DAILY DIGEST, weekend edition: CA’s drought and wildfire dangers rising at stunning pace; Halting the megadrought: The Bureau of Reclamation explained; Water diplomacy and dialogue with Felicia Marcus; Receding Sonoma Valley aquifers could prompt big changes in how wells are used; and more …

In California water news this weekend …

California’s drought and wildfire dangers rising at stunning pace

“California’s drought and wildfire conditions are accelerating at unprecedented rates, according to state officials, and residents should brace for a summer of widespread burning and mandatory water conservation measures in some regions.  As reservoir levels across the state continue to drop, and as parched vegetation poses an increasing threat of wildfire, officials in Sacramento and Southern California offered a bleak assessment of the state’s drying climate, saying it has already begun to affect people, plants and animals.  The current drought, which blankets the entire state and a broad swath of the western United States, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, is already outpacing the state’s devastating 2012-16 drought, said Karla Nemeth, director of the California Department of Water Resources. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: California’s drought and wildfire dangers rising at stunning pace

Growers, experts say conventional wisdom around drought is flawed

“Farmer Mark Borba of Riverdale says there’s not a legal crop in California that can be profitable with water selling for more than $1,400 an acre-foot.  Borba says most crops can’t be profitable at $400 an acre-foot, but farmers are still planting with the hopes of making it into the black the next year.  What is increasing is the value of land, so as long as their investment grows, they can get loans for the year’s operations in hopes the next year will be profitable.  “There isn’t a grower on the Westside who isn’t spending equity,” Borba said. … ”  Read more from The Business Journal here:  Growers, experts say conventional wisdom around drought is flawed

Why water levels in megadrought-impacted Southwestern states have some experts concerned

“California was once the site of a gold rush.  But now arguably one of the most precious commodities in parts of the state and in the Southwest is something else entirely — water — as the region grapples with a decades-long megadrought that experts say has been spurred on by a warming Earth.   Farmers struggle to water their crops. Less snowpack feeds rivers, streams and lakes in areas surrounding the mountains. And what little runoff there is from snow in the spring is immediately sopped up by the arid soil before it can reach important bodies of water.  A February report from the California State Water Resources Control Board, for instance, said the question is not whether warming will occur, but the “magnitude of warming” instead and says the state is facing the “threat of greaterscarcity of water supplies, increased water demand, and limited water supply reliability.” … ”  Read more from ABC News here: Why water levels in megadrought-impacted Southwestern states have some experts concerned

Halting the megadrought: The Bureau of Reclamation explained

“The Biden administration recently announced its choice to lead the Bureau of Reclamation, the largest wholesaler of water in the U.S., during a time when Western states are struggling with drought, climate change, growth, and competing uses for an ever-dwindling supply of water.  The bureau must figure out how to balance municipal, agricultural, industrial, recreational, and environmental demands for water in the rapidly-growing region, which is locked in a 20-year megadrought that ranks among the worst in recorded history.  Here’s an explanation of the agency and what’s at stake … ”  Read more from Bloomberg here: Halting the megadrought: The Bureau of Reclamation explained

California dodges worst of historic Pacific Northwest heatwave, but long-duration heatwave still likely inland. Plus: significant monsoonal surge next week?

Daniel Swain writes, “I won’t belabor the point here–it has been incredibly, record-breakingly hot (yet again) across almost the entire American West in recent weeks. The immediate coast in California has, conspicuously, not been nearly as anomalously hot–and has actually been near average in some spots thanks to cooler than average ocean temperatures and a robust marine layer. But that’s a different universe from the interior parts of CA and the rest of the west, which have just suffered through what is likely to become the hottest June on record in many areas. … The most extreme heatwave I can ever recall having watched evolve in my lifetime over the continental U.S. is presently unfolding along the West Coast of North America, centered on the Pacific Northwest and southwestern Canada. … ” Continue reading at Weather West here:  California dodges worst of historic Pacific Northwest heatwave, but long-duration heatwave still likely inland. Plus: significant monsoonal surge next week?

Rattlesnakes everywhere: the odd consequences of California’s drought

“Len Ramirez stalked through the dried landscape, scanning the ground ahead searching for movement. Called out to an estate in Napa Valley, the owner of Ramirez Rattlesnake Removal company was finishing up his last job of another busy day wrangling, removing and relocating snakes from homes across northern California. He’d found three in just this yard, including one nestled roughly 1,000 yards from the pool.  Rattlesnakes are everywhere these days, he says – on front porches, in potted plants, and under children’s play equipment. “I am busier than I have ever been. Complaints are coming in from all over the state.”  Ramirez believes the drought may be partly to blame. … ”  Read more from The Guardian here: Rattlesnakes everywhere: the odd consequences of California’s drought

Forget cicadas. Drought-stricken West is getting plagued by voracious grasshoppers

“A punishing drought in the U.S. West is drying up waterways, sparking wildfires and leaving farmers scrambling for water. Next up: a plague of voracious grasshoppers.  Federal agriculture officials are launching what could become their largest grasshopper-killing campaign since the 1980s amid an explosion of the drought-loving insects, which cattle ranchers fear will strip bare public and private rangelands.  In central Montana’s Phillips County, more than 50 miles from the nearest town, Frank Wiederrick said large numbers of grasshoppers started showing up on prairie surrounding his ranch in recent days. Already they’re beginning to denude trees around his house.  “They’re everywhere,” Wiederrick said. “Drought and grasshoppers go together, and they are cleaning us out.” … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Forget cicadas. Drought-stricken West is getting plagued by voracious grasshoppers

Unexpected: desert plants are struggling in higher heat

“Even desert plants have their limits.  As dryland ecosystems experience stronger heat waves and droughts, scientists have wondered how climate change might affect the hardy plants that thrive in harsh deserts or dry mountains.  With about 40% of the world covered in dry land, the question carries enormous weight for conservation policy: Will the natural toughness of those plants prepare them for even more extreme conditions? Or have they already reached the limits of what they can endure? … ”  Read more from the Scientific American here: Unexpected: desert plants are struggling in higher heat

New bill by Sen. Alex Padilla would replace every lead pipe in U.S. over 10 years

“Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California, introduced a bill Friday with Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., to replace every lead service line and pipe in America over the next 10 years.  Shaped by the drinking water crisis in Flint, Mich., the Lead-Free Drinking Water for All Act would spend $45 billion to get rid of lead contamination in drinking water throughout the country.  “The injustice that we all witnessed in Flint, Michigan is happening all across the country, including in California – and it’s hurting communities of color the most,” Padilla said in a statement. “This is an environmental catastrophe; children are being poisoned in their own homes and schools and families are being forced to depend on bottled water to avoid contamination.” … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: New bill by Sen. Alex Padilla would replace every lead pipe in U.S. over 10 years

California wildfires: Fighting bigger blazes with Silicon Valley technology

“Bay Area-born startup Lumineye began with a goal of giving soldiers power to see through walls. But climate change has broadened the market, and Lumineye is now working with firefighters to tweak its product — a hand-held device that uses radar to see people inside buildings and in thick brush. … California’s drought, plus forests full of fuels and communities along narrow roads in heavily treed areas make for a lethal recipe, tragically exemplified by the 2018 Camp Fire that killed 86 people in Paradise. With scientists agreeing that climate change will make wildfires increasingly catastrophic, the specter of flames devouring communities and smothering the state in smoke is driving innovation, much of it in Silicon Valley, to fight fires with new technology. … ”  Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: California wildfires: Fighting bigger blazes with Silicon Valley technology

And lastly … Why this drought scientist has packed her ‘runaway bag’

“The rainy season in the Southwest has come and gone. Now, most of that region of the United States is in the throes of a record-breaking dry spell.  So what? Some Americans might say. With a pandemic easing and life seemingly returning to normal, millions of people might prefer to think about, well, having fun.  But this drought is no long-term, theoretical problem—and from the potential for another nightmare fire season to literal battles over water, experts are downright freaked out. ... ”  Read more from the Daily Beast here:  Why this drought scientist has packed her ‘runaway bag’

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In commentary this weekend …

California prioritizes profits over health of ecosystem. Now, our salmon face extinction

Salmon is an indicator species for California’s water crisis. It’s not looking good

James Pogue, a journalist and author, writes, “In mid-June, California’s State Water Resources Control Board wrote a tragic letter. The board, which has significant powers under California’s Constitution to manage water for the benefit of California’s people and ecosystems, wrote that it would approve a plan for water releases out of Lake Shasta that risk destroying the Sacramento River’s iconic winter-run Chinook salmon population forever.  The winter-run Chinook population has already declined by 99%, down to a few thousand fish that manage to run out of the San Francisco Bay and return to spawn below a dam near Redding. Baby salmon need cold water to hatch from their eggs and grow until they’re ready to migrate to the ocean. But in this drought year, the Federal Bureau of Reclamation has proposed drawing down the levels in Lake Shasta — California’s largest reservoir — to deliver water to irrigators in the Central Valley, allowing the diminished reservoir to heat up over the summer to temperatures that when released into the river “could increase the risk of extinction significantly,” as the board’s own letter put it. … ”  Continue reading this commentary at the LA Times here:  Salmon is an indicator species for California’s water crisis. It’s not looking good

State budget surplus a rare opportunity to shore up climate strategy

Douglass Wilhoit, CEO of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce and a former San Joaquin County supervisor, and Barbara Barrigan-Parilla, executive director and co-founder of Restore the Delta, writes, “There is no drought – the Los Angeles Times wrote in a recent editorial. The Times argued “if ‘drought’ means a period of dry years followed by a return to the norm, California is not in drought. The current climate is the norm.”  That analysis has important implications for Stockton and other communities along the San Joaquin River and in the Delta. As our precipitation increasingly swings between drought and flood, each extreme challenges our communities.  This year provides an opportunity to tackle this new reality. The state projects a $75 billion surplus, thanks in part to a booming stock market. The Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom are discussing how to spend some of that surplus. Their final package should include helping Central Valley and Delta communities prepare for these twin climate change impacts. ... ”  Read more from the Stockton Record here: Guest view: State budget surplus a rare opportunity to shore up climate strategy

Why ‘fixing’ the Salton Sea with pipelines is unrealistic and too expensive

Alexander Schriener Jr., a California registered professional geologist and 33-year Coachella Valley resident, writes, “Once again, the chest beating for a sea-to-sea pipeline to “fix” the Salton Sea has begun. Here are a few facts are often ignored.  The Coachella Canal shows that it is possible to transport water long distances without pumping. That canal transports Colorado River water 122 miles to the Coachella Valley, all by gravity. It was completed in 1948, before current environmental regulations. According to the CVWD, this canal delivers about 280,000 acre-feet per year of water.  Assume a similar canal is used to transport sea water to the Salton Sea. … ”  Continue reading this commentary at the Desert Sun here: Why ‘fixing’ the Salton Sea with pipelines is unrealistic and too expensive

In this bleak water year, don’t waste a drop

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat editorial board writes, “Water, water everywhere — if only.  As for the next line of “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s epic poem hits a little too close to home: “nor any drop to drink.”  After two dry winters, and with significant precipitation unlikely for — at best — several months, Lake Sonoma is down to about a third of its capacity. The Russian River — the primary source of drinking water for 600,000 people in the North Bay — is running low and slow. Some of its tributaries are dry.  North Bay drought veterans know what that means: taking shorter showers and letting the lawn turn brown. … ”  Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: In this bleak water year, don’t waste a drop

Commentary: Beaver are nature’s firefighters. So why is California killing them?

Heidi Perryman, child psychologist and beaver advocate, writes, “Last summer California endured the single most flammable year in modern history. Record-setting fire after record-setting fire churned through the state, including the August Complex fire, the first “gigafire” ever recorded in state, which burned more than 1 million acres.  This summer, more than $2 billion in state funds will go towards fighting fires. And even with those record expenditures, we’re likely to endure a heavy loss. Once again there is too little water and too much dry fuel. And once again we continue to ignore or even kill the water-saving firefighter who would work for free to protect us: the beaver. ... ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Commentary: Beaver are nature’s firefighters. So why is California killing them?

In regional water news this weekend …

Corning to share water after wells go dry in unincorporated areas

“The City Council Tuesday approved a temporary emergency water usage policy for unincorporated Tehama County residents without water.  The policy will be in effect through Dec. 31 and has some requirements. Residents who need water must use approved fire hydrants during normal business hours. Water is for residential use and not for agriculture or livestock. Water will only be available to properties within a five-mile radius of Corning City Hall.  Those approved to receive water must provide a before and after picture of their water meter reading each time they fill up. … ”  Read more from the Tehama Daily News here: Corning to share water after wells go dry in unincorporated areas

Depleted reservoirs, water restrictions worry Sacramento area farmers

“If you’ve ever picked up pears at Sacramento’s largest farmers market, it’s a good bet you’ve bought them from Jeff McCormack of Walnut Grove. His family has been farming on land along the Sacramento River Delta for 125 years.  “We’ve been in business since 1896 … fourth-generation, my son is the fifth,” said McCormack, standing in front of his stall at the Certified Farmers’ Market at Arden Fair Mall on a recent Sunday morning.  The family grows 600 acres of pears, 50 acres of cherries and about 90 acres of wine grapes. And since they’ve been around so long and their property borders the Sacramento River, they have senior water rights to that water, dubbed “pre-1914 riparian rights.” … ”  Read more from Capital Public Radio here: Depleted reservoirs, water restrictions worry Sacramento area farmers

Russian River on the brink: Lifeblood of North Coast imperiled by deepening drought

“Two winters ago, the Russian River was a swollen, chocolate-brown mass, full from bank to bank as it surged toward the Pacific Ocean, gathering runoff from sodden hillsides and frothing creeks amid torrential rains.  The floods of late February 2019 were the worst in two decades. … Now, shriveled by another historic drought, the same river cuts a languid, narrow path through a parched landscape — a slender ribbon of water stretching from inland Mendocino County to Healdsburg, where it is widened with a shot of cool reservoir water from Dry Creek before winding west to the sea.  The lifeblood of Sonoma, Mendocino and northern Marin counties, the river provides drinking water for more than 600,000 people. It is a refuge for imperiled fish and supports a thriving recreational economy. Much of the region’s $12-plus billion wine industry wouldn’t be here without it. … ”  Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Russian River on the brink: Lifeblood of North Coast imperiled by deepening drought

Limbo for Mendocino County water transfer clouds outlook for key Russian River source

“The Russian River’s sprawling, manmade delivery system for drinking and irrigation water has for decades relied on a share of the flow in the Eel River, miles to the north in Lake County.  In years past, up to 22 million gallons have been siphoned from the Eel through a system of pumps, pipes and reservoirs and sent south into the East Fork of the Russian River through a mile-and-a-half tunnel blasted into a mountain more than a century ago.  But the future of that cog in the Russian River machine, long seen as critical for farmers, ranchers and rural residents reliant on the river in Mendocino County and northern Sonoma County, is now in limbo.  The water transfer also has generated hydroelectricity as it passed through a small powerhouse in rural Potter Valley and on into Lake Mendocino near Ukiah. … ”  Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Limbo for Mendocino County water transfer clouds outlook for key Russian River source

Receding Sonoma Valley aquifers could prompt big changes in how wells are used

“There’s likely a vast, unseen reservoir beneath your feet, built by centuries of rain percolating through the earth. Problem is, it’s not limitless. In the Sonoma Valley, one of the county’s three basins, that invisible supply has sunk 10 feet in two years.  In a webinar held Wednesday evening, officials with the Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency—an entity created under California’s recent groundwater law said there are concerns beyond supply and demand. Arsenic, nitrate and boron have been detected., along with chloride, a marker for saltwater. Since 1970, officials estimate, the aquifer has lost 14,000 acre-feet, as wells pump faster than nature can replenish. That’s equivalent to more than a tenth of Lake Mendocino’s capacity. And also prompting salty, brackish water from San Francisco Bay, to seep in. … ”  Read more from Northern California Public Media here: Receding Sonoma Valley aquifers could prompt big changes in how wells are used

Sonoma County warns of toxic algae in local rivers

“The gooey clumps of algae floating in some of Sonoma County’s rivers and creeks have prompted officials to post signs warning visitors that the slime could be toxic.  Signs went up over the past week along the Russian and Gualala rivers and at Salmon Creek.  Water quality tests at all three sites confirmed the presence of a species of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, that can produce toxins, said Rich Fadness, an engineering geologist with the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.  The tests showed extremely low levels of toxins in the algae, Fadness said, but officials “posted educational signs so that people know what to look for.” … ”  Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Sonoma County warns of toxic algae in local rivers

Valley Water working to complete draft environmental impact report for proposed expansion of Pacheco Reservoir

“At the end of the last drought, Valley Water’s Board of Directors explored ways to increase Santa Clara County’s emergency water supply to help us weather future droughts. One of the options identified was the expansion of Pacheco Reservoir in South Santa Clara County.  Once again, Santa Clara County and much of California are in a drought emergency. This rainfall season was the driest since 1977. When combined with the 2019-20 rainfall season, it will mark the second driest two-year combination on record.  In response, the Valley Water Board of Directors on June 9, 2021 declared a water shortage emergency condition in Santa Clara County. We are also calling for mandatory water use restrictions. On June 22, Santa Clara County followed our board’s action and proclaimed a local emergency related to the extreme drought conditions.  These existing drought conditions are precisely why the Board of Directors is evaluating the expansion of Pacheco Reservoir, a collaboration between Valley Water, the Pacheco Pass Water District and the San Benito County Water District. … ”  Read more from Valley Water News here: Valley Water working to complete draft environmental impact report for proposed expansion of Pacheco Reservoir

Santa Cruz: Path ahead laid out for Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument

“Visitors could frolic through coastal prairie, or ride bikes atop ancient marine terraces as soon as next summer at the long-awaited Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument on Santa Cruz’s north coast.  A Bureau of Land Management plan released this week sets the stage for what recreation will look like at Coast Dairies. The nearly 6,000-acre property will offer 27 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, according to the plan.  “The property and BLM have been in limbo for a very long time, really unable to move forward with key activities on the ground in the absence of such a plan,” Sara Barth, executive director of Sempervirens Fund said. “With the plan … it’s not just a road map, it’s the green light to move ahead.” … ”  Read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel here: Path ahead laid out for Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument

Monterey Peninsula water district’s plan to acquire Cal Am goes before LAFCO

“Monterey Peninsula water officials will go before an inter-governmental body on Monday in their ongoing effort to acquire California American Water Co. and turn it into a public agency.  The Local Area Formation Commission for Monterey County (LAFCO) is charged with encouraging the orderly formation of local governmental agencies, preserving agricultural land resources, discouraging urban sprawl and encouraging the efficient delivery of local government services. It is composed of two directors representing the county, two representing cities, two representing special districts such as fire districts and one member at large. … ”  Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Monterey Peninsula water district’s plan to acquire Cal Am goes before LAFCO

Central Coast Water Authority files ‘unprecedented’ lawsuit against Santa Barbara County

“The Central Coast Water Authority and its eight member cities and water districts have filed an unprecedented lawsuit against Santa Barbara County, accusing the Board of Supervisors of infringing on their rights and responsibilities.  “Our position in the lawsuit is that the county does not have the legal authority or right to impose any conditions on the management of state water supplies,” Ray Stokes, executive director of CCWA, told Noozhawk. “We believe that we have a strong, solid case that says they don’t have the right to do that.”  The lawsuit, filed in Santa Barbara County Superior Court, comes after the Board of Supervisors approved a water management amendment — with restrictions — to the State Water Project in April. … ”  Read more from Noozhawk here: Central Coast Water Authority files ‘unprecedented’ lawsuit against Santa Barbara County

Santa Clarita Valley Water honored for PFAS water treatment project

“SCV Water’s response to removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals in the local groundwater supply received top honors as the Best Environmental Project from the American Public Works Association (APWA) — High Desert Branch.  “It’s an honor that our ambitious PFAS treatment program was recognized with this prestigious award by a well-respected, nationally recognized association,” said SCV Water’s General Manager Matt Stone. “Our customers come first, and we’re committed to safeguarding their water supply through our PFAS treatment program.” … ”  Read more from the Signal here: Santa Clarita Valley Water honored for PFAS water treatment project

Judge approves groundwater storage increases for local Chino Basin rights holders

“A San Bernardino County Superior Court judge today ruled that local agencies that pump water from the Chino Basin can store and access an additional six-month supply of groundwater, providing significant benefit for 1.5 million people across Inland Southern California.  The ruling by Judge Stanford Reichert on this single element of the Chino Basin Optimum Basin Management Program (OBMP) means water providers in the region can retain use of the stockpiled groundwater, worth about $50 million, and have room for more. The Chino Basin Watermaster Board of Directors and staff and the cooperating agencies worked together to craft this solution over the course of several years. ... ”  Read more from Cision PR here: Judge approves groundwater storage increases for local Chino Basin rights holders

Commentary: Clean up Inland Empire water contamination at its source

Erin Brockovich writes, “The predominant source of drinking water in the Chino Basin of the Inland Empire has been an issue for decades.  Contaminants impacting the drinking water are from both point and non-point sources.  A point source as an example would be the GE Flat Iron Plant or the Ontario Airport Industrial Park; while a non-point source would be from agricultural runoff or septic systems.  Water utilities in the Chino Basin have been on top of groundwater contamination and treatment for many years either providing direct wellhead treatment or collaborating by forming the Chino Desalter Authority where advanced water treatment systems centrally treat enormous quantities of water. … ”  Read more from the Riverside Press-Enterprise here: Commentary: Clean up Inland Empire water contamination at its source

South Orange County gears up for future droughts, water emergencies

“While the water districts of south Orange County appear well-poised to handle this second year of drought, most of that region is almost entirely dependent on imported water and officials are busy developing alternative sources.  An online gathering of top water officials on Friday, June 25, detailed the current water availability in south county and outlined projects to supplant imports should future flows from northern California and the Colorado River be curtailed by dwindling supplies or interrupted by earthquakes. … ”  Read more from the OC Register here: South Orange County gears up for future droughts, water emergencies

San Diego Gas & Electric ordered to stop dewatering in Valley Center, neighbors upset company hasn’t stopped

“San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is currently installing underground power lines off Cole Grade Road to mitigate fire risk in the community. But neighbors say the company is using pumps to extract their precious resource: water.  Since April, neighbors have documented meter readings and taken video of 12,000-gallon tanks, claiming SDG&E has been pumping hundreds of thousands of gallons of water a day from four wells in a process called dewatering. … ”  Read more from NBC San Diego here: San Diego Gas & Electric ordered to stop dewatering in Valley Center, neighbors upset company hasn’t stopped

Along the Colorado River …

As climate change turns up the heat in Las Vegas, water managers try to wring new savings to stretch supply

“Las Vegas, known for its searing summertime heat and glitzy casino fountains, is projected to get even hotter in the coming years as climate change intensifies. As temperatures rise, water demand for the desert community is expected to spike. That is not good news in a fast-growing region that depends largely on a limited supply of water from an already drought-stressed Colorado River. Authorities are responding by aiming to wring more water savings out of everything from ice machines and grassy medians to industrial cooling towers, an aggressive conservation effort that could provide examples for communities throughout the Southwest.”  Read the full story at Western Water here:  As climate change turns up the heat in Las Vegas, water managers try to wring new savings to stretch supply

What you need to know about Lake Mead’s falling water levels

“After decades of drought, Nevada is expected to be under a federally declared water shortage beginning next year.  The stewards of the water and hydroelectric power that the Colorado River produces by way of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead have contingencies in place, meaning Las Vegas residents won’t notice anything dramatically different after the shortage is likely confirmed this summer.  Conservation efforts have kept water consumption well under Nevada’s allocation and under the cap the state will face with upcoming cuts. … ”  Read more from the Las Vegas Sun here: What you need to know about Lake Mead’s falling water levels

Arizona Game and Fish Department plans to haul nearly 3 million gallons of water to thirsty wildlife

“Water is the essence of life, and it’s just as precious for Arizona’s wildlife.  As drought conditions continue to worsen across the Southwest, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is preparing for another record-setting year of delivering lifesaving water to thirsty Arizona wildlife. AZGFD trucked and airlifted an unprecedented 2.4 million gallons of life-sustaining water to catchments throughout the state in 2020. With little relief in sight, AZGFD anticipates hauling close to 3 million gallons of water in 2021. “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 the White Mountain Independent here:  AZGFD plans to haul nearly 3 million gallons of water to thirsty wildlife

In national water news this weekend …

Commentary: Grid and water (in)security: Climate change, hackers and uncertainty

Carolyn Kissane, Ph.D. writes, “Temperatures of 110 degrees Fahrenheit, 115 degrees and sometimes higher are not necessarily new phenomena for Texas and California — but happening in the early days of June raises profound questions for energy grid operators, electricity generation and the future of U.S. energy security. Electricity demand is high and getting higher; we are an increasingly electrified society. The compounding problems of higher and more volatile temperatures for longer, coupled with an ongoing megadrought across the West as well as challenges within the system mean grid and water security are increasingly hard to guarantee. A recently leaked UN intergovernmental climate report reports “the worst is yet to come.”  But what does that mean for our critical water and energy infrastructure today when the impacts are already being felt, in often disruptive ways? … ”  Continue reading at The Hill here:  Grid and water (in)security: Climate change, hackers and uncertainty

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

WEEKLY WATER NEWS DIGEST for June 20-25: CV-SALTS implementation update; Farming for carbon; Lookout Slough appeal; plus all the top water news of the week and more …

Also on Maven’s Notebook today …

THIS WEEK: The Sixth Annual California Water Boards Water Data Science Symposium

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Groundwater Grant Program Round 3 Implementation Solicitation

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