intensifies. Based on an analysis and forecasts, the purchase of supplemental water is necessary to safeguard public health and safety supplies in the event that the 2021/2022 winter is dry. The intent of the purchase is to bolster carryover storage heading into the 2022 water year. The District’s Board of Directors approved a budget amendment of $600,000 for the purchase during its May 26 meeting. The action will enable NID to purchase nearly 16,000 acre-feet of water from PG&E throughout the summer. … ” Read more from Nevada Irrigation District here: Nevada Irrigation District will buy supplemental water from PG&E
Sacramento Regional Water Authority urges urban water providers to take action to help the Lower American River
“In response to the dry conditions in California, the Regional Water Authority (RWA) Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution on May 13 urging their urban water providers to take actions, such as asking customers to voluntary conserve and sustainably shifting to groundwater, to help the environment of the Lower American River. The RWA represents twenty (20) water providers serving two million people in the Sacramento region. While the Sacramento region is in a strong position to meet the water supply needs of people, the dry conditions are expected to stress the environment of the Lower American River, one of our region’s greatest treasures. Folsom Reservoir storage levels are lower than historic drought conditions in 2014 and 2015. … ” Continue reading at the Northern California Water Association here: Sacramento Regional Water Authority urges urban water providers to take action to help the Lower American River
Extremely dry conditions prompt restrictions for some water right holders on the Russian River
“With drought conditions resulting in low flows in the Russian River and historically low water storage levels at Lake Mendocino, the State Water Resources Control Board today notified 930 junior water rights holders in the Upper Russian River basin that there is not enough water in the system and that diversions must be reduced immediately to safeguard the community’s drinking water availability later this year and next year. “Unless we immediately reduce diversions, there is a real risk of Lake Mendocino emptying by the end of this year,” warned Erik Ekdahl, deputy director for the State Water Board’s Division of Water Rights. “We need to implement the water rights system to protect supplies in case of another dry winter, which could transform the Russian River into a series of disconnected pools and restrict the availability of drinking water in the area.” … ” Continue reading this press release from the State Water Board here: Extremely dry conditions prompt restrictions for some water right holders on the Russian River
State orders sweeping water restrictions for towns, vineyards along Russian River
“Several communities and hundreds of vineyards in California’s Wine Country are being cut off from their water supply because there’s not enough water to go around. State regulators on Wednesday ordered nearly 1,000 water rights holders in the Russian River watershed to stop drawing supplies from the basin’s many rivers and creeks, the latest turn in California’s deepening drought. The order means many small water agencies and scores of growers in Sonoma and Mendocino counties will have to fall back on stored water or other sources, if they have it, or go without water entirely. State officials say the restrictions will not apply when human health and safety are at risk, though the exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis and are yet to be issued. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: State orders sweeping water restrictions for towns, vineyards along Russian River
California orders water cuts to Wine Country growers and ranchers
“Water shortages have returned to drought-riddled California as state regulators on Wednesday ordered hundreds of farmers and ranchers to slash diversions from a critical wine country river. Citing the need to preserve drinking water and prevent the Russian River from drying up this summer, drought regulators told nearly 1,000 land owners in Mendocino County there won’t be enough surface water to satisfy their needs until at least the winter. The action by the State Water Resources Control Board is the most drastic conservation step the state has taken since last decade’s historic dry spell and the first of many more as the Golden State plunges deeper into drought. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: California orders water cuts to wine country growers and ranchers
Point Reyes: Commission punts North Marin Water District well appeal
“The appeal filed by Gordon Bennett of a proposed well outside of Point Reyes Station was rejected on Monday by planning commissioners, who said they did not have the expertise to evaluate it. Mr. Bennett says he will now appeal the project to the Board of Supervisors, and will keep appealing until someone addresses his concerns about maintaining a minimum flow for endangered coho salmon in Lagunitas Creek. The well, a project of the North Marin Water District, is planned on the Gallagher ranch, about a mile and a half upstream from Tomales Bay. It’s the water district’s second well on the property and is intended to mitigate salinity intrusion in wells on the former Coast Guard property. When the Coast Guard well water becomes salty, two Gallagher wells could meet demand. Yet the project is complicated by a 1995 state order, which requires that the North Marin Water District and Marin Water—the new name given to the Marin Municipal Water District—maintain a minimum flow in Lagunitas Creek, depending on the season and rainfall. … ” Read more from the Point Reyes Light here: Point Reyes: Commission punts North Marin Water District well appeal
The Bay Area wetlands are a treasure worth preserving
“Over the last few years, California has lived through smoky skies and the threat of fire danger. Fire is not the only impact of global warming that is affecting our local communities. Due to the Earth’s heating, the glaciers are melting, raising the sea level. Since there is water surrounding the Bay Area, we could be in grave danger of flooding. According to Kenneth Rangel, the restoration operations director at Save the Bay, in 50 to 100 years, if nothing is done, all the buildings on the shoreline could be completely underwater. Fortunately, the Bay Area has a defense against the climate crisis and rising sea levels: the wetlands. “Tidal wetlands act as carbon sinks,” Rangel said. “The vegetation in the plant material that grows in wetlands traps carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas, and they keep it in their root material.” … ” Read more from the Scot Scoop here: The Bay Area wetlands are a treasure worth preserving
Central Coast farmworkers share concerns about drought
“San Benito County has two sources of water, groundwater and surface water imported from the Central Valley Project of the United States Bureau of Reclamation. According to San Benito County Water District Manager Jeff Cattaneo, the county needs 20,000 acres of surface water to keep the county’s basin balanced. However, he was informed that this year not a drop of water will be received from that source, he said. “Instead of having a full groundwater basin like we do now, because we’ve been working really hard to keep it balanced and keep it full,” said Cattaneo. ... ” Read more from KION here: Central Coast farmworkers share concerns about drought
Fresno: Local push to raise levels in two storm water reservoirs
“Two large reservoirs in our backyard are capable of holding 40,000 acre feet of water to recharge the underground table. But federal rules prevent them from reaching capacity and it will take an act of Congress to change the rules. Big Dry Creek Reservoir in Clovis and Fancher Creek Reservoir east of Clovis together can hold 40,000 acre feet of storm water. That’s water that can eventually stream into the underground water table. But rules by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers won’t allow that to happen. … ” Read more from KFSN here: Fresno: Local push to raise levels in two storm water reservoirs
Ridgecrest: Judge recognizes “grave financial hardship” for Searles, expresses concern over Indian Wells Groundwater Authority groundwater fee
“An Orange County Superior Court judge expressed that he was “very concerned” about the impacts of the replenishment fee imposed by the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (Authority), acknowledging that it could cause “grave financial hardship” for Searles Valley Minerals. At a hearing yesterday, the Court delayed its ruling to June 17 in order to allow the Authority to vote on whether or not to shut off Searles’ wells for nonpayment. In an effort to drive Searles out of business and to discourage other users from challenging the excessive fee in Court, the Authority has demanded immediate payment of its replenishment fee and threatened to shut off water supplies – a decision that will be made at a public meeting scheduled for June 9. A water supply shutoff would not only harm Searles, but also cut supplies to the disadvantaged community of Trona, where 720 households rely on Searles as their sole source of domestic water. In addition, evidence submitted to the Court showed that the fee will harm the national and worldwide effort to contain COVID-19, as Searles is the only US-headquartered company providing critical mineral supplies for the vaccination vial supply chain. … ”
Kern River Conservancy receives grant to study fire’s impact on river water quality
“The Kern River Conservancy received a $23,000 grant to study whether last year’s Sequoia Complex Fire harmed the water quality in the wild and scenic section of the Kern River. The Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation awarded the grant to the non-profit conservancy, Gary Ananian, the conservancy’s founder and executive director, told the Kern Valley Sun. “The grant will be used for water quality testing and monitoring on the section of the river that was impacted by the fire,” he said. “We’re going to see if the fire had any impact on the native trout habitat, Kern River rainbows and to the Golden trout in that area.” ... ” Read more from the Kern Valley Sun here: Kern River Conservancy receives grant to study fire’s impact on river water quality
Rosamond CSD increasing water, sewer rates to aid solvency
“Rosamond Community Services District’s residential and commercial customers will see their water and sewer rates increase after the District’s governing Board approved rate adjustments earlier this month as part of the District’s efforts to remain fiscally solvent. The average district residential customer will see a monthly water bill increase of $6.11. This average represents about 70% of the District’s residential customer base. The average commercial 1 customer will see a monthly water bill increase of $20.90, while the average commercial 2 customer will see an increase of $2.56. … ” Read more from the Antelope Valley Press here: Rosamond CSD increasing water, sewer rates to aid solvency
Algae bloom in Malibu Lagoon troubles some locals, but not State Parks
“Malibu residents voiced concerns about a large algae bloom in Malibu Lagoon at the Monday, May 24, Malibu City Council meeting, with one requesting the city demand California State Parks to do something about the lagoon—which public speakers said could breach as soon as the early morning of Wednesday, May 26. Malibu Lagoon has previously been plagued by algal blooms; in 2018, one large bloom choked native plants and fish—which suffocated, died and floated to the surface in a massive, smelly die-off. One way for the bloom to go away would be for the lagoon to breach, meaning it would spill into the ocean, taking the bloom along with it. ... ” Read more from the Malibu Times here: Algae bloom in Malibu Lagoon troubles some locals, but not State Parks
Dredging project in Newport Harbor heads to state and federal agencies
“Newport Harbor is one of the largest recreational harbors in the country, but natural processes of storm water and erosion flowing in can cause the movement and accumulation of sediment. That sediment needs to be removed periodically in order to maintain federally authorized channel depths for safe navigation. To that end, the Newport Beach City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve an environmental impact review, placing the matter of constructing a confined aquatic dredged disposal site — a deep hole — in the hands of state and federal agencies. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Dredging project in Newport Harbor heads to state and federal agencies
Salton Sea: “Why is it so hard to get something built on the ground there?”
“It was a question asked of panelists discussing the Salton Sea on Tuesday, May 25. State and local officials were asked a number of questions about the drying sea during a one-hour online forum. The Red Hill Bay project that stalled after breaking ground in 2015 was one of the topics panelists discussed. “Should we be worried this is a sign hitting these much more ambitious topics will be impossible?” asked moderator Sammy Roth, a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times. “That’s a fair question, and I’ll recognize that we’ve heard from so many residents living around the sea just a real skepticism on whether any governmental agency will actually make progress, visible, helpful progress at the sea because of a situation like the Red Hill Bay project,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. ... ” Read more from the Holtville Tribune here: Salton Sea: “Why is it so hard to get something built on the ground there?”
SEE ALSO:
IID files opposition brief with U.S. Supreme Court in Abatti case
“Today, attorneys for the Imperial Irrigation District filed an opposing brief in the Abatti v. IID case in response to Abatti’s petition for certiorari, which the petitioner made in late April. In the district’s brief, IID addresses whether the petitioners’ right to water service includes a right to a certain and irrevocable allocation of water from the district under state law and if petitioners have a federally protected water right. “On both issues, the answer is no,” said Frank Oswalt, IID general counsel. “And while we respect Mr. Michael Abatti’s and other parties’ right to pursue resolution in this matter, we continue to await a decision whether the case will be accepted by the U.S. Supreme Court.”
Next door in Nevada …
“It’s really bad for us:” Water managers prepare for extreme drought across the state
Daniel Rothberg writes, “For the past few weeks, I’ve heard variations of the same line: “This is one of the worst water years I’ve seen in a long time.” The drought is visible on the ground. There is less snow on the mountains and less water running off into streams. Soil is dry and reservoirs are far below full. Exactly how challenging is this water year, and how is Nevada responding to it? For this week’s newsletter, we include perspectives from across the state. It’s important to note that drought affects different parts of the state in different ways, depending on where water is coming from and how it’s being used. But with extreme to exceptional drought affecting about 75 percent of Nevada, arid conditions are not limited to only a few pockets of the state. … ” Read more from the Nevada Independent here: “It’s really bad for us:” Water managers prepare for extreme drought across the state
Nevada resolution to protect swamp cedars reverberates across Indian Country
“Assembly Joint Resolution 4 passed both houses of the Nevada Legislature and now is on the Governor’s desk. The resolution would urge Congress and the President to protect certain land containing swamp cedar trees in Spring Valley, Nevada by designating the site a national monument or expanding the Great Basin National Park to include the area. … ” Continue reading at the Sierra Nevada Ally here: Nevada resolution to protect swamp cedars reverberates across Indian Country
Along the Colorado River …
Working together: Arizona water leaders prepare for recovery of “banked” water
“Over two decades of often-severe drought… chronic instability on the Colorado Rivers system, particularly at Lake Mead… the uncertainties spawned by the prospect of a drier future overall for the Southwest. It’s time to start implementing… The Plan. For 25 years, the Arizona Water Banking Authority, or AWBA, has been storing water underground to protect against future shortages on the Colorado River. Now that the system may be facing shortage in 2022, the capability to recover this supply is more important than ever. With the increasing likelihood of Colorado River shortages and the additional reductions required under the Lower Basin Drought Contingency Plan (completed and signed in 2019), stakeholders expressed a desire for additional clarity in recovery implementation. … ” Read more from the Arizona Department of Water Resources here: Working together: Arizona water leaders prepare for recovery of “banked” water
‘Worse-case’ CAP shortages threaten the Tucson aquifer’s delicate balance
“Back in 1977, President Jimmy Carter wanted to put the Central Arizona Project on a hit list of 17 water projects he found too expensive and environmentally destructive. Sahuarita pecan grower Keith Walden told Time Magazine that if that came to pass, “Tucson will be covered up with sand and become a ghost town within a hundred years.” CAP and plenty of other water projects survived, and today, the Tucson area is a million-resident metropolis, not a ghost town. But now, as CAP’s first water shortages draw near, a more subtle, long-term threat to the Tucson area’s water future is emerging because of climate change. … ” Read more from Tucson.com here: ‘Worse-case’ CAP shortages threaten the Tucson aquifer’s delicate balance
Column: A pipeline from the Mississippi River won’t solve our water problems, but this might
Columnist Joanna Allhands writes, “Every time I write about water, I get a similar email from different folks. It argues that if we can build pipelines to move oil, we should be able to capture and pipe enough floodwater from the Mississippi, the Missouri, the Snake or (insert your river here) to resolve shortages on the Colorado River. I appreciate the big thinking. But I wish we could move past this idea.Because we’ve studied this before, I n multiple iterations. Each solution has been projected to cost multiple billions of dollars. Most would not produce enough water to fix our problems. And trust me, someone’s going to fight several hundred miles of pipe being laid across their land to make this happen. … ” Read more at the Arizona Sun here: Column: A pipeline from the Mississippi River won’t solve our water problems, but this might
In national water news today …
Global evapotranspiration rose by 10% from 2003 to 2019
“A team of researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology has found that global evapotranspiration rose by 10% from 2003 to 2019. In their paper published in the journal Nature, the group describes the original approach they took to measuring global evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration is the transfer of water from the ground to the air from both evaporation and transpiration, water emitted by plants. It is one of the main components of the planet’s water cycle. Scientists have been predicting for several years that Earth’s water cycle will gain energy as the planet heats up due to global warming—but proving it has been difficult because there is no reliable way to measure changes in evapotranspiration—until now, most efforts have been far too localized. In this new effort, the researchers found a way to calculate global evapotranspiration over periods of time using information from satellites. ... ” Continue reading at PhysOrg here: Global evapotranspiration rose by 10% from 2003 to 2019
Agriculture emits a ‘forgotten greenhouse gas.’ Scientists are looking for solutions in the soil
“As nations and industries try to cut greenhouse gas emissions to tackle climate change, agricultural practices are in the spotlight. There’s good reason for that: Agriculture accounts for 16 to 27 percent of human-caused climate-warming emissions, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). But much of these emissions are not from carbon dioxide, that familiar climate change villain. They’re from another gas altogether: nitrous oxide. N2O, also known as laughing gas, does not get nearly the attention it deserves, says David Kanter, a nutrient pollution researcher at New York University and vice chair of the International Nitrogen Initiative, an organization focused on nitrogen pollution research and policy making. “It’s a forgotten greenhouse gas,” he says. ... ” Read more from PBS News Hour here: Agriculture emits a ‘forgotten greenhouse gas.’ Scientists are looking for solutions in the soil
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
VELES WEEKLY WATER REPORT: Central Sierra Mountain snow has all melted. SW US soil driest since 1895. Wildfire Alert.
WATER PLAN eNEWS: ~~ Lunch-MAR~ Climate Workshop~ Precipitation Symposium~ CalEPA Grants~ Film Screening~ AEM Webinar ~~
