On the calendar today …
- WORKSHOP: SAFER Program Advisory Group Meeting from 9am to 4pm. Agenda items include SAFER Updates, Needs Assessment, Fund Expenditure Plan, and Public Comment. Click here for meeting notice and remote access instructions.
- FREE DROUGHT WEBINAR: Water & Community Resources for Rural and Disadvantaged Communities from 10am to 11:30am. In a drought, we are all in this together – farmers, ranchers, and the diverse rural & disadvantaged communities we call home. California Cattle Council, Western United Dairies, and the California Cattlemen’s Association is hosting a webinar for rural and disadvantaged communities statewide dealing with the economic, environmental, and health & safety effects of devastating drought. USDA Rural Development program experts will present various programs, processes, and resources offered by USDA, and be available to answer questions. Join via Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84861911880
In California water news today …
Can water megaprojects save the desert West? (Part 1)
“In the American West, water has always been a challenge. Prior to the arrival of European explorers and settlers, there’s broad evidence that droughts and water cycles heavily affected Native Americans. For example, the people who built the Gila Cliff Dwellings may have left the area when water supplies dwindled. Later settlements by the descendants of Europeans also followed water, with settlements placed near rivers so there would be something to drink and grow food with. As transportation technology improved, air conditioning became a thing, and massive infrastructure projects became possible, we started loading the West with more and more people. Large metro areas, like Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City, grew to rival and often even surpass the cities in the much wetter eastern United States. Dams, canals, and other big projects made all of this growth possible. Eventually, we fooled ourselves into biting off more than we could chew, though. ... ” Read more from Clean Technica here: Can water megaprojects save the desert West?
Can water megaprojects save the desert West? (Part 2)
“In part one of this article, I covered the American West’s water problems, as well as some of the ways they have been solved with big engineering projects so far. Now, with climate change and growth both pushing the limits of water supplies, people are asking for even bigger projects, like a pipeline from the Mississippi River to somewhere in the Colorado River’s basin. Let’s talk about those ideas, even bigger ones, and why none of them might be a good idea. … ” Read more from Clean Technica here: Can water megaprojects save the desert West? (Part 2)
Why can’t we build a desalination facility off the coast of California near drought-ridden cities?
“Today’s Why Guy question comes from Todd, who asks, “Why can’t we build just one solar/hydro-powered desalination plant off the coast of California nearest the most drought-ridden city/cities?” Todd, as we sit squarely in the middle of another drought, adding more seawater desalination facilities has become a louder discussion. Right now, California has 12 desalination facilities in operation, but there are calls for more. There are three in the Northern California area near Monterey and San Francisco. As for proposed desalination facilities, there are 15 in all, including seven in Northern California. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Why can’t we build a desalination facility off the coast of California near drought-ridden cities?
Dry wells in Northern California bring home the costs and stresses of drought
“Though it was a sudden death, happening overnight during a record-smashing June heat wave, the demise of Maralee and Noal Childs’s household water well was not entirely unexpected. The Childses live in Glenn County, an agricultural area of northern California that is latticed with irrigation canals and blanketed with almond and walnut orchards. A relentless interval of hot, dry weather, made worse by heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere, has turned this section of the state into a cauldron of flame, dust, and smoke. To the east, burning across four counties, is the uncontained Dixie Fire, now the state’s second largest on record after having scorched more than 501,000 acres. Just south of the fire is Lake Oroville, a key reservoir for the state water supply that is now lower than at any time in its six-decade history. There is not even enough water in the reservoir to spin hydropower turbines to generate electricity. And to the west, in Mendocino County, coastal towns fret about dry taps, while the Russian River is so depleted that state regulators have told grape growers not to withdraw any water from it. … ” Read more from the Circle of Blue here: Dry wells in Northern California bring home the costs and stresses of drought
This is how a California farmers’ market looks when there isn’t enough water for thirsty crops
“What if the wells fail and the river’s closed for business? What if the water level gets worse and the pump guy’s busy? Our West Coast editor walks her regular market route to survey farmers on how they’re getting by, and what happens if the heavens refuse to open up. … ” Continue reading at The Counter here: This is how a California farmers’ market looks when there isn’t enough water for thirsty crops
Optimism for moving forward to address water following curtailment orders
“Despite the recent emergency curtailment orders covering the rivers of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta watershed, there is some optimism for addressing California’s water challenges moving forward. Several farmers and irrigation districts have raised objections to the curtailment orders, which the State Water Resources Control Board has indicated could affect approximately 5,700 water rights holders. … ” Read more from Ag Net West here: Optimism for moving forward to address water following curtailment orders
CDFW and NOAA Fisheries revive voluntary drought initiative to protect salmon, steelhead and sturgeon
“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries announced a Voluntary Drought Initiative today designed to protect populations of salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon from the effects of the current unprecedented drought. The initiative provides a framework for water users to enter into individual agreements with the two agencies to maintain enough water for fish spawning and survival, and implement other collaborative actions like fish rescue, relocation, monitoring, and habitat restoration. In return, landowners and water users will benefit from a simplified permitting process under the federal and state endangered species laws and may receive incidental take authorizations for California Endangered Species Act (CESA)-listed fish in case a participant unintentionally takes a listed fish species. While individual agreements under this initiative expire December 31, 2021 and may be renewed on an annual basis, prospective participants may enroll at any time. … ” Read more from NOAA here: CDFW and NOAA Fisheries revive voluntary drought initiative to protect salmon, steelhead and sturgeon
Lake Oroville’s water level at lowest point in nearly 44 years
“In a year already plagued by the pandemic and wildfires, Californians are also entangled with the crippling effects of a drought. Case in point, Lake Oroville’s water level is at its lowest point in nearly 44 years impacting recreation and wildlife. California’s drought is drying up the lake quite literally impacting all those who use and rely on it yet again. The entire area, once covered with water, is now sun-baked, cracked, and desperately dry. … ” Read more from Channel 23 here: Lake Oroville’s water level at lowest point in nearly 44 years
Study: Cannabis growers diverting water from rivers, streams
“The legalization of marijuana for recreational use in California has encouraged growers to expand plantings of the lucrative crop. Like any plant, cannabis requires water to grow. A new study from the Cannabis Research Center at UC Berkeley examined where cannabis growers in California are getting water for their crops, highlighting significant gaps in cannabis cultivation policy. Environmental advocates have expressed concern that cannabis farms are diverting water from rivers and streams, which could harm fish and other wildlife. The researchers studied water use in 11 of the state’s top cannabis-producing counties – Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Monterey, Nevada, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, Trinity, and Yolo. … ” Read more from Ag Net West here: Study: Cannabis growers diverting water from rivers, streams
State agencies announce first round of commitments for $200 million in drought funding to support small communities: 10 systems to receive $25 million for immediate relief
“Moving to provide immediate support to communities facing water supply challenges, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) today announced the first round of funding commitments for $200 million available through the Small Community Drought Relief Program. DWR, in coordination with the State Water Resources Control Board, is directing $25 million to 10 small water systems in Tulare, Siskiyou, Shasta, Lake and Kern Counties. The funds will support a range of projects including emergency water system repairs, infrastructure such as new wells and water storage tanks, and improvements to intakes and distribution systems. … ” Read more from DWR here: State agencies announce first round of commitments for $200 million in drought funding to support small communities: 10 systems to receive $25 million for immediate relief
Reclamation announces public teleconference negotiations with California Department of Fish and Wildlife
“The Bureau of Reclamation and California Department of Fish and Wildlife are announcing a public teleconference negotiation session regarding San Joaquin River flows to benefit fish from the San Joaquin Fish Hatchery. This negotiation session is for a 25-year contract renewal for the same amount of water (55 cubic feet per second); no additional water is under consideration. Reclamation’s agreement with CDFW is to deliver Central Valley Project water for populations of Chinook salmon broodstock; broodstock are mature adult fish that are bred in a hatchery. This water delivery will be used for re-introduction of spring-run Chinook salmon to the San Joaquin River in support of San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act implementation. The negotiations will address CDFW’s request to increase San Joaquin River flows for Chinook salmon. … ” Read more from the Bureau of Reclamation here: Reclamation announces public teleconference negotiations with California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Biodiversity imperiled
“Woodlands along streams and rivers are an important part of California’s diverse ecology. They are biodiversity hotspots, providing various ecosystem services including carbon sequestration and critical habitat for threatened and endangered species. But our land and water use have significantly impacted these ecosystems, sometimes in unexpected ways. A team of researchers, including two at UC Santa Barbara, discovered that some riparian woodlands are benefitting from water that humans divert for our own needs. Although it seems like a boon to these ecosystems, the artificial supply of water begets an unintended dependence on this bounty, threatening the long-term survival of natural forest communities. The paper, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, spotlights the need for changes in the way water is managed across the state. … ” Read more from Edhat here: Biodiversity imperiled
A tale of two vineyards
“This is a story of two wine producers in the Paso Robles region. They are different in size, background and intent, yet they have important elements in common, starting with a commitment to the land and to creating diverse, sustainable ecosystems. One is thriving, the other struggling to survive. When Phillip Hart bought 42 acres here 20 years ago on a set of steep, knobby hillsides, it seemed like a fine place to put a vineyard. Cool marine winds blew in from the Pacific through gaps in the Santa Lucia Mountains to the west, which kept the air circulating and discouraged the sorts of insect and fungal threats that would harm grapevines. … ” Continue reading at the New York Times here: A tale of two vineyards
Dry, hot, windy — Northern California explosive blazes could burn until winter
“As more than a half-dozen major fires blaze across drought-parched Northern California, the weather outlook is so bad experts are predicting some may continue to burn until late fall or early winter rains arrive. In the near term, the waves of heat, wind and potential lightning are set to make firefighters’ tasks even more difficult as they seek to protect thousands of homes and beloved outdoor spaces. “We have extreme, critical drought — as we’re all aware of,” said Rocky Opliger, an incident commander on the Dixie Fire, at a recent community briefing. “We’re probably six to eight weeks ahead of what the normal fire season is. “We have angry fire on a landscape that makes it very difficult to contain.” ... ” Read more from the Redding Record-Searchlight here: Dry, hot, windy — Northern California explosive blazes could burn until winter
Wildfires are threatening municipal water supplies
“In recent decades, wildfire conflagrations have increased in number, size, and intensity in many parts of the world, from the Amazon to Siberia and Australia to the western United States. The aftereffects of these fires provide windows into a future where wildfires have unprecedented deleterious effects on ecosystems and the organisms, including humans, that depend upon them—not the least of which is the potential for serious damage to municipal water supplies. In 2013, the Rim Fire—at the time, the third-largest wildfire in California’s history—burned a large swath of Stanislaus National Forest near Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, raising concerns about the safety of drinking water provided from the reservoir to San Francisco. … ” Read more from EOS here: Wildfires are threatening municipal water supplies
Wildfire isn’t unique to the west: A forgotten history and a warning
“There’s a forgotten history that should serve as a warning — wildfire isn’t unique to the West. Now the warming climate is increasing the risk of major wildfires across America. And more people are moving to fire-prone areas without realizing the danger. … ” View/read photo feature from KQED here: Wildfire isn’t unique to the west: A forgotten history and a warning
In commentary today …
It’s time for the Biden administration to protect salmon
Kate Poole, Senior Director, Water Division for the Natural Resources Defense Council, writes, “On day one of his Administration, President Biden ordered his staff to “immediately review” and take action to address a number of destructive Trump Administration actions that failed to adhere to the best available science and protect the environment. The two Endangered Species Act permits (“biological opinions”) issued by the Trump Administration for California’s Bay-Delta ecosystem were included on the list of actions explicitly called out for review. These two Trump biological opinions are unquestionably environmentally destructive, authorizing the complete extinction of at least one run of endangered chinook salmon and, at best, the slow demise of several other threatened and endangered fish native to the Bay-Delta ecosystem. ... ” Read more from the NRDC here: It’s time for the Biden administration to protect salmon
Salmon need greater share of river water to survive
Sandi Matsumoto and Julie Zimmerman with The Nature Conservancy write, “Amid extreme drought, Gov. Gavin Newsom is asking for statewide conservation of 15%, farmers are facing cutbacks in water deliveries, and a mass die-off of salmon is expected. Drought affects us all, so our response must improve the natural systems that make our water, air and food — our existence — possible. The State Water Resources Control Board has taken the rare drastic step of adopting emergency regulations to curtail diversions of water rights holders when water is not available. The headlines focus on the farmers who are likely to be cut off from surface water supplies, but that isn’t the whole story. Curtailments are necessary in a year like this to protect more senior water rights holders — and water needed for human health and safety — from unauthorized diversions when there’s not enough water to go around. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: Salmon need greater share of river water to survive
Sites Reservoir: California’s drought insurance policy
Jeff Sutton, General Manager, Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority, writes, “In California, we have experience with droughts. Drought is an inevitable and predictable reality for our state. In 2021, after back-to-back critically dry winters, California’s farms and our rural communities are facing a real and imminent threat as we approach the hottest, driest months of the summer irrigation season. While we brace for the impacts of this challenging water situation, our farms and local communities are simultaneously dealing with the huge economic impacts and uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic that has hit California’s rural communities hard. Northern California reservoirs, the foundation of both the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project, are at historically low levels and continue to fall. The Sierra Nevada snowpack, that serves as our mountain reservoirs, is well below historic averages. ... ” Read more from the Northern California Water Association here: Sites Reservoir: California’s drought insurance policy
In regional water news and commentary today …
KLAMATH BASIN
For the Klamath Tribes, the damage wrought by the Bootleg Fire is deeply personal
” … The fire is destroying the sacred ancestral homeland of the Klamath Tribes, which constitutes the Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin people. Tribal members say they are heartbroken as they watch their land burn. “I grew up in that area. I have memories of hunting with friends, spending time there with my dad and my brother — who have both now passed,” Gentry said. “I’m grieving.” The Bootleg Fire, which started as two separate blazes on July 6 and then merged, has rapidly spread across the Fremont-Winema National Forest, the land of the Klamath Tribes. “Our people still use these areas to hunt, gather and pray with each other,” Gentry said. “How will the trees, animals, water tributaries and ecosystem fully recover?” … ” Read the full story at the Statesman Journal here: For the Klamath Tribes, the damage wrought by the Bootleg Fire is deeply personal
Klamath Lake: Wetlands transformation
“An amazing transformation is taking place on a 40 acre parcel of fallow land on the shores of Klamath Lake. This land, the ancestral home of the Klamath and Modoc people, is coming back to life thanks to a partnership that includes the Klamath Tribes, the Oregon Department of Transportation and contractors. In 2019, ODOT’s Highway Region 4 team began acquiring an area on the southeast shore of Klamath Lake. This arid parcel of land would serve as an ideal place for crews to restore, helping offset construction impacts affecting wetlands on the other side of the lake. “This is part of a larger wetland restoration that will be an offset for not only Oregon 140 but future projects, too,” said Jamie Speer, project manager with Western Federal Lands, ODOT’s contractor for the construction portion of the restoration project. … ” Read more from the Klamath Falls News here: Wetlands transformation
Emergency water delivery aims to help birds, fish at Tule Lake
“Water is headed to a critically dry wetland unit on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge to combat avian botulism, thanks to an arrangement forged between various agencies and stakeholders in the Klamath Basin. Sump 1B, currently the only wet unit on the refuge, began rapidly losing water primarily due to evaporation and minimal irrigation diversions last month. Irrigators and waterfowl biologists had filled it earlier this summer using water drained from the refuge’s larger Sump 1A, the bottom of which had likely never been exposed to air for millions of years. … ” Read more from the Herald & News here: Emergency water delivery aims to help birds, fish at Tule Lake
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Tehama County farmers sensitive to drought, water needs for crops and people
“Tehama County Farm Bureau acknowledges the hard work of its members and their ability to feed the world during these difficult times. “This past year has been a challenge for our local farmers and ranchers as the pandemic created a more difficult trading relationship resulting in lower prices for commodities,” said President Shelley Macdonald. “Add the drought and the export of surface water and it’s been a tough year for them.” Tehama County agriculture leads the local economy by contributing $300,826,400 in total crop value in 2019. Walnuts lead the way with $88 million in value, followed by almonds with $41 million. Livestock, including cattle, dairy cattle and meat goats contribute $30 million. The 2020 crop report is not yet available online but is expected to be lower. … ” Read more from the Red Bluff Daily News here: Tehama County farmers sensitive to drought, water needs for crops and people
Feather River project a priority
“Area representatives and officials gathered Tuesday in Yuba City to detail work being done to remove sediment from the confluence of the Yuba and Feather rivers at the Yuba City boat ramp and called out the need for more funding to finish what was started. Work at the confluence to remove nearly 65,000 cubic yards of sediment began on July 23. The first phase of the project is being overseen by the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency and was funded through a $5 million Proposition 68 grant through the California Natural Resources Agency to remove sediment for safety purposes, to restore recreation access and to restore fish passage at the confluence, the Appeal previously reported. … ” Read more from Yahoo News here: Feather River project a priority
Inside look at McKinley Park’s water vault project as it nears completion
“A controversial construction project at McKinley Park in East Sacramento is expected to be finished in early October. The city built a 6-million gallon water vault underground at the park to hold stormwater during heavy rain. The $32 million project is supposed to prevent stormwater from going into East Sacramento’s combined sewer system and cause flooding. “This stormwater cache will be able to receive all of those sudden stormwater flows, hold them and then release them slowly over a period of two or three days,” City Councilmember Jeff Harris said. ... ” Read more from KCRA Channel 3 here: Inside look at McKinley Park’s water vault project as it nears completion
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Annual report assesses the state of Lake Tahoe
“The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, or TERC, today (Aug. 12) released its annual Tahoe: State of the Lake Report. The report informs nonscientists about important factors affecting the health of Lake Tahoe and provides the scientific underpinnings for ecosystem restoration and management decisions within the Lake Tahoe Basin. The report summarizes data collected during 2020 in the context of the long-term record of research at Lake Tahoe. UC Davis researchers have been continuously monitoring the lake since 1968. Some highlights of this year’s report … ” Continue reading at UC Davis here: Annual report assesses the state of Lake Tahoe
Utility district extends Tahoe Sierra water main flushing project
“The South Tahoe Public Utility District water main flushing project in the Tahoe Sierra neighborhood has been extended through next week, officials announced on Wednesday. The district said it is flushing the water mains through Friday, Aug. 20, to ensure high quality drinking water and recommends residents not use water while the waterline on their street is being flushed, as the water may be cloudy or discolored. District staff will distribute door hangers one to two business days before the work is planned and will knock on doors the day the work will occur. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Utility district extends Tahoe Sierra water main flushing project
El Dorado County: Fix coming for breach in Outingdale Dam
“With drought conditions affecting the Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River, the El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors on Aug. 9 endorsed a plan by its dam safety engineer, John Kessler, to rehabilitate the Outingdale Dam. The dam, held up by five buttresses, was built in the 1920s — a century ago. Water is leaking through the face of the dam and the buttresses are deteriorating. … ” Read more from the Mountain Democrat here: El Dorado County: Fix coming for breach in Outingdale Dam
NAPA/SONOMA
Russian River: Despite curtailment order, water still vanishing
“Despite a week-old curtailment order, water levels in the upper Russian River remain stubbornly low. KRCB’s Marc Albert reports. Since the end of July, operators of the Coyote Valley Dam at Lake Mendocino have sent 115 cubic feet per second down the Russian River. By the time the river reaches Healdsburg, barely 20 percent of the water remains. Asked about the data, Robert Cervantes, who’s responsible for water rights enforcement for the state water board, said, “Those measurements are interesting to hear and it is something we will likely look into in the near future.” … ” Read more from Northern California Public Media here: Russian River: Despite curtailment order, water still vanishing
Recommendations for Napa County’s water, forested woodlands and watersheds
Napa resident Ron Rhyno writes, “A letter to CalFire on proposed new wild land regulations: In the context of obvious increasing climate change conditions including the horrors of fire, I write to make observations and recommends regarding the proposed fire-safe proposals for the Napa County and Valley. My informed bases are civil construction experience, graduate studies, and downloading local newspaper articles regarding the county decision-making 2010 to present; giving input to the Board of Supervisors, County Planning Commission, and other entities. My observations reflect what is apparent to me and the science informed community members I know … ” Continue reading at the Napa Register here: Recommendations for Napa County’s water, forested woodlands and watersheds
BAY AREA
Marin Municipal Water district board vice president makes case for bridge pipeline
Larry L. Russell writes, “With rainfall and reservoir levels at historic lows, managing our water supply has never been more critical. The effects of climate change are here — we are seeing them firsthand. We have had two consecutive dry years, and rainfall levels during the past 18 months have been the lowest we have on record in more than 140 years. As a community, we have faced drought before and we responded with remarkable conservation efforts that helped carry us through. While conserving water remains vital to preserving our current water supply, the Marin Municipal Water District is answering the call to explore all available options to supplement our supply and build resiliency into our system. ... ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin Municipal Water District board vice president makes case for bridge pipeline
Livermore: Leadership shifts on the Zone 7 Board
“Angela Ramirez Holmes has been chosen as the new president of the Zone 7 Water Agency board of directors. She was unanimously voted in during the board’s July 21, annual reorganization meeting. First elected to the board in 2012, Ramirez Holmes has served one term as vice president and succeeds past board president Olivia Sanwong. “This board is made up of incredibly smart and dedicated people from our community, and I know we will continue to work together to best serve the people of the Tri-Valley,” she said. … ” Read more from the Livermore Independent here: Livermore: Leadership shifts on the Zone 7 Board
Gilroy furthest away in county from water reduction target: data
“It’s been two months since Santa Clara County’s water district declared a water shortage emergency, and so far, preliminary data reveals that residents are heeding the warnings, Santa Clara Valley Water District experts said. Valley Water declared a drought emergency on June 9 and has only made data from January 2021 until the end June available. But the three weeks of data since the drought declaration show a downward trend, Senior Water Resource Specialist Neeta Bijoor said. … ” Read more from The Patch here: Gilroy furthest away in county from water reduction target: data
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Water? Housing? Sewers? Debate over which Stanislaus pocket-area projects to fund
“As Stanislaus creates a framework to spend millions of dollars on improving county islands and urban pockets, there’s disagreement among residents on how and where the money should be invested. Some community leaders want housing to be the priority, others are desperate for water. A Latino leader says west Modesto should be first in line for annexation. People living in unincorporated county islands in Stanislaus have long gone without basic needs. Dark streets, unpaved sidewalks, lack of sewer and potable water systems are everyday realities for many residents. ... ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Water? Housing? Sewers? Debate over which Stanislaus pocket-area projects to fund
Turlock Irrigation District reports fourth-driest year in 90-year span
“With less than a month left in the precipitation year and little rainfall to show for it, Turlock Irrigation District and customers are experiencing the fourth-driest year on record. According to TID hydrologist Olivia Cramer, the Tuolumne River Watershed has received just 18.23 inches of precipitation since Sept. 1, or just about half of the historical average. The TID precipitation year, which is different from the water year, runs from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31 and will come to an end next month. The water year runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30. … ” Read more from the Turlock Journal here: Turlock Irrigation District reports fourth-driest year in 90-year span
Two Kern County water systems to receive funding to aid range of projects
“Two Kern County water systems are included in $25 million funding commitments by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) in coordination with the State Water Resources Control Board for communities facing water supply challenges. The $25 million in funding for 10 systems in California is part of the first round commitments for $200 million available through the Small Community Drought Relief Program. … ” Read more from Channel 23 here: Two Kern County water systems to receive funding to aid range of projects
LA/ORANGE COUNTY
Palmdale Water District is doubling down on water conservation efforts
“Looking to bolster its water reserves during a historic drought, the Palmdale Water District, on Monday, continued its request that customers conserve water by 15% and also agreed to purchase water from another State Water Project contractor. The Board of Directors reaffirmed the voluntary water conservation program by implementing Stage Two of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan. The District, in June, adopted an updated Water Shortage Contingency Plan, in which the requested 15% reduction falls under Stage Two instead of Stage One, as it was in the previous plan. … ” Read more from the Antelope Valley Press here: Palmdale Water District is doubling down on water conservation efforts
Historic low water levels won’t impact Santa Clarita Valley water supply this year
“Historic low water levels at Lake Oroville will not impact the Santa Clarita Valley’s water supply this year, according to the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency. Dirk Marks, director of water resources for the agency, said that the water from Oroville, located in Northern California, represented 5% of the water the agency is contracted to receive from the State Water Project. SWP sites include Oroville, Castaic Lake and many other locations and facilities in between that help transport water from Northern California to Southern California. … ” Read more from CNN here: Historic low water levels won’t impact Santa Clarita Valley water supply this year
Los Angeles City Council wants to bring equity to how LA treats city disaster victims in different neighborhoods
“The city was less responsive to a South Los Angeles community rocked by a major explosion from the police department’s detonation of fireworks, than to the more affluent, seaside neighborhoods affected by a sewage spill from the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, the Los Angeles council members representing those two areas argued on Wednesday, Aug. 11. In a motion introduced Wednesday, Mike Bonin, who represents the coastal communities near the plant, and Curren Price, who represents South Los Angeles residents affected by the blast, called for a review of the way the city compensates the victims of disasters or accidents caused by the city, pointing to a disparity between the way the city responded to the two recent accidents. … ” Read more from the LA Daily News here: Los Angeles City Council wants to bring equity to how LA treats city disaster victims in different neighborhoods
Cobblestones and sand dunes proposed for battered Capo Beach
“Plans to salvage the eroding Capistrano Beach could have a rocky start. OC Parks is proposing cobblestone buffers that could be topped with sand dunes and vegetation to salvage what’s left of the battered Dana Point beach. The county agency, which manages the 1,500-foot-long shoreline wedged between Doheny State Beach to the north and a row of beachfront homes to the south, will give a presentation on its suggested pilot program to the California Coastal Commission at its meeting Friday, Aug. 13, as a short-term solution while county officials try to figure out a long-term plan for the disappearing beach. … ” Read more from the OC Register here: Cobblestones and sand dunes proposed for battered Capo Beach
SALTON SEA/IMPERIAL VALLEY
Salton Sea restoration efforts could fail without science
“There are finally efforts under way to improve the environmental health disaster that is the Salton Sea — California’s largest and most polluted lake. However, a group of UC Riverside scientists, engineers, medical experts, and economists has published a new report warning that these efforts may not succeed. The report warns that the scientific assumptions informing current mitigation efforts are outdated or lacking entirely. Due to rising salinity, accumulated chemicals, and a drying lake bed full of toxic dust, the worsening crisis threatens animals and humans alike. With the right interventions, the state could not only improve conditions but transform the sea into an economic powerhouse. We asked members of UCR’s Salton Sea Task Force why now is the right time to expand research at the Salton Sea, what is causing some of the problems there, and what some of the solutions might look like. … ” Read more from UC Riverside here: Salton Sea restoration efforts could fail without science
Holtville’s Alamo River wetlands build in final push
“Newly two decades in the making, the long-awaited Holtville Alamo River wetlands are that much closer to reality as the city seeks someone to build out the nearly $3 million project. The Holtville City Council on Monday, Aug. 9 approved advertising for constructions bids in a final push to finish the work that started in the early 2000s. The project has been a collaboration between the city of Holtville, the Imperial Irrigation District, the county of Imperial, the Salton Sea Authority, local wildlife conservation group Desert Wildlife Unlimited, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the latter of which awarded $2.9 million for the wetlands project in September 2016. … ” Read more from the Holtville Tribune here: Holtville’s Alamo River wetlands build in final push
SAN DIEGO
Oceanside to debate again whether to use groins to retain sand on its beaches
“Desperate to return sand to Oceanside’s shrunken shores, the City Council could decide Wednesday whether to challenge the state Coastal Commission over a proposal to build permanent rock groins on the beach. The commission, which oversees all coastal development in California, would have to approve the project and has “expressed concern” during preliminary discussions, according to a city staff report. The Surfrider Foundation flatly opposes the idea because of the possible negative effects on beaches downstream in the prevailing ocean currents. A study completed for the city in June by the Long Beach consulting firm GHD outlined an array of possible solutions for preserving Oceanside’s eroding beaches. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: Oceanside to debate again whether to use groins to retain sand on its beaches
San Diego: Are water, wastewater bills about to rise?
“Water and wastewater bills could be going up as soon as next year. While water rates have increased in the past few years, it’s been longer since wastewater rates changed. “We have not had an increase in over a decade, more than 10 years,” said Shauna Lorance, director of the city of San Diego’s Public Utilities. Drinking water rates did increase about two years ago, and under this proposal, they will likely be going up another 2%. The biggest change will be for wastewater charges. ... ” Read more from NBC San Diego here: Are water, wastewater bills about to rise?
Along the Colorado River …
New plan slows Lake Mead decline by paying farms not to plant crops
“Officials in Lower Colorado River Basin states want to slow the decline of Lake Mead’s water levels over the next few years by paying Southern California farmers not to plant crops. It’s not a plan that Bill Hasencamp, manager of Colorado River resources for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, considers a “drought buster,” but it will reduce lake level decline by up to 3 feet over the next three years, he said. The Southern Nevada Water Authority, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Central Arizona Water Conservation District have all approved an agreement for the plan. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has not yet signed the agreement, but Hasencamp said additional water is already being saved in the Palo Verde Irrigation District in Southern California. … ” Read more from Las Vegas Review-Journal here: New plan slows Lake Mead decline by paying farms not to plant crops
Water shortage announcement expected Monday for Lake Mead
“Federal authorities are expected to declare a water shortage on Lake Mead Monday, which would trim Nevada’s allocation of water in 2022. A shortage gets triggered if the lake is expected to sit below 1,075 feet on January 1st, 2022. As of this morning, the lake sits at 1067.93 feet. The shortage has been anticipated as Lake Mead’s water level continues to drop. What’s a shortage? … ” Read more from Channel 3 here: Water shortage announcement expected Monday for Lake Mead
First water cuts in US West supply to hammer Arizona farmers
“A harvester rumbles through the fields in the early morning light, mowing down rows of corn and chopping up ears, husks and stalks into mulch for feed at a local dairy. The cows won’t get their salad next year, at least not from this farm. There won’t be enough water to plant the corn crop. Climate change, drought and high demand are expected to force the first-ever mandatory cuts to a water supply that 40 million people across the American West depend on — the Colorado River. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s projection next week will spare cities and tribes but hit Arizona farmers hard. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: First water cuts in US West supply to hammer Arizona farmers
Company cancels two little Colorado River hydro projects, pursues a third
“A Phoenix-based company has withdrawn its applications for two hydro-storage projects on the Little Colorado River. A third such proposal, however, remains in the works despite strong opposition from environmental groups and tribes. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports. … ” Read more or listen from KNAU here: Company cancels two little Colorado River hydro projects, pursues a third
In national water news today …
Senate passes bipartisan infrastructure package; $8.3B for western water
“On August 10, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan infrastructure package called the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The $1.2 trillion physical-infrastructure package features $8.3 billion for western water infrastructure, as well as $3.3 billion for wildfire and $2.1 billion for ecosystem restoration. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act comes after months of negotiations between the Senate and the White House over spending, project types, priorities, and timelines. Through the work of a national coalition of more than 200 agricultural, urban, and municipal water entities, including ACWA, healthy investments can be found in the package to support drought in the Southwest, increasing water infrastructure resilience, and combating catastrophic wildfire. … ” Read more from ACWA’s Water News here: Senate passes bipartisan infrastructure package; $8.3B for western water
Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill could take years to transform U.S.
“It has taken years for Congress to finally get behind its long-imagined goal of legislation to upgrade the nation’s ailing infrastructure. And even if signed into law this fall, it could take many more years for Americans to feel its full impact. While President Biden’s stimulus plan delivered tangible economic benefits to most of the country within weeks, key parts of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan that the Senate passed on Tuesday morning — which still needs to clear the House of Representatives — may take the better part of a decade to come to fruition. Substantial pots of funding are likely to be quickly disbursed, particularly for updating existing projects, such as repaving the nation’s roads. But major public works projects often have to go through a lengthy process — from federal agency to locality to private builder — and may not result in new usable infrastructure for years. … ” Read more from the Washington Post here: Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill could take years to transform U.S.
Feedbacks and tipping points: Big uncertainties about future warming
“As greenhouse gases pour into the atmosphere, global temperatures rise smoothly and predictably in response. It’s the fundamental basis of climate change, the physical law that’s been reshaping the planet for the past 150 years. Still, there are many other side effects of those rising global temperatures — some that are less smooth, less linear and sometimes less predictable. Climate feedback cycles are physical processes that can speed up certain consequences of global warming. And scientists believe there may be tipping points hidden within the climate system as well — thresholds that, once crossed, could lead to rapid and potentially irreversible consequences for the world. … ” Read more from E&E News here: Feedbacks and tipping points: Big uncertainties about future warming
The new report on climate change is dire. What can I do about it?
“We knew the latest United Nations report on climate change wasn’t going to be good news, but it’s still tough to hear: We haven’t come close to getting a handle on global warming — and that failure is triggering disastrous environmental consequences. The scientific assessment was released this week by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC for short. It concluded that, thanks to a continued rise in global temperatures, we can expect more wildfires, floods, heat waves and water shortages over the next 30 years. That’s a big problem, since the unprecedented rise in extreme events has already been causing massive levels of destruction. ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: The new report on climate change is dire. What can I do about it?
And lastly …
Giusti’s Place is Sacramento County Small Business of the Year
“For more than 100 years, Giusti’s Place has served the people of Walnut Grove and the surrounding Delta community authentic Italian food while supporting nonprofits and youth sports teams with volunteer time and donations. In recognition of their community impact, Giusti’s and owner Mark Morais have been named Sacramento County Small Business of the Year by Sen. Bill Dodd. “Mark and his family have really made a difference,” Sen. Dodd said. “I applaud their many community contributions over more than a century. It’s a remarkable achievement. Small businesses like Giusti’s help make our towns special — and we must always support them.” ... ” Read more from Senator Dodd’s office here: Giusti’s Place is Sacramento County Small Business of the Year
Today’s featured article …
BAY-DELTA SCIENCE CONFERENCE: Exports & Outflows: Recalibrating Water Year Types in a Changing Climate
The Sacramento and San Joaquin water-year type indices are fundamental to the State Water Project and Central Valley Project operations as every year, how much water is allocated to whom depends on whether the hydrology is expected to be wet, above normal, below normal, dry, or critically dry. The water-year classifications were last revised in 1991 and were indexed to historical climatic conditions; however, as California’s precipitation patterns and rain/snow mix continue to change, this framework may need to be revised.
At the 2021 Bay-Delta Science Conference, Wyatt Arnold, an engineer with the Department of Water Resources Climate Change Program, discussed a study he did with colleague Romain Maendly looking at how water year types could potentially be recalibrated and the implications of that for Delta water management.
Click here to read this article.
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
VELES WEEKLY REPORT: NQH2O breaks $900 reaches new all time high. Futures still trading at a premium. Index up 80.14% YTD
