On the calendar today …
- FREE WEBINAR: PFAS: Encouraging Results from OCWD Treatment Study – Update on Completed Project and Next Steps from 10am to 11am. In December 2019, OCWD launched a large testing program to evaluate effective treatment technologies to remove PFAS found in groundwater. With a particular focus on adsorption-based technologies, the objective was to determine which media are most efficient and cost-effective for removing PFAS to restore local drinking water supplies. In this webinar, OCWD and Jacobs will share an overview of the results from this study and a preview of what’s planned for piloting additional adsorbents in the program’s second phase. Click here to register.
- FREE WEBINAR: “State of the Science” on Flash Drought from 11am to 12:30pm. Droughts are often categorized as “flash” droughts when they develop or intensify in a matter of weeks (though defining flash droughts continues to be an area of active debate). The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) and the National Weather Service (NWS) will host three flash drought webinars in 2021 to help climate professionals and operational service providers better understand this phenomenon, its defining characteristics and how it varies by region and season, its impacts on agricultural and other stakeholders, and the potential for improved monitoring, prediction, and planning/response tools (datasets, maps, etc.). This webinar will showcase the “state of the science” on flash drought, based on recorded presentations from the December 2020 NIDIS-sponsored Flash Drought Virtual Workshop, followed by a live Q&A with the presenters. Click here to register.
- WORKSHOP: SAFER Program: Tribal Drinking Water (Southern California) from 2pm to 4pm. The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) invites you to attend a workshop to learn about the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) drinking water program and the opportunities available to California Native American Tribes. The agenda and purpose of these workshops are to provide information on the SAFER drinking water program, including the draft Fund Expenditure Plan and funding opportunities available to California Native American Tribes; and to discuss the opportunity of including Tribal drinking water data in statewide water system needs assessments. Zoom: bit.ly/SAFERSoCal or Telephone: +16699009128,, Meeting ID: 958 1007 1223
- WORKSHOP: California State Adaptation Strategy 2021 Update Regional Workshops- North Coast from 4pm to 6pm. The Newsom Administration is updating California’s State Adaptation Strategy (Strategy) this year with the goal to deliver a 2021 Strategy that outlines the state’s key climate resilience priorities, includes specific and measurable steps, and serves as a framework for action across sectors and regions in California. The Administration wants your help to ensure the state’s Strategy reflects and reinforces regional priorities; draws connections among our collective efforts; and serves as a useful resource for all Californians. Please join us virtually for a regional workshop. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
Pricey rock barriers and desalination plants: the latest in California’s drought war
“Normally the cargo moving through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta contains expensive commodities meant for ports all around the world, but in drought-riddled California the most indispensable freight is currently destined for the river bottom. Tugboats pushing and pulling barges loaded with boulders have suddenly become key performers in the state’s battle with a rapidly expanding drought, delivering supplies needed to reinforce California’s buckling water system. Around the clock crews dump the expensive cargo into the river strategically, racing to block salty tidal flows from the water pumps that sustain billions of dollars worth of crops hundreds of miles away. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: Pricey rock barriers and desalination plants: the latest in California’s drought war
Emergency project being built to protect California water supplies
“In a new symbol of California’s worsening drought, construction crews are putting the finishing touches on a $10 million emergency project to build a massive rock barrier through part of the Delta in Contra Costa County to preserve water supplies for millions of people across the state. The 800-foot long barrier — the size of San Francisco’s Transamerica Pyramid laid on its side — is essentially a rock wall, 120 feet wide, built in water 35 feet deep. Its purpose: To block salt water from the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay from flowing too far east and contaminating the huge state and federal pumps near Tracy that send fresh water south to 27 million people — from San Jose to Los Angeles — and to millions of acres of farmland in the Central Valley and beyond. ... ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Emergency project being built to protect California water supplies
Central Valley drought: running out of water, failing wells, contaminants
“The Valley is getting hotter and drier, and leaders said Monday that red tape stands between their small communities and access to water. The leaders from Avenal, Lamont and Teviston, all of which face serious water shortages, spoke with state Senator Melissa Hurtado during a Zoom conference. The communities have fewer than 15,000 residents — around 1,200 residents live in Teviston. “California is facing both a water and energy shortage, shortages that could create a food crisis for all Americans,” Hurtado said. “Not only do [these communities] disproportionately face water shortages, they also face extreme heat and power outages.” ... ” Read more from the Hanford Sentinel here: Central Valley drought: running out of water, failing wells, contaminants
The water is running out for these Central Valley communities
“As the drought worsens, leaders of some Central Valley communities warn they are running out of water. Many get deliveries through canals, but sinking land is limiting the amount of water they can carry to less than half. “I currently serve 700 people who have been without running water for 11 days,” said Teviston Community Services’ Frank Galviz. “Our community well failed.” Teviston is near Pixley – and one of several local communities, including Avenal, Orange Cove, and Lamont, invited by State Senator Melissa Hurtado to address water supply problems. … ” Read more from Your Central Valley here: The water is running out for these Central Valley communities
Hurtado holds virtual drought press conference
“Today, Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) held a virtual press conference, where she and other Senate District 14 leaders discussed the drought’s impact on small rural communities in the Central Valley. This press conference was part of the Senator’s “Food and Water Resiliency Tour.” “Rural Californians of the Central Valley face inequities when it comes to water, energy and health,” said Senator Hurtado. “Teviston is one example of that—a community of 400 that has been without water for 11 days now. With temperature rising above 105 degrees, they have not had water for their swamp coolers to provide relief. They haven’t had water to flush their toilets, or to shower. Avenal–a community of 10,000 mostly farmworkers—expects to be in the same situation by August. Water means food, health, science and above all else—it means life. This region just wants an equal shot at life.” ... ” Read more from Senator Melissa Hurtado’s website here: Hurtado holds virtual drought press conference
At Risk: Public supply well vulnerability under California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
“California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act was designed to prevent significant and unreasonable chronic lowering of groundwater levels across the state, among other undesirable effects. Yet implementation often does not protect shallow wells. This report examines public drinking water supply well vulnerability under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. It focuses on wells and water systems in the San Joaquin Valley due to the area’s social and economic significance, high concentration of water-related challenges, and availability of developed groundwater sustainability plans. The report finds that 503 of the 1,200 public supply wells in the region, or 42%, are likely to be partially or fully dry at the minimum thresholds established in the region’s sustainability plans. It includes recommendations to support small water systems and domestic wells and improve the resilience of groundwater sustainability Plans, in line with the state’s Human Right to Water.” Click here to read the report from the Pacific Institute.
Bureau blocks water transfer to help save SJ Valley farmers
“Farmers on the western edge of the parched San Joaquin Valley have little or no ground water resources this year. The South San Joaquin Irrigation District and Oakdale Irrigation District have legal rights to 200,000 acre feet of water sitting behind New Melones Reservoir beyond this year’s needs of the farms and urban customers they serve. The two districts want to help the farmers who will face a difficult choice: Let tens of thousands of acres of productive orchards die and leave cropland fallow or else accelerate groundwater pumping to exacerbate dropping aquifers the State of California has identified as a pressing issue. … ” Read more from the Manteca Bulletin here: Bureau blocks water transfer to help save SJ Valley farmers
Radio show: Metropolitan Water District gets a new chief. What changes might Adel Hagekhalil bring?
” …. Hundreds of MWD workers have a new incoming leader: Adel Hagekhalil. He’s the outgoing head of LA’s Bureau of Street Services. Before that, he was second-in-command at the city’s sanitation department. “What worked for us in the last hundred years was great. But what we need is a fresh look. … It’s not gonna be just about imported water. … It’s gonna be about local water supply, stormwater capture, all of the above,” Hagekhalil says. LA Times reporter Sammy Roth has been covering the “bitter power struggle” that led to Hagekhalil’s hiring. Roth says that it wasn’t necessarily Hagekhalil’s fault that the fight was so contentious. … ” Read more from KCRW here: Metropolitan Water District gets a new chief. What changes might Adel Hagekhalil bring?
San Francisco Estuary Institute releases report on Delta Primary Production: Past, Present, Future
“At the base of the aquatic food web, primary production is the food-producing engine for fish and other wildlife in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta). A new report developed by the San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) and supported by the Delta Stewardship Council (Council) tracks changes in primary production in the Delta due to human modification of the landscape. Landscape change has led to an over 90 % loss in Delta primary production since the early 1800s, but meeting Delta Plan targets for wetland restoration could meaningfully increase this food for fish and wildlife.” Click here to read/download the report from the San Francisco Estuary Institute here: Delta Primary Production: Past, Present, Future
Valadao seeks regulatory relief to address California drought
“To provide emergency drought relief in California, U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) last week led nine Republicans in introducing the Necessary to Ensure Expeditious Delivery of Water Act. Also known as the NEED Water Act, H.R. 4018 would protect water currently in the Central Valley Project system for human needs and reduce regulatory burdens to lessen the negative impacts of the current state drought, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Valadao’s office. “The lack of rain this year is exacerbating the ongoing drought, and my constituents are in desperate need of immediate relief,” Rep. Valadao said. “While the NEED Water Act is not a long-term solution, it would provide temporary operational flexibility for the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project to reduce water supply shortages in valley communities.” … ” Read more from the Ripon Advance here: Valadao seeks regulatory relief to address California drought
New bill would make it easier to transfer water throughout California
” … A bill introduced by Republican Congressman David Valadao would allow more water to be moved south from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta while keeping protections in place for fish such as the delta smelt and salmon. “It gives us the flexibility to move water through the delta,” he said. “Those biological opinions are in place and we want to protect those and codify those into law.” The legislation is called the NEED Water Bill, which stands for Necessary to Ensure Expeditious Delivery. … ” Read more from KFSN here: New bill would make it easier to transfer water throughout California
Drought hurts California’s urban farmers, too
“Extreme drought is changing agriculture across California — and urban farming is no exception. Many community farms and gardens cultivate land owned by city or county departments, schools and private landowners. Lucy Diekmann, a UC Cooperative Extension urban agriculture and food systems advisor in Santa Clara County, says that how those institutions handle rationing or surcharges set by water retailers makes all the difference for urban farmers. Diekmann co-authored a 2017 study looking at how urban agriculture in Silicon Valley was affected by the last period of extreme drought. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Drought hurts California’s urban farmers, too
Radio spot: Drought conditions harming endangered fish
“California’s drought conditions are making the fight for survival even tougher for endangered fish in local waterways. Species of salmon and steelhead as well as trout, are all being directly affected. California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Peter Tira explains they’re proactively moving vulnerable fish populations to cooler water, and says for now the focus has been on saving fish in the lower elevations.” Listen to the story at KFBK here: Radio spot: Drought conditions harming endangered fish
Even emergency measures won’t save the West from megadrought
“Last week was a difficult one in the American West, a region now facing three overlapping climate crises: a megadrought rounding the corner into its third decade, a record-setting heat wave, and an outbreak of wildfires. There might have been no better encapsulation of the moment than an anecdote offered on Wednesday by John Truett, an Arizona state fire management officer. Truett and his team were prepared to jump into action to snuff out the active Telegraph and Mescal fires burning through eastern Arizona. But when they went to San Carlos Lake to scoop water from the lake to douse the flames with, Truett realized there was no water to scoop. According to local outlet Arizona’s Family, San Carlos Lake, which can hold up to 19,500 acre-feet of water, is currently clinging on to just 50 acre-feet. The water levels are too low for his team’s planes to collect, Truett told officials in the state Capitol, meaning they now have to make a longer trip to other lakes and reservoirs—precious minutes when one is trying to tame concurrent wildfires. … ” Read more from The New Republic here: Even emergency measures won’t save the West from megadrought
Historic drought in California and West is getting biblical: What to know
“This month, the western US is seeing records toppled as an early-season heat wave sends temperatures into the triple digits. It’s a worrying sign for a region already in the grips of a historic drought and recovering from last year’s destructive wildfires. Now, as fire season ramps up again, unprecedented water shortages are also in the mix, raising anxieties among farmers and municipal water managers facing reductions or even being completely cut off from all water. Here’s everything you need to know about the ongoing drought in the US West as it reaches epic proportions, to the point some are beginning to seriously consider the prospect that it may be better described as a megadrought and that it may even be permanent. … ” Read more from CNet here: Historic drought in California and West is getting biblical: What to know
Nearly all of California’s giant sequoias are in ‘exceptional drought’ areas
“As California’s drought worsens, over 93% of all known giant sequoia trees currently exist in areas experiencing “exceptional drought” conditions — the most severe drought classification established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Giant sequoias are among the most ancient organisms on earth, frequently towering over 250 feet tall and boasting a trunk diameter as wide as 26 feet. But despite being one of the longest-living flora on this planet — some of the oldest known examples of the species are well over 3,o00 years old based on dendrochronology — human activity and climate change threaten their continued existence. And now with drought conditions worsening across the West Coast, virtually every single one of the massive trees is now rooted in an area under exceptional drought conditions, leaving them prone to damage from wildfires. … ” Read more from SFist here: Nearly all of California’s giant sequoias are in ‘exceptional drought’ areas
New study shows how loss of drought-sensitive species could affect health of California grasslands
“A recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows how the health of a California grassland might be affected in a future with less biodiversity and a changing climate, particularly in the case of more frequent droughts. Erika Zavaleta, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Amelia Wolf, an assistant professor of integrative biology at The University of Texas at Austin, created experimental plots at a site near San Jose that contained a typical mix of native plants, minus those that are most sensitive to drought, to determine what would happen if the plants that ecologists expect to be hit hardest by drought actually disappeared. … ” Read more from UC Santa Cruz here: New study shows how loss of drought-sensitive species could affect health of California grasslands
Climate change is driving plant die-offs in Southern California, UCI study finds
“A shift is happening in Southern California, and this time it has nothing to do with earthquakes. According to a new study by scientists at the University of California, Irvine, climate change is altering the number of plants populating the region’s deserts and mountains. Using data from the Landsat satellite mission and focusing on an area of nearly 5,000 square miles surrounding Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the research team found that between 1984 and 2017, vegetation cover in desert ecosystems decreased overall by about 35 percent, with mountains seeing a 13 percent vegetation decline. “Plants are dying, and nothing’s replacing them,” said Stijn Hantson, a project scientist in UCI’s Department of Earth System Science and lead author of the study. “It looks to be a striking loss for shrubs.” … ” Read more from UC Irvine here: Climate change is driving plant die-offs in Southern California, UCI study finds
New study on climate change impacts on plants could lead to better conservation strategies
“The loss of plant species that are especially vulnerable to climate change might lead to bigger problems than previous studies have suggested, according to a new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. If confirmed, the findings can help inform conservation strategies and lead to more accurate predictions about what ecosystems will look like in the future. The three-year study focused on a grassland near the central coast of California called Coyote Ridge. The researchers are now working on a follow-up study to determine whether the results apply more broadly to other ecosystems around the world. … ” Read more from the University of Texas here: New study on climate change impacts on plants could lead to better conservation strategies
In commentary today …
Water storage is the obvious solution to water shortage
Mike Wade, executive director of the California Farm Water Coalition, writes, “Re “Profit-thirsty Big Ag makes a bad thing worse”; Commentary, June 15, 2021 Ross Middlemiss’ piece is long on complaints and short on solutions, but of all the misleading statements, his position against more water storage is truly unbelievable. Scientists have told us to expect more precipitation and less snow, as well as a continuation of boom-or-bust water years, which can only lead to one conclusion: We must store more water from wet years for use in dry ones. Some of the projects he complains about, such as Sites Reservoir, are specifically designed to capture floodwaters, which we are not currently doing very well. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: Water storage is the obvious solution to water shortage
Farmers and ranchers need support during drought
Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and David Shabazian, director of the California Department of Conservation, write, “While California is known for its world-famous entertainment industry and ever-transforming tech sector, agriculture is the often-overlooked backbone of our diverse state and one of its earliest economic engines. Our state’s multigenerational farmers and ranchers not only feed Californians, but also supply one-third of our country’s vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts, while also leading the nation in milk production. Yet as other parts of our economy spring back to post-pandemic life, farmers and ranchers are facing major water shortages in the second straight year of drought — the new norm in a changing climate. Some farmers already are making difficult choices about which crops to grow and are even tearing out orchards. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: Farmers and ranchers need support during drought
In regional water news and commentary today …
Sierra Pacific closes public access to forests due to drought, fire danger
“Due to the extreme drought conditions and risk of wildfire, Sierra Pacific Industries is closing its California forest lands to public access. This closure began Monday, June 21, and will remain in effect until further notice. “SPI takes its commitment to protecting our forest resources and public safety seriously,” said Andrea Howell, spokeswoman. “With this year’s extreme drought conditions having substantially increased the risk of wildfire, we have made the difficult decision to close our lands to public access and recreation.” … ” Read more from the Daily News here: Sierra Pacific closes public access to forests due to drought, fire danger
Transbay pipeline, desalination plant could boost Marin’s dwindling water supply
“Communities across the state are desperately searching for ways to make their dwindling water supplies last. In Marin County, one water district is considering sources that they’ve looked to in the past. The Marin Municipal Water District gets almost all of its water from the Mt. Tamalpais watershed. But one look at Nicasio Reservoir, now at less than 30 percent capacity, shows how dire the supply situation is becoming. At Friday’s board meeting, general manager Ben Horenstein said they weren’t prepared for how quickly it got this way. … ” Read more from Channel 5 here: Transbay pipeline, desalination plant could boost Marin’s dwindling water supply
House passes $125M bill to restore San Francisco Bay; here’s what it would do
“San Francisco Bay may be one of the most famous stretches of waterway in the world, but when it comes to federal spending, it’s recently been one of the most overlooked. With hundreds of millions of dollars flowing to other areas like Puget Sound and the Chesapeake Bay during the Trump years. “So we haven’t even gotten our fair share,” argues Bay Area representative Jackie Speier. This week, Speier took a big step towards turning the tide. Pushing through a $125 million Bay Restoration bill in the House. The money would be spread out over five years, and target projects that could be key to the Bay’ survival. “It’s expected by 2030 we’re going to be at a point of no repair,” Speier explains. … ” Read more from ABC 7 here: House passes $125M bill to restore San Francisco Bay; here’s what it would do
Contractor killed, city worker injured after water tank ruptures in Lemoore
“An investigation is underway in Lemoore after a city water tank exploded, killing a contractor and injuring a city employee. It happened just before 1:30 p.m. on Monday at the city’s water tank on Bush Street, across the street from West Hills College. “I was stunned I didn’t know what to think,” said Joe Sanchez Jr, a contractor. … ” Read more from Your Central Valley here: Contractor killed, city worker injured after water tank ruptures in Lemoore
Ridgecrest: Searles Valley Minerals Withdraws Petition for Injunction of Exorbitant Groundwater Replenishment Fee to Allow Further Discussions
“Searles Valley Minerals, Inc. (Searles) announced Thursday it will withdraw its request for an injunction against enforcement of an excessive $2,130 per acre-foot Replenishment Fee imposed by the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (Authority), which threatens the viability of the business and the livelihoods of and water supply to community residents. The decision to withdraw the petition in Orange County Superior Court was made to allow for further discussions and cooperation with the Authority on the issue of supplying water to Searles Domestic Water Company, a subsidiary of Searles that serves 720 households in the disadvantaged community of Trona. The decision comes a week after the Authority conducted a second public hearing to determine whether its threat of shutting off Searles water supply for nonpayment of the Replenishment Fee would also negatively impact the residents of Trona, who rely on Searles Domestic Water Company for their domestic water. After gathering further information and consultation with Searles, the Authority is expected to make a decision by July 1. … ”
Commentary: Central Coast Water Authority files legal action against Santa Barbara County regarding management of the State Water Project
The Central Coast Water Authority writes, “The Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA) and its eight member cities and water districts has filed a significant and unprecedented lawsuit in Santa Barbara Superior Court against the County of Santa Barbara regarding management of the State Water Project. … The lawsuit was necessary because the County Board of Supervisors has now infringed on the rights CCWA and its members have as independent agencies, and inserted themselves into decisions about how to manage State Water supplies (when the County does not deliver State Water and has no financial responsibility for it). The County incorrectly believes that it is better suited to take water management decisions out of the hands of the 44 elected officials who govern these eight cities and water districts and who act on behalf of their ratepayers. ... ” Read more from the Santa Barbara Independent here: Central Coast Water Authority files legal action against Santa Barbara County regarding management of the State Water Project
Stormwater capture project opens in Pacoima
“City officials today celebrated the opening of the Glenoaks-Filmore Stormwater Capture Project, which will capture stormwater and urban runoff from a 115-acre watershed. “The Glenoaks-Filmore Stormwater Capture Project will reduce localized flooding in an area that is disproportionately impacted by environmental concerns,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. ”This $3.24 million project is a sustainable solution to managing stormwater and increasing groundwater recharge in the San Fernando Groundwater Basin while bringing much needed green infrastructure to Pacoima.” … ” Read more from KFI here: Stormwater capture project opens in Pacoima
This giant ‘inland ocean’ is Southern California’s last defense against drought
“Mechanical engineer Brent Yamasaki set out amid the recent blistering heat wave to take stock of the giant dams, pumps and pipes that support Diamond Valley Lake in Riverside County, the largest storehouse of water in Southern California. The reservoir, which he helped build 25 years ago, is 4½ miles long and 2 miles wide and holds back nearly 800,000 acre-feet of water — so much that it would take 20,000 years to fill it with a garden hose. Stand in a pontoon boat throttling up across its glassy surface, and the reservoir’s jaw-dropping vastness takes hold. “It’s an inland ocean,” said Yamasaki, regional chief of operations for the Metropolitan Water District, “that Southern California can tap into in the event of a major disaster and in dry times like we’re in right now.” … ” Read more from the LA Times here: This giant ‘inland ocean’ is Southern California’s last defense against drought
The big dig: After 15 years of planning, wastewater tunneling begins beneath South Bay, Harbor Area
“After more than a decade of planning, community meetings — and more planning — an ambitious $630 million effort to replace two aging underground wastewater pipes officially launched on Monday, June 21, as a two-story-high electric tunneling machine was lowered underground at the sanitation plant on the border of Carson and Wilmington. The details have been continually refined since planning began in 2006. The Clearwater Project, its formal name, was approved in 2012 by the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and was described by engineers involved in the work as sophisticated, intricate and precise. ... ” Read more from the Daily Breeze here: The big dig: After 15 years of planning, wastewater tunneling begins beneath South Bay, Harbor Area
San Elijo Water Campus named ‘Plant of the Year’ in California
“The San Elijo Joint Powers Authority (San Elijo) has received a prestigious Plant of the Year award from the California Water Environment Association for its Water Campus on Manchester Avenue, according to a news release. San Elijo won the recognition first at the regional level before being named top among medium-sized wastewater agencies throughout the state of California. The Plant of the Year award recognizes accomplishments in compliance, innovative practices, cost effectiveness, and superior plant performance. “What really impressed the judges about the San Elijo submittal was that they scored well in every category,” Brian Peck, a delegate for the Association, said June 15 when presenting the award to the board of directors. … ” Read more from the Del Mar Times here: San Elijo Water Campus named ‘Plant of the Year’ in California
San Diego region is drought-safe this summer
“The San Diego County Water Authority announced June 21 that the region is protected from drought impacts this summer, and through 2045, despite continued hot and dry conditions. Statewide drought conditions are highlighting the value of regionally and locally controlled water supplies in San Diego County. No shortages or regional water-use mandates are in the forecast, the result of three decades of strategic investments that create an aquatic safety net for San Diego County’s $253 billion economy and quality of life for 3.3 million residents. … ” Read more from the Water News Network here: San Diego region is drought-safe this summer
San Diego County Water Authority: region ‘drought safe’ this summer
“Despite continued hot and dry conditions in California, the San Diego region is protected from drought impacts this summer and through 2045, the San Diego County Water Authority announced Monday. According to a statement released by the Water Authority, “no shortages or regional water-use mandates are in the forecast, the result of three decades of strategic investments that create an aquatic safety net for San Diego County’s $253 billion economy and quality of life for 3.3 million residents.” … ” Read more from KPBS here: San Diego County Water Authority: region ‘drought safe’ this summer
Along the Colorado River …
Nevada Senator’s bill bets big on Vegas development as Lake Mead dries up
Patrick Donnelly with the Center for Biological Diversity and Kyle Roerink with the Great Basin Water Network write, “Want to understand the Colorado River’s rapid decline over the past two decades? Here’s an easy visual: The high-water mark staining the stone at Lake Mead, the West’s largest reservoir. Known as the bathtub ring, this mark now towers nearly 150 feet above current water levels. The reservoir was last at full capacity in 1983. Yet, some Nevada politicians are wagering they can continue using Lake Mead as a limitless source to develop the Mojave Desert into another Los Angeles. That is at least foolish –– if not negligent. … ” Continue reading at TheHill here: Nevada Senator’s bill bets big on Vegas development as Lake Mead dries up
As the drought persists, here’s how Phoenix is prepared
“Water is a precious resource in a desert city like Phoenix. Community members understand the importance of water conservation to keep the city thriving. Unlike other areas in the southwest, Phoenix is not in a water shortage. While the drought is serious, Phoenix is prepared. Over 20 years into the current drought, Phoenix continues to have access to several water supplies, including Salt, Verde, and Colorado River, groundwater reserves, and reclaimed wastewater for crops and sustainable activities. Investments in infrastructure, strategic and innovative planning on behalf of city leaders, and long-standing water conservation programs are just some of the reasons why water supplies in Phoenix will remain in good shape. … ” Read more from AZ Media here: As the drought persists, here’s how Phoenix is prepared
Arizona Game and Fish: Lifesaving water delivered to wildlife expecting to reach 3 million gallons
“On their 75th year of hauling water to Arizona wildlife, the Arizona Game and Fish Department are expecting to break a record by hauling 3 million gallons of water in 2021. Officials say 2.4 million gallons of life-sustaining water to catchments were trucked and airlifted throughout the state. Due to extreme drought conditions, AZGFD have not stopped hauling water from 2020. “We usually get a break from hauling water in August after monsoon rains refill much of our water catchments,” said Joseph Currie, Habitat Planning Program Manager, who oversees AZGFD’s water-catchment efforts. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Arizona Game and Fish: Lifesaving water delivered to wildlife expecting to reach 3 million gallons
In national water news today …
Judge rejects challenge to Trump environmental review rule rewrite
“A federal judge in Virginia on Monday rejected a lawsuit put forward by environmental groups challenging Trump-era changes to the implementation of a bedrock environmental law. Judge James Jones threw out the lawsuit from the green groups, arguing that it can’t proceed because challengers need to wait until the changes are actually being applied. “I agree with the defendants and defendant-intervenors that the plaintiffs’ claims regarding the 2020 Rule are not appropriate for judicial resolution at this time,” wrote the Clinton appointee. … ” Read more from The Hill here: Judge rejects challenge to Trump environmental review rule rewrite
Today’s featured articles …
BLOG ROUND-UP: The week the salmon died; Blaming almonds for California’s water shortage is just nuts; Report on the status of ag lands within the Klamath Irrigation Project; Cost benefit analyses and management of Delta resources; and more …
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Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
NOTICE: Perchlorate DLR Regulation Approved, Effective 7/1/2021
NOTICE: Important Cannabis Cultivation Water Use Reminders from the State Water Board
