On the calendar today …
- WORKSHOP: Potential Changes To The Water Unavailability Methodology For The Delta Watershed from 9am to 5pm. State Water Resources Control Board staff will hold a technical workshop to describe and receive public input on potential changes to the methodology for determining water unavailability in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta watershed (Water Unavailability Methodology) that are applicable during the wet season. Click here for the meeting notice.
- MEETING: The California Water Commission will meet beginning at 9:30am. Agenda items include updates on WSIP projects, Consideration of Division of Dams Enforcement Regulations, and an overview of out-of state discussions and emerging themes related to groundwater trading. Click here for more information.
- PUBLIC WEBINAR: California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program Application Webinar from 10am to 12pm. The State Water Board will hold a public webinar training session on how to complete the California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program Application. The application information and attachments will allow the Division of Financial Assistance (DFA) to issue payments to community water systems for their arrearages. Click here for the full meeting notice.
- WEBINAR: Keystone Conflict: Beaver History, Hydrology, Ecology, Wildfires & Modern Challenges from 10am to 11am. Ecologists have realized the multifaceted benefits that beavers bring, free of charge, triggering many beaver restoration efforts. However, beavers remain controversial because of the problems they sometimes cause with human infrastructure. In response, innovative individuals and groups have been sharing solutions to these problems. Beaver coexistence devices allow beavers to remain on shared landscapes, benefiting both local ecology and people. Click here for more information and to register.
- WEBINAR: Technical and Legal Implications of Recent PFAS Developments in California from 11am to 12pm. Part of ACWA’s virtual CLE Workshop Series. Click here for more information and to register.
- FREE WEBINAR: Environmental Justice Reforms in Government from 12pm to 1pm. Part of the Delta Stewardship Council’s webinar series on environmental justice relevant to issues in California and the Delta. Click here to register.
- OCWA WEBINAR: Simon Ranch Reservoir and Pump Station Replacement Project from 12:30pm to 1:00pm. Learn more about this demanding project and how the design team met its many varied challenges. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: Open Water Data Communications Speaker Series from 12:30 to 1:30pm. Learn more about the Internet of Water’s resources from IoW staff members, Ashley Ward, PhD, and Lillian Watson. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
INCOMING STORMS
Beast of a bomb cyclone is set to wallop the West Coast
“A beast of a bomb cyclone will take shape just off the coast of the northwestern United States and western Canada later this week, and AccuWeather forecasters say it will rival, in some aspects, the intensity of strong hurricanes from the Atlantic this season. The powerful storm will bring dangerous and damaging impacts up and down the West Coast, but the precipitation it will deliver to parts of California, Oregon and Washington is greatly needed. The storm will have some tropical origins. Energy from former Severe Tropical Storm Namtheun, which churned over the western Pacific, will join forces with a non-tropical system sitting over the northern Pacific on Wednesday, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Randy Adkins. Rapid strengthening will result. As the storm comes together a few hundred miles off the coasts of Washington and British Columbia, its intensification could easily surpass the criteria for bombogenesis. … ” Read more from AccuWeather here: Beast of a bomb cyclone is set to wallop the West Coast
Atmospheric river storms to soak Bay Area, Northern California — biggest in 9 months
“Three successive storms will surge in from the Pacific Ocean this week, forecasters said Tuesday, bringing what may be the most rain in nine months to drought-stricken Northern California and offering a promising start to winter after two years marked by record wildfires and dry conditions. Two of those storms look like atmospheric rivers — narrow, moisture-rich storms that play a critical role in the state’s water supply. The first, which was set to arrive late Tuesday night and continue into Wednesday morning, is likely to be a moderate storm. But another big one shaping up for Sunday night was upgraded to a category 5 on Tuesday, the highest in a five-level scale. … ” Continue reading from the Mercury News here: Atmospheric river storms to soak Bay Area, Northern California — biggest in 9 months
SEE ALSO:
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- ‘It’s A Big One’; Weekend Atmospheric River Gaining Intensity Off California Coast, from CBS San Francisco
- Rainy spell: Three storms are in the Bay Area forecast, from the San Francisco Times
- Forecasts show chances of moderate to heavy rain in Sierra foothills through Monday, from the Union-Democrat
Why October rain matters
“Every eight hours or so, the forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Monterey write up and publish a summary of what they see happening with the Bay Area’s weather. This bulletin, called the Area Forecast Discussion, goes into detail about various technical weather things like fronts and trough axes and cold air advection aloft as a consequence of retrograding shortwaves. I read the Bay Area AFD with religious devotion three times a day (although I admit I still can’t explain a retrograding shortwave) because sometimes a line leaps out even to the lay reader. For example: the 3:05 a.m. update on October 4. At the time the various weather prediction models all showed some chance of real rain two weeks out, and the forecaster stuck a caveat on the computers with this phrase: “we’re fighting climatology.” ... ” Read more from Bay Nature here: Why October rain matters
NEWSOM DROUGHT DECLARATION/WATER CONSERVATION
Governor Newsom expands drought emergency statewide, urges Californians to redouble water conservation efforts
“Following the second driest year on record and with near record low storage in California’s largest reservoirs, Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation extending the drought emergency statewide and further urging Californians to step up their water conservation efforts as the western U.S. faces a potential third dry year. Bolstering conservation efforts, the proclamation enables the State Water Resources Control Board to ban wasteful water practices, including the use of potable water for washing sidewalks and driveways. The Governor issued an executive order in July calling on Californians to voluntarily reduce water use by 15 percent compared to 2020 to protect water reserves and complement local conservation mandates. The Governor’s action today comes as the Board reports that in August, California reduced urban water use by 5 percent compared to 2020. … ” Read more from the Office of the Governor here: Governor Newsom expands drought emergency statewide, urges Californians to redouble water conservation efforts
Newsom declares drought emergency across California
“Gov. Gavin Newsom today declared a drought emergency for the entire state of California, as conservation efforts continue to fall far short of state targets. Newsom also authorized California’s water regulators to ban wasteful water use, such as spraying down public sidewalks, and directed his Office of Emergency Services to fund drinking water as needed. But he stopped short of issuing any statewide conservation mandates. “As the western U.S. faces a potential third year of drought, it’s critical that Californians across the state redouble our efforts to save water in every way possible,” Newsom said in a statement. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: Newsom declares drought emergency across California
All counties in CA now under drought emergency declaration, but no water saving mandates from Newsom
“All of California is now officially under a drought emergency, after Gov. Gavin Newsom extended his previous emergency order statewide on Tuesday. This declaration comes in the wake of record-breaking heat and drought in the state for the second year in a row. The declaration will enable the state to provide additional resources and funding under the California Disaster Assistance Act to all 58 counties. ... ” Read more from ABC 7 here: All counties in CA now under drought emergency declaration, but no water saving mandates from Newsom
California misses water conservation mark for 2nd month as state records driest year since 1924
“Slogging through one of the hottest and driest stretches in state history, Californian cities and water districts combined to slash water usage by 5% in August compared to August 2020. Though the reduction falls well short of Governor Gavin Newsom’s target of 15%, regulators on Tuesday said the severity of the drought and the need for water conservation are beginning to stick with residents as wells and reservoirs dry up across the state. “We are trending in the right direction with August savings more than twice of what we saw in July,” said Marielle Pinheiro, data specialist at the State Water Resources Control Board. “This is especially significant considering that August 2021 was so dry.” … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: California misses water conservation mark for 2nd month as state records driest year since 1924
Bay Area outpacing most of state in water conservation
“As the first major storm of the season begins its approach to the Bay Area, the region continues to outperform much of the state in terms of water conservation, according to new numbers released Tuesday by the State Water Resources Control Board. According to water conservation reports for August, the Bay Area achieved a 9.9 percent reduction in water use, while the North Coast’s reduction was 18.3 percent, the Central Coast’s was 5.2 percent and the South Coast region reported a 3.1 percent reduction. … ” Read more from CBS Sacramento here: Bay Area outpacing most of state in water conservation
SEE ALSO:
OTHER STATEWIDE WATER NEWS
Lack of water drying up new housing in rural communities
“Water has become a major roadblock to desperately needed housing in rural communities throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Water scarcity and lack of infrastructure has scared off developers just when housing is most needed, according to officials and nonprofits that work on both water and housing. “The lack of development interest has a lot to do with being told time and time again that there isn’t sewer or water infrastructure available,” said Aaron Bock, assistant director of the Tulare County Resource Management Agency. ... ” Read more from SJV Water here: Lack of water drying up new housing in rural communities
Satellites are becoming a part of California’s water conservation strategy
“In a new push to stop further depletion of California’s shrinking aquifers, state regulators are turning to technology once used to count Soviet missile silos during the Cold War: satellites. Historically, California’s farmers could pump as much as they wanted from their wells. But as a consequence of that unrestricted use, the underground water table has sunk by hundreds of feet in some areas, and the state is now trying to stabilize those aquifers. Regulators need to calculate just how much water each farmer is using across California’s vast agricultural lands, and scientists and private companies are now offering a technique that uses images from orbiting satellites. “The days of agricultural anonymity are over,” says Joel Kimmelshue, co-founder of the company Land IQ, which is helping to hone the technique. … ” Read more from KQED here: Satellites are becoming a part of California’s water conservation strategy
La Niña looms in Pacific as new water year begins
“California’s water bucket is not even half full as the state enters the 2022 water year, which began Oct. 1. Two years of drought has depleted the state’s surface and groundwater supplies, and weather forecasters predict a La Niña climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean, which has brought drought conditions in the past. California State Climatologist Michael Anderson said a wet storm is expected in the state this week, and if this is followed by additional storms in the next month, “the precipitation would provide much-needed moisture to our very dry soils.” The lack of moisture in the soil last winter and spring contributed to the decrease in runoff from snowmelt because it was absorbed by the very dry soils, he said. … ” Read more from Ag Alert here: La Niña looms in Pacific as new water year begins
Federal officials seek review of water management plans
“The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced its intention to once again update water management plans for California. Earlier in the month, Reclamation announced the reinitiation of consultation on its Long-Term Operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project. Director of Sustainability for Western United Dairies and the California Cattle Council, Aubrey Bettencourt explained what that means for water management protocols. “What they’re saying in practical terms is, ‘we’re going to update our operations orders for the system and it needs to go through another environmental review as a result,’” said Bettencourt. … ” Read more from Ag Net West here: Federal officials seek review of water management plans
Statement by the California Farm Water Coalition on the Proposed Interim Operations Plan for the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project
“The proposed interim operations plan by State and Federal agencies alters the 2021-2022 coordinated operations of the State Water Project (SWP) and the federal Central Valley Project (CVP). If adopted, the new plan would throw collaboration out the window, abandon the holistic approach to managing our environment that the latest science tells us we need and remove operational flexibility that is critically needed, especially in a drought. What the new plan would do, is guarantee decades more conflict and litigation. The proposed plan is a potential disaster for thousands of California farmers who grow a significant portion of the food America depends on because it further reduces the water available for farms at a time that they are facing drought conditions of historic proportions. The proposed plan also undermines the voluntary work that has been providing valuable water supplies and habitat improvements for threatened and endangered species and showing real results. … ”
Water problems abound for pistachio growers
“One man’s ceiling may be another man’s floor as is the apparent case this harvest with pistachio growers in California compared to their counterparts in Arizona. While California growers can’t find enough water for their thirsty trees, too much water is being blamed for unexpected problems in Arizona orchards. For Jim Graham who farms Cochise Grove pistachios — 21,000 mature trees on 150 acres in the Arizona desert — a once-promising harvest is winding up with some totally unexpected problems. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Water problems abound for pistachio growers
Farmers propose solutions to drought conditions in the Western United States
“The Family Farm Alliance aims to protect water for Western agriculture and describes itself as a powerful advocate before the government for family farmers, ranchers, irrigation districts, and allied industries in 17 Western states. The drought-stricken Klamath Basin is one area that they’ve identified as needing legislative change. The alliance says it has this goal to ensure the availability of reliable and affordable irrigation water needed to produce the world’s food, fiber, and fuel. “We developed some written testimony,” said Daniel Keppen, executive director of the Family Farm Alliance. “We asked Senator Barrasso and Senator Kelly to include it in the hearing record, which they did, and they actually discussed our testimony at the hearing.” … ” Read more from Channel 12 here: Farmers propose solutions to drought conditions in the Western United States
Universities work to secure water for ag, ecosystems
“University of California, Merced’s largest research grant in its 16-year history aims to improve agricultural and environmental water resilience. The new $10 million collaborative focuses on water banking, trading and improvements in data-driven management practices to arrive at a climate-resilient future in water-scarce regions of the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it is funding the wide-ranging effort from multiple institutions across three states through its National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative on Sustainable Agricultural Systems. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Universities work to secure water for ag, ecosystems
See how the Dixie Fire created its own weather in 3D
“Days after California’s Dixie fire ignited in mid-July, towering storm clouds burst from the flames, generating lightning and wild winds that pushed the fire “in every direction,” according to firefighters battling the blaze. The storm — an early sign of Dixie’s devastating potential — was part of a broader outbreak of extreme fire behavior across the West this summer. … Given a spark, new fires grew explosively. Several became so large and intense that they powered their own weather systems, spawning towering storm clouds, lightning and even some “fire whirls,” spinning vortices of flames. Now, for the first time, you can see one of these firestorms up close. … ” Read more from the New York Times here: See how the Dixie Fire created its own weather in 3D
Huffman, Thompson meet separately with Biden over spending bill, climate measures
“Sonoma County’s congressmen, Reps. Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman, met with President Joe Biden at the White House Tuesday as part of separate Democratic factions dueling over a stalled set of ambitious bills dealing with infrastructure, social policy and climate spending. The two lawmakers with distinct political identities came away with different perspectives. The goal of both meetings was to reach agreement between moderates, including Thompson, D-St. Helena, and progressives, including Huffman, D-San Rafael, on spending for Biden’s Build Back Better plan, including landmark social safety net, housing, education, health care and climate change provisions. It was initially priced at $3.5 trillion. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Huffman, Thompson meet separately with Biden over spending bill, climate measures
Butterflies, salmon, and rattlesnakes: Some examples of how nature is impacted by our changing environment
Justin Ray writes, ” … The drought is one way in which the environment around us is changing. Earlier this year, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published a scary report detailing the latest authoritative scientific information about global warming. It found, among other things, that ice melt and sea level rise are already accelerating and that humans are largely responsible for the warming of Earth. While we’re thinking about the drought and environmental changes, I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss the perils animals face while dealing with our changing climate. This list is, of course, not comprehensive, but I do think these examples show how when one organism is affected, others face consequences too. … ” Read the full post at the LA Times here: Butterflies, salmon, and rattlesnakes: Some examples of how nature is impacted by our changing environment
In commentary today …
SoCal’s water planning offers lesson for state
The Southern California News Group editorial board writes, “Another historic drought has gripped the West and California, with the entire state facing abnormally dry conditions and 87% of it facing an extreme drought, according to the latest federal data. Yet Southern Californians are in far better shape to handle the situation than Northern Californians thanks to policies that southern water agencies have adopted. Two-thirds of the state’s rain falls in Northern California, which has one-third of the state’s population — and vice versa. Yet many northern cities are running out of water, with several San Francisco Bay Area communities already adopting water rationing and water-use restrictions. This isn’t happenstance, but the result of planning — or lack thereof. … ” Read more from the Daily Breeze here: SoCal’s water planning offers lesson for state
For our water future, let’s fix Central Valley canals
California state senator Melissa Hurtado writes, “Water is life for us here in the Central Valley. It impacts every facet of our day-to-day lives, from our jobs to sustaining our daily needs. This summer, a few communities in my district ran dry. One town —Teviston—was without running water for a full month. The families there were unable to turn their taps on to cook, bathe their children or even flush the toilet. Drought and water conservation is becoming a way of life for us across the state, but especially in the San Joaquin Valley. Fortunately, farmers and farmworkers are resilient and have found ways to cope. Unfortunately, some of those ways have led to fallowed farms and decreased crop yields. … ” Read more from Ag Alert here: For our water future, let’s fix Central Valley canals
Our military shouldn’t be held hostage to ‘water politics’
Former Arizona Congressman J.D. Hayworth writes, “Former Navy pilot and astronaut and now freshman Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) is working to build his on-the-job experience before a re-election challenge next year. That’s likely one reason that he chaired a Senate subcommittee hearing this month about drought in the West. His opening remarks included a shout-out to constituents: “We’ve got this old saying in Arizona that ‘whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting.’” But that fight for water goes well beyond the Colorado River and a shrinking Lake Mead to “tributaries” that run through environmental pressure groups, the Pentagon, and the “other chamber” on Capitol Hill. … ” Continue reading at The Hill here: Our military shouldn’t be held hostage to ‘water politics’
Today’s featured article …
DELTA WATERMASTER: Complaint alleging unlawful diversion in the Delta triggers investigation; Drought emergency regulation; Voluntary dry-year response program; and Open ET
At the September meeting of the Delta Stewardship Council, Delta Watermaster Michael George updated the council members on the activities of his office. In his update, he discussed the drought, an investigation into a complaint alleging unlawful water diversion within the Delta, efforts to develop a predictable dry year response to water shortages in the Delta, the risk of the drought continuing into the new water year, and the imminent rollout of Open ET.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Klamath prescribed fire training attracts people from around the globe to learn and burn from the epicenter of cultural burning
“The season is turning. It’s time for prescribed fire, the good fire that helps prevent wildfires. Around here, a lot of prescribed burning — intentionally introducing controlled fire to the landscape in order to reduce fuel come next wildfire season — happens through the annual Klamath River Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (Klamath TREX), a “learn and burn” training event. With 150 participants and several areas ready to burn, this year’s Klamath TREX, already underway, is the largest prescribed fire training in the United States, its organizers say. In fact, “the middle Klamath has really emerged as sort of this epicenter of a national movement around prescribed fire and cultural burning,” Craig Tucker, a natural resources policy consultant with the Karuk Tribe, said at a Klamath TREX media briefing. … ” Read more from the Lost Coast Outpost here: Klamath prescribed fire training attracts people from around the globe to learn and burn from the epicenter of cultural burning
EPA grants over $250k to Klamath Tribes
“The Klamath Tribes recently received 2 separate grants totaling over $250,000 dollars. They’re coming to the tribes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One of the grants will invest $99,992 into purchasing and installing a solar-powered water pump. It will help minimize external nutrient loading from agricultural properties around Upper Klamath Lake. … ” Read more from Fox Channel 26 here: EPA grants over $250k to Klamath Tribes
Eel River Restoration Program monitors ecological conditions of Eel River
““Know Your Nonprofits” is a weekly column in the Times-Standard that takes an in-depth look at nonprofit organizations throughout Humboldt County. This week’s featured nonprofit is the Eel River Recovery Project. Patrick Higgins, managing director, answered the following questions. Briefly describe your organization and its mission: The Eel River Recovery Project scopes communities throughout the Eel River watershed to understand what they see as problems and opportunities, then we try to get resources to apply to those problems or take advantage of opportunities. We assist citizen monitoring to help local folks take the pulse of the river and work together with us to help devise a strategy for ecological restoration and then work together to implement it. … ” Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Eel River Restoration Program monitors ecological conditions of Eel River
Powerhouse down at Potter Valley Project, creating more uncertainty about its future
“Efforts to secure the Russian River water supply have stalled over the past month. A powerhouse that allows for larger diversions of water from the Eel River to the Russian River went down over the summer and it’s unclear whether it will be repaired. Pacific Gas & Electric says the Potter Valley Project (PVP), a hydroelectric power project that diverts the water from one river to the other, will continue providing enough water to meet its contractual obligations to Potter Valley residents and the Russian River watershed. What remains to be seen is whether a regional partnership will be able to take over the project and secure that supply for the long term. … ” Read more from the Mendocino Voice here: Powerhouse down at Potter Valley Project, creating more uncertainty about its future
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Autumn rain welcome in Caldor Fire fight, but water brings new challenges
“More storms are on the way Tuesday night which is great news for extinguishing any remaining Caldor Fire hot spots and putting a damper on fire season. But the wet weather still presents challenges for fire clean-up efforts, according to U.S. Forest Service’s Caldor Fire information officer Sarah Wheeler. “So, as the flames die down, the repair work really amps up. And that’s where we’re at right now. We know a lot of weather is coming in. We know a lot of weather is going to make some sites inaccessible,” Wheeler explained. “So, it’s this game that we’re trying to strategize about, like where can we put equipment to get the most work done before we’re kicked out of the area due to weather?” … ” Read more from Fox 40 here: Autumn rain welcome in Caldor Fire fight, but water brings new challenges
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
New law allows Willows a fast way to sell well to Cal Water, efforts to reduce Chromium 6 levels
“A new law will make it easier for the City of Willows to sell it’s only well, in an effort to get safer water. You might think the water that comes straight out of the tap is from the City of Willows but in reality. “California Water Service Company is our water purveyor for the City of Willows. They supply our water,” said Gary Hansen, vice mayor of Willows. Cal Water also makes sure the levels of Chromium 6 in the water a known carcinogen by the EPA, are below 10 parts per billion (ppb) for the maximum contaminant level. … ” Read more from KRCR here: New law allows Willows a fast way to sell well to Cal Water, efforts to reduce Chromium 6 levels
Sustainability plan for Colusa Subbasin nearly complete
“In one of the final steps to complete a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) for the Colusa Subbasin, the Colusa Groundwater Authority (CGA) and the Glenn Groundwater Authority (GGA) hosted a virtual public meeting on Wednesday to review the plan and gather community input. The GSP is a roadmap for how groundwater will be managed over the next two decades, according to meeting facilitator Dave Ceppos, and is being prepared by the CGA and GGA in response to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, which requires locals agencies to form groundwater sustainability agencies for the high and medium priority basins such as the Colusa Subbasin. … ” Read more from the Colusa Sun here: Sustainability plan for Colusa Subbasin nearly complete
A $564 million water project was completed in Sacramento. What this means for you
“The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District, also known as Regional San, completed a $564 million wastewater treatment project this summer that uses bacteria to remove more than 99% of ammonia from sewer water. The operation, which is called the Biological Nutrient Removal project, is a part of a larger undertaking called the EchoWater project. The EchoWater project was established by Regional San to comply with regulations and to ensure clean water quality. The effort also allows for the potential reuse of water for landscape and agricultural irrigation. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: A $564 million water project was completed in Sacramento. What this means for you
NAPA/SONOMA
Sonoma Water board approves plan to reduce risks to critical infrastructure from the impacts of climate change
“The Sonoma Water Board of Directors today approved its first-ever Climate Adaptation Plan (CAP) that provides a roadmap for the agency as it navigates the impacts of climate change on its infrastructure and operations. Sonoma Water provides drinking water to 600,000 residents, wastewater collection and treatment for 70,000 residents, and flood control to communities in Sonoma and Marin counties. The CAP identifies threats to Sonoma Water’s water supply, flood control, and sanitation infrastructure and operations and develops adaptation strategies to reduce vulnerabilities and risks that will be exacerbated by climate change. Development of the plan assumes that climate change is inevitable, it is already occurring, and the agency must adapt quickly to protect its critical infrastructure. Increased temperatures and highly variable rainfall will result in extreme droughts and floods, in addition to increased wildfire intensity and sea-level rise. … ” Read more from Sonoma County here: Sonoma Water board approves plan to reduce risks to critical infrastructure from the impacts of climate change
BAY AREA
‘We’re basically skimping by’: West Marin residents say their water wells are nearly completely dry
“ In West Marin, some residents who rely solely on well water are reaching a tipping point where they could soon have no water left. Now the county is asking the county’s water district to supply those families with water from the already depleting reservoirs. “There are some days where if you’re the last person to wake up, good luck flushing the toilet,” Camellia Schinner, the sanctuary manager at Rancho Compación in Nicasio, told ABC7 News. “It’s not great.” Schinner’s family owns and operates Rancho Compación, an animal sanctuary, where they also live. They rely solely on their property’s four wells for all their water. … ” Read more from KTVU here: ‘We’re basically skimping by’: West Marin residents say their water wells are nearly completely dry
Bay Area: Can new radar technology predict weather in neighborhoods?
“A new radar system coming to the Bay Area promises to greatly improve weather predictions, providing additional warning time to prevent flooding damage and more accurate forecasts of where heavy rainfall will hit, down to a specific low-lying highway or neighborhood. The new forecasting system was originally geared to give emergency planners more time to prepare before a sewage plant overflowed or a BART station flooded during an atmospheric river, the often-dramatic weather events responsible for up to half of the region’s rainfall. … ” Read more from Gov Tech here: Bay Area: Can new radar technology predict weather in neighborhoods?
San Ramon golf course recycles water
“Canyon Lakes Golf Course in San Ramon is making a dent in California’s drought. EBMUD says the golf course is saving 300,000 gallons of water a day during the summer by recycling. The course is using the water for irrigation. … ” Read more from KTVU here: San Ramon golf course recycles water
Final phase underway for Solano County Tidal Restoration Project
“The final phase of the 850-acre Hill Slough Tidal Restoration Project kicked off on October 5 with the first of 11 levee breaches. Located on California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Hill Slough Wildlife Area, just south of Suisun City in Solano County, the project site is currently a collection of diked ponds and upland habitat adjacent to existing tidal marsh on the east, south and west sides. When completed this fall, the project will help create a contiguous tidal marsh of approximately 2,860 acres. CDFW’s goal for the project is to restore natural hydrologic processes to aid in the recovery of listed plant and wildlife species such as the federally endangered soft bird’s-beak, Suisun thistle and California Ridgway’s rail. Additionally, scientists aim to provide tidal marsh habitat to offset loss from lower water levels and flow during drought years. … ” Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife here: Final phase underway for Solano County Tidal Restoration Project
Guest Opinion: Zone 7 encourages Tri-Valley to step up water conservation efforts
Angela Ramirez Holmes, president of the Zone 7 Water Agency Board of Directors, and Steve LaMar, president of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), write, “The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) announced the monthly water conservation figures for August this week. Statewide, Californians used 5% less water than during the same month last year, up from 1.8% savings in July. Zone 7 Water Agency and the Association of California Water Agencies take the drought and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s call for 15% voluntary water conservation very seriously. We strongly support the governor’s approach to statewide conservation that allows water managers to match local water supply conditions with conservation requests or mandates. ... ” Continue reading at Pleasanton Weekly here: Guest Opinion: Zone 7 encourages Tri-Valley to step up water conservation efforts
South Bay: Saratoga’s water supply comes from groundwater and imported supplies
“Recently, misinformation regarding the source of Saratoga’s water supply circulated through the community. As the Valley Water Board Member representing District 5, which includes Saratoga, I would like to correct that information and provide more detail and clarity regarding the source of Saratoga’s water supply. Valley Water, as a countywide wholesale water and groundwater management agency, relies on local retailers (municipalities and private companies) to deliver water to homes and businesses throughout the county. Saratoga receives its water from one of those retailers, the San Jose Water Company. … ” Read more from Valley Water News here: Saratoga’s water supply comes from groundwater and imported supplies
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Modesto area could get up to 3 inches of rain. See what’s ahead for Sierra watershed
“The parched Modesto area could get up to 3 inches of rain from a week’s worth of storms starting Tuesday night. The National Weather Service provided that forecast, along with predicting larger amounts of rain and snow in the central Sierra Nevada watershed. It would be the first substantial moisture in the 2021-22 storm season, which so far has put just 0.03 inches in the downtown gauge of the Modesto Irrigation District. The city gets an average of 12.14 inches of rain each year, most of it from November through March. … ” Read more from the Modesto Bee here: Modesto area could get up to 3 inches of rain. See what’s ahead for Sierra watershed
Turlock looks to reduce waste and become more sustainable
“October is Sustainability Month and many sectors of Turlock are trying to do their part to reduce waste. From local farms to education institutions, many Turlock residents are adopting new practices to be more sustainable. … Sustainability factors into everything they do at Turlock Irrigation District. Since TID started delivering power in 1923, they have utilized renewable energy to serve customers. In 2020, over 60 percent of TID’s retail load was provided by carbon-free resources. “I know it’s kind of cliche to say, but sustainability is in all we do here at TID and we’re very proud of that fact,” said external affairs manager Josh Weimer. ... ” Read more from the Turlock Journal here: Turlock looks to reduce waste and become more sustainable
Tulare County: Drought dollars could begin flowing out of Sacramento in 2021/22 budget
“The Tulare County Board of Supervisors received an update by their chief lobbying consultant, Paul Yoder, earlier this month. Out of all the hoopla that comes with policy lobbying in Sacramento, Yoder was keen to point out that drought legislation could become a priority in the state capitol. At least that’s the way it seems according to the state budget. District 5 board supervisor, Dennis Townsend, asked what state budgeted drought funding could be used for. Yoder was quick to point that water storage projects are not in the cards. He said that more members of the legislature want to look at groundwater storage. But he added there is significant movement toward more drought funding. … ” Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: Drought dollars could begin flowing out of Sacramento in 2021/22 budget
California Dairies to build new high tech facility in northern Kern County
“California Dairies, Inc., the nation’s second largest dairy cooperative based in Visalia, is building a facility partially powered by renewable energy where new technologies will be used to extend the shelf life of milk. Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture Karen Ross and other state and local officials joined California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) on Sept. 29, at a groundbreaking ceremony in northern Kern County at the future site of CDI’s new state-of-the-art milk processing and bottling facility. The 220,000-square foot facility will be built on 30 acres of land near Sanger, Calif. The facility is expected to create approximately 100 new jobs when fully operational in 2023. … ” Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: California Dairies to build new high tech facility in northern Kern County
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Antelope Valley: Public hearing scheduled for today
“The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing today for adoption of resolutions on the proposed 2020 Urban Water Management Plans and 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan for Los Angeles County Waterworks District. No. 40, in the Antelope Valley and Waterworks District No. 29 in Malibu and the Marina del Rey Water System, as per the Department of Public Works. The Urban Water Management Plans include descriptions of the water supply sources and projected water use and a comparison of water supply and water demands during normal, single-dry and multiple-dry years, according to a staff report by Public Works Director Mark Pestrella. … ” Read more at the Antelope Valley Press here: Public hearing scheduled for today
Small step toward big addition to residential water supply in Southern California
“Thirsty Southern California has a drop of good news. The L.A.-based consortium and water wholesaler for public agencies that supply a population of about 20 million throughout the region has taken a step to advance a regional water-recycling plant that could eventually serve more than 500,000 homes. The deal provides the Metropolitan Water District with a modest round of early funding for development of the $3.4 billion water recycling plant from public agencies in Arizona. “This project could help the entire Southwest,” Adel Hagekhalil, Metropolitan Water District’s general manager, said in a release. … ” Read more from The Real Deal here: Small step toward big addition to residential water supply in Southern California
Weeks after foul odor began, Carson residents now urged to avoid outdoor exercise
“After more than two weeks of breathing noxious fumes that can cause headaches and nausea, Carson-area residents are now being advised to avoid prolonged outdoor exercise at night and in the early morning. The amount of hydrogen sulfide gas emanating from decaying vegetation and marine life in the Dominguez Channel has exceeded state nuisance thresholds in some locations but is not considered “imminently dangerous,” Los Angeles County public health officials said Tuesday. ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: Weeks after foul odor began, Carson residents now urged to avoid outdoor exercise
‘Water banking’: Riverside County agencies join up
“Water districts in Riverside County have joined with districts throughout the region to form a water banking program intended to provide access to stored supplies in the event of drought, it was announced Wednesday. “This is a historic agreement and will benefit millions of Southern California residents by better preparing our respective regions for future droughts,” Perris-based Eastern Municipal Water District Board President Phil Paule said. … ” Read more from The Patch here: ‘Water banking’: Riverside County agencies join up
Portion of Huntington Harbor closed after sewage spill
“A 250-gallon sewage spill in Huntington Beach forced Orange County Health Care Agency officials to close a portion of the harbor Tuesday night. The closure, announced at 5 p.m., encompasses all water contact 100 yards north and 100 yards south of the Warner Public Dock until further notice. Water quality monitoring procedures are underway, and the closure will not be lifted until the water meets acceptable standards. The sewage came from the accidental release of a boat’s holding tank, HCA officials said. … ” Read more from the OC Register here: Portion of Huntington Harbor closed after sewage spill
WaterSmart: Weathering dry times in San Diego County
“News stories by national and regional media outlets highlighted the investments by the San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies to create a plentiful water supply for the region, helping to weather dry times like the current drought. The New York Times, Spectrum News 1, The Wall Street Journal and Wired Magazine are among several news organizations that have reported on the region’s water supply projects, current and future, that ensure the 3.3 million residents of the county won’t be left high and dry during times of drought. The news stories also recognize the successful efforts by the region’s residents to significantly reduce water-wasting practices by embracing a “conservation ethic.” … ” Read more from the Water News Network here: WaterSmart: Weathering dry times in San Diego County
Along the Colorado River …
Pinal County farmer struggles to grow crops with less water
“It’s harvest season for Caywood Farms east of Casa Grande. The tractor is gassed up, the swather blades are sharp and Nancy Caywood is ready to farm. Only one thing is missing. “This all should be alfalfa,” Caywood said, standing in a dry field. “Every bit of this land should be in production.” Caywood walks across a dry, nearly barren field. Each step she takes, alfalfa crunches beneath her boots. A few stalks poke out of the ground. “Everything is dead out here,” Caywood said. … ” Read more from Cronkite News here: Pinal County farmer struggles to grow crops with less water
New projections for low Colorado River flows speed need for dramatic conservation
“A new federal system for projecting Colorado River water flows in the next two years confirms dire news about drought draining the West’s key reservoirs, and increases pressure on Colorado to conserve water immediately to avoid future demands from down-river states, conservation groups say. The federal Bureau of Reclamation’s new system for projecting vital Colorado River flows in the next two years drops earlier, wetter years out of the historical reference, and gives more weight to two recent decades of drought. The regular October update this week shows water runoff into Lake Powell, the storage basin for four Upper Colorado Basin states, was only 32% of average for the 2021 water year, which runs from October to September. … ” Continue reading from the Colorado Sun here: New projections for low Colorado River flows speed need for dramatic conservation
In national water news today …
Biden’s ‘bold’ PFAS regulation plan puts companies on notice
“The Biden administration’s new plan to regulate “forever chemicals” sends a message to U.S. companies to know what goes into their products or eventually face legal consequences, said attorneys involved in litigation over the substances. “This is a strong statement that PFAS is going to be heavily regulated from conception to burial,” said Doug Henderson, a partner at King & Spalding LLP in Atlanta. The White House Monday said it would coordinate efforts across eight federal agencies to reduce PFAS pollution in the air, water, food, and land, with the Environmental Protection Agency setting timelines for specific actions. … ” Read more from Bloomberg Law here: Biden’s ‘bold’ PFAS regulation plan puts companies on notice
Biden PFAS plan contains new pathways for litigators
“The Biden administration’s strategy for cracking down on “forever chemicals” could open the floodgates to a new era of litigation — and upend some existing legal battles. Among the potential actions in EPA’s road map for addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — or PFAS — is a proposal to list two of the chemicals as hazardous substances under federal Superfund law (Greenwire, Oct. 18). Such a step could lead EPA to revisit former cleanup sites that may still contain PFAS, which have been linked to health problems including cancer. And a listing under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) would represent a definitive statement from the federal government that PFAS are harmful to human health, said Jessica Ferrell, a partner at the firm Marten Law LLP. … ” Read more from E&E News here: Biden PFAS plan contains new pathways for litigators
Researchers head to the mountains to improve weather and water forecasting tools
“As aspen leaves blazed across the Colorado Rockies this fall, NOAA scientists were busy installing a state-of-the-art observing network in a remote basin near Crested Butte to study how precipitation forms in the complex, high-altitude terrain of the West Elk Mountains. Their goal: improving weather and river flow prediction in a watershed critical to the region’s water supply. “Rivers often originate in remote, mountainous terrain,” said CIRES researcher Gijs de Boer of NOAA’s Physical Sciences Laboratory. ”We need reliable prediction tools in these headwater regions so water managers can make well-informed decisions about how much water to expect each year.” ... ” Read more from NOAA Research here: Researchers head to the mountains to improve weather and water forecasting tools
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
WATER PLAN eNEWS: ~~ SGMA Implementation~ Disadvantaged Communities~ Adaptation Strategy~ Regional Resilience~ Water Summit~ Ag Tech~~
NOTICE: Temporary Suspension Of Curtailments In The Sacramento-san Joaquin Delta (Delta) Watershed
NOTICE: Forecasted Storms in Scott and Shasta Watersheds and Potential Temporary Curtailment Suspension
NOW AVAILABLE: Draft Channel Capacity Report for the 2022 Restoration Year Available for Review
