On the calendar today …
- PUBLIC HEARING: Lookout Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration and Flood Improvement Project beginning at 9am. The Council will hold a public hearing to consider a Proposed Determination and adopt findings regarding four appeals of the certification of consistency with the Delta Plan for the Lookout Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration and Flood Improvement Project. The hearing will continue on Thursday. Click here for the full meeting notice.
- PUBLIC MEETING: CDFA Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel from 9am to 3pm. Please join the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the members of the Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel (EFA-SAP) for a public meeting containing updates on CDFA’s Climate Smart Agriculture incentive programs. Topics include Below-ground Biodiversity Metric; Restore CA; Conservation Agriculture Planning Grants Program; State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP); Healthy Soils Program (HSP); and Technical Assistance Program. Click here to register.
- PUBLIC MEETING: contract repayment negotiations for the Friant-Kern Canal Middle Reach Capacity Correction Project from 9:30am to 5:00pm. The Bureau of Reclamation and the Friant Water Authority scheduled a teleconference contract repayment negotiation session for costs of extraordinary operation and maintenance work on the Friant-Kern Canal Middle Reach Capacity Correction Project. Call 1-202-640-1187 and, when prompted, type in participant passcode 895 015 512#. The public is welcome to listen during the session and comment after the negotiations close.
- EVENT: Delta Lead Scientist Ask Me Anything from 12pm to 1pm. Join Dr. Larsen and 2021 Delta Science Proposal Solicitation Grantee Dr. Tamara Kraus (U.S. Geological Survey California Water Science Center) for a discussion of the frontiers of Delta science, including how Dr. Kraus got involved in her research on harmful algal blooms in the Delta, what fieldwork she anticipates, and how this work relates to other work the Delta Science Program is funding. Instagram Live@deltastewardshipcouncil Click here for a flyer.
- FREE WEBINAR: FY22 NIDIS Coping with Drought: Tribal Drought Resilience Informational Webinar from 12pm to 1pm. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) is hosting a research competition, Coping with Drought: Building Tribal Drought Resilience. Applications should be developed by or in full partnership with tribal nations to fund the implementation of actions—together with research on those actions—to build drought resilience contained in existing plans and strategies. Plans may include, but are not limited to drought contingency plans; drought, water, or natural resource plans; agricultural resource management plans; or climate adaptation plans. This competition lead will be holding an informational webinar on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 3 p.m. EDT to discuss the background of the programs and expectations for this competition, as well as to address questions related to the development and submission of letters of intent and proposals. Click here to register.
- FREE WEBINAR: Water Loss & Leak Detection Webinar: Pressure Management from 1pm to 2:30pm. The webinar will include a panel that discusses pressure management for small and large water systems. Topics will include practical application of pressure management within a water distribution system, pressure management strategies including pressure control valves, multistage pumps and artificial intelligence, hydraulic models, and pilot projects in California. Please register at this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.
com/register/ 3874179113586662416 - MEETING: Delta Protection Commission from 4pm to 5:30pm. Report from the Delta Protection Advisory Committee, update on Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area (Delta NHA)and consider support of H.R. 4087; receive update on Delta Levee Investment Strategy (DLIS) draft regulatory language; and Receive report on Yolo Bypass Salmonid Habitat Restoration & Fish Passage Project and consider Commission position on proposed use of eminent domain to acquire interests in land for Delta habitat restoration. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.
- OPEN HOUSE: Salmon habitat restoration project at Ancil Hoffman Park, Sacramento (Virtual) from 6pm to 7pm. The public is invited to learn about a new project designed to restore crucial habitat for native salmon and steelhead trout in the river at Ancil Hoffman, near Effie Yeaw Nature Center, in Carmichael. Click here to register.
- FREE WORKSHOP: Flood-MAR Multi-Benefit Recharge Incentive Program in the Sacramento Valley from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. The Nature Conservancy and the Department of Water Resources’ Flood-MAR Program will host an online workshop next month on their 2021-22 program to implement multi-benefit flood-MAR practices on farm fields in the Sacramento Valley. The on-farm, multi-benefit groundwater recharge program open to growers in Yolo, Colusa,Glenn and Tehama counties. The workshop will be held via Zoom on Thursday, July 15 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. To access the meeting, visit tinyurl.com/ymyf6xdm.
In California water news today …
With drought worsening, should California have much tougher water restrictions?
“When Gov. Gavin Newsom asked Californians to voluntarily conserve water last week as he stood in front of the retreating shoreline at Lopez Lake in San Luis Obispo County, some must have had déjà vu. It was only six years ago when former Gov. Jerry Brown stood in a field near Lake Tahoe that was bereft of normally plentiful snow and called for water restrictions amid the state’s punishing years-long drought. … As Californians wonder when mandatory water restrictions might be coming, officials and experts including those who played roles in addressing the 2012-2016 drought say the pace and strategy of Newsom’s current response sufficiently incorporates insights gained from the past. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: With drought worsening, should California have much tougher water restrictions?
Sierra snowbank short on funds
“Mountain snow is like a bank account for water across the western United States. Snow that falls on the Sierra Nevada, the Rocky Mountains, and other ranges becomes a natural reservoir that slowly melts each spring and summer and flows down into the river valleys. The resource managers of western states count on this allowance from nature to fill reservoirs with sufficient water for the typically dry months of summer and autumn. In 2021, those meltwater accounts have been turning up “insufficient funds.” … ” Read more from Earth Observatory here: Sierra snowbank short on funds
Why California should be preparing for floods, even in the midst of drought
“The explorer John Wesley Powell once poked fun at the professional rainmakers of his time, writing, “Years of drought and famine come and years of flood and famine come, and the climate is not changed with dance, libation or prayer.” As we now know, humans can change the climate — one reason the current drought is so intense, sparking what could be a record wildfire season and depleting mighty reservoirs such as Mead and Oroville. Yet as Powell noted, the West can quickly swing from drought to flood. And it will again — possibly with greater ferocity than before. Atmospheric modeling is showing that, like our current drought, future floods will be bigger and more intense, said Jeffrey Mount, a geologist and water expert with the Public Policy Institute of California. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Why California should be preparing for floods, even in the midst of drought
California’s extreme heat could push chinook salmon closer to the brink of extinction
“A brutal heat wave that’s been punishing the West and Southwest United States could result in the death of nearly all juvenile Chinook salmon in the Sacramento River, pushing the endangered fish even closer to extinction, according to officials from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. As reported by the Sacramento Bee, officials warned this week that recent and persistent temperatures over 100 degrees are making the Sacramento River — one of pathways the fish traverse after hatching on their swim west to the Pacific Ocean — uninhabitable for the fish. This could mean the death of “nearly all” of the young fish in the river this season, the Bee reported. … ” Read more from Eater SF here: California’s extreme heat could push chinook salmon closer to the brink of extinction
Heat isn’t the only thing that could kill ‘nearly all’ young salmon in the Sacramento River
“On Tuesday, CNN reported that “extreme heat” from California’s searing temperatures could kill “nearly all juvenile chinook salmon” in the Sacramento River. But the potential grim fate of the salmon isn’t just due to climate change—human meddling in California’s rivers is also to blame. This year’s extreme heat, which has seen all-time records fall across the West, is playing a role in the salmon crisis. But to truly understand the sad salmon story, you need to go back to the early 1940s when the Shasta Reservoir, the largest reservoir in California, was formed by damming the Sacramento River. The manmade lake is the centerpiece of the system of dams, canals, and pumps called the Central Valley Project, a vast network that supplies water to 29 of the state’s 58 counties. That includes large amounts of water used by the sprawling agriculture industry in the Central Valley. … ” Continue reading at Gizmodo here: Heat isn’t the only thing that could kill ‘nearly all’ young salmon in the Sacramento River
Drought is forcing tough decisions for West’s ranchers
“This year is proving to be a serious challenge for many cattle producers in the western states, with prolonged drought and high temperatures. Pasture and hay supplies are well below average and some producers are running out of forage. David Bohnert, Beef Extension Specialist and Ruminant Nutritionist at Oregon State University’s Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center in Burns, says that if a person can find pasture, that’s great, but if you’re overstocked you need to get rid of some animals early rather than when you are forced to. The forage available from reducing animal numbers will allow for a longer grazing period. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Drought is forcing tough decisions for West’s ranchers
The Almond Doctor’s Rx for drought
“The author byline of David Doll is a familiar one in the agricultural world, writing as The Almond Doctor on his website where he shares almond orchard research. One of the most recent efforts by the University of California Cooperative Extension nut crop pomologist farm advisor deals with a 2021 update on the how and why of almond drought management: “Drought conditions are forecast to persist in California and although almonds, from a survival standpoint, are relatively tolerant to drought, their yield is impacted when water applications are reduced,” he writes. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: The Almond Doctor’s Rx for drought
DWR to use innovative airborne technology to map state’s groundwater basins
“The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is using an innovative, helicopter-based technology to gather information about the state’s groundwater aquifer structure to support drought response and the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). DWR’s use of airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys advances Governor Newsom’s Water Resilience Portfolio goal of using technology to support the State’s understanding of groundwater resources. “The data collected during these surveys will provide a better understanding of California’s groundwater systems, and in turn support more informed and sustainable groundwater management and drought preparedness and response approaches,” said Steven Springhorn, DWR’s SGMA Technical Assistance Manager. … ” Read more from DWR here: DWR to use innovative airborne technology to map state’s groundwater basins
Audio: More conveyance needed for ag water
“David Orth is with New Current Water and Land, a consulting firm for growers trying to navigate water shortages and SGMA. He noted that we need more restore some ofd the surface water from the Delta.” Listen at AgNet West here: Audio: More conveyance needed for ag water
New and transformative delta research funded by state and federal agencies
“After reviewing a record number of proposals submitted in response to the 2021 Delta Science Proposal Solicitation, the Delta Science Program is thrilled to announce that 16 proposals have been selected for funding to address critical biophysical and social science knowledge gaps in the Delta. The Delta Stewardship Council, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), and the State Water Contractors have contributed a combined $10 million to fund these innovative projects that will advance our knowledge and management on a diversity of topics. … ” Read more from the Delta Stewardship Council here: New and transformative delta research funded by state and federal agencies
Researcher aims to get to the bottom of harmful, hidden riverbed algae
“While algae growing in our lakes, ponds and reservoirs can be quite visible, the algae in many of our rivers and their tributaries is often not so obvious, lurking on the bottom of the rivers, and clinging to rocks. Yet, some of these riverbed blue-green algae, referred to as “cyanobacteria,” can create algal blooms that produce toxins harmful not only to aquatic life, but also to pets, livestock and humans. University of Nevada, Reno Assistant Professor Joanna Blaszczak is conducting research to identify the specific conditions conducive to producing these blooms and their toxins, so that water managers can know when they are going to occur and take actions to better protect animals, humans and river ecosystems. … ” Read more from Nevada Today here: Researcher aims to get to the bottom of harmful, hidden riverbed algae
California’s wildfires are outpacing last year’s record-breaking season
“The number of wildfires in California to date this year is greater than the amount recorded in the same time period in 2020 — a year which saw more burned acreage than any recorded year in history, according to data from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Between January 1 to July 11 of this year, approximately 4,163 fires have burned in California, the department said. During the same time period in 2020, 3,645 fires were reported by the department. “It’s now more critical than ever that all Californians are prepared for wildfires,” fire officials said. … ” Read more from CBS News here: California’s wildfires are outpacing last year’s record-breaking season
Numbers reveal impact of heat, drought and wildfires in the West
“The American West is baking, burning and drying in intertwined extreme weather. Four sets of numbers explain how bad it is now, while several others explain why it got this bad. The West is going through “the trifecta of an epically dry year followed by incredible heat the last two months and now we have fires,” said University of California Merced climate and fire scientist John Abatzoglou. “It is a story of cascading impacts.” And one of climate change, the data shows. … ” Read more from KTLA here: Numbers reveal impact of heat, drought and wildfires in the West
In commentary today …
In drought-stricken California, who owns water rights can still be a mystery
Michael Kiparsky, director of the Wheeler Water Institute in the Center for Law, Energy and the Environment at UC Berkeley School of Law,” writes, “As we careen deeper into drought, California will face increasing impacts to urban and agricultural economies, rivers and forests, and wildlife. In response, government agencies will need to determine how to allocate water among competing needs. Water users will scramble to buy and sell water — if they can — or reduce their use. But the current lack of information hobbles the ability to make difficult decisions about water management. For California to cope with persistent shortages, water rights data need to be accessible to decision-makers and the public. Most residents assume that because their home water use is metered we would understand water use in the state as a whole, and that water management is a routine matter. This could hardly be further from the truth. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: In drought-stricken California, who owns water rights can still be a mystery
In regional water news and commentary today …
Poor Klamath River water conditions, deadly parasite, prompts fish hatchery to delay salmon release
“Due to poor water conditions and an increase in a parasite called C. Shasta in the river, the hatchery, located in Hornbrook, California, will keep the tiny fish until fall. Now, the hatchery is dealing with the logistics of moving millions of fish to other facilities because they cannot accommodate all of the growing salmon. “ We trucked over a million fish three hours from Iron Gate reservoir,” says Mark Clifford, an environmental scientist with California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “We took them to our Trinity hatchery facility and those trucks went through Redding when it was like 115 degrees. And I am happy to say that the fish arrived safely. They are doing great.” … ” Read more from Jefferson Public Radio here: Poor Klamath River water conditions, deadly parasite, prompts fish hatchery to delay salmon release
SEE ALSO: For the first time in 60 years, Iron Gate won’t release salmon into Klamath due to drought, from the Siskiyou Daily News
Tehama County approves emergency well resolution
“The Tehama County Board of Supervisors approved an emergency resolution Tuesday that would allow residents with dry wells to purchase water directly from the county. Though not in the original agenda for the meeting, Chief Administrative Officer Bill Goodwin added the item as an addendum, which consisted of a presentation on why the resolution would be necessary. County administration has been looking at different wells within its jurisdiction to obtain the water from. Initially, the county looked toward the well at Ridgeway Park but discovered the water was non-potable and for irrigation only. So far it would seem Mill Creek is the best option for obtaining water for the resolution. ... ” Read more from the Tehama Daily News here: Tehama County approves emergency well resolution
SEE ALSO: Tehama County approves policy to sell water to residents with dry wells, from the Glenn County Transcript
Tehama County commentary: Water wars: Corning vs. farmers?
Shanna Long, former editor of the Corning Daily Observer, writes, “We have a small problem brewing here in the south county. Wells are starting to suck air and private citizens have taken it upon themselves to form Facebook groups to target “big ag.” One private group calls themselves Westside Groundwater, with 437 members chatting about the risk of their groundwater supply due to the big, bad farmer drilling massive wells. Sadly, an administrator must approve its members and only they can see what is being discussed. Another public group (thank you) calls themselves Glenn County Dry Wells and at least we know what they’re thinking. Some members speculate farmers are digging deep wells and then selling water for huge profit. Others admit farmers are having the same water shortage issues as homeowners. Still, others think American Indians are needed to guide the way into traditional and healing waters. … ” Read more from the Tehama Daily News here: Tehama County commentary: Water wars: Corning vs. farmers?
Glenn County hosting bottled water distribution events for those impacted by dry wells
“Glenn County will be hosting bottled water distribution events for residents impacted by dry wells due to the drought. The bottled water was donated by Amazon to Glenn County with the assistance of Assemblyman James Gallagher, according to a press release. “The County of Glenn is grateful for the partnership with Assemblyman Gallagher’s Office and Amazon,” it was stated in the press release. The water distribution will be coordinated by the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office – Office of Emergency Services with assistance from the Volunteers in Partnership with the Sheriff and the Orland Volunteers in Police Services. … ” Read more from the Glenn County Transcript here: Glenn County hosting bottled water distribution events for those impacted by dry wells
Chico businesses that solely rely on water to operate are conserving
“Eric’s Car Wash in Chico is still able to wash cars even while doing everything it can to conserve water. Carol Sanchez headed out Wednesday afternoon to get her car washed, but not without a little hesitation. “I was thinking to come to the car wash but I was really concerned thinking they were going to shut them down because we are in a water drought so that was a worry,” said Sanchez. “People have not been coming in actually,” said Manager at Eric’s car wash Katie Jenkins. “One because of the temperature and because of the drought people think we are using gallons and gallons of water which is not true.” Jenkins said not to worry because Eric’s Car Wash recycles its water. … ” Read more from KRCR-TV here: Chico businesses that solely rely on water to operate are conserving
Waterfowl across Sacramento region threatened by California drought
“The future of millions of waterfowl that visit the region each fall could be up in the air if dry conditions continue. Fourth-generation rice farmer Brian McKenzie farms about 4,000 acres and his fields are filled with wildlife. “There’s all kinds of shorebirds in the spring: nesting ducks, nesting avocet, cranes, herons, hawks,” he said. This year’s drought has decreased the number of birds and the number of acres farmed. … ” Read more from Good Day Sacramento here: Waterfowl across Sacramento region threatened by California drought
West Marin water supplier could tap emergency drinking water tank
“Some West Marin residents may need to line up to get their drinking water from a storage tank in Point Reyes Station as drought conditions worsen saltwater contamination in the main well-water supplies. The North Marin Water District took the unprecedented step to install the 4,500-gallon water tank at the end of Commodore Webster Drive in case salt levels in well-water supplies reach higher concentrations that could pose a health risk to residents on low-salt diets. “It’s already set up and ready to be implemented,” district General Manager Drew McIntyre said. “We have a trigger that we will activate once the sodium increases to 115 milligrams per liter. Right now it’s just a little bit under 50 milligrams per liter.” … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: West Marin water supplier could tap emergency drinking water tank
How likely are new mandatory water restrictions in San Francisco?
“While it’s easy to forget at times, San Francisco is still quietly enforcing some water restrictions from California’s previous drought, its longest and most severe on record. Residents are still not allowed to use potable water to wash driveways or sidewalks unless there’s a public health reason. Fountains must recirculate water. Restaurants are technically not allowed to serve drinking water unless a customer asks first. However, with a new drought in California that has prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign an executive order calling for a voluntary 15% reduction in water use, it’s worth asking the question of whether the city of San Francisco will introduce new mandatory water restrictions. … ” Read more from SF Gate here: How likely are new mandatory water restrictions in San Francisco?
Ship involved in major oil spill leaves San Francisco Bay forever
“With no fanfare and few people realizing, an infamous chapter in Bay Area environmental history has closed. Or rather, sailed away. The Cape Mohican, an 873-foot-long military cargo ship that was involved in one of the biggest oil spills in San Francisco Bay in the past half century, was towed from its longtime berth at the Port of Oakland and under the Golden Gate Bridge on Friday. By Wednesday, it had reached Mexico, attached to a tug boat with a steel cable as thick around as a beer bottle and chugging along at 7 mph en route to the Panama Canal, then Beaumont, Texas, by Aug. 1, and probably not long after, to a final date with the shipyard in Brownsville to be broken down and recycled. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Ship involved in major oil spill leaves San Francisco Bay forever
Tri-Valley water agencies ask customers to cut back use
“Tri-Valley residents are being asked to “do a little more” by voluntarily cutting back their water use by 15% from their levels last year amid drought conditions this summer. There are “multiple sources of water supply storage” including local groundwater supplies allowing Tri-Valley communities to “withstand the occasional dry winter,” but Zone 7 Water Agency General Manager Valerie Pryor said that “after two especially dry years in a row, we cannot rely on storage alone.” ... ” Read more from Pleasanton Weekly here: Tri-Valley water agencies ask customers to cut back use
Governor Newsom signs bill to allow Valley Water to select “best value” contractor for project to strengthen Anderson Dam
“Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a state bill on July 9 that will allow Valley Water to use a method known as “best value” to select a contractor for the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project. Under current California law, Valley Water must select the contractor with the lowest bid, regardless of their experience. But Assembly Bill 271, signed by Gov. Newsom and overwhelmingly passed by the California Legislature, authorizes Valley Water to use a method known as “best value” to select a contractor for the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project. … ” Read more from Valley Water News here: Governor Newsom signs bill to allow Valley Water to select “best value” contractor for project to strengthen Anderson Dam
Coastal farmers try to stay ahead of drought
” … In Northern California and the Central Valley, where a scarcity of rainfall and snowmelt have left reservoirs far below normal levels, it’s been reported that farms and ranches have had to leave land fallow and replace crops in favor of less thirsty, higher-yield produce. Farms in San Mateo County may not have the severe water rationing experienced in other parts of the state, but that doesn’t mean local farms aren’t watching the taps carefully. … ” Read more from Half Moon Bay here: Coastal farmers try to stay ahead of drought
Persistent and continuing air quality violations at Mono Lake due to dewatering
“Particulate air standards of PM10 (dust) continue to be violated from sources at the recently exposed Mono Lake bed while Los Angeles continues to divert water from tributaries. The Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District‘s letter emphasizes how the historical water diversions by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) from Mono Lake have lowered the lake level and caused the persistent and continuing violations of law regarding the PM10 standards; the only feasible solution is to allow the lake level to rise to inundate the emissive areas of the lake bed; water savings from Owens Lake dust mitigation efforts would completely offset exports from Mono Lake; and applying a portion of these acre feet of water would allow Mono Lake to reach the required surface elevation to end PM10 emission violations and public health impacts. … ” Read more from Keep Long Valley Green here: Persistent and continuing air quality violations at Mono Lake due to dewatering
San Joaquin Valley rivers going dry
“Southern San Joaquin Valley Rivers are running at near historic lows — again. In fact, the Bakersfield City Council passed a resolution Wednesday officially declaring the Kern River as running at only 17% of normal, it’s second driest year since record keeping began in 1893. The driest year on record was 2015, the worst year of the 2012-2016 drought. The resolution notes the river is so low this year, the city won’t have any “excess” water to sell to local agricultural irrigation districts. This is the first time the City Water Resources Department has made such a resolution. … ” Read more from SJV Water here: San Joaquin Valley rivers going dry
San Luis Obispo County is in another drought, and the level of alarm varies by community
“Gov. Gavin Newsom stood in front of Lopez Lake near Arroyo Grande on July 8 and made an announcement to all of California: 50 of the state’s 58 counties, including San Luis Obispo, are officially in a new drought emergency. Citizens statewide will be asked to voluntarily cut their water consumption by 15 percent. … The governor’s announcement came at an appropriate time for SLO County, according to local officials who have anxiously watched reservoir levels decline after consecutive dry winters. ... ” Read more from New Times SLO here: San Luis Obispo County is in another drought, and the level of alarm varies by community
Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors proclaims local emergency caused by drought conditions
“On July 8, Governor Newsom added Santa Barbara County to the list of California counties experiencing a drought and subject to his emergency proclamation initially declared on April 10, 2021. On July 13, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors proclaimed a local emergency caused by current drought conditions within the county. Proclaiming the existence of a drought emergency enables the County and water utilities to take immediate actions to mitigate and respond to the current drought conditions. It is important that measures are taken now to mitigate the impacts of drought to ensure the resilience of our drinking water systems. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor report, more than 30 percent of California is in exceptional drought, the most severe of the Monitor’s four categories. About 80 percent of California is in extreme drought or exceptional drought. … ” Read more from the Santa Barbara Independent here: Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors proclaims local emergency caused by drought conditions
READ MORE: Santa Barbara: Voluntary conservation called for as drought conditions place extra demand on water supply, from Edhat
Water Crisis: The California drought is drying up LA’s local farmers markets
“Flora Bella Farms has been a fixture at the Santa Monica Farmers market since it opened in 1991. James and Dawn Birch have been a favorite stop for local chefs ever since they made their first sale to Nancy Silverton. Because of the lack of water in this year’s drought and the loss of most of their crops, next Wednesday, July 21 will be their last day at the market with no return day in sight. We talked to Dawn at the market Wednesday, who told us that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The drought will affect more and more market vendors which will translate to our own plates and those of our favorite restaurants ... ” Read more from LA Weekly here: Water Crisis: The California drought is drying up LA’s local farmers markets
‘Unacceptable, irresponsible’: How 17 million gallons of sewage fouled Santa Monica Bay
“There is growing scrutiny over a 17-million-gallon sewage spill into the Santa Monica Bay, with many asking how the spill occurred and why it took so long to alert the public. “What happened yesterday was unacceptable and irresponsible,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said Tuesday. “We need answers from L.A. City Sanitation about what went wrong and led to this massive spill, but we also need to recognize that L.A. County Public Health did not effectively communicate with the public and could have put swimmers in danger.” Here is a breakdown of what we know — and what we don’t. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: ‘Unacceptable, irresponsible’: How 17 million gallons of sewage fouled Santa Monica Bay
Sewage plant officials commit to investigating cause of South Bay sewage spill
“Beaches from El Segundo to the southern end of Playa del Rey remained closed to swimmers as of Wednesday afternoon, July 14, the third consecutive day they’ve been off limits after a 17-million-gallon sewage spill earlier in the week — which is currently under investigation as Los Angeles County official demands answers. Officials at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant near El Segundo, where the spill occurred overnight on Sunday and into Monday morning, are working with Los Angeles County to investigate the cause of the spill, a representative for the plant said Wednesday. But the complex nature of the Los Angeles sewer system means it will be difficult to identify a single culprit. … ” Read more from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune here: Sewage plant officials commit to investigating cause of South Bay sewage spill
L.A. County lifts swimming ban around Dockweiler and El Segundo beaches after major sewage discharge
“Los Angeles County public health officials late Wednesday lifted restrictions on swimming around El Segundo Beach and Dockweiler State Beach that were put in place after an emergency discharge of 17 million gallons of sewage Sunday night raised concerns about contamination. In a news release, the county Department of Public Health said it had authorized the reopenings after results from ocean water samples collected over the last two days met state standards for water quality. “In an abundance of caution, Public Health will continue to sample affected beaches through Thursday,” officials said. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: L.A. County lifts swimming ban around Dockweiler and El Segundo beaches after major sewage discharge
Thanks to new meters, wasted water will be a thing of the past at USC
“The days of free-flowing water are coming to an end across the USC University Park Campus. One by one, water submeters are being installed. They count every gallon, giving facilities managers the data they need to track trends, detect leaks and strategize water conservation. The work is important as the university seeks to reduce wasteful practices and support California’s efforts to conserve water in today’s drought conditions and tomorrow’s hotter climate. Urgency has increased due to the emergency drought conditions the state announced earlier this month. So far, 27 meters have been installed, with 30 more slated by year’s end. They’re keeping an eye on water use at older buildings and cooling towers, and fountains and irrigation mains may be next in line. … ” Read more from USC News here: Thanks to new meters, wasted water will be a thing of the past at USC
Millions in funding for Surfside-Sunset and San Clemente sand projects make it into federal request
“Projects to add much-needed sand to two Orange County beaches have been included in a federal appropriations request for 2022. The Surfside-Sunset and Newport Beach Nourishment Project and the San Clemente Shoreline Project have made it into the next House Committee on Appropriations’ request, which would earmark millions in federal dollars for the projects on the county’s northern and southern ends. Both projects have been stalled for years, awaiting government funding to help create a beach buffer that would protect roads, home and infrastructure from ocean flooding, as well as keep beaches – one of the region’s major tourism draws – from disappearing. … ” Read more from the OC Register here: Millions in funding for Surfside-Sunset and San Clemente sand projects make it into federal request
Along the Colorado River …
Dusty snow is making the western drought worse
“Hydrologist Jeff Derry thrusts a shovel into one of the season’s last snowfields on the jagged granite flank of the Continental Divide. He’s looking for something specific: dust. Standing thigh deep in an icy pit at 11,000 feet above sea level, Derry scrapes his square blade across the dirty snow and dumps its contents into a 1.5-gallon plastic jug. Geologists will analyze the dust to determine its mineral content and pinpoint where it came from—in this case Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert, carried by a historic blizzard a few months earlier. … ” Read more from National Geographic here: Dusty snow is making the western drought worse
UNLV study: Residential water use jumped more than a billion gallons during stay at home order
“A study from UNLV shows some interesting results about how much water people used during Governor Steve Sisolak’s stay at home order in March 2020. Researchers at UNLV wanted to know the impact staying at home had on water use. Researchers looked at water bills from Henderson before the stay at home order and several months after the order was in place. The study found usage at home soared, outpacing pre-pandemic usage at homes, businesses and schools. ... ” Read more from Channel 5 here: UNLV study: Residential water use jumped more than a billion gallons during stay at home order
Highway section in Southern Arizona reopens after big cracks repaired
“A section of U.S. 191 south of Willcox reopened Wednesday after more than a week of work to repair major cracks from soil erosion. …The Arizona Department of Transportation is consulting with geotechnical experts to determine the cause of the ground erosion, officials said in a news release Wednesday. Crews will also monitor the highway for additional cracking. A possible cause, several experts and advocates told the Arizona Daily Star last week, is unregulated groundwater pumping in rural areas. … ” Read more from the Arizona Daily Star here: Highway section in Southern Arizona reopens after big cracks repaired
Colorado’s monsoon season is struggling to bring relief to rivers, ranchers and wildfires as the climate warms
“The North American monsoon has returned to Colorado, and the rain has brought some much-needed relief to some of the driest parts of the state — after multiple back-to-back years of almost no summer rain. “We call it the no-soon, because we just didn’t get anything,” said Bill Trampe, a third-generation rancher from Gunnison in southwestern Colorado. Gov. Jared Polis has recently declared a drought emergency for the region and the rest of western Colorado. … ” Read more from Colorado Public Radio here: Colorado’s monsoon season is struggling to bring relief to rivers, ranchers and wildfires as the climate warms
Colorado: New report shows “dead pool” status on horizon for some state water bodies
“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. The bureau said the loss of water is accelerating, confirming projections that massive water restrictions will begin in 2022 for the three Lower Basin states in the seven-state Colorado River Compact. … ” Read more from The Burlington Record here: Colorado: New report shows “dead pool” status on horizon for some state water bodies
In national water news today …
AP Interview: EPA water chief on clean water protections
“To finally determine a lasting definition of waterways that qualify for federal protection under the Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency’s new water director says everyone with a stake in the issue will need to be engaged. Radhika Fox recently spoke to The Associated Press about the Biden administration’s plan to rewrite the regulation, also called Waters of the United States. The contentious rule was scaled back by the Trump administration after being expanded under President Barack Obama. Fox joins the EPA as water issues have become a priority under President Joe Biden. She was previously CEO of the conservation advocacy group U.S. Water Alliance and policy director at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. … ” Read more from the Associated Press here: AP Interview: EPA water chief on clean water protections
NASA predicts a “wobble” in the moon’s orbit may lead to record flooding on Earth
“Every coast in the U.S. is facing rapidly increasing high tide floods thanks to a “wobble” in the moon’s orbit working in tandem with climate change-fueled rising sea levels. A new study from NASA and the University of Hawaii, published recently in the journal Nature Climate Change, warns that upcoming changes in the moon’s orbit could lead to record flooding on Earth in the next decade. Through mapping the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) sea-level rise scenarios, flooding thresholds and astronomical cycles, researchers found flooding in American coastal cities could be several multiples worse in the 2030s, when the next moon “wobble” is expected to begin. They expect the flooding to significantly damage infrastructure and displace communities. … ” Read more from CBS News here: NASA predicts a “wobble” in the moon’s orbit may lead to record flooding on Earth
What the budget deal means for climate policy
“Many Democrats were in high spirits yesterday after agreeing to a $3.5 trillion budget resolution that will lay the groundwork for an array of climate priorities, but their celebrations will be short-lived as they begin jockeying over policy specifics and the complex rules that govern the reconciliation process. The real fights begin now. Lawmakers and Democratic aides said yesterday the legislation that emerges from the budget road map will include a clean electricity standard with the goal of reducing emissions 50% and hitting 80% clean energy by 2030. They’re also looking to wrap in a Civilian Climate Corps — a major progressive priority — expansions of clean energy and vehicle tax credits, a clean energy accelerator, weatherization and federal procurement efforts and a fee on methane emissions. … ” Read more from E&E News here: What the budget deal means for climate policy
Today’s featured articles …
BAY DELTA SCIENCE CONFERENCE: Suisun Marsh: On the edge of resilience in an era of rapid change
Dr. John Durand is a senior scientist at UC Davis who, along with his colleagues, Teejay O’Rear and Dr. Peter Moyle, run the Suisun Marsh fish study, a project founded over 40 years ago. In this presentation from the Bay-Delta Science Conference, he discusses the dynamics of the Suisun Marsh and the effects of climate change on it. He dedicated his talk to the memory of Dr. Larry Brown, whom he described as a wonderful collaborator and his academic sibling.
Click here to read this article.
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
VELES WEEKLY WATER REPORT: NQH2O down $20.35 or 2.42%. CA not running out of water, it is running out of cheap water.
DELTA BREEZE NEWSLETTER: Science News, Events on the horizon, and #SciComm corner
CEQA SCOPING MEETING: Resolution regarding estuarine habitat restoration and multi-benefit climate change adaptation projects along the shorelines in San Francisco Bay
NOW AVAILABLE: 2021 California Water Data Science Symposium Recordings, Resources, and Survey
NOTICE: Office of Administrative Law Approves Drought Emergency Regulation for the Russian River
