On the calendar today …
- MEETING: San Francisco Bay Regional Water Board beginning at 9am. Agenda items include an informational presentation on Sediment for Survival: A Strategy for the Resilience of Bay Wetlands in the Lower San Francisco Estuary and a presentation on Nature–Based Wastewater Treatment: Learning from the Oro Loma Horizontal Levee. Click here for the full agenda. Click here to watch online.
- WEBINAR: Finding Water the ol’ Timey Way: The Geography, History and Science of Water Witching from 10am to 11am. Water witching, or dowsing, is part of the folklore associated with groundwater. Anyone who works with groundwater or relies on well water has relatives that are dowsers, knows someone in their community who has “witched” wells, has heard stories or has directly observed the marvels of the water finder. This webinar will synthesize the history and geographic breadth of water witching and dowsing, recognize that water witching and dowsing is a variant of Traditional Ecological Knowledge that is perceived both as a divine gift and a learned skill, and appraise the identity-based conflicts and conceptual models of hydrologists and water finders. Click here to register.
- FREE WEBINAR: FY22 NIDIS Coping with Drought: Ecological Drought Informational Webinar from 12pm to 1pm. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) is hosting a Coping with Drought research competition focused on ecological drought. This competition will be focused on research to improve our understanding, early warning and management of drought risk in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems to inform more deliberate and expanded decision-making that supports sustainable, healthy and resilient ecosystems. Click here to register.
- GRACAST: In Suspect Terroir: A Case Study of the Confluence of Natural and Artificial Recharge, Agricultural Irrigation, and Subsurface Heterogeneity at a Vineyard MAR Site Along the Cosumnes River from 12pm to 1pm. Recent and on-going efforts by Dr. Gooch and Dr. Kniffin will be presented on characterizations of subsurface conditions at a managed aquifer recharge (MAR) site along the Cosumnes River and Deer Creek floodplain near Sacramento, California. The site is both an example of Ag-MAR and flood-MAR as it is situated in the floodplain, utilizes flood water, and is a large production vineyard. Click here for more information.
- MWDOC WATER POLICY FORUM& DINNER featuring Jeffrey Kightlinger from 5:30pm to 8:30pm in Ontario. Join MWDOC for their Water Policy Forum & Dinner, featuring keynote speaker Jeffrey Kightlinger, now retired General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: Operations of the State Water Project and Delta Conveyance from 6pm to 7:30pm. This webinar will focus on Operations of the State Water Project and Delta Conveyance, including State Water Project (SWP) basics, including how water moves through the Delta and current SWP operations; Future challenges and risks to SWP; Methods to model operations for Delta Conveyance Project environmental review; Interpretation and use of modeling results; and Water quality requirements and related operational constraints. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
A Delta in distress
“Global warming has already left its mark on the backbone of California’s water supply, and represents a growing threat to its first developed agricultural region, state experts have warned in a new study. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta fuels California’s $3 trillion economy, including its $50 billion agricultural industry, sustains more than 750 plant and animal species and supplies 27 million people with drinking water. But global warming is likely to destabilize the landscape that made the delta a biodiversity and agricultural hotspot, according to a study released late last month by a state agency charged with preparing the region for the climate crisis. … ” Read more from Inside Climate News here: A Delta in Distress
Extreme heat will soon kill nearly all young salmon in the Sacramento River, officials say
“California officials anticipate nearly all juvenile chinook salmon in the Sacramento River could die due to abnormally hot underwater conditions as heat waves continue to bake the West. There will be a “near-complete loss” of the endangered species of salmon because temperatures above 100 degrees for extended periods of time are overheating the river, making it uninhabitable for the fish to grow beyond their egg stage, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) confirmed to CNN on Tuesday. … ” Read more from CNN here: Extreme heat will soon kill nearly all young salmon in the Sacramento River, officials say
California oil lobby seeks to strip environmental protections for groundwater amid drought
“A prominent oil and gas lobbying group seeks to strip environmental protections from groundwater sources designated by the state for agricultural use and which may grow increasingly important to California’s water-scarce future, according to a memo obtained through a records request. The proposal, which hasn’t been publicly announced, suggests removing protections for groundwater reserves underneath 1,500 square surface miles in western Kern County, where the upper groundwater zone alone can extend down thousands of feet. That region, near communities like McKittrick, Taft and Maricopa, is home to intensive oil drilling. Under the proposed change, companies could have an easier time maintaining petroleum-tainted water in existing open-air ponds, which contaminate groundwater reserves. (One barrel of produced oil results in 16 barrels of water tainted by petroleum.) … ” Read more from Capitol & Main here: California oil lobby seeks to strip environmental protections for groundwater amid drought
Legal analysis: Lawsuit will test application of requirement that a county consider public trust resources in permitting groundwater extraction
“Last month, California Coastkeeper Alliance (Coastkeeper) filed suit seeking to enjoin Sonoma County from issuing groundwater well permits until it adopts a program to consider and protect public trust resources in the Russian River watershed. This case is the first of its kind to attempt to enforce the holding of Environmental Law Foundation v. State Water Resources Control Board (2018) 26 Cal.App.5th 848, in which the Third District Court of Appeal held that the County of Siskiyou, when issuing groundwater well permits, is obligated to apply the public trust doctrine by considering whether groundwater pumping could adversely impact the Scott River, a navigable water. … ” Read more from Somach Simmons & Dunn here: Legal analysis: Lawsuit will test application of requirement that a county consider public trust resources in permitting groundwater extraction
Rural California hammered as drought spreads
“With depleted reservoirs and limited water supplies across California, Gov. Gavin Newsom last week expanded the drought emergency order to nine additional counties and signed an executive order calling on all Californians to voluntarily reduce water use by 15%. The action by the governor follows drought disaster orders issued in April and May, and brings a total of 50 of the state’s 58 counties under the drought state of emergency. Nine counties added to the drought declaration include: Inyo, Marin, Mono, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz. Brent Burchett, executive director of the San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau, said, “In our county, we weren’t waiting for the governor’s declaration to make local changes. … ” Read more from Ag Alert here: Rural California hammered as drought spreads
Northern California farmers bracing for drastic water restrictions
“Farmers are facing a water shortage right as we head into peak growing season. It’s hitting their bottom line — and potentially yours. Solano County farmer Spencer Bei shows us one of the wells his family uses to farm 15,000 acres. He says he is losing pressure now as he is pumping because he is pulling more from the aquifer due to a lack of surface water and no rain in sight. He is one of many farmers feeling the heat after the State Water Resources Board sent out letters to 4,300 water-right holders saying there was no longer enough water for them and that the remaining 2,300 with pre-1914 riparian rights could see even more restrictions soon. … ” Read more from CBS Sacramento here: Northern California farmers bracing for drastic water restrictions
How one conservation program helps to ensure water reliability for nature and people in the Central Valley
Rodd Kelsey with The Nature Conservancy writes, “One of the largest migrations on Earth will soon be moving through California’s Central Valley, and this year, the event will be larger than most, given a productive year for birds in their northern breeding grounds. Starting this month, hundreds of millions of migratory wetland birds (waterfowl and shorebirds) will begin coming to and passing through California as they move between their summer and winter habitats, a trek that takes them from as far north as the Arctic to South America. … In 2014, TNC launched BirdReturns to help ensure that the millions of migratory wetland birds passing through the Central Valley have suitable habitat at key times by working with farmers to create seasonal habitat on their farms after the fields have been harvested. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Business Journal here: How one conservation program helps to ensure water reliability for nature and people in the Central Valley
California drought causing multi-layered effects
““The water situation is dire. This one is real.” So says Tom Conrado of Classic Fruit Company in Fresno, CA of California’s current drought. Conrado notes there are some smaller, less thought of side effects of the drought on California’s agriculture picture. “It’s promoting larger operations. It’s starting to squeeze out more and more mom-and-pop type growers who don’t have the deeper pockets, unlike larger operations who can go out and drill a million dollar well or pay for higher priced water from other areas,” he says. “There are a lot of effects that these policies around water have that are not being considered. It’s pretty devastating.” … ” Read more from Fresh Plaza here: California drought causing multi-layered effects
Drought in California: farmers already forced to abandon crops as additional water restrictions loom: Dave Puglia, Jared Plumlee, Ross Franson, and Joe Del Bosque comment:
“Western Growers has taken a unique step in the fight against widespread drought, with California seeing unprecedented challenges this year. The association is aiming to educate its fellow industry members, recently launching a series of videos called “No Water = No Crops,” in which three California farmers show the impacts across their own operations, as well as the cascading losses that result. “Is that really what you want? Do you want a bunch of dust blowing through the center of the state interrupted by fields of solar panels, which don’t employ many people?” he said. … ” Read more from And Now U Know here: Drought in California: farmers already forced to abandon crops as additional water restrictions loom
Western drought leads to major impact on states fish population
“In June, over six thousand central California farmers were told they could lose water as the drought rages on. One reason for the shut-offs is because there needs to be enough water in our riverways to keep the natural flow going to protect certain fish species. Guy Jeans, is the owner of the Kern River Fly Shop in Kernville and even operates a fly fishing school. He says the drought has really impacted business. … ” Read more from Bakersfield Now here: Western drought leads to major impact on states fish population
Lake Oroville water levels expected to fall so low, hydro-power plant may shut down
“Due to worsening drought conditions in Northern California, officials will likely have to close the power plant at Lake Oroville because of its low water levels. It would be the first time that dry conditions have forced the plant to close. …Lake Oroville is considered full at 900 feet. As of Tuesday, it’s at 668 feet, according to KCRA 3 Chief Meteorologist Mark Finan. … ” Read more from KCRA Channel 3 here: Lake Oroville water levels expected to fall so low, hydro-power plant may shut down
Car wash companies hit peak season with state under drought conditions
“All of San Diego County is experiencing drought conditions to some degree. It’s mostly moderate but a little over 10% is severe, according to the website Drought.gov. That means saving water is a priority, especially with Governor Gavin Newsom calling for a voluntary 15% decrease in water usage statewide. So how is the carwash industry, one nearly completely dependent on water, making changes to conserve? ... ” Read more from Channel 7 here: Car wash companies hit peak season with state under drought conditions
Watershed Enforcement Program gears up for 2021 season amid drought conditions
“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), in conjunction with their state and county partners, are preparing for the 2021 cannabis enforcement season. As authorized by Fish & Game Code section 12029, CDFW, in coordination with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the state licensing authority, established a watershed enforcement program to address environmental violations associated with unlicensed cannabis cultivation. The environmental impacts associated with illegal cannabis cultivation can have a detrimental effect on fish and wildlife and their habitats, which are held in trust by the state for the benefit of the people. ... ” Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife here: Watershed Enforcement Program gears up for 2021 season amid drought conditions
In commentary today …
Californians will adapt to living with drought, as we always have
Jay Lund, professor of civil and environmental engineering at UC Davis, writes, “Climate change is exacerbating droughts and accelerating the transformation and decline of California’s native forest and aquatic ecosystems. As a state, we are poorly organized to manage these effects, which need extensive focused preparation. We need to adapt (and we will make mistakes in doing so). Our human, economic and environmental losses will be much greater, however, if we manage poorly because of delay, complacency or panic. We are a bit better prepared for this drought than for the 2012-2016 drought, but Californians, individually and collectively, will always need to expect and prepare for drought. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: Californians will adapt to living with drought, as we always have
Stewardship of the Delta requires protecting recreation and other Delta values in habitat restoration projects
Dan Ray, the Delta Stewardship Council’s retired chief deputy executive officer, writes, “Outdoor recreation is among the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta’s pleasures. Leisure time spent there can reward recreationists with not just a stringer of striped bass, a brace of waterfowl, or a basket of pears, but refreshed reconnections with nature, family, and a culture that extends back to California’s origins. Each visitor may become an ambassador for the Delta, promoting its charms to neighbors and colleagues and championing its resources’ protection and restoration. Recreation in the Delta is also important to the region’s economy. … ” Read more from Maven’s Noebook here: Stewardship of the Delta requires protecting recreation and other Delta values in habitat restoration projects
Governor Newsom is playing politics with the very lifeblood of California, our water
Dennis Wyatt, editor of the Manteca Bulletin and others, writes, “It has not rained in Las Vegas for a record 240 consecutive days. This has been the third driest year in Northern California since at least the 1870s. The pace of wildfires in California is ahead of 2020 when a record 10.1 million acres burned. The dismal snowpack on the Stanislaus River Basin — the third lowest in 115 years — is healthier than virtually every other watershed in the state. The state power providers are scrambling to find other electricity sources as hydroelectric generation is expected to fall to almost nothing as the summer drags on. Given all that, the best Governor Gavin Newsom can muster is to ask people to voluntarily reduce water 15 percent? ... ” Read more from the Turlock Journal here: Governor Newsom is playing politics with the very lifeblood of California, our water
In regional water news and commentary today …
CDFW successfully relocates 1.1 million hatchery salmon until Klamath River drought conditions improve
“Due to drought and poor water conditions in the Klamath River, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) successfully relocated 1.1 million juvenile, fall-run Chinook salmon from its Iron Gate Fish Hatchery in Siskiyou County. The fish were trucked to a nearby satellite facility and to the Trinity River Hatchery 122 miles away where the fish will remain until conditions in the Klamath River improve. The baby salmon, about seven months old and about three inches in length, are normally released into the Klamath River in May and June. Due to warm water temperatures, low water flow and an exceedingly high probability of succumbing to disease in the river, CDFW decided to retain these salmon within its hatchery system over the summer until Klamath River conditions improve. The unprecedented relocation happened after extensive monitoring, discussion and close collaboration with federal partners, academic specialists and three Native American tribes in the lower Klamath Basin. ... ” Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife here: CDFW successfully relocates 1.1 million hatchery salmon until Klamath River drought conditions improve
Humboldt County warns of public health concerns related to drought
“The following is a press release from the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services: On May 10, 2021, California Gov. Gavin Newsom expanded the drought emergency proclamation to 41 counties, including Humboldt. With this proclamation comes acknowledgment that droughts can cause changes to communities and the environment that impact public health. Reduced stream flows increase the concentration of pollutants in water and cause stagnation and elevated water temperatures. … ” Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Humboldt County warns of public health concerns related to drought
Tehama County Supervisors hear local groundwater report
“The Tehama County Board of Supervisors received an informational presentation Tuesday regarding problems faced when dealing with local groundwater. Chairman of the Groundwater Committee and Red Bluff Councilman Clay Parker delivered a presentation before the board Tuesday that delved into the often uneasy topic of local water resources and the related problems associated with it. “Everybody knows we’re having issues with wells,” Parker said. “A lot of it has to do with drought, dry years, a lack of that surface water for recharging and one thing we did in our five sub-basins is that we broke it in half. We have an upper aquifer and a lower aquifer.” … ” Read more from the Tehama Daily News here: Tehama County Supervisors hear local groundwater report
Scenic Lake Tahoe neighborhood hit with sewage stench
“In South Lake Tahoe, people surrounded by the pristine scenery have also been dealing with a potent stench. Two million gallons of sewage has been sitting right in the middle of a residential neighborhood. The South Lake Tahoe Public Utilities District filled up an emergency retention pond in the Black Bart neighborhood when there was more flow than their treatment plant could handle during a planned repair job. … ” Read more from Channel 13 here: Scenic Lake Tahoe neighborhood hit with sewage stench
Nevada County commentary: Forever issues plague mines
Josie Crawford, a biologist and the executive director of Wolf Creek Community Alliance, writes, “Merry Byles Daley used to walk her students from Hennessey School to Memorial Park to play and learn in the creek. That is, until the day the classroom tadpoles died from the creek water she added to their aquarium. The creek was Magenta Drain, named for the color of its water when it came out of the ground. It was the color of acid mine drainage and came from Empire Mine. Arsenic, manganese and iron were in Magenta Drain. These heavy metals contaminate our soil and water. If the Idaho-Maryland Mine reopens, these are the same metals we will need to deal with during their operation and forevermore. … ” Read more from The Union here: Nevada County commentary: Forever issues plague mines
Drought exposes Mormon Island, a Gold Rush-era ghost town in Folsom Lake
“Last seen during the last drought in September 2015, the ruins of a Gold Rush-era village have been exposed again as the water level in Folsom Lake has once again receded to a new low. As KRON4 reports, the lake has dropped down to 381 feet, a level near where it would have been that September, albeit two months earlier in the year. Visitors in the weekend’s heatwave who wanted to brave a small hike could see the remnants of Mormon Island, which was once a settlement of around 2,500 people in 1853, having been settled about ten years earlier. Bits of pottery and other artifacts have been left to sit on the lakebed since Folsom Dam was built and the reservoir was flooded in 1955. … ” Read more from SFist here: Drought exposes Mormon Island, a Gold Rush-era ghost town in Folsom Lake
Yolo County decides on vision for Tule Canal/Yolo Bypass through stakeholder workshop
“On June 24, Yolo County released a report on a recent design charrette for the Tule Canal in the Yolo Bypass. The two-day virtual workshop included 71 participants from a wide swath of stakeholders — farmers, policy makers, landowners, hunters, conservation scientists, educators, engineers and ecologists. Led by consultants Robert Suarez and Teal Brown Zimring, with generous funding from the State Water Contractors and Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, the executive summary and full report are now available on Yolo County’s Delta e-library … “Charrette is a term used in landscape design and architecture. It’s a fancy way of saying a design workshop,” Elisa Sabatini, Yolo County’s natural resources manager, said. “It was fascinating to be part of a process that involved so many people, who all came together around a vision for the Tule Canal in two days.” … ” Read more from the Daily Democrat here: Yolo County decides on vision for Tule Canal/Yolo Bypass through stakeholder workshop
Activists redouble efforts to protect at-risk San Francisco Bay wetlands
“Citing the urgent need to protect SanFrancisco Bay wetlands in the face of climate change and sea level rise, today the Citizens Committee to Complete the Refuge, with the support of over a dozen conservation and climate organizations, launched the “Save Newark Wetlands” campaign(SaveNewarkWetlands.org), calling on government officials to halt development plans on the 500-acreSouth Bay site, “Newark Area 4,” and instead permanently protect these lands as part of the DonEdwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. As part of the effort, advocates released a compelling new video, featuring stunning aerial imagery and interviews with leading SF Bay scientists LetitiaGrenier and Ellen Plane (SF Estuary Institute), along with climate resilience leader Violet Saena (Climate ResilientCommunities), who describe the Bay’s wetlands as one of the most important ecosystems on the planet, and Newark Area 4 as a valuable shoreline site that both supports Bay wildlife and can act as a crucial flood buffer for the community as sea levels rise. … ” Continue reading from Save Newark Wetlands here: Activists redouble efforts to protect at-risk San Francisco Bay wetlands
Palo Alto Baylands project aims to prepare area for sea level rise
“Seeking to regulate water flow at local creeks and bolster protection from sea level rise, Valley Water is setting the stage for a four-year construction project in the Palo Alto Baylands that is expected to cost close to $40 million and that will temporarily close a popular trail. The project, which is slated to kick off in November, calls for replacement of a structure that was installed in 1957 east of the Palo Alto Municipal Airport and the Baylands Nature Preserve. … ” Read more from Palo Alto Online here: Palo Alto Baylands project aims to prepare area for sea level rise
Protecting Google’s future development from sea level rise is expected to cost $122 million
“The city of Mountain View is planning for a surge in new offices and homes in North Bayshore, placing dense new development just a short jaunt away from the baylands. But new sea level rise estimates show that future development could very well end up underwater without flood protection, and it’s unclear who is going to pick up the costly bill. Earlier this year, Google announced its proposal to build 7,000 homes in North Bayshore alongside 3 million square feet of offices less than a mile from the bay. It’s the largest single development proposal in the city’s history, complicated by the fact that it’s all in a low-lying area subject to flooding due to stormwater runoff and high tides. … ” Read more from the Mountain View Voice here: Protecting Google’s future development from sea level rise is expected to cost $122 million
Valley Water embarks on Anderson Dam project after years of unexpected delays
“It started with a warning from state officials more than a decade ago that a major earthquake could cause the crest of Anderson Dam to slump, allowing water to cascade over the top and leave Morgan Hill underwater in mere minutes. Last week, the Santa Clara Valley Water District finally broke ground on the first phase of what has become a 10-year, $648 million project to retrofit the dam. The district first started its planning process in 2012. Chris Hakes, who serves as the deputy operating officer of the Valley Water’s dam safety and capital delivery division, told The Beat that at the time it was supposed to be a “relatively straightforward seismic retrofit project.” But over the years, a series of unexpected setbacks increased both the project’s scope and cost. … ” Read more from the Milpitas Beat here: Valley Water embarks on Anderson Dam project after years of unexpected delays
Tri-Valley water agencies ask for 2nd cutback in 6 weeks
“Six weeks after Tri-Valley water agencies asked residents to voluntarily cut their water consumption by 10 percent, they are now asking for a further voluntary cut of 15 percent. The request follows an executive order issued last week by Gov. Gavin Newsom calling on all Californians to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15 percent from their 2020 levels. The water agencies serve the Tri-Valley area, including Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon and Livermore. ... ” Read more from CBS San Francisco here: Tri-Valley water agencies ask for 2nd cutback in 6 weeks
Santa Clara unveils aggressive new water conservation plan
“The city of Santa Clara has unveiled a detailed and aggressive blueprint for conserving water during the state’s extreme drought, laying out rules for everyday activities like watering landscaping and washing cars. “When the water comes out just to warm up for your shower, we’re actually pouring that water into a bucket and using that to water our plants,” said homeowner Denise Gonzales. ... ” Read more from CBS San Francisco here: Santa Clara unveils aggressive new water conservation plan
Santa Clara County Commentary: We must act now and conserve water during drought emergency
Valley Water Chair Tony Estremera writes, “Santa Clara County is in an extreme drought. 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. There is no way of knowing when this drought will end. The last drought lasted five years, so we must anticipate this one will extend into 2022. That’s why we must all act now and conserve water. On June 9, 2021, my fellow Board Members and I declared a water shortage emergency condition in Santa Clara County. This action allows Valley Water to work with our retailers, cities and the county to implement regulations and restrictions on the delivery and use of water. … ” Read more from Valley Water here: Santa Clara County Commentary: We must act now and conserve water during drought emergency
Santa Cruz to hold public meetings on possible water rights update
“City of Santa Cruz water rights — that were established more than 50 years ago — are up for revision and will be discussed at two forthcoming public meetings. The rights, allocated by the California State Water Resources Control Board, dictate where and how water suppliers can use and move water. “The San Lorenzo River water rights are from the ’50s, so imagine a substantially smaller community and probably what seemed like ‘this amount of water would be enough for forever,’ ” said Rosemary Menard, Santa Cruz Water Department director. … ” Read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel here: Santa Cruz to hold public meetings on possible water rights update
San Luis Obispo County supervisors declare local drought emergency
“San Luis Obispo County is now facing a local drought emergency. During Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, a local drought emergency was declared. Our reservoirs are currently at 19 to 64% capacity with the expectation that they’ll dwindle even more. Extreme drought is gripping most of San Luis Obispo County. “As time moves along, we will most likely be in D4 category by the time the rain starts in late Fall,” said Scott Jalbert, San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Manager. … ” Read more from KSBY here: San Luis Obispo County supervisors declare local drought emergency
Montecito: Voluntary conservation called for as drought conditions place extra demand on water supply
“[Last week] the Governor called for 15% voluntary reduction in water use across California, and included Santa Barbara County in the expanded regional drought state of emergency. Montecito Water District customers reduced water consumption by a remarkable 56% during previous drought conditions. However, use has ramped up significantly since December, 2020. Customer demand was again reported as over budget at last month’s Board meeting. Customer demand remained relatively low during the wet years, 2018 and 2019, that marked drought’s end—or hiatus. Below-average rainfall conditions returned in 2020-21 and customer demand has increased while water supply availability is decreasing. … ” Read more from EdHat here: Montecito: Voluntary conservation called for as drought conditions place extra demand on water supply
Ridgecrest: First court hearing August 19 in water district adjudication case
“A first court hearing is scheduled for Aug. 19 in the Indian Wells Valley Water District’s comprehensive adjudication case. The hearing will be held in the Orange County Superior Court. The board believes the action to be “necessary to protect and conserve the limited water supply that is vital to the public health, safety and welfare” of everyone in the basin, according to the district. What exactly is an adjudication? … ” Read more from the Daily Independent here: Ridgecrest: First court hearing August 19 in water district adjudication case
Los Angeles: Long delay in alerting public to massive beach sewage spill raises alarm
“After 17 million gallons of raw sewage were discharged into the ocean off Los Angeles beaches early Monday, county officials waited hours before notifying the public to avoid swimming in areas potentially affected by high levels of bacteria. The delay occurred even though officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which is responsible for notifying the public, were at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant in Playa del Rey during the emergency discharge procedure that began Sunday evening and ended Monday around 4:30 a.m., according to interviews. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Long delay in alerting public to massive beach sewage spill raises alarm
Coachella Valley Water District opposes proposed IID fee
“Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) went on record today during Imperial Irrigation District’s (IID) Board of Directors meeting to oppose IID’s proposed fee to be charged to IID’s Coachella Valley rate payers. CVWD is IID’s largest single power customer. IID and CVWD are party to the 1934 Compromise Agreement, and under that agreement, IID is obligated to charge Coachella Valley rate payers (including CVWD) the same rates as IID charges to rate payers within its district in the Imperial Valley. … ” Read more from the Coachella Valley Water District here: Coachella Valley Water District opposes proposed IID fee
Along the Colorado River …
The Colorado River is drying up faster than federal officials can keep track. Mandatory water cuts are looming.
“A blunt new report based on June runoff conditions from the Colorado River into Lake Powell and Lake Mead shows the reservoirs fast deteriorating toward “dead pool” status, where stored water is so low it can’t spin the massive hydroelectric power generators buried in the dams, and large swaths of Arizona farmland going fallow. The enormous, life-sustaining buckets of water in the drought-stricken West are emptying so fast that the Bureau of Reclamation added a new monthly report – on top of three already scheduled this year – to keep up with the dam. … ” Read more from the Colorado Sun here: The Colorado River is drying up faster than federal officials can keep track. Mandatory water cuts are looming.
Hydropower worries grow as Colorado River reservoirs keep dropping
“The water levels behind the Colorado River’s biggest dams are fast-approaching or already at record lows. The historic 21-year megadrought that is squeezing some Western states’ water supplies will also likely start showing up in energy bills, because those dams can’t produce as much electricity. The problem is most acute at the Upper Colorado River basin’s largest reservoir: Lake Powell. At the base of Glen Canyon Dam in northern Arizona, the Colorado River flows out cold and clear. On the canyon walls, moss grows where water from behind the dam seeps slowly through the red sandstone. The air buzzes with electricity. “If money had a sound, this would be it,” Bob Martin said of the electrical hum. He’s the dam’s manager for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. … ” Read more from KUNC here: Hydropower worries grow as Colorado River reservoirs keep dropping
Monsoon is set to unleash flooding rains in drought-stricken Arizona
“The punishing heat wave continues in much of the West. However, for some in places in the Southwest including Arizona, the long-awaited monsoon will bring milder temperatures and rainfall. It may just arrive a little bit too fast, raising flash flooding concerns in the area. “Afternoon and evening showers and storms are expected to be in place across the Four Corners region, and especially southern Arizona and New Mexico, as the southwest monsoon kicks into high gear,” the Weather Prediction Center said Tuesday morning. … ” Read more from CNN here: Monsoon is set to unleash flooding rains in drought-stricken Arizona
The beavers returning to the desert
“Standing at the edge of a precipice, under a scorching sun in eastern Utah, you can see nothing but the state’s infamous red rocks and towering buttes for miles. No trees to offer welcome shade, the only vegetation being dry scrub that clings to the flat, dusty plains, while the sheer cliffsides are barren of life. But if you happen to glance down at the dizzying depths of the canyon that lies at the bottom of the desert sandstone mountains, you’d see a lush oasis, blooming with green vegetation, the Price River snaking through the rock even on the hottest of summer days. And if you scrambled down, and watched patiently for long enough, you might even spot some beavers – the very architects of this thriving wetland landscape, smack bang in the middle of the desert. Getting these beaver populations to thrive in Utah’s desert landscape has been a challenging task for Emma Doden, a masters student in translocated beaver ecology at Utah State University. … ” Read more from BBC’s Future Planet here: The beavers returning to the desert
In national water news today …
EPA: 11,000 facilities illegally discharged pollutants into nearby waters in 2018
“Nearly 11,000 U.S. facilities discharged pollutants into local waters beyond the levels allowed under the law, the Environmental Protection Agency told a nonpartisan congressional watchdog. In a report released Monday, the Government Accountability Office said that the EPA found that in 2018, close to 11,000 facilities with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits illegally dumped large amounts of pollutants into local waters. As of fiscal 2020, some 335,000 facilities have active NPDES permits, 60,000 of which are required to monitor pollutant discharge. … ” Read more from The Hill here: EPA: 11,000 facilities illegally discharged pollutants into nearby waters in 2018
IG: FEMA never followed 20-year-old disaster law
“More than 20 years ago, Congress and President Clinton enacted a law that aimed to encourage local governments to make their infrastructure more resilient to natural hazards and climate disasters. But there was a catch: The Federal Emergency Management Agency was supposed to enforce the law by penalizing states and municipalities when they sought aid for facilities that had been damaged in previous disasters. FEMA never did that. A new federal investigation finds that FEMA has failed to write regulations that were required under the 2000 law — and that at least $2 billion in federal taxpayer money has been spent repairing disaster-damaged roads, bridges and public buildings that should have been strengthened. … ” Read more at E&E News here: IG: FEMA never followed 20-year-old disaster law
Today’s featured articles …
CA WATER COMMISSION: The Yuba-Feather Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations Program
Reservoirs are often constructed and operated for multiple purposes, such as water supply, flood control, hydropower, recreation, and environmental enhancement. However, managing the reservoir for multiple purposes is challenging and often involves tradeoffs between sometimes competing needs.
Forecast-informed reservoir operations (FIRO) is a reservoir-operations strategy that uses enhanced monitoring and improved weather and water forecasts to inform decision making to selectively retain or release water from reservoirs to optimize water supply reliability and environmental co-benefits and to enhance flood-risk reduction. FIRO provides an effective means of increasing the efficiency and resiliency of existing water resources infrastructure – all without costly construction projects.
John Leahigh is the Water Operations Executive Manager for the Department of Water Resources with 25 years of experience either in or overseeing the State Water Project Water Operations Office for the Department. At the May meeting of the California Water Commission, he spoke about the Yuba-Feather FIRO program, the promise of Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations, and how it can be an adaptive response to the effects of climate change.
Click here to read this article.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Stewardship of the Delta requires protecting recreation and other Delta values in habitat restoration projects
Guest Commentary by Dan Ray, in response to yesterday’s guest commentary on the Lookout Slough restoration project:
Outdoor recreation is among the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta’s pleasures. Leisure time spent there can reward recreationists with not just a stringer of striped bass, a brace of waterfowl, or a basket of pears, but refreshed reconnections with nature, family, and a culture that extends back to California’s origins. Each visitor may become an ambassador for the Delta, promoting its charms to neighbors and colleagues and championing its resources’ protection and restoration.
Recreation in the Delta is also important to the region’s economy.
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
WEBINAR: Managing California’s Groundwater: Incorporating Climate Change and Multi-Benefit Projects
NOTICE: Revised Notice Of Opportunity To Comment – Racial Equity Resolution
CDFW GRANTS: North Coast Coho Recovery Call for Concepts Workshop Recording and Presentation Available
WATER PLAN eNEWS: ~~Website Upgrade ~Indoor Water~ Tribal Summit~ Groundwater Rights~ Abstract Deadline~ Webinar Series ~~
WEBINAR: Managing California’s Groundwater: Incorporating Climate Change and Multi-Benefit Projects
