On the calendar today …
- WORKSHOP: Delta Watershed Curtailment Compliance And Response Assistance Webinar from 9am to 4pm. State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) Division of Water Rights staff will hold an informational webinar to provide an overview of recent curtailment and reporting orders issued in the Delta watershed and guidance to diverters who are responsible for curtailing diversions, submitting certifications, and/or other reporting pursuant to curtailment and reporting orders. Click here for more information and remote access instructions.
- FREE WEBINAR: Communicating Uncertainty in Water Planning from 10am to 11am. Presented by Intera. Topics include the importance of communicating uncertainty; the communication cycle – how and when to engage non-technical stakeholders; describing, visualizing, and quantifying uncertainty, relating uncertainty to decisions, and lessons learned/recommendations. Click here to register.
- PUBLIC MEETING: Revising the Definition of “Waters of the United States” from 12pm to 2pm. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army (Army) are hosting virtual public meetings on the agencies’ effort to revise the definition of “waters of the United States.” On June 9, 2021, EPA and the Department of the Army announced their intent to revise the definition of “waters of the United States” to better protect our nation’s vital water resources that support public health, environmental protection, agricultural activity, and economic growth. The agencies are committed to meaningful engagement with tribes, states, and stakeholders to ensure that a revised definition of “waters of the United States” reflects the experiences of, and input received, from all communities. Click here to register.
- WORKSHOP: Drought funding for counties from 2pm to 3:30pm. The State Water Board and Department of Water Resources (DWR) are hosting a workshop focused on drought funding resources for counties. The workshops will provide an overview of funding programs, discuss the roles of counties and state agencies in drought response, and answer questions from county representatives and nongovernmental organizations (NGO) partners. The workshops are to the public but are focused on county representatives and NGO partners. Click here for more information and to register.
In California water news today …
California moves slowly on water projects amid drought
“In 2014, in the middle of a severe drought that would test California’s complex water storage system like never before, voters told the state to borrow $7.5 billion and use part of it to build projects to stockpile more water. Seven years later, that drought has come and gone, replaced by an even hotter and drier one that is draining the state’s reservoirs at an alarming rate. But none of the more than half-dozen water storage projects scheduled to receive that money have been built. The largest project by far is a proposed lake in Northern California, which would be the state’s first new reservoir of significant size in more than 40 years. People have talked about building the Sites Reservoir since the 1950s. But the cost, plus shifting political priorities, stopped it from happening. ... ” Read more from the Associated Press here: California moves slowly on water projects amid drought
Salmon program takes giant leap thanks to land donation
“One farmer has single handedly ramped up the pace of a program trying to save native salmon in the San Joaquin River by donating a key sliver of land to the federal government. Connley Clayton donated about eight acres of his Madera County riverfront land to the government’s San Joaquin River Restoration Program. The land will provide crucial space for the government to build a passage that fish can use to swim around the Sack Dam, a significant impediment to salmon returning upriver from the sea. “We’re lucky we had the opportunity to do it,” said Clayton. “We’re getting more pleasure out of it probably than anybody.” … ” Read more from SJV Water here: Salmon program takes giant leap thanks to land donation
Running out of water, drought-stricken communities find creative ways to conserve
“As unprecedented drought conditions plague much of the West, reservoirs are running dry. Communities reliant on these sources for drinking water are tightening restrictions to preserve adequate supplies. “This is the first time it’s been this severe,” said Tom Colbert of Healdsburg, California. “It’s disheartening. We’ve had friends move out of California because of the drought and the wildfires.” Located in California’s Wine Country, the city implemented water restrictions in June to maintain its drinking water supply through 2021. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Running out of water, drought-stricken communities find creative ways to conserve
Hopes that dry year will prompt action on water management and storage
“There is hope that the unfortunate conditions of California’s water supply this year will prompt decisive action on water management and storage. President and CEO of Western Growers, Dave Puglia noted that his conversations with growers have been disheartening. There is significant concern that if California gets another dry year, many farmers will not be able to recover. The dire circumstances of the current water year underscore the imperative need for an updated approach to water management. … ” Listen/read from Ag Net West here: Hopes that dry year will prompt action on water management and storage
PPIC Fact Sheet: California’s water market
“Water marketing is an important tool for managing scarce supplies. In California’s water market, buyers and sellers trade water through short- and long-term leases as well as permanent sales of their water rights. Trading enhances flexibility in water management. Short-term transfers lessen the economic impact of shortages during droughts by shifting water to activities and places where the lack of water will be more costly. Long-term and permanent transfers accommodate geographic shifts in water demand as the economy changes and the population grows. Today, most trading involves surface water. Some groundwater trading occurs within specially managed basins; this is likely to expand as groundwater users in other basins implement the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). … ” Read more from the PPIC here: PPIC Fact Sheet: California’s water market
PPIC Fact Sheet: Groundwater recharge
“Groundwater recharge is an important water management practice in California. Recharge occurs when water seeps into the ground to replenish underground aquifers. Although some recharge happens incidentally—water flowing into the ground from rivers, unlined canals, or excess irrigation—intentional recharge can restore groundwater levels and store water for later use. In coastal areas, intentional recharge prevents salty ocean water from entering freshwater aquifers. Recharge can also help prevent impacts from groundwater pumping, such as dry wells or sinking lands, while providing wetland habitat for birds, reducing flood risk, and storing water for droughts. Active recharge is a longstanding practice in much of urban Southern California and parts of the Bay Area, Central Coast, and Central Valley. … ” Read more from the PPIC here: PPIC Fact Sheet: Groundwater recharge
Water in the West: Bankrupt?
“The climate crisis is making wild weather much more common. Since Sunday evening, we’ve seen all kinds of destruction in New Orleans as Hurricane Ida hit – winds, flooding, way too much water. And meanwhile, in America’s West, they’re dealing with fires and a historic drought – not enough water. And as the West gets drier and drier, how water is used attracts a lot of controversy. “I liken it to, you know, religious fervor,” says Christine Klein, a water rights lawyer. She started her career as a water rights litigator for the attorney general’s office in Colorado. She says that forever shaped how she sees water and water rights. … ” Read more from NPR here: Water in the West: Bankrupt?
Proposed suspension of bull kelp harvest could help address climate-driven collapse of vital marine algae
“The past seven years have been devastating for Northern California’s bull kelp forests, which are crucial for fighting climate change, sheltering sea life, and supporting coastal economies. Warming ocean waters and an explosion of purple sea urchins—voracious bull kelp predators—have all but wiped out this important marine algae along large swaths of the North Coast. In response to the crisis, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is recommending that the state temporarily close bull kelp harvest in waters off Sonoma and Mendocino counties, cap harvest in Humboldt and Del Norte counties, and suspend review of any new lease applications for three kelp beds that have never been used for larger-scale harvest. This would help give CDFW time to craft a statewide kelp management plan. … ” Read more from the Pew Charitable Trust here: Proposed suspension of bull kelp harvest could help address climate-driven collapse of vital marine algae
Devastating fires could damage Lake Tahoe’s iconic blue waters
“Smoke and ash from wildfires near Lake Tahoe — one of the deepest lakes in the world — is already clouding the lake’s famously clear water, researchers say. While the long-term effects are unclear, ash and soot are now coating the surface of the High Sierra lake and veiling the sun, which can disrupt the lake’s ecosystem and its clarity. More debris and sediment are likely to wash into the lake from runoff and rain this fall and winter. “It’s not going to turn the lake green or anything like that, in my opinion. But certainly the clarity of the lake, how deep you can see in the lake, could be affected for several years,” said Randy Dahlgren, emeritus professor of soils and biogeochemistry at the University of California, Davis. “It all depends on Mother Nature.” … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: Devastating fires could damage Lake Tahoe’s iconic blue waters
SEE ALSO: Why the Lake Tahoe area is vulnerable to wildfire, from the LA Times
‘Hazards’ around site of Mariposa family’s death prompt Sierra forest closure order
“Sierra National Forest closed numerous hiking trails, picnic areas and campgrounds, citing “unknown hazards found in and near the Savage Lundy Trail,” where a Mariposa family was mysteriously found dead two weeks ago. The closures went into effect Sunday and extend through Sept. 26. The Sierra closures started just a day before the U.S. Forest Service shared it will close all 20 million acres of California’s national forests beginning Tuesday until at least Sept. 17 due to “extreme fire conditions,” The Sacramento Bee first reported. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: ‘Hazards’ around site of Mariposa family’s death prompt Sierra forest closure order
National awareness increases on ag’s role in mitigating effects of climate change
“The damage caused by recent ecological disasters has helped highlight agriculture’s role in mitigating the effects of climate change. California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross pointed out that there has been more emphasis placed on agriculture at the national level. Ross said that national stories of California wildfires and drought, and stories of increasing frequency and severity of hurricanes have underscored the value of agriculture. … ” Listen/read more from Ag Net West here: National awareness increases on ag’s role in mitigating effects of climate change
California’s recall election has serious climate and environmental implications
“On September 14, California will hold a gubernatorial recall election to decide two questions: 1) whether to remove Governor Gavin Newsom from office; and if a majority of voters choose removal, 2) who will replace him. Recent polls indicate a very close race on Question 1. Talk show host Larry Elder, former gubernatorial candidate John Cox, and former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer are among the leaders on Question 2 (which does not require a majority selection). You can find extensive coverage of the recall at CalMatters, the SF Chronicle, the LA Times, and dozens of other outlets. If Governor Newsom is replaced, what could happen to state climate and environmental policy? The leading candidates have not emphasized environmental issues in their campaigns (although housing/homelessness and wildfire, two of their preferred topics, have significant environmental implications), and their approaches are far from uniform – ranging from a recent climate denier to a mayor who issued San Diego’s first climate action plan – but a change in administration would certainly mark a shift in environmental priorities. … ” Continue reading at Legal Planet here: California’s recall election has serious climate and environmental implications
In regional water news and commentary today …
LaMalfa: Klamath dam removal plan is a man-made disaster
“Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after submitting comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) related to its plan to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed removal of four hydroelectric dams located along the Klamath River. Three of these facilities, Iron Gate, Copco 1, and Copco 2, are located in Siskiyou County within California’s 1st Congressional District. The fourth dam, J.C. Boyle, is located just across the border in Klamath County, Oregon. “The license to operate these four hydropower dams has been ongoing for more than fifteen years. Every year, the reasons to consider dam removal have dwindled, while the negative impacts to Siskiyou County have skyrocketed,” LaMalfa said. … ” Continue reading this press release from Congressman LaMalfa here: LaMalfa: Klamath dam removal plan is a man-made disaster here: LaMalfa: Klamath dam removal plan is a man-made disaster
Toxic algae spreads on Upper Klamath Lake
“Upper Klamath Lake is once again turning toxic for the summer. On July 30, the Oregon Health Authority issued a recreational use advisory for Eagle Ridge County Park and Shoalwater Bay due to a cyanobacteria bloom present on the lake’s western shore. OHA expanded the advisory to Howard’s Bay, south of Spence Mountain, on August 30. The bloom, comprised of Microcystis aeruginosa, produces the liver toxin microcystin, which can cause skin rashes, stomach issues, diarrhea and vomiting if ingested. … ” Read more from the Herald & News here: Toxic algae spreads on Upper Klamath Lake
Humboldt County:McKee Creek restoration project breaks ground near Whitethorn
“Sanctuary Forest recently broke ground on a restoration project in McKee Creek between Whitethorn and Ettersburg junctions in Southern Humboldt. The project aims to address historical logging impacts and “recharge” groundwater storages to enhance essential flows for threatened salmon species. Anna Rogers, administrative director for Sanctuary Forest, said McKee Creek was rated as a Priority 1 tributary for coho salmon recovery in the Mattole Coho Recovery Strategy based on spawning and rearing documented in the past decade. … ” Continue reading at the Eureka Times-Standard here: Humboldt County:McKee Creek restoration project breaks ground near Whitethorn
Bottled water distribution event planned today for Glenn County residents impacted by drought
“To help residents that have been impacted by dry wells due to the current drought, the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office – Office of Emergency Services has teamed up with local volunteer law enforcement agencies to host another emergency bottled water distribution event today (Wednesday). According to a release issued by the county, Glenn County has received 166 reports of well related incidents. … ” Read more from the Glenn County Transcript here: Bottled water distribution event planned today for Glenn County residents impacted by drought
Mendocino County commentary: Wine mob sustains itself
Mark Scaramella writes, “You’ve got to hand it to Mendo’s wine mob. Their record of staying entirely unregulated is perfect. They have escaped any serious criticism, let alone regulation, for their sleep-depriving, loud, noise generating frost fans; they’ve nearly pumped Lake Mendocino dry in an historical drought before any reduction orders had a chance to take effect; they’ve convinced most Mendolanders that their hundreds of ponds and large scale land-scrapings are somehow proof of their environmentalism; they’ve avoided any restrictions on the applications of unregulated pesticides and tons of noxious sulfur; they’ve viciously fended off the one minuscule farmworkers union foothold a couple of decades ago; they’ve kept any form of ag-related grading ordinance from being enacted; they’ve kept their water costs at a bare minimum, they’ve avoided any kind if environmental impact requirements; and they’ve quietly taken over every water board and agency in the County. … ” Read more from the Anderson Valley Advertiser here: Wine mob sustains itself
Water officials renew conservation calls as Lake Mendocino dips below key level
“Despite earlier state orders preventing hundreds of water rights holders from drawing from the Russian River, the water level in Lake Mendocino fell below 20,000 acre feet last week. Officials with the Sonoma County Water Agency said Friday that they had hoped the water level would stay above 20,000 acre feet until at least Oct. 1, the start of the fall-winter rain season. “We were hopeful that continued conservation among water users in the Russian River watershed could keep us above that conservation goal in Lake Mendocino,” said Sonoma County Supervisor and Sonoma Water Board of Directors Chair Lynda Hopkins. … ” Read more from Bay City News here: Water officials renew conservation calls as Lake Mendocino dips below key level
Editorial: Another drought year in the forecast
“While residents of the Southeast clean up from floods and a hurricane, meteorologists are warning that Northern California should be prepared for a third year of drought. “The tilt is toward a drier than normal winter,” Brian Garcia of the National Weather Service said during a briefing last week for local water managers and stakeholders. Garcia added: “It doesn’t mean it’s going to be a bone-dry winter.” With this year’s rainfall totals running about a third of average annual figures, even a small increase would be welcome. But it probably will take at least a year of something approaching average annual precipitation to restore underground aquifers and refill the region’s reservoirs, which are quickly sinking toward historically low levels. ... ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Editorial: Another drought year in the forecast
Marin utility allots $2.2M for water pipeline design
“The Marin Municipal Water District made its first major financial commitment to a proposed emergency water pipeline across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge with the approval of $2.2 million in contracts on Monday. The utility is proposing to build a 7- to 8-mile, $65 million pipeline between Richmond and Marin County to prevent it from running out of water as soon as next summer. The pipeline would carry water purchased from Central Valley agricultural areas, similar to the pipeline the district built on the bridge during the drought of 1977. On Monday, the district board voted 4-1 to approve three contracts that will begin initial designs of the pipeline and determine how feasible the pipeline actually is. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin utility allots $2.2M for water pipeline design
Pacific Grove wrestles with the ups and downs of the water business
“Nearly five years after Pacific Grove officials broke ground with golden-hued shovels for construction of a wastewater reclamation plant on Point Pinos in hopes of creating revenue from the sale of recycled water and water credits, the city is finding out the financial returns aren’t as golden as they had hoped. The P.G. Local Water Project costs more than the city makes on recycled water. Last fiscal year the city loaned the project $600,000 to make up for less-than-expected revenue since the plant opened in December 2017, according to the 2021-22 budget. … ” Read more from Monterey Weekly here: Pacific Grove wrestles with the ups and downs of the water business
92 tree frogs rescued from Toro Canyon Creek oil spill released back into wild
“More than 90 small frogs were released back into the wild this week after being recovered from an oil spill at Toro Canyon Creek near Summerland. The frogs were rescued in August by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) and Santa Barbara’s Wildlife Care Network (SBWCN). … ” Read more from KEYT here: 92 tree frogs rescued from Toro Canyon Creek oil spill released back into wild
Paso Robles: Virtual public meeting on Centennial Creek improvement project
“The City of Paso Robles, in partnership with CalTrans and the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District (USLTRCD), is planning improvements to Centennial Creek in Paso Robles and is looking for public input on the project. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes to mitigate for aquatic impacts from the construction of the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project through restoration of 6,300 feet of Centennial Creek in Paso Robles, California. The project includes the restoration and enhancement of wetlands and other waters, removal and/or replacement of culverts, removal of concrete/rock hardscaping and debris, and replanting the area with native species. … ” Read more from the Paso Robles Daily News here: Paso Robles: Virtual public meeting on Centennial Creek improvement project
Inyo County: Appellate court confirms Inyo County violated CEQA in landfill eminent domain lawsuits
“A California Court of Appeal affirmed that the Inyo County Board of Supervisors violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in its attempt to seize City of Los Angeles land and water rights through eminent domain without conducting any environmental review. Historically, LADWP has leased land to Inyo County to operate three local landfills – Bishop-Sunland, Independence and Lone Pine. Over the years, LADWP has insisted upon instituting better environmental controls at the landfills because they are unlined and pose a threat to the groundwater. The County has also received thousands of regulatory and permit violations relating to its landfill operations over the years. In 2017, the County determined it would prefer to own the land on which the landfills are located, and with it, the associated water rights. Rather than work with LADWP to find a solution to the challenging landfills, the County hastily pursued eminent domain lawsuits, which the appellate court confirmed neglected to follow CEQA. Based upon the Court’s decision, LADWP will now seek the dismissal of all three eminent domain lawsuits and reimbursement for its costs from the County. … ” Read more from the LA DWP here: Appellate court confirms Inyo County violated CEQA in landfill eminent domain lawsuits
Quagga mussel discovery at Castaic Lake: boating requirements implemented
“The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) will begin implementing additional boating requirements at Castaic Lake in Los Angeles County due to the recent discovery of invasive quagga mussels. The discovery of quagga mussels means DWR must implement measures to prevent their spread, including requiring boats to be inspected and drained upon leaving Castaic Lake and Castaic Lagoon. While mussels have not been detected to date in Castaic Lagoon, they are presumed to be present since the lagoon receives water from Castaic Lake. … ” Read more from DWR here: Quagga mussel discovery at Castaic Lake: boating requirements implemented
Valley activists, residents head to Sacramento to demand cleanup of contaminated Santa Susana Field Lab
“Environmental justice groups gathered Monday, Aug. 30, in front of the California EPA building in Sacramento, demanding cleanup of contaminated sites around the state, including the Santa Susana Field Lab tucked away in the hills above the San Fernando and Simi valleys. Organizers of the demonstration said the California Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Toxic Substances Control, the regulatory agency overseeing the investigation and cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater at the SSFL, failed to hold polluters accountable, allowing them to walk away from cleaning contaminated sites often located in low-income and working-class communities. … ” Read more from the LA Daily News here: Valley activists, residents head to Sacramento to demand cleanup of contaminated Santa Susana Field Lab
SoCal: Drought prompts new Metropolitan advertising campaign asking region to save even more water
“Inevitable cycles of drought are just as much a part of Southern California as its rich history, world-renowned entertainment industry and action sports culture – all themes that come together in Metropolitan’s latest conservation advertising campaign. The campaign pays homage to the many different lifestyles that make Southern California unique, while empowering residents throughout the region to explore ways to build on their well-established water-saving habits as severe drought conditions impact water supplies throughout the state. “Our campaign is designed to reach diverse audiences with an inspiring message that celebrate both the region’s rich heritage and its dedication and success in conserving water,” said Metropolitan External Affairs Group Manager Sue Sims. “It sets a reassuring tone that reminds all of us that we’ve done this before, we know what to do and we can do it again – together.” …
Salton Sea: Lithium fuels hopes for revival on California’s largest lake
“Near Southern California’s dying Salton Sea, a canopy next to a geothermal power plant covers large vats of salty water left behind after super-hot liquid is drilled from deep underground to run steam turbines. The vats connect to tubes that spit out what looks like dishwater, but it’s lithium, a critical component of rechargeable batteries and the newest hope for economic revival in the depressed region. Demand for electric vehicles has shifted investments into high gear to extract lithium from brine, salty water that has been overlooked and pumped back underground since the region’s first geothermal plant opened in 1982. The mineral-rich byproduct may now be more valued than the steam used to generate electricity. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Salton Sea: Lithium fuels hopes for revival on California’s largest lake
Private entity sought to develop San Diego pumped-storage energy facility
“In 2018, the state of California updated its Renewables Portfolio Standard to call for obtaining 60% of its power from renewable energy sources by 2030. At the same time, the state also mandated that its electricity system be powered solely by carbon-free, renewable energy sources by 2045. Meeting these ambitious targets will require no shortage of technological developments, particularly batteries or other means of storing electricity generated by intermittent, renewable energy sources, especially solar and wind power. As part of its recently enacted budget for 2021-22, California included funding to help foster the development of one such storage method, known as pumped-storage hydropower. In particular, the budget provided $18 million to the city of San Diego and the San Diego County Water Authority for use in advancing their planned joint project known as the San Vicente Energy Storage Facility. … ” Read more from the Source here: Private entity sought to develop San Diego pumped-storage energy facility
Along the Colorado River …
Long-term drought persists, but wet monsoon improved Arizona’s conditions
“Arizona’s wet monsoon season improved the state’s drought conditions, but the West’s water woes are far from over. At the start of this year, nearly three-quarters of Arizona was in an exceptional drought, the U.S. Drought Monitor’s most severe category. Now, less than 1% of the state is at that level. “We still have long-term drought affecting large portions of the state, but it has gotten better, particularly in the last month,” said Curtis Riganti with the National Drought Mitigation Center. … ” Read more from KJZZ here: Long-term drought persists, but wet monsoon improved Arizona’s conditions
Legal brief: Navigable waters
“In a suit brought by six Indian tribes, a federal judge in Arizona granted the Environmental Protection Agency’s request to remand the Trump administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule for its reconsideration, but found that the rule must also be vacated to prevent environmental harm while the Biden administration works to revise the regulation that reduced clean water protections.” Read the brief from the Courthouse News Service here: Navigable waters
When crisis meets innovation
TradeSmith writes, “I’ve compared the COVID-19 crisis to the attack on Pearl Harbor in recent days. Following World War II, the U.S. experienced dramatic levels of invocation and societal-shifting trends that forged the strongest middle class and military forces ever. The post-COVID-19 economy will continue to deliver innovation in global logistics, health care, work-from-home technologies, cybersecurity, and much more. But there is another crisis happening right here in the United States that continues to slide under the radar. It’s unclear what technological changes will occur in the near term, but it’s setting up to be another type of “Pearl Harbor” moment. I’m talking about the water crisis happening along the Colorado River. Let me explain what is happening and how you can invest in real change to address this crisis. … ” Read more from Nasdaq here: When crisis meets innovation
Queen Creek’s Colorado River water plan open for public comment
“The Bureau of Reclamation will prepare an environmental assessment on a proposal to transfer water from a farm near the Colorado River to Queen Creek. … Members of the public have until Sept. 24 to comment. ... ” Read the full story at KJZZ here: Queen Creek’s Colorado River water plan open for public comment
In national water news today …
Judge sinks Trump WOTUS rule
“A federal judge today struck down the Trump administration’s rule that significantly narrowed the scope of Clean Water Act jurisdiction. The order from the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona brings a swift end to the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), even as the Biden team had begun the process of reworking the regulation. EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers had successfully pressed courts in other parts of the country to allow the Biden administration to come up with a new definition of waters of the U.S., or WOTUS, without immediately scrapping the Trump rule. … ” Read more from E&E News here: Judge sinks Trump WOTUS rule
SEE ALSO: Court tosses Trump water pollution rule but still weighing restoration of Obama rule, from The Hill
Priced out and shut off: Tackling water affordability
Michael McAfee, president and CEO of PolicyLink, and Susana De Anda, co-founder and executive director of the Community Water Center, write, “Right now, Congress is debating needed investments in our water system decades in the making. While the Senate’s compromise bill passed earlier this month includes billions for lead pipe replacement and helping communities prepare for future drought and floods, the bill falls short of ensuring all families can turn their tap on and access safe, affordable water. Infrastructure spending isn’t enough. We must pair new water spending with bill assistance to ensure the water flowing through our upgraded pipes serves all households in America. … ” Read more from The Hill here: Priced out and shut off: Tackling water affordability
Dams, floodgates, and submarine doors: museums are spending millions to protect their art as sea levels rise
” … Museums, just like other institutions, are now facing existential challenges. Data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services shows that more than one-third of U.S. museums and related organizations are within 60 miles of a coastline; a quarter of those sit near highly vulnerable coasts. The museum-rich city of Washington, D.C. experiences up to 200 coastal flooding events annually. Norfolk, Virginia, 200 miles south and home to the Chrysler Museum of Art, could be one of the first U.S. cities lost to sea level rise. All this is to say nothing of museums in inland flood zones. “The problem is very urgent,” said Sarah Sutton of the nonprofit Environment and Culture Partners, which advises institutions on sustainability issues. “And not addressing it is negligent.” … ” Read more from ArtNet here: Dams, floodgates, and submarine doors: museums are spending millions to protect their art as sea levels rise
La Niña responsible for megadroughts in North and South America, study finds
“La Niña, the climate event that causes water to be colder than normal in the eastern Pacific, has now been shown by new research released Monday to be responsible for simultaneous megadroughts in the North and South American Southwest over the past 1,000 years. Megadroughts are extended periods of drought that last at least 20 years. In a study published in the journal Nature, researchers found that these megadroughts occurred simultaneously in the North American and South American Southwest “regularly” and often during a La Niña event. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: La Niña responsible for megadroughts in North and South America, study finds
Today’s featured article …
BLOG ROUND-UP: A Cosmonaut and the Delta Conveyance Project; What recall candidates are saying about infrastructure; Are SF and SoCal prepared for droughts and climate change?; Are water sales delaying development of alternative sources?; and more …
Click here to read this article.
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