DAILY DIGEST, holiday weekend edition: Time running out to save endangered salmon in Sacramento River; Drought driving water prices up; Dry conditions could cut Friant water to zero in a replay of 2014-2015 drought; Arizona hopes to import out-of-state water in face of crisis; and more …

In California water news this weekend …

Conservationists say time running out to save endangered salmon in Sacramento River

“As the extreme drought causes various agencies to squabble over dwindling water supplies, conservationists say the state is still not doing enough to prevent an endangered run of salmon from dying in the Sacramento River.  At issue is how the federal Bureau of Reclamation manages water flows from Shasta Lake into the Sacramento River, which is both the spawning grounds for chinook salmon and the main water source for Central Valley farms. If the bureau releases too much water to irrigation districts, the river level could drop low enough and warm enough to kill off 50% of the eggs of endangered winter-run chinook salmon, the ones that migrate from the Pacific in winter and spawn from April to August. ... ”  Read more from the SF Chronicle here: Conservationists say time running out to save endangered salmon in Sacramento River

Drought driving water prices up

“If you were looking for some bargain priced water this year, you’re out of luck.  “We got out of the market when we started seeing prices north of $900 an acre foot,” said Jason Gianquinto, General Manager of Semitropic Water Storage District in western Kern County. “That’s just too much for us. We had some reserves and we’ll use those this year.”  Prices being discussed by sellers and buyers are all over the place from a low of $425 per acre foot all the way up to $1,250 per acre foot. But even on the low end, that’s higher than what water typically sells for through the federal and state projects, about $40 and $120 per acre foot, respectively. Those prices don’t reflect how much contractors pay for upkeep to the system and other costs, especially for state water contractors who have to pay the full cost of their contracts regardless of how much water they receive. … ”  Read more from SJV Water here:  Drought driving water prices up

Dry conditions could cut Friant water to zero in a replay of 2014-2015 drought

“Farms and towns in the south San Joaquin Valley that rely on water from Millerton Lake north of Fresno are anxiously waiting to hear if they will be cut to zero again this year.  That happened in 2014 and again in 2015 when that prolonged drought was so bad the Bureau of Reclamation couldn’t deliver enough water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to districts known as the San Joaquin Exchange Contractors. Instead, the Bureau pulled water from Millerton for the Exchange Contractors and cut contractors from Fresno to Arvin zero water those years.  The Bureau again finds itself in a potential bind getting water from the delta as dry conditions have triggered concerns over keeping enough water in Shasta Lake to protect winter-run Chinook salmon. … ”  Read more from SJV Water here: Dry conditions could cut Friant water to zero in a replay of 2014-2015 drought

Urban water districts consider mandatory conservation as drought deepens

“Urban water agencies are planning to impose mandatory conservation orders after federal water managers slashed deliveries this week amid a rapidly deepening drought.  The Bureau of Reclamation cut water deliveries from the Central Valley Project by about half. That has prompted the Santa Clara Valley Water District, which serves 2 million residents in the Silicon Valley region, to consider a potential conservation order at its board meeting next month. And the Contra Costa Water District, which serves 500,000 residents in the East Bay, is now planning to vote on one in July. ... ”  Read more from Politico here: Urban water districts consider mandatory conservation as drought deepens

Major early-season heatwave across interior NorCal early next week; extreme drought continues to worsen

“The last couple of weeks have featured rather comfortable conditions across much of California, with near average temperatures (even slightly cooler than average) temperatures along the immediate coast due to chilly near shore ocean temperatures and a robust marine layer. Rather dry and cool low pressure systems have repeatedly brought bouts of mainly light mountain showers in recent days–not hydrologically significant precipitation by any means, but still welcome. There has been a notable lack of hot temperatures even across inland areas, as well.  All of that is about to change pretty dramatically as a major pattern change develops along the West Coast. … ”  Continue reading at Weather West here:  Major early-season heatwave across interior NorCal early next week; extreme drought continues to worsen

These eight facts show the seriousness of California’s drought

“The California drought, part of the most expansive western U.S. drought this century, is locked in place for awhile.  The impacts from this slow-motion disaster are only beginning to ratchet up as we head into the state’s dry season.  Here are some facts on the status of the drought, the factors that triggered it, and the impacts already being felt.  According to the latest Drought Monitor analysis as of May 25, not only is the entire state of California in drought, but 26% of the state is in “exceptional drought”, the highest category. ... ”  Read more from The Weather Channel here: These eight facts show the seriousness of California’s drought

2021 could be one of the driest years in a millennium, and there’s no relief in sight

“Nearly half of the country — from the Pacific coast to the Great Plains and upper Midwest — is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought conditions. That’s expected to get worse throughout the summer. As William Brangham reports, it’s the western states in particular that are taking the hardest hit, and the possibilities for devastating wildfires are at an all-time high. … ”  Read transcript or watch news segment at PBS News Hour here: 2021 could be one of the driest years in a millennium, and there’s no relief in sight

Hurtado releases statement after the State Water Resiliency Act passes Senate 34-1

“Today, Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) released the following statement after her bill, Senate Bill 559—The State Water Resiliency Act – passed the Senate 34-1:  “As California faces yet another drought limited water is forcing many farmers to make the hard decision to not plant crops this year,” said Senator Hurtado. “The drought has created a looming food crisis exacerbated by the lack of adequate and reliable water delivery systems. Fixing our state’s broken water canals will help prevent and protect against future droughts, as well as ensure 31 million Californians have access to clean drinking water. This can only be accomplished by fully funding Senate Bill 559.” ... ”  Continue reading at Senator Hurtado’s website here:  Hurtado releases statement after the State Water Resiliency Act passes Senate 34-1

President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget makes significant investments in Bureau of Reclamation

“The Biden-Harris administration today submitted to Congress the President’s budget for fiscal year 2022, which includes a $1.5 billion investment for the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation. The budget builds on recent announcements to address water issues and supports the administration’s goals of ensuring reliable and environmentally responsible delivery of water and power for farms, families, communities and industry, while providing tools to confront widening imbalances between supply and demand throughout the West.  “The Interior Department plays an important role in the President’s plan to reinvest in the American people. From bolstering climate resiliency and increasing renewable energy, to supporting Tribal nations and advancing environmental justice, President Biden’s budget will make much-needed investments in communities and projects that will advance our vision for a robust and equitable clean energy future,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. ... ”  Read more from the Bureau of Reclamation here: President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget makes significant investments in Bureau of Reclamation

Invasive algae lands on California coast; authorities fear it could kill off local species

“In recent months, a new invasive algae species made its debut off the California coast.  Of all places, it landed off Newport Beach — its marine shades of green vaguely otherworldly.  It’s one of a number of invasive species that has come to California as global temperatures rise. A 2020 study predicts it will get worse. Between 2005 and 2050, the number of alien species could increase by 36%, according to the journal “Global Change Biology.” … ”  Read more from Spectrum 1 here:  Invasive algae lands on California coast; authorities fear it could kill off local species

The Karuk used fire to manage the forest for centuries. Now they want to do that again

“For thousands of years before contact with Europeans, the Karuk people, like many Native American tribes, tended their land with fire, keeping an ecological balance among plants, animals, river, and forest.  Situated along the Klamath River, in Humboldt and Siskyou counties, the Karuk are now struggling to renew their way of life.  Today, nearly 98% of the tribe’s ancestral land is controlled by the U.S. Forest Service. The landscape is overgrown with timber and undermanaged. Out-of-control wildfires have repeatedly decimated the area, a consequence of disallowing native people to wield the tool of intentional burning, say advocates of the practice.  Scot Steinbring has seen first-hand the results of what happens when wildfire meets an overgrown forest in the area inhabited by the Karuk. … ”  Read more from KQED here: The Karuk used fire to manage the forest for centuries. Now they want to do that again

Return to top

In regional water news this weekend …

Ammon Bundy and Co. Are eyeing another standoff with feds in southern Oregon

“A scorching drought and historic anger over the federal government turning off farmers’ taps has led to a combustible situation in Southern Oregon, where members of anti-government activist Ammon Bundy’s network are starting to talk about yet another standoff with the feds.  On the phone with TPM Thursday, Bundy said he was prepared to travel to the area and “bring as many people as I can muster up” with him.  The federal government on May 12 announced that it would be sealing shut a canal that typically delivers irrigation water to well more than 100,000 acres of farmland in the Klamath River Basin, leading to dire predictions not only of crop losses, but also of potential infrastructure damage and mass die-offs of birds and fish down-stream.   The water will stay in Upper Klamath Lake, which is the habitat of two aging populations of sucker fish, the C’waam and Koptu, that are protected by the Endangered Species Act and considered sacred by tribes in the area. ... ”  Continue reading at Talking Points Memo here: Ammon Bundy and Co. Are eyeing another standoff with feds in southern Oregon

With water levels so low at Lake Shasta, closures and restrictions in place

“As we approach Memorial Day Weekend and enter the summer boating season, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public of the following closures/operation restrictions on Shasta Lake issued during the 2020 boating season. Because water levels at Shasta Lake remain low, these orders will remain in effect in the interest of continued public safety.  Our primary concern is for the enjoyment and safety of those who recreate on this waterway and have identified the following safety concerns during years with low water storage in Shasta Lake. These restrictions will be in place each year and will go into effect as water levels dictate. As of the morning of May 26, Shasta Lake is currently more than 107 feet down from the top making all the following restrictions valid … ”  Read more from the Redheaded Blackbelt here: With water levels so low at Lake Shasta, closures and restrictions in place

Potter Valley Project and the Two-Basin Solution

“In August of 2018, Congressman Jared Huffman created the Potter Valley Project (PVP) Ad Hoc Committee for the Two-Basin Solution for the Eel and Russian River basins with parties working toward the relicensing process of the PVP that reflects the following primary goals and principles: improve fish passage and habitat on the Eel River sufficient to support recovery of naturally reproducing, self-sustaining and harvestable native anadromous fish populations including migratory access upstream and downstream at current project dam locations; minimize or avoid adverse impacts to water supply reliability, fisheries, water quality and recreation in the Russian River and Eel River basins; respect tribal rights and their traditional connections to aquatic life, water and cultural resources in both basins; and minimize and mitigate adverse impacts to Lake County, including Lake Pillsbury businesses and residents. … ”  Continue reading at the Ukiah Daily Journal here: Potter Valley Project and the Two-Basin Solution

SEE ALSO:  The Potter Valley hydroelectric power plant

Due to low discharge rate on the south fork of the Eel River, Redway CSD urges state to declare restrictions for some water rights holders

“California State regulators have begun notifying more that 930 water rights holders in Sonoma and Mendocino counties that they must stop drawing from the Russian River, where drought-shriveled flows are unable to sustain those diversions for irrigation and household use, according to the state.  As stated in the Press Democrat by Eric Ekdahl deputy director of the Division of Water Rights”. Unless we immediately reduce diversions, there is a real risk of Lake Mendocino emptying by the end of this year.” The same statement can be made of the South Fork of the Eel River, we share a similar water source, groundwater, not the snowpack as the other portions of the Eel river receive. We must urge the state regulators to make the same declaration to the South Fork of the Eel River, immediately. … ”  Continue reading at the Redheaded Blackbelt here:  Due to low discharge rate on the south fork of the Eel River, Redway CSD urges state to declare restrictions for some water rights holders

This cluster of Sierra lakes is a summer secret – and they’re full of water

“In a drought year that is keeping water levels at California reservoirs low, hundreds of small, natural lakes are full going into summer and provide an answer for those seeking to camp, boat and hike.  One of the best remedies for drought is the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, which straddles Tahoe and Plumas national forests north of Lake Tahoe. It features seven lakes you can drive to, many more you can hike to, nine campgrounds and five lodges with cabins, all in a 10-mile radius.  The Gold Lake Highway, between Highways 49 and 89, opened last Friday for access to this area. The lakes and campgrounds are open, the lodges with cabins start opening Friday, and the trail to the world-class lookout at the Sierra Buttes is passable. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here:  This cluster of Sierra lakes is a summer secret – and they’re full of water

Several earthquakes shake Lake Tahoe – with a big one overdue, is it coming soon?

“Multiple earthquakes rattled the Lake Tahoe region on Friday, the latest in a sequence that began in late April.  “This summer I have felt two of the strongest I’ve ever felt,” said Lynn Thompson, who was among those shaken by the most recent series of earthquakes near her Tahoe home. “We’re rocking and rolling up here.”   For Laura Bozzio, it served as an adrenaline rush.  “My heart was pumping,” said Bozzio, who watched the aftershocks roll through the region. “We saw ripples on the lake, little ripples, but there were no boats.”  Many in the Tahoe area were wondering what’s next? … ”  Read more from CBS Sacramento here: Several earthquakes shake Lake Tahoe – with a big one overdue, is it coming soon?

Low Folsom lake got you down?

“Many El Dorado County residents have seen Folsom Lake’s very low water level. As of May 24 Folsom Lake was 368,040 acre-feet, reported Dan Corcoran, operations director for the El Dorado Irrigation District. A full reservoir would hold 977,000 acre-feet.  Despite this low level, Corcoran said Monday that EID will have 13,888 acre-feet available from Folsom Lake, while projected demand for 2021 is 7,900 acre-feet. Folsom Lake provides water for El Dorado Hills during the warm months, with a slight boost from the Gold Hill intertie, bringing water from treatment plants in Pollock Pines and Sly Park. ... ”  Read more from the Mountain Democrat here:  Low Folsom lake got you down?

Drought leaves only one boat launch open at Folsom Lake during holiday weekend

“Memorial Day weekend is traditionally a time to pull the boat out of storage and get out on the water for the summer season, but the drought is making that a lot more challenging.  Folsom Lake is at least 50 feet lower than the past two years.  Granite Bay Boat Launch is now low enough that the area normally underwater is serving as a parking lot and beach.  “In 17 years of my time here, I’ve never seen the lake get down this low,” said Richard Preston-LeMay, the superintendent of California State Parks in Folsom. … ”  Read more from Fox 40 here:  Drought leaves only one boat launch open at Folsom Lake during holiday weekend

Water restrictions are returning to California North Coast. Why we should think big

“Water conservation has taken center stage as the California drought takes a choke-hold on the state, particularly the North Bay.  It’s time we take water conservation seriously to remind all us how water and it’s use impacts us as one of our most essential natural resources. While the pace of green building practices has accelerated and our awareness of water management grows, historic and now chronic California droughts requires a new focus on conservation.  Many cities are passing household voluntary water reductions of 15%. It won’t be long before voluntary becomes mandatory and 15% becomes 25% or more. … ”  Read more from the North Bay Business Journal here: Water restrictions are returning to California North Coast. Why we should think big”

Marin Editorial: Consequences of banning new water hookups means moving with caution

The Marin Independent Journal editorial board writes, “As Marin’s water supply sinks due to the drought, there has been a rising call for temporarily banning new water hookups.  Supporters of a ban are asking why local water districts should be adding customers when existing residential, business and public customers are being told to cut back. … So why allow more construction — more water connections — when you don’t have enough water for existing customers?  The equation is not that simple. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Consequences of banning new water hookups means moving with caution

San Francisco: Dennis Herrera Commentary: Why I sued the California water board

Dennis Herrera, City Attorney of San Francisco and nominee for next general manager of the SFPUC, writes: “San Francisco, like much of our state, is in an extreme drought. As the water provider to 2.8 million Bay Area residents and businesses, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission is ready to do its fair share to navigate this historic dry period while preserving and improving the Tuolumne River ecosystem that provides us with the majority of our water supply.  Unfortunately, at this stage, it lacks a state partner willing to do the same.  California’s State Water Resources Control Board has advanced a plan for the Tuolumne River that SFPUC modeling shows could result in the near-total depletion of San Francisco’s water supplies during drought. That’s not just a San Francisco problem. That’s a problem for the more than two dozen cities, water districts and counties that get their water from San Francisco’s regional water system. … ”  Continue reading at the San Francisco Chronicle here: San Francisco: Dennis Herrera: Why I sued the California water board

Commentary: San Francisco doesn’t have a sustainable drought plan

Peter Drekmeier, policy director for Tuolumne River Trust. writes, “Two weeks ago, the “greenest city in America” sued California’s State Water Board to prevent measures that would restore the beleaguered San Francisco Bay-Delta.  After more than a decade of studies based on the best available science, the state wants to require San Francisco to release more water from its dams into the Tuolumne River — the source of our Hetch Hetchy drinking water — to benefit fish, wildlife and downstream water quality. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, meanwhile, wants a “voluntary agreement” for the Tuolumne River. ... ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Commentary: San Francisco doesn’t have a sustainable drought plan

San Mateo County state leaders highlight our dwindling water resources and growing wildfire risks

“Two San Mateo County state leaders called attention to the county’s drying conditions, one focusing on the region’s dwindling water supply and the other highlighting growing wildfire risks. “As California residents we are no strangers to wildfire but the explosive nature and devastation we have seen in the last four to five years has been absolutely astonishing to say the least,” Assembly Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin, D-South San Francisco, said.  Mullin held a virtual panel on wildfire preparedness Wednesday evening, joined by Jonathan Cox, deputy fire chief with Cal Fire who oversees San Mateo County; Dena Gunning, community risk and resilience specialist with Central County Fire; Dan Belville, director of the county’s Office of Emergency Services; and Jeff Norris, district coordinator of the OES. ... ”  Read more from the San Mateo Daily Journal here: San Mateo County state leaders highlight our dwindling water resources and growing wildfire risks

Two Central Valley irrigation districts recipients of $1 million in CALFED Water Use Efficiency grants

“Today the Bureau of Reclamation announced the selection of two California projects to receive $1 million total in CALFED Water Use Efficiency grants for fiscal year 2021. Combined with local cost-share contributions, these projects are expected to implement about $4.7 million in water management improvements during the next two years.  The projects will conserve an estimated 1,200 acre-feet per year of water and better manage 8,160 acre-feet, contributing to the CALFED Bay-Delta Program objectives of improving ecosystem health, water supply reliability, and water quality. California and federal agencies are partners in the 30-year program (2000-2030). An acre-foot is the amount of water that would cover an acre, about a football field, one foot deep.  Reclamation made the selection through a competitive process, prioritizing projects addressing CALFED goals on a statewide basis. See below to learn more about the two selected applicants and their projects. … ”  Read more from the Bureau of Reclamation here: Two Central Valley irrigation districts recipients of $1 million in CALFED Water Use Efficiency grants

CDFW says fish disease back at Hot Creek Trout Hatchery

“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has suspended all fish planting from the Hot Creek Trout Hatchery in Mono County as a bacterial outbreak has been detected at the facility.  Fish pathology experts have confirmed an outbreak of Lactococcus garvieae in some trout at the hatchery. CDFW has quarantined the facility, halted all fish planting, and is preparing to expand testing and vaccinate the fish stocks. Lactococcus garvieae is the same disease that forced the quarantine and suspension of fish planting last year at three other CDFW trout hatcheries in Southern California and the eastern Sierra – the Mojave River Hatchery, Black Rock Trout Hatchery and Fish Springs Trout Hatchery. That outbreak ultimately forced the euthanization of 3.2 million trout at those hatcheries. ... ”  Continue reading at Sierra Wave here: CDFW says fish disease back at Hot Creek Trout Hatchery

California’s drought takes large toll on Big Bear Lake

“The drought is taking a major toll on local lakes, most notably Big Bear Lake, one of the most beautiful views in Southern California.  After another dry winter, water officials say the lake could hit historically low levels by fall. Many of the people who live and work in the area are concerned because they say the lake is shrinking.  “It does get a little discouraging how low we are,” says Cliff Fowler, the operations manager for Pleasure Point Marina. … ”  Read more from NBC LA here: California’s drought takes large toll on Big Bear Lake

San Diego launches $10-million assessment of aging city dams, including three rated ‘poor’

“San Diego is launching a $10-million effort to complete risk assessments of all nine of the city’s aging dams — only three of which are considered in satisfactory condition.  City officials say the assessments are expected to reveal problems that will require an estimated $1 billion in repairs and upgrades in coming decades — and possibly some replacement dams in extreme cases.  San Diego’s dams are among the oldest in the state and the nation. State officials said three dams are in “poor” condition — Hodges, El Capitan and Lower Otay — and three have been rated “fair”: Morena, Barrett and Lake Murray. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: San Diego launches $10-million assessment of aging city dams, including three rated ‘poor’

San Diego County Water Authority Board approves Urban Water Management Plan

“The San Diego County Water Authority’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan was approved Thursday by its Board of Directors for submission to the state.  The plan highlights how a regional commitment to a “water portfolio approach” to supply management means San Diego County will continue to have reliable water supplies through 2045, even during multiple dry years.  The board approved the final plan following a public hearing on March 25 and a 60-day public comment period which ended May 6. The final plan will be submitted to the California Department of Water Resources by the July 1 deadline. … ”  Read more from KPBS here:  San Diego County Water Authority Board approves Urban Water Management Plan

Imperial Irrigation District files response to Abatti’s Supreme Court case

“The Imperial Irrigation District has filed its initial response to Imperial Valley grower, landowner and former elected official Michael Abatti’s U.S. Supreme Court case.  Abatti filed a petition for “writ of certiorari” with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking review of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District’s decision in Abatti v. Imperial Irrigation District.  Abatti is seeking to overturn a previous appellate court ruling that asserts Imperial Irrigation District is the “sole owner” of water rights in the Valley, and farmers do “not (have) an appurtenant water right” but rather are entitled merely to “water service” that is subject to modification by the district at its discretion. ... ”  Read more from the Holtville Tribune here: Imperial Irrigation District files response to Abatti’s Supreme Court case

Along the Colorado River …

The Colorado River is facing an alarming water shortage for the first time ever

“Between Las Vegas and Arizona, Lake Mead, the body of water that is fed by the Colorado River, dropped below 1,075 feet on Tuesday. The low water marks are signaling what could be the first-ever water shortage on the Colorado River, CNN reports.  The lake’s levels show a continuing decline, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), and any hope of recovery won’t happen until at least the end of 2022. … According to CNN, if the water level next year is projected to be below 1,075 feet, it would mean that, for the first time, the Colorado River is experiencing a water shortage. If that were the case, water deliveries for nearby communities would be cut significantly — and it would be felt across states. ... ”  Read more from The Hill here: The Colorado River is facing an alarming water shortage for the first time ever

Once again, Arizona hopes to import out-of-state water in face of crisis

“In the West, the longstanding tradition is that when you don’t have enough water to serve your city or state, you take it from somewhere else. Arizona followed that course in 1968, when after 40 years of lobbying, it bagged congressional approval of what turned out to be the $4 billion, 336-mile Central Arizona Project, importing drinking and irrigation supplies from the seven-state Colorado River Basin. It proved expensive enough that many observers thought this would be America’s last big water project.  Now, with a water crisis staring it in the face, Arizona’s Legislature is about to go down that path again — by creating a new fund with a starting cost of $160 million to import more water, possibly from as far as the Mississippi River. … ”  Read more from the Arizona Sun here: Once again, Arizona hopes to import out-of-state water in face of crisis

In national water news this weekend …

Biden budget seeks boost for EPA core programs and research

“President Joe Biden’s fiscal 2022 budget lays out a 24.1% boost to the EPA’s core rule-writing and enforcement programs and a 7.5% increase in staffing to get the work done, according to a detailed blueprint released on Friday.  The plan envisions a $3.4 billion request to implement the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and other statutes, up from $2.8 billion in the current budget. That funding would cover a huge range of activities, such as creating ways to attain ambient air quality standards and overseeing states’ management of hazardous waste.  Agency-wide, Biden’s budget would raise EPA staffing to 15,206 full-time employees, up from 14,144. … ”  Read more from Bloomberg Law here:  Biden budget seeks boost for EPA core programs and research

As water sources become scarce, understanding emerging subsurface contaminants is key

“In the last year, one thing has become clear: we cannot live life without risk. In fact, every part of our daily routines became subject to analysis: How risky is the action and is its value worth the potential cost?  Risk analysis, though seemingly more ever-present in our thoughts today, has always been a part of how we operate and how the systems around us work. As new pressures, such as climate change, deepen, the accuracy and reliability of risk analysis models regarding issues as basic as the cleanliness of our drinking water have become more important than ever.  USC researchers, including Felipe de Barros, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, have developed a variety of models that can help assess how emerging contaminants disperse, dissolve and ultimately impact water quality and the resilience of aquifers. … ”  Read more from USC here: As water sources become scarce, understanding emerging subsurface contaminants is key

Stormwater could be a large source of microplastics and rubber fragments to waterways

“In cities, heavy rains wash away the gunk collecting on sidewalks and roads, picking up all kinds of debris. However, the amount of microplastic pollution swept away by this runoff is currently unknown. Now, researchers in ACS ES&T Water report that stormwater can be a large source of microplastics and rubber fragments to water bodies and, with a proof-of-concept experiment, show that a rain garden could keep these microscopic pieces out of a storm drain.   Most cities’ storm drains end up discharging directly into wetlands, creeks or rivers. Rainwater running into these drains becomes a concoction of whatever is on the ground, including dirt and grass clippings, leaked car fluids, fertilizer and garbage. Recently, researchers also found that strong rains can displace microplastics, sweeping them into stormwater, but the importance of this runoff as a source of contamination is not well understood. So, Chelsea Rochman and colleagues wanted to see whether microplastics and other tiny particles are carried into waterways by storms in urban areas, and whether a rain garden could prevent that from happening. … ”  Read more from PhysOrg here:  Stormwater could be a large source of microplastics and rubber fragments to waterways

This new smart sprinkler ‘prints’ water — and investors are noticing

“Maintaining landscaping in the face of droughts has gotten more difficult for homeowners, especially those in heavy-hit areas like California. About 60,000 gallons of water are wasted on outdoor use per home due to issues like inefficient, overlapping sprinkler systems, and in high water cost areas those homeowners spend between $600-$1,200 a year on wasted water. That spells bad news for drought-ridden areas and homeowner’s wallets.  But as technology gets smarter, so do options for watering a lawn. Irrigreen is the smart, digital sprinkler system that cuts water usage and water bills up to 50 percent. As homeowners look for a way around waste and high water usage, Irrigreen offers them a system that could disrupt the $6 billion landscaping industry with a smart, thriftier way to keep landscaping lush and water bills low. … ”  Read more from Entrepreneur here: This new smart sprinkler ‘prints’ water — and investors are noticing

And lastly …

This map lets you fly along the path of a drop of water from any place in the U.S.

“If fertilizer runs off a farm in southwestern Montana, it could end up traveling more than 3,400 miles through streams and rivers in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Missouri, and then down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, where it might end up contributing to a giant algae-filled dead zone. Plastic trash that lands in a stream in West Virginia might make a similarly long journey—around 3,000 miles—to the same place.  A new map called River Runner lets you trace the long path of water throughout the U.S.: Click on any spot or enter an address, and it will show where the water is likely to flow. … ”  Read more from Fast Company here: This map lets you fly along the path of a drop of water from any place in the U.S.

Catch up on last week’s news in the Weekly Digest …

WEEKLY WATER NEWS DIGEST for May 23-28: Bay Delta Hydrology 101, CVP allocations cut; Petition to declare Delta smelt extinct, and other top water news of the week

Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …

NOW AVAILABLE: Your Delta, Your Voice Environmental Justice Community Survey Report

NOTICE: State officials warn recreational water users to watch for dangerous algae ahead of holiday weekend

NOW AVAILABLE: EPA releases the Cyanotoxins Preparedness and Response Toolkit

Return to top