In California drought news this weekend …
Dealing with drought: Farmers challenged as water supply dwindles
“The drought is here, and agriculture is scrambling. Water regulators have cut the amount that can be taken from lakes, rivers and streams. Farmers who ordinarily get that water either have to forgo planting some of their fields, or pump water from the ground, or a combination of the two. Farmers dependent on wells are also affected. The soil gets drier and drier, and more and more water has to be pumped to keep crops alive. Neither the state nor the federal water projects are delivering water for agriculture from Northern California to south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Some water is flowing through the delta for the health and safety of city dwellers, but that’s it. Some San Joaquin farms are getting water that was already in the reservoirs down there, and there have been some water transfers from north state water districts. But even with most north state water staying up here, there have still been cutbacks. … ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Dealing with drought: Farmers challenged as water supply dwindles
Hoover Dam reservoir at record low water levels, raising concerns about hydroelectric power bound for SoCal
“Amid a prolonged drought in the West, the reservoir created by the Hoover Dam sunk to its lowest level ever last month — and that’s raising concerns about reduced output from the dam’s hydroelectric plant, which sends more than half its power to Southern California. Stationed on the main stem of the Colorado River in the Mojave Desert along the Arizona-Nevada border, about 30 miles east of Las Vegas, Lake Mead was formed in the 1930s from the damming of the Colorado River. It’s the largest reservoir by volume in the United States. It not only provides water across the Southwest but also generates electricity at one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the nation. Now, as parts of the western U.S. remain in the grips of a possible “megadrought,” Lake Mead’s historically low water levels are adding a layer of uncertainty to electric reliability this summer. … ” Read more from KTLA here: Hoover Dam reservoir at record low water levels, raising concerns about hydroelectric power bound for SoCal
Alarmingly low rain levels prime California for fire danger in summer, fall
“California has recorded alarmingly low levels of rain across the state over the last year, according to measurements completed this week, worsening an already bad drought and priming vegetation for a potential disastrous fire season. The situation was most critical in Northern California, where rain and snow provide water for other parts of the state. But Southern California didn’t fare much better. “Rain years” are measured from the beginning of July to the end of June, and the last 12 months were the seventh driest in Los Angeles’ 144 years of records, said Jan Null, meteorologist and founder of Golden Gate Weather Services. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Alarmingly low rain levels prime California for fire danger in summer, fall
Why are almond growers uprooting their orchards?
“Row after row of plants lay flat, their brown branches and bone-dry roots splayed out on ochre grass. Aerial images of the scene are a little disorienting: There are so many toppled shapes that it’s hard to make sense of the scale. At first glance, a viewer might assume they’re surveying uprooted weeds or unwanted shrubs—small, brambly ankle-scratchers baking in the afternoon sun and not particularly mourned. But the plants weren’t weeds: They were once almond trees, each roughly as tall as a two-story home, economically precious, and very much alive. … ” Read more from Atlas Obscura here: Why are almond growers uprooting their orchards?
Radio spot: Sen. Melissa Hurtado on Central California’s brutal heat wave and water shortages
“NPR’s Leila Fadel speaks with Sen. Melissa Hurtado of the California Legislature about her district’s struggle with widespread drought and water shortages.” Listen to 3 minute radio spot at NPR here: Sen. Melissa Hurtado on Central California’s brutal heat wave and water shortages
Images from space show California’s forests and lakes drying out in a record mega-drought
“The climate crisis is bearing down hard on the western US. Historic drought and heat are converging on western states to create the perfect storm for depleted reservoirs, strained power grids, and rampant wildfires later this summer. The effects are so stark, you can see them from space. Satellite images show that the hills outside Los Angeles are significantly more parched, brown, and dry than they were this time last year. “I’m worried about this summer,” Kathleen Johnson, a paleoclimatologist at the University of California, Irvine, told The Guardian. “This current drought is potentially on track to become the worst that we’ve seen in at least 1,200 years. And the reason is linked directly to human-caused climate change.” … ” Read more from the Business Insider here: Images from space show California’s forests and lakes drying out in a record mega-drought
Photos show the ‘bathtub ring’ along a parched Los Angeles reservoir as California’s drought grows more dire
“The 3-mile-long San Gabriel Reservoir, nestled in the mountains above Los Angeles, is running dry. California had significantly less rain and snow this year, and drought conditions this summer have left much of the state increasingly parched. Across California, many reservoirs and lakes are experiencing a “bathtub-ring” phenomenon: Declining water levels expose white rings around the edges of these bodies of water — the result of calcium carbonate and other minerals attached to the rock. The more rings that are visible, the lower the water level. Photographs of the San Gabriel Reservoir offer a hint at how severe the drought could get in Southern California. ... ” Read more from Business Insider here: Photos show the ‘bathtub ring’ along a parched Los Angeles reservoir as California’s drought grows more dire
In other California water news this weekend …
Visualizing basis in the water futures market: An example from the Westside 5
“The Westside 5 is a group of five agricultural water districts located in the southwestern portion of California’s San Joaquin Valley. The districts are home to a large number of permanent crop growers and rely heavily on water allocated by the State Water Project (SWP) to meet irrigation demands. Water demand in the region is inflexible as a result of the prevalence of permanent crops that do not allow for seasonal fallowing. SWP allocations are highly variable, and the Westside 5 often enter into spot market transfers1 to acquire supplemental water supplies to offset low SWP allocations and meet the districts’ agricultural water demands. Inflexible water demands and variable water supplies result in high willingness to pay among Westside 5 buyers, and spot market transfers of water to the Westside 5 are often priced at a premium above the statewide average. ... ” Continue reading from WestWater Research here: Visualizing basis in the water futures market: An example from the Westside 5
SEE ALSO: California’s water futures market slow to rise as it may not be meeting the real need, from the Economics Outside the Cube blog
Revisiting Small Populations in Jeopardy: A Rejoinder to Bork Et Al.
“In a recent Comment in these pages, five researchers affiliated with the University of California, Davis critiqued a biological opinion issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) under §7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that analyzes the effects of ongoing operations of the Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP) on the Delta smelt. The subject is consequential because the Delta smelt’s historical habitat has been transformed and severely degraded since the California Gold Rush, leading to a significant decline in the size of its population; and because the CVP and SWP are far and away the two largest water supply projects in California, delivering water to some 25 million Californians and irrigating more than three million acres of farmland. It is also a complex subject because agency determinations under the interagency consultation provisions of the ESA occur at the intersection of science, law, and policy, and require a technically demanding, structured decision making process.” Read the article via Center for California Water Resources Policy and Management here: Revisiting Small Populations in Jeopardy: A Rejoinder to Bork Et Al.
Some 200 California projects may be funded by infrastructure bill. Search your city’s projects here
“The House on Thursday approved an approximately $715-billion transportation infrastructure plan that would build and repair roads, bridges and rail systems around the country. The bill forms the House’s framework for President Biden’s infrastructure plan. While the proposal is likely to change during negotiations with the Senate as it progresses toward Biden’s desk, the bill includes $920 million specifically targeted to projects throughout California. … ” Read more and search table at the LA Times here: Some 200 California projects may be funded by infrastructure bill. Search your city’s projects here
In people news this weekend …
Longtime Tule River Water Master Richard L. Schafer dies at 95
“Richard L. Schafer left an “indelible” imprint on water systems — and the people who run them — in the southern San Joaquin Valley over his extensive career. The longtime Tule River Water Master, who had worked with just about every agricultural water district in the area, died Thursday. He was 95. Aside from his work on Tulare County water systems, Mr. Schafer, as he was called even by longtime associates, was also a mentor to those coming up in the water world behind him. “Mr. Schafer was a great leader and advocate of water for farmers in the Central Valley,” David De Groot, who was named the new Tule River Water Master in February, wrote in an email. … ” Read more from SJV Water here: Longtime Tule River Water Master Richard L. Schafer dies at 95
Podcasts …
BLUE DOT PODCAST: Farming California’s Delta With Nature In Mind
“Where the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers engage in an ancient confluence en route to the San Francisco Bay — magic happens in the form of California’s Delta region. The Nature Conservancy, partnering with Point Blue Conservation Science and agricultural interests, has managed to show how the needs of humans and wildlife can be met with benefit to all. Dave talks to two scientists and a farmer about the incredible delta ecosystem. First, The Nature Conservancy’s Rodd Kelsey and Point Blue Conservation Science ecologist Kristen Dybala talk about the scientific management of water and wildlife in the delta region for the benefit of nature and human interests — especially agriculture. Then organic farmer and Nature Conservancy Land Manager and organic farmer Dawit Zeleke talk about the incredible property run by the TNC in the heart of the delta known as Staten Island. The island is a haven for migratory birds, especially the magnificent Sandhill Cranes that winter there.” Listen to the podcast at Northern California Public Radio here: BLUE DOT PODCAST: Farming California’s Delta With Nature In Mind
KFBK INTERVIEW: Winning the water wars: Author weighs in on California water issues
“Cristina Mendonsa and Sam Shane spoke with Steven Greenhut, the author of a book called, “Winning the Water Wars.” They discuss the California drought and the failure of California leaders over the years to prevent water shortages. Here is the full in-depth interview with author Steven Greenhut.”
INGRAINED PODCAST: Whatever it takes
The driest year in decades has been a jolt to much of California. Challenges extend beyond cities and farms, as wildlife is impacted by a sharp drop in habitat. One saving grace in the Sacramento Valley is the continued creativity and collaboration between rice growers and conservation groups. Millions of ducks depend on areas rice fields and adjacent wetlands, and there is a concerted effort to help them make it through the drought.
RIPPLE EFFECT PODCAST: Resilience Through Groundwater Banking
“James Bodnar, Water Transfers and Exchanges Program Manager at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, breaks down Metro’s innovative use of groundwater banking to provide urban resiliency in times of drought. A great discussion about the need for collaborative and creative efforts between agricultural and urban communities. This is a template to explore and copy across the West.”
ECONEWS REPORT: A Victory for Summer Steelhead
“Only a small genetic difference separates winter-run and summer-run steelhead, but that little bit of nucleic acid makes a big difference. Last month, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to list the North Coast’s summer steelhead under the California Endangered Species Act. This week, Gang Green dives into the difference between these two runs to learn why preserving summer steelhead may be important in a warming world, why the fish are teetering on extinction, and some strange hope for a rebirth of summer steelhead after Scott Dam is removed on the Eel River.” Read more from Lost Coast Outpost here: ECONEWS REPORT: A Victory for Summer Steelhead
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING PODCAST: Ideas and Teamwork
Steven Baker writes, “The water issues are the most important in the community. Water is the undergirding of the entire community infrastructure. Without the water, in particular potable water, everything else becomes unnecessary. Water is taken for granted way too frequently. Water is a Many Splendor’ed Thing brings you another water relationship that has a personally significant impact to your life.” Produced by Steven Baker, Operation Unite® Bringing People Together to Solve Water Problems, Online at www.operationunite.co
In regional water news this weekend …
Drought relief funding available to Klamath Basin landowners, producers
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Resources Conservation Service, and the Klamath Project Drought Response Agency have funding available for landowners and producers in the Klamath Basin as part of local conservation and drought relief programs. The NRCS funding is part of $41.8 million in conservation assistance from the federal government meant to help agricultural producers in Arizona, California, Colorado and Oregon overcome the immediate impacts of drought. A portion of the funds are specifically earmarked for the Klamath Basin. … ” Read more from the Herald & News here: Drought relief funding available to Klamath Basin landowners, producers
Karuk Tribe petitions State Water Board to curtail Scott River water use and stop coho extinction
Dan Bacher writes, “On July 1, the Karuk Tribe filed a formal petition with the California State Water Resources Control Board demanding that it use its emergency powers to curtail water use in the Scott River to prevent the extinction of the Southern Oregon – Northern California Coho Salmon (Coho). “The worst water conditions in history led federal agencies to shut off 1,300 farms in the Upper Basin, but in the Scott Valley water users continue business as usual,” said Karuk Chairman Russell ‘Buster’ Attebery in a press release. “They are dewatering the last stronghold of Coho salmon in the Klamath Basin, driving them to extinction.” … ” Read more at the Daily Kos here: Karuk Tribe petitions State Water Board to curtail Scott River water use and stop coho extinction
RADIO SHOW: Wiyot tribe declares state of emergency for rivers
“The recent hot spell only underscores and exacerbates the presence of drought in the region. Rivers are running low and warm, endangering the fish that live in them. The Wiyot Tribe in Humboldt County recently declared a state of emergency for its namesake river, Wiya’t, generally called the Eel River. And the rest of the local rivers are also experiencing low flows: Baduwa’t (Mad River), Hikshari’ (Elk River), and Gidughurralilh (Van Duzen River). Guests from the tribe visit to talk about the declaration and the prospects for doing anything to help the rivers or the fish.” Listen to the radio show here: Wiyot tribe declares state of emergency for rivers
Heat, drought conditions could bring more harmful algae to Sacramento waterways
“Hot temperatures have many headed straight to local waterways to cool off, but experts say high heat and a bad drought this year can be ideal conditions for harmful algae. It’s an issue that’s not always top of mind. “I wouldn’t even think to check for algae, but maybe if the water does look dirty, that would be the only reason to check or even know it could be an issue,” said Sacramento resident Triston Chirgwin. … ” Read more from CBS Sacramento here: Heat, drought conditions could bring more harmful algae to Sacramento waterways
Facing climate crisis, Napa group calls on leaders for active water stewardship
“Leaders in Sierra Club Redwood Chapter’s Napa Group are calling on Napa County leaders to step up their regulation, monitoring and conservation of the county’s most precious resource: water. In a letter to the Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA), which has the authority and responsibility to manage water in the Napa Valley subbasin and watershed, Napa Group leaders lay out the need for better oversight beyond the current regulations. The GSA is compiling a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) as required under the state’s Groundwater Sustainability Management Act, yet Napa Group leaders say they became concerned that the process was not being responsive to real, serious issues and needs, particularly in light of climate change, and instead focused only on minimal compliance with guidelines.
Marin’s abandoned desalination plan looms over drought crisis
“The Marin Municipal Water District, facing the possibility of running out of water next summer, is scrambling to plan for two emergency projects to keep the taps flowing in case of another dry winter: a temporary desalination plant and a pipeline across San Francisco Bay. But nearly 11 years ago, the district chose not to build a desalination plant that could have supplied as much as 60% of its current yearly potable water demand — though at a high price. The district, which serves 191,000 residents in central and southern Marin, had been exploring desalination since the early 1990s and has tested two pilot desalting sites. But it began seriously considering the idea in the 2000s after forecasts showed it would not be able to meet future water demands. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin’s abandoned desalination plan looms over drought crisis
Commentary: Marin water district could have built desalination plant long ago
Michael Aaronson writes, “As a 50-year resident of Marin County, it is obvious to me that we have been in recurring drought mode since the 1970s. The Marin Municipal Water District should have anticipated and prepared for the present drought. California has had droughts in 1976-77,1987-92, 2007-09, 2012-16, and another just beginning, which may last several years. It could become more permanent, given that climate change may provide us with only occasional wet years from now on. In the past, a $1.2 million desalination pilot plant was built near the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The plant demonstrated that the district could turn bay water into clean, drinkable water with fewer contaminants than our existing water supply. In 2007, the American Academy of Environmental Engineers gave the district an award for this pilot program. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Commentary: Marin water district could have built desalination plant long ago
Fishermen seeing bountiful salmon season in San Mateo County
“Half Moon Bay fishermen are reporting plentiful amounts of salmon catch this season, marking a pleasant surprise after the commercial season was shortened due to estimations of low stock. Scott Edson, who fishes out of Half Moon Bay, said this season has been great for everyone, with an abundance of fish in the water not seen in years. “This year is something guys say they haven’t seen in 15 to 20 years. It’s been a pretty good season so far,” Edson said. … ” Read more from the Daily Journal here: Fishermen seeing bountiful salmon season in San Mateo County
San Luis Obispo County’s history is filled with stories of capturing water and enduring drought
“Reporter Phil Dirkx wrote this brief history of water use in San Luis Obispo County for a Telegram-Tribune special edition on the State Water Project that published April 3, 1990. … Julian Estrada’s cattle and horses were moaning with hunger, starving to death before his eyes. And he wasn’t the only rancher to hear the pitiful sound. All around San Luis Obispo County, hungry herds of livestock deserted the dry, grassless ranges to crowd around ranch buildings and cry for food. … ” Read more from the San Luis Obispo Tribune here: San Luis Obispo County’s history is filled with stories of capturing water and enduring drought
This week in Fresnoland: Have we learned from the last drought?
“July has barely begun, and drought is already wreaking havoc on drinking water supplies across the San Joaquin Valley. The effects are largely felt in working class Latino communities. But any smaller system without a diversity of water sources is also feeling the pinch right now, too. Last week, our colleague Melissa Montalvo at The Fresno Bee wrote about the Tulare County town of Teviston, a predominantly Latino farmworker community, whose only well went dry in the middle of a heat wave. The week before, I reported on how Madera County is emerging as the dry well hot spot of this drought. Avenal (in Kings County) has also reported that they may run out of water that they typically receive through the California Aqueduct in August. … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee here: This week in Fresnoland: Have we learned from the last drought?
Bakersfield: Alfalfa the color of money
“Alfalfa is turning up green lately for local farmers with the land and water to support it. Prices have surged for Kern County’s eighth highest-grossing crop, thanks to a commodity shortage brought on by strong demand in China and bad weather earlier this year in Brazil. That’s not necessarily good for local ranchers and dairies facing abnormally high feed costs, but it’s a boon for alfalfa growers after a decade of declining acreage dedicated to the crop in Kern. … ” Read more from the Bakersfield Californian here: Bakersfield: Alfalfa the color of money
Malibu: The bureaucratic tangle behind getting water to Legacy Park
“City officials are now working on a solution to the dry lake at Legacy Park. Many Malibu residents are bothered by the fact that the pond at Legacy Park has dried up in the drought, while at the same time a construction project for a new business park and shopping center across the street is unloading tens of thousands of gallons of water that is flowing into their construction site, channeling it into Malibu Creek. (La Paz has a permit for a subterranean parking garage, which crews are now digging out.) That led Council Member Steve Uhring to the logical question: Why not put some of the water from the La Paz project into the pond across the street? … ” Read more from the Malibu Times here: City officials are now working on a solution to the dry lake at Legacy Park.
Long Beach City Council to weigh $19 million contract to build stormwater treatment site
“The Long Beach City Council is set to weigh in on the next phase of the planned Long Beach Municipal Urban Stormwater Treatment Facility project at 901 De Forest Ave. The panel will vote at its Tuesday, July 6, meeting whether to approve a $19 million contract with Shimmick Construction Company, Inc., based in Oakland, to build the stormwater treatment facility. The project will include both construction of the facility and a new wetland habitat area, though the contract with Shimmick will just be for the stormwater treatment site; a contract to build the wetlands will come to the panel at a later date. … ” Read more from the Long Beach Press Telegram here: Long Beach City Council to weigh $19 million contract to build stormwater treatment site
Fullerton water treatment plant is Orange County’s first operating PFAS extraction plant
“The Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) and the City of Fullerton have begun operation of the Kimberly Well 1A PFAS Treatment Plant, Orange County’s first wellhead filtration treatment plant to remove perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) from local well water. PFOA and PFOS are manmade, heat-resistant chemicals that are prevalent in the environment and were once commonly used in consumer products to repel water, grease, and oil. They are part of a larger group referred to as per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Due to their prolonged use, PFAS are being detected in water sources throughout the United States, including the Orange County Groundwater Basin. “OCWD cannot be prouder of our amazing staff that designed and deployed this state of the art PFAS treatment system in record time to combat the PFAS chemicals which were released into the environment by third parties,” said OCWD President Steve Sheldon. … ” Read more from Water World here: Fullerton water treatment plant is Orange County’s first operating PFAS extraction plant
Coachella Valley column: How we’ve saved 60 billion gallons of water since 2015
Xochitl Peña, outreach specialist for Desert Water Agency, writes, “Most of us, especially those of us who live in the desert, know that water is a precious resource. … Since the beginning of the state’s drought mandate in June of 2015, the Coachella Valley’s six local water agencies have been keeping track of water savings. And we’ve done well. In these past six years, Coachella Valley residents and businesses have saved more than 60 billion gallons of water. … ” Read more at the Desert Sun here: Coachella Valley column: How we’ve saved 60 billion gallons of water since 2015
Along the Colorado River …
Southwest monsoon ramps up, brings much-needed rain
“Scenes of flash flooding similar to what was experienced in Zion National Park in Utah this past week may not be the only display of the destructive power of heavy rainfall across the Southwest in the coming days. As tropical moisture surges northward from the Pacific and provides fuel for thunderstorm activity, residents and visitors across the Southwest should remain on alert for rapidly changing weather conditions. A noticeably different feel to the air can be felt in places like Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, as a moisture-laden air mass settles in. ... ” Continue reading at AccuWeather here: Southwest monsoon ramps up, brings much-needed rain
Las Vegas Commentary: Water conservation remains key to a sustainable future
John Entsminger, general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, writes, “The last time Lake Mead was at 35 percent capacity, it was being filled in the 1930s. While ongoing drought and climate change have created an uncomfortable reality and stressed water supplies, the Southern Nevada Water Authority has been preparing for this for almost 20 years. Now, with a federal shortage declaration just weeks away, our community’s commitment to conserving our limited water resources takes on a new urgency as we strive to protect the vibrancy of the place that more than 2 million of us call home. ... ” Read more from the Las Vegas Review-Journal here: Las Vegas Commentary: Water conservation remains key to a sustainable future
Data centers consume millions of gallons of Arizona water daily
“Massive buildings are sprouting from our desert landscapes, their footprints normally more than a million square feet. The structures are filled with computer servers processing and storing huge amounts of data. “This recent one is on 196 acres, it’s going to be divided into three phases,” said Mesa Vice Mayor Jenn Duff. Duff is the only city council member to vote no on a recently approved $800 million data center – rumored to be for Facebook – after discovering the facility would eventually use 1.75 million gallons of water every day for cooling their rows of servers once fully operational. ... ” Read more from Channel 15 here: Data centers consume millions of gallons of Arizona water daily
ADWR: Future development in Pinal County can’t rely on groundwater
“There is more future demand for water in Pinal County than can be satisfied by existing resources, officials say. And that demand will not be met by excessive pumping of groundwater. The Arizona Department of Water Resources announced this week it will not approve any new applications seeking to use groundwater within the Pinal Active Management Area. The decision came during a meeting on Monday of the Pinal County Groundwater Task Force, chaired by Pinal County Supervisor Steve Miller. … ” Read more from Pinal Central here: ADWR: Future development in Pinal County can’t rely on groundwater
In national water news this week …
Earth from Orbit: record heat and drought is raising wildfire risk
“The western U.S. has seen record-breaking high temperatures over the past week as a heat dome, or mass of warm air, blankets the Pacific Northwest. This essentially occurs when a “mountain” or “dome” of warm air rises into the atmosphere, gets pinched off by the jet stream, and blocks new weather systems from moving in. The extreme heat, coupled with a severe drought this spring and summer in the region, has combined to significantly raise the risk of wildfire from both human and natural hazards, such as lightning. As the drought and heat wave stretches on, vegetation in these areas dries out, creating ample fuel for potential wildfires. But how dry is it? … ” Read more from NASA here: Earth from Orbit: record heat and drought is raising wildfire risk
Catch up on last week’s news in the Weekly Digest …
WEEKLY WATER NEWS DIGEST for June 27 – July 2: Emergency Drought Barrier, Connectivity and foodwebs in the Delta; plus all the top water news of the week
