DAILY DIGEST, weekend edition: Some rain possible next week; Oil, ag parry accusations they use too much water during drought; State to local water agencies: fix your groundwater sustainability plans, and quickly; Biden admin moves to scrap Cadiz permit; and more …

In California water news this weekend …

Dry California may get some rain next week

“Parts of drought-stricken California may get some rain next week, forecasters said Friday.  A weak weather system passing through Monday and early Tuesday will bring chances of rain to the northern end of the Central Valley and over the mountains, the Sacramento National Weather Service office said.  … ”  Read more from US News & World Report here: Dry California may get some rain next week

SEE ALSO: Two ARs and their parent lows are forecast to bring rain to the Pacific Northwest and parts of California over the next week, from the Center for Western Water and Weather Extremes

Oil, ag parry accusations they use too much water during drought

“The second year of an extraordinary drought has revived a debate over whether two pillars of Kern’s economy, oil and ag, are using more than their fair share of the state’s precious water supplies.  A coalition of environmental groups sent a letter Tuesday calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to take executive action to “balance water use and access in the state” by reining in what it called large and polluting corporate interests. Representatives of the oil and ag industry countered the coalition’s assertions, disputing estimates of their net consumption in some cases and asserting the accusations fail to account for benefits of the products they provide. … ”  Read more from the Bakersfield Californian here: Oil, ag parry accusations they use too much water during drought

State to local water agencies: fix your groundwater sustainability plans, and quickly

“If you don’t work in agriculture, “groundwater sustainability” may sound like an abstract issue. But in a series of recent letters from the state Department of Water Resources to local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies, which are run primarily by representatives of farms and irrigation districts, one key message was that they need to consider non-ag interests, like drinking water and sinking land, when making groundwater plans for the future.  In this interview, Valley Edition host Kathleen Schock interviews KVPR reporter Kerry Klein about these letters and the latest in the rollout of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. ... ”  Read more from KVPR here: State to local water agencies: fix your groundwater sustainability plans, and quickly

Biden administration moves to scrap Cadiz water pipeline right-of-way permit, cleared by Trump

“Federal authorities have moved to reverse a Trump administration decision that cleared the way for Cadiz Inc. to pipe water across public land in the California desert.  The request filed in federal court Friday, which must still be granted, could deal a blow to the company’s decades-long effort to pump groundwater from beneath its desert property 200 miles east of Los Angeles and sell it to urban Southern California. The project is fiercely opposed by conservationists, who say it will dry up desert springs and seeps relied upon by Indigenous tribes and rare wildlife. Cadiz insists its plans won’t harm springs in the area. ... ”  Read more from the Los Angeles Times here:  Biden administration moves to scrap Cadiz water pipeline right-of-way permit, cleared by Trump

SEE ALSO: Biden administration moves to withdraw Trump-era pipeline approval for Cadiz’s California desert water grab, from the Center for Biological Diversity

These detailed maps show where it’s snowed most in California recently

“Snowfall, which is essential for California’s water supply, has been dismal in recent years, prompting worry among climate scientists and water officials. New data shows a promising start to the snow season in the state, with a healthy amount of snow recorded this fall.  “It will be helpful if we can keep that going,” said Sean Miller, a National Weather Service meteorologist in California. But the above-average snowfall during the fall seasons doesn’t necessarily signal that strong snowfall would continue throughout the winter, he added. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: These detailed maps show where it’s snowed most in California recently

Snow may vanish for years at a time in Mountain West with climate warming

“A new study provides a glimpse into the future of Western U.S. snow and the picture is far from rosy: In about 35 to 60 years, mountainous states are projected to be nearly snowless for years at a time if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked and climate change does not slow.  Due to rising temperatures, the region has already lost 20 percent of its snowpack since the 1950s. That’s enough water to fill Lake Mead, the nation’s largest human-made reservoir. It stands to lose another half, and possibly more, later this century, from the Rockies to the Sierra Nevada and into the Cascades of the Pacific Northwest, according to a literature synthesis conducted in the study leveraging dozens of peer-reviewed climate model projections. ... ”  Read more from the Washington Post here: Snow may vanish for years at a time in Mountain West with climate warming

In shocking decision, drought-stricken parts of California will get 0% of water they’ve asked for

So not “shocked” (were you?), but it’s their headline … “California’s drought conditions have become so extreme that the state government announced it wouldn’t be allocating any of the requests for water it received from districts across the state. California’s Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced this week that it would only allow enough water for health and safety measures, like for drinking and bathing. Any additional water supply requests for things like irrigation, landscaping or gardening would not be granted. … “The conditions on the State Water Project are unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. While we certainly hope they improve, we must be prepared for the reality that the state project may not have any water to allocate in 2022,” said Adel Hagekhalil, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. ... ”  Read more from The Hill here: In shocking decision, drought-stricken parts of California will get 0% of water they’ve asked for

Department of Water Resources investing heavy in water facility rehabilitation

“Today, the California Department of Water Resources initiated a $100 million funding program to restore capacity to portions of the California Aqueduct, San Luis Canal, Delta-Mendota Canal, and Friant-Kern Canal lost to land subsidence occurring during the last several decades.  “Fixing these canals is an important foundational piece to ensure a reliable and climate resilient water supply for California,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “It enables us to move water during very wet conditions, which will be essential to adapting to more extreme weather. Restoring capacity in our existing infrastructure provides a critical link in diversifying water supplies by supporting groundwater replenishment throughout the Central Valley and water recycling projects in Southern California. It’s a prudent investment in our water future.” … ”  Read more from the Valley Voice here: Department of Water Resources investing heavy in water facility rehabilitation

California coastal areas expected to see astronomical high tides this weekend

“The California coast will experience unusually high tides and possible minor flooding in some areas through Sunday morning, the National Weather Service said Friday.  The astronomical tides, also known as King Tides, will occur each morning, followed by very low tides hours later each afternoon, the weather service said. The peak will be on Saturday.  Coastal flood advisories were issued for low-lying areas of the San Francisco Bay shoreline and Humboldt Bay on the north coast. ... ”  Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: California coastal areas expected to see astronomical high tides this weekend

The Department of the Navy and the California Energy Commission partner on energy and water initiatives

“The Department of the Navy (DON) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Dec. 1 that will help the Navy, the Marine Corps and the state collaborate on energy and water-related projects at DON installations.  “This partnership is critical to the DON’s responsibility to provide assured energy to sailors and Marines,” said Meredith Berger, performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy & Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment. “The Navy and Marine Corps need reliable power ashore to ensure we are able to train, man, equip, then deploy and employ our personnel. By signing this MOU with the state of California we can work hand-in-hand to be good stewards of the environment and improve the resiliency, reliability and efficiency of our DON installations throughout the state.” ... ”  Read more from the California Energy Commission here: The Department of the Navy and the California Energy Commission partner on energy and water initiatives

EPA invites 39 new projects to apply for water infrastructure loans

“Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that 39 new projects are being invited to apply for Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans and four projects are being added to a waitlist. The agency anticipates that, as funds become available, $6.7 billion in WIFIA loans will help finance over $15 billion in water infrastructure projects to protect public health and water quality across 24 states.   “Far too many communities still face significant water challenges, making these transformative investments in water infrastructure so crucial,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The WIFIA invited projects will deliver major benefits like the creation of good-paying jobs and the safeguarding of public health, especially in underserved and under-resourced communities. This program is a shining example of the public health and economic opportunities that will be achieved under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.” … ”  Several California projects invited to apply.  Read more from the EPA here: EPA invites 39 new projects to apply for water infrastructure loans

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In regional water news this weekend …

NORTH COAST

Off-season irrigation could pause as Reclamation ‘pays back’ PacifiCorp reservoirs

“After a summer spent drying up, Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge finally began receiving a measurable flow of water, thanks to the start of the winter irrigation season on December 1. The refuge can receive up to 11,000 acre-feet of water between December and February depending on how Upper Klamath Lake is filling.  Water began flowing into the refuge’s Unit 2 wetland through the Ady Canal on Wednesday and was flowing at around 60 cubic feet per second at 5 p.m. Friday. It was the only significant inflow to the refuge since last winter other than roughly 750 acre-feet transferred from the Wood River Valley by the California Waterfowl Association in September. … ”  Read more from the Herald & News here: Off-season irrigation could pause as Reclamation ‘pays back’ PacifiCorp reservoirs

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Reclamation kicks off seasonal fuels reduction work in the Auburn State Recreation Area

“[Friday], the Bureau of Reclamation announced two fuel reduction projects to begin on Monday to help prevent wildfires within the Auburn State Recreation Area. The projects are part of a five-year fire prevention/fuels reduction plan. Reclamation, Cal Fire, Placer County Resource Conservation District, and the California Conservation Corps are working together to focus treatments on areas near public facilities and residences.  In Placer County, Cal Fire will begin burning piles of cut brush on a shaded fuel break project area on federal lands next to Auburn State Recreation Area’s park headquarters on Highway 49 during December as weather and burn conditions allow. The piles will be burned for three-to-four weeks on five acres at two separate locations; trails will remain open. ... ”  Read more from the Bureau of Reclamation here:  Reclamation kicks off seasonal fuels reduction work in the Auburn State Recreation Area

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Yuba County Agency mulls water shipments to Bay Area counties

“A Northern California water agency wants to take a big step toward helping counties in danger of going dry.  The Yuba Water Agency could sell and ship billions of gallons of water to Marin County through a pipeline across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.  There’s no official price tag for the project but the Marin Independent Journal estimates it could be more than $10 million. … ”  Read more from SBC Sacramento here: Yuba County Agency mulls water shipments to Bay Area counties

Save water (and money) during the drought

“Efficient water use is an important step all of Sacramento needs to take to protect our water supply. Severe drought conditions have prompted the City of Sacramento to initiate a water alert. Residents and businesses are encouraged to reduce their water use.  The city can help Sacramento residents and businesses find ways to reduce their water waste and make a difference during this drought. Plus, when you save water, you lower your costs — that’s good for your home, customers or business! … ”  Read more from Comstock’s Magazine here: Save water (and money) during the drought

NAPA/SONOMA

Plan targeting faulty septic systems in parts of Russian River watershed revised, finalized

“Thousands of property owners in the Russian River watershed will soon be accountable for ensuring their septic systems operate properly through five-year inspections aimed at controlling bacterial contamination from human waste.  The new requirement is part of a controversial plan approved by water quality regulators this week. It was the fourth version of the plan to be considered, and it amends sweeping two-year-old regulations intended to keep human and animal waste out of local waterways.  The plan, approved unanimously by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, affects thousands of property owners in designated priority areas along the main stem and certain tributaries. … ”  Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Plan targeting faulty septic systems in parts of Russian River watershed revised, finalized

3 meetings next week to approve groundwater sustainability plans

“Sonoma County’s three groundwater sustainability agencies are each holding public hearings next week to consider adoption of their state-mandated plans to keep a sustainable amount of water in the ground in the coming decades.  The Petaluma Valley, Sonoma Valley and Santa Rosa Plain sustainability agencies are holding the meetings to adopt their Final Groundwater Sustainability Plans, which look at the conditions of their groundwater basin, analyze its sustainability over a 50-year period, and identify any actions that need to be taken to ensure it is sustainable by 2042. … ”  Read more from SF Gate here: 3 meetings next week to approve groundwater sustainability plans

Napa County unveils groundwater strategy

“Napa County has a draft plan to keep the groundwater that nourishes wine country vineyards and Napa River aquatic life from ever being over-pumped — but is it good enough?  That’s what county supervisors will discuss on Tuesday. They will meet as the county’s Groundwater Sustainability Agency. A group of 25 locals from various backgrounds and interests spent more than a year providing input on the Napa Valley subbasin draft plan. This Groundwater Sustainability Plan Advisory Committee endorsed the state-required plan on Nov. 16. ... ”  Read more from the Napa County Register here: Napa County unveils groundwater strategy

BAY AREA

Marin water pipeline plan draws environmental lawsuit

“A Marin environmental group is suing to block a proposed water pipeline on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, citing the potential harm to endangered fish.  The plaintiffs also allege the Marin Municipal Water District project could open the door to tens of thousands of new homes being developed in the county.  The Fairfax-based North Coast Rivers Alliance filed the lawsuit on Thursday in Marin County Superior Court.  “The question is, where are you going to get the water from? We’re saying, don’t take it from the delta,” said Frank Egger, the organization’s director. “Do you sacrifice salmon for consumptive uses in Marin County?” … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin water pipeline plan draws environmental lawsuit

RELATED NOTEBOOK CONTENT:  THIS JUST IN … Lawsuit filed to require Marin MWD to comply with CEQA for proposed Richmond Bridge pipeline and water purchase

Dire water warnings confront San Francisco and beyond

“It’s been a tough week for water in the West.  On the heels of one of the warmest November weekends on record in the Bay Area came dire news of a dwindling Sierra snowpack and the increasing scarcity of California’s water supply.  The dry conditions spurred Governor Newsom’s administration to announce Wednesday that customers served by the State Water Project, a complex system of dams canals and pipes that snake from the foothills of the Sierras down to Los Angeles, should expect to receive a zero percent allocation of water next year, except in cases of emergency — the first time that such a restrictive order has been issued. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Dire water warnings confront San Francisco and beyond

Bay Area king tide floods foreshadow future climate risk

“This weekend, the dramatic winter tides known as king tides may flood the shoreline around San Francisco Bay, offering photographers some amazing shots and foreshadowing what rising seas could be like across the Bay Area because of human-caused climate change.  San Francisco Bay has already risen about eight inches since the mid-1800s. Over the next 20 to 30 years, seas could rise by about a foot along the California coast, says Ben Hamlington, NASA’s Sea Level Change Team leader.  “These king tide events really do give us an idea of what we might be seeing in the not-too-distant future,” he said. “This will be our new baseline.” … ”  Read more from KQED here: Bay Area king tide floods foreshadow future climate risk

King tides could swamp bayside paths and roads

“The reign of the King Tides, which officially begins on Saturday, already had people sloshing along the Embarcadero and other low-slung spots around the bay Friday — and higher, wetter tides are expected over the weekend.  King tides occur annually in coastal areas and around San Francisco Bay in December and January when the earth, moon and sun align in a way that increases tidal forces to create the year’s highest tides, which are about a foot higher than on an average day.  “The gravitational pull becomes so strong that you reach the highest of the year,” said National Weather Service meteorologist David King. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: King tides could swamp bayside paths and roads

CENTRAL COAST

Santa Barbara: Oil well getting capped

“The California State Lands Commission is in the process of capping one of the nearly 200 orphaned oil and gas wells it deems at risk of leaking into the ocean off of Santa Barbara County.  Orphaned wells are inactive drilling sites for which an owner is not on record.  The well, Duquesne 910, is located at the west end of Summerland Beach — buried under sand and shallow water.  Duquesne isn’t the first well the State Lands Commission has unearthed and sealed this year. In late July, it sealed Olsson 805, another legacy well located in the Summerland Oil Field. … ”  Read more from the Santa Barbara Independent here: Santa Barbara: Oil well getting capped

Microfibers from clothing are polluting the waterways, sediment and fish around Ventura County

“Clothing made of polyester, nylon or fleece gets softer and even comfier over time. It almost breaks down. That’s because when you wash this type of clothing, in a washing machine, thousands of the plastic fibers that make up the garment are shed into the water. They are extremely small, we’re talking five millimeters or less, and are called microfibers.  They are too small to be caught by a washing machine’s filter and ultimately they end up in our waterways.  Andrea Huvard is a professor of biology at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.  “They just go into the ocean through regular gray water, out of a washing machine,” said Huvard. “The number of microfibers are really uncountable that have basically been shed from that piece of clothing and end up in the ocean.” … ”  Read more from KCLU here: Microfibers from clothing are polluting the waterways, sediment and fish around Ventura County

Committee approves Watershed Protection District amendment

“The Public Works & Transportation Committee, Tuesday, November 23, approved the second amendment for the Watershed Protection District.  The agreement covers the Harbor Beaches special studies.  Technical Services & Water Quality Manager Badaoui Mouderres presented the item and said the agreement authorizes the second amendment to agreement 8-8295 with the County of Ventura and the Ventura Protection District for $71,289, and not to exceed the contract amount of $232,959 and extend the term until December 31, 2022, for the City of Oxnard’s share of Harbor Beaches of Ventura County.  “A state-mandated total maximum daily load study (TMDL) was completed for the Harbor Beaches of Ventura County,” she said. “The TMDL studies set a maximum amount of pollutants allowed to enter water bodies. We’re talking about bacteria that was determined to be a pollutant of concern for the Harbor Beaches.” ... ”  Read more from the Tri-County Sentinel here: Committee approves Watershed Protection District amendment

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Zero percent water allocation from state is a ‘devastating loss’ for Kern County farmers

“Earlier this week, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced that water agencies should expect a zero percent allocation of State Water Project (SWP) water.  “The state has an allocation of the water they will deliver. 0% means that kern county will get 0% of our contract. Our contract is right about a million acres foot,” said Royce Fast, President of Kern County Water Agency.  While the everyday citizen might not see the repercussions of this decision anytime soon, farmers will feel the impacts. Farmers make up about 80% of the contract. Fast says, “if they have permanent crops and they can’t irrigate them this year, it could be the loss of investment on those. If they are old trees, it wont be bad. If they are young trees, it will be a devastating loss to them.” … ”  Read more from Bakersfield Now here: Zero percent water allocation from state is a ‘devastating loss’ for Kern County farmers

SEE ALSO: Water allocation will be at an all time low in California, from KERO

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

A change in the weather pattern could mean a chance of rain for L.A. next week

“Although forecasters aren’t confident in the long-range forecast, and the computer models don’t agree, there is a chance for some rain in Southern California late next week.  The six- to 10-day outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration favors above-normal precipitation across California, and the temperature outlook for the same period favors below-normal readings.  The reason for this glimmer of hope is a change in the weather pattern that has prevailed throughout the fall. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: A change in the weather pattern could mean a chance of rain for L.A. next week

Letters to the Editor: We’re building more suburbs in a water emergency. How is this possible?

“To the editor: We all know California is in a severe drought, and soon we will surely have to make mandatory cutbacks in water use. The California Department of Water Resources, according to one of your recent articles, has just issued a “0% water allocation, a milestone that reflects the dire conditions in California.”  Yet now we are to welcome the development of nearly 20,000 homes in the brand-new Centennial community at Tejon Ranch in the far northwest portion of Los Angeles County? ... ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Letters to the Editor: We’re building more suburbs in a water emergency. How is this possible?

Air regulators issue violation notices for LA-area stench

“A stench that emanated from a flood-control channel in a Los Angeles suburb and triggered thousands of complaints resulted from chemicals that flowed from a storage yard during a fire and caused vegetation to decay, air regulators said Friday.  The South Coast Air Quality Management District said in a statement it issued notices of violation to four companies and Los Angeles County, which is responsible for maintaining Dominguez Channel. … ”  Read more from KTLA here: Air regulators issue violation notices for LA-area stench

SEE ALSO: Beauty products at Carson warehouse contributed to Dominguez Channel odor, watchdog agency says, from the Daily Breeze

IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS

Coachella Valley water plan shows plenty on tap through 2045. But will supply really hold up?

“As the West grapples with record lows on the Colorado River and California’s reservoirs approach rock bottom, water suppliers in the arid Coachella Valley plan to increase the already substantial amount of water they take from the drought-parched river and maintain reliance on dwindling state supplies. They also are counting on unbuilt dams, pipes and other costly infrastructure to guarantee future supply.  Overall, demand for water in the Coachella Valley will grow 8% by 2045, with a 30% increase in municipal needs, mostly in fast-growing Coachella and Indio, four desert water suppliers predict. Agricultural demand, which still outstrips domestic use, is expected to decline by 3%, while supply for other needs like surf parks, fish farms and duck ponds is expected to climb 14%, and for golf courses by 2%.  … ”  Read more from the Desert Sun here: Coachella Valley water plan shows plenty on tap through 2045. But will supply really hold up?

SAN DIEGO

King tides hit the San Diego County coastline

“King tides are slamming into San Diego County beaches and swelling some local bays. The alignment of the Earth, moon and sun create these very high tides. The King Tides also serves as a reminder of California’s rising sea levels.  In the past, the very high tide has caused flooding in places like Imperial Beach and La Jolla Shores. Along beaches and bays, City of San Diego workers set up berms to keep most of the water away from homes and businesses. … ”  Read more from KNSD here: King tides hit the San Diego County coastline

UC San Diego’s new $4M ocean simulator could help solve one of climate change’s biggest mysteries

“The new $4-million ocean and atmosphere simulator at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography is like a giant aquarium — minus the fish but capable of growing a microscopic jungle of marine organisms.  At 120 feet long and 18 feet tall, it can hold up to 36,000 gallons of water and generate near hurricane-force winds at sub-zero temperatures.  Researchers hope the first-of-its kind machine will help solve, among other things, one of science’s most pressing questions: Will clouds help slow or speed up global warming?  Kimberly Prather, an atmospheric chemist at Scripps, called it the “largest single uncertainty in all of climate change.” … ”  Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: UC San Diego’s new $4M ocean simulator could help solve one of climate change’s biggest mysteries

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Along the Colorado River …

December has arrived but in much of the West, snowfall has not

“December has arrived but in much of the West, snowfall has not.  Snowpack numbers in every part of the Colorado River basin are lower than average for this time of year.  In most of Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, snowpack is only around a quarter or a third of normal.  Numbers are slightly better in Colorado and Wyoming, which have about half as much snow as normal.  Climate scientists say there’s plenty of time left for conditions to turn around, but they’re watching these totals closely. … ”  Read more from Arizona Public Media here: December has arrived but in much of the West, snowfall has not

Arizona U.S. Senators introduce bill to allow CRIT to lease some of their water rights

“Arizona’s two U.S. Senators have introduced a bill that will allow the Colorado River Indian Tribes to lease a portion of the Colorado River water allocation to Arizona communities. The revenue would be used to invest in making CRIT’s water infrastructure more efficient. The bill, S. 3308, is known as the Colorado River Indian Tribe Water Resiliency Act. It was introduced Dec. 2 by Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, both of whom are Democrats.  In a press release, Kelly’s office said state and local officials, conservation groups, and business leaders say the bill is essential to making Arizona more resilient to drought. … ”  Read more from the Parker Pioneer here: Arizona U.S. Senators introduce bill to allow CRIT to lease some of their water rights

Reclamation to support construction activities on the lower Colorado River below Davis Dam

“The Bureau of Reclamation announced today this it will reduce water releases from Davis Dam in December, and possibly into January, in support of construction activities on the Laughlin/Bullhead City Bridge and Community Park Boat Launch taking place on the Colorado River downstream of the dam.  Hourly flows immediately below Davis Dam will be reduced to approximately 1,800 cubic feet per second between 4:00 am and 3:00 pm MST on almost every weekday between Monday, December 6, and Friday December 31, leading to river heights that are lower than typical for this time of year. Release schedules from Davis Dam will follow typical seasonal winter patterns on weekends and during evening hours on weekdays. If construction activities are extended or delayed, the low flow schedules may continue on weekdays into January. … ”  Read more from the Bureau of Reclamation here: Reclamation to support construction activities on the lower Colorado River below Davis Dam

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In national water news this weekend …

Data center water sustainability and stewardship

“The data center industry has garnered increased attention as we begin to understand how our digital world is supported by this unseen physical infrastructure. With this attention, also come questions about the sustainability of the data center industry.  Data centers use water to cool their servers, which can impact local water supplies. Water is increasingly being recognized as a risk to data center operation as a decreasing supply can potentially disrupt our continuous access to data. As such, industry leaders are adopting ambitious environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets with water at the forefront of the conversation. To date, most industries have focused their water stewardship strategies on reducing their water withdrawals. Water stewardship strategies are now going beyond water use minimization to incorporate actions aimed at replenishing water consumed and improving overall watershed health. … ”  Read more from Water Technology here:  Data center water sustainability and stewardship

American supply chains face a dire threat from China’s water shortages

“There’s no scarcity of reasons why your holiday shipments may not arrive on time. COVID-19 disruptions, congested ports, semiconductor shortages, stretched trucking capacity – the list goes on and on.  Water – or rather, the lack of it in China – may be the factor that pushes U.S. supply chains over the edge.  Water is an unseen, vital input for all economic activity. Beyond agriculture, water is critical for power generation, mining, industry and the consumer products we rely on every single day. Like the estimated 3000 gallons of water that it takes to make the typical smartphone.  As it turns out, China is drastically short of the water it needs to maintain its economy. … ”  Read more from Yahoo News here:  American supply chains face a dire threat from China’s water shortages

Science report: US should make less plastic to save oceans

“America needs to rethink and reduce the way it generates plastics because so much of the material is littering the oceans and other waters, the National Academy of Sciences says in a new report.  The United States, the world’s top plastics waste producer, generates more than 46 million tons (42 million metric tons) a year, and about 2.2 billion pounds (1 million metric tons) ends up in the world’s oceans, according to the academy’s report.  If the current rise in plastics pollution continues, the world by 2030 will be putting 58.4 million tons (53 million metric tons) into the oceans each year, or about half the weight of the fish caught in seas, the report said. … ”  Read more from the AP here: Science report: US should make less plastic to save oceans

Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …

OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT: Temporary Urgency Change Petition by the California Department of Water Resources and the United States Bureau of Reclamation

NOTICE OF PROPOSED EMERGENCY RULEMAKING: Drought conservation emergency regulation

OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND: Petitions for Reconsideration of Water Quality Certification for Don Pedro Hydroelectric Project and La Grange Hydroelectric Project

CEQA NOTICE: Water Loss Performance Standards

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