On the calendar today …
- WEBINAR: Water in a Warming World – Fortifying California’s Water Resilience from 2pm to 3pm. Join Sustainable Conservation for the final webinar in our Water in a Warming World series, Fortifying California’s Water Resilience. Sustainable Conservation’s Director of Resource Stewardship and leader of our water team, Daniel Mountjoy, will sit down with a farmer that pioneered on-farm recharge, the Director of The Nature Conservancy’s California Water Program, and the Supervising Engineer at the California Department of Water Resources to discuss the best practices for groundwater recharge and the importance of taking a multi-benefit approach. Click here to register.
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In California water news today …
Wasting water? You could be hit with a $500 fine
“Hosing off the driveway. Watering lawns within 48 hours of a rain storm. Washing a car without a shut-off nozzle. Any of those wasteful practices could soon be illegal in drought-stricken California, with fines of up to $500 for violators. Seven months after Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a drought emergency for most counties in California, his administration is moving forward with something water conservation experts said should have happened long ago — crafting statewide rules to ban the egregious wasting of water. “These are no brainers,” said Newsha Ajami, a civil engineer and director of Stanford University’s Urban Water Policy Program. “I’m glad they are doing it. I wish they would have done it months ago.” … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Wasting water? You could be hit with a $500 fine
A future with little to no snow? What that means for the West
“A new study in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment sounds the alarm about mounting research showing the West is on track for a future where little to no snow becomes a regular winter occurrence. If greenhouse gas emissions aren’t reduced, models show significant reductions in snowpack in the West’s mountains over the next 35 to 60 years — with far-reaching implications for ecosystems, agriculture and communities. Erica Siirila-Woodburn, a research scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and one of the study’s lead authors, says these findings shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. The April 1 snow-water equivalent — a common measurement to determine the amount of water in snowpack — has already declined by 20% since the mid-1950s. “This isn’t a future problem. This is something that’s already happening,” she says. … ” Read more from the Revelator here: A future with little to no snow? What that means for the West
SEE ALSO: ‘Snow drought’ is threatening the Western US, and that could become a massive problem , from Science Alert
Science of an underdog: the improbable comeback of spring-run Chinook salmon in the San Joaquin River
Andrew L. Rypel, Gabriel Singer, and Nann A. Fangue write, ““You can’t design a worse evolutionary strategy for the Anthropocene”. There are many variants on this quote, and we’ve heard them often in reference to the status of native fishes in California and other freshwater organisms worldwide. Indeed, the statement rings true for Pacific salmon, but especially spring-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in California. And although the current situation certainly looks bleak overall for endangered salmon (Moyle et al. 2017), there are signs in a few corners that the arrow may finally be pointing up. For the last four years, our team at UC Davis has been conducting scientific studies on reintroduced spring-run Chinook salmon in the San Joaquin River and we wanted to take a minute to share some of what we’ve learned. Plus, everyone loves a good comeback story right? … ” Continue reading at the California Water Blog here: Science of an underdog: the improbable comeback of spring-run Chinook salmon in the San Joaquin River
California water conveyance upgrades receive $100 million in support
“The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is supporting upgrades to water conveyance facilities throughout the state. A $100 million funding program was recently announced to restore capacity to areas of the California Aqueduct, San Luis Canal, Delta-Mendota Canal, and Friant-Kern Canal. Collectively, the four canals help provide water to nearly three million acres of farmland and 130,000 acres of wetlands. “Fixing these canals is an important foundational piece to ensure a reliable and climate resilient water supply for California,” DWR Director Karla Nemeth said in a press release. … ” Read more from Ag Net West here: California water conveyance upgrades receive $100 million in support
Groups urge California to harness blue carbon in climate strategy
“Coastal protection groups are pressing California to prioritize so-called “blue carbon” ecosystems in the fight against climate change. Dozens of groups have sent a letter to the head of the California Natural Resources Agency – asking for action to protect existing wetlands and near-shore areas, and restore those that have been degraded. Gilly Lyons, an officer with the Conserving Marine Life in the United States program of The Pew Charitable Trusts, is among those who signed the letter. “The request from the signers is to protect biodiversity, to store and sequester carbon, and to mitigate the effects of climate change that we’re already living with,” said Lyons, “things like ocean acidification, storm surges, coastal flooding, etc.” … ” Read more from the Public News Service here: Groups urge California to harness blue carbon in climate strategy
Democrats eye massive shift in war on wildfires: Prevention
“Democrats are proposing a potentially seismic shift in how the nation battles wildfires by dramatically increasing funding for efforts that aim to prevent blazes, rather than focusing on the tools to put them out. Under the social safety-net and climate bill passed by the House and now being negotiated in the Senate, Democrats would funnel $27 billion into the nation’s forests, including a sizable $14 billion over a decade for clearing vegetation and other dry debris that can fuel a fire. Known as “hazardous fuels reduction,” such proactive measures have been “underfunded for so long,” said Ann M. Bartuska, a senior advisor at environmental nonprofit Resources for the Future and former Forest Service official. “This really cries out and says, ‘All right, we get it, we need to reduce wildfire risk.’” … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Democrats eye massive shift in war on wildfires: Prevention
THE WEEK IN WATER PODCAST: Are Snowless Futures a Possibility in the West?
Disappearing snowpack could create an existential threat to the West, as the climate warms. A report to Congress shows the U.S. is the top source for ocean plastic and that a national strategy is needed. The high demand for lithium to be used in car and phone batteries could be met in part from a source deep beneath a Southern California lake. Could an “Eel Deal” protect these marine migrants?
In commentary today …
How Congress can help reduce the West’s wildfire problem
Senator Dianne Feinstein and former chief of Cal Fire Ken Pimlott write, “We know the only long-term solution to the West’s wildfire problem is a sustained campaign to combat global warming. But as Congress and the Biden administration continue to work on those solutions, we can’t ignore the threat already on our doorstep. We must consider short- and mid-term solutions to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. With the 2021 fire season ending, it’s a good time to consider the following five concrete actions Congress can take to make a difference sooner rather than later. … ” Read more from the LA Daily News here: How Congress can help reduce the West’s wildfire problem
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Hatcheries may be the last best hope for endangered suck fish in the Klamath Basin
“Sucker spawning season is a chilly time to be snorkeling in the Williamson River, but if you need to collect sucker eggs, that’s really the only place to be. Shortnose and Lost River suckers from Upper Klamath Lake only spawn on the shallow rocky stretches of a 5-mile section of river near Chiloquin in Southern Oregon. Catching them by hand is tricky. Stealth is the key. “Getting into the shallowest areas and then just trying to make as little noise as possible is the way to go,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Josh Rasmussen. … ” Read more from OPB here: Hatcheries may be the last best hope for endangered suck fish in the Klamath Basin
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Prescribed fire burning resumes this week at Lake Tahoe
“The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team will resume prescribed fire operations this week, conditions and weather permitting. Operations will continue throughout much of the fall and winter seasons to help land managers reduce hazardous fuels that can feed unwanted wildfires. … Fall and winter bring cooler temperatures and precipitation, which are ideal for conducting prescribed fire operations. Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, which considers temperature, humidity, wind, moisture of vegetation, and conditions for dispersal of smoke. … ” Read more from Carson Now here: Prescribed fire burning resumes this week at Lake Tahoe
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Hopes dim for salmon spawn in Putah Creek
“The poor water quality that killed off dozens of Chinook salmon in the lower end of Putah Creek continues to persist, and hopes that salmon could still make their way up the creek in the latter weeks of the spawning season are souring fast. Rich Marovich, the retiring streamkeeper for the Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee and the Solano County Water Agency, said in a phone interview Friday that the water in a 9-mile stretch of the east levee toe drain into the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area remains high in organic material and low on oxygen. The area of concern is from Interstate 80 to the stair-step area of the refuge. … ” Read more from the Daily Republic here: Hopes dim for salmon spawn in Putah Creek
NAPA/SONOMA
First-ever well water regulations coming to Sonoma County
“Three local agencies that govern about 8,000 private and public wells will hold public hearings this week on plans to sustain underground water relied on by rural residents, farmers and cities. The Groundwater Sustainability Plans, mandated by state law, represent California’s first move to regulate and set fees for well water use — a historically unrestricted domain often compared to the “Wild West.” The plans, endorsed by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors in November, are up for approval by the Groundwater Sustainability Agencies governing basins underlying the Santa Rosa Plain and the Petaluma and Sonoma valleys. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: First-ever well water regulations coming to Sonoma County
BAY AREA
Photo story: How Hetch Hetchy Valley went from natural paradise to concrete basin
“Before Hetch Hetchy became San Francisco’s water source, the scenic canyon was often compared in its grandeur to nearby Yosemite Valley. Rare photos show the transformation of Hetch Hetchy Valley from untouched paradise to home of the O’Shaughnessy Dam, which supplies some of the country’s cleanest water to 2 million people in San Francisco and beyond.” View the story from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Photo story: How Hetch Hetchy Valley went from natural paradise to concrete basin
Livermore Valley wineries hoping to tap into city sewer system to draw more visitors, build resort
“Winemakers in the southern Livermore Valley want to expand their industry, increasing the total acreage of vineyards, and possibly building out a resort, restaurants and other entertainment options, but to do all that, they need to hook up to the city’s sewer system, a move that would require voter approval. Currently, most of the wineries in the unincorporated area are on septic systems, and the state has banned any significant expansion of the industry as it exists now to prevent further groundwater contamination. Prompted by a request from the nonprofit Tri-Valley Conservancy — which works to preserve and expand vineyards and other agricultural and open space in the region — the Livermore City Council is having city staff work up a draft sewer expansion initiative that could be placed on the November 2022 ballot. … ” Read more from the East Bay Times here: Livermore Valley wineries hoping to tap into city sewer system to draw more visitors, build resort
CENTRAL COAST
Monterey Peninsula water district’s buyout of Cal Am lies with Monday’s LAFCO vote
“A Monterey Peninsula water district’s bid to buy out California American Water Co.’s assets will face a crucial test Monday as an inter-governmental body will decide whether the voter-mandated acquisition can move forward. Monday’s meeting of the Local Agency Formation Commission of Monterey County, or LAFCO, is a continuation from October when days before that meeting Cal Am submitted hundreds of pages of materials from its attorneys. Commissioners said they did not allow enough time to review the material before taking a vote on whether the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District can move ahead on its acquisition of Cal Am. The action is important to Peninsula residents because it could have a notable effect on their water bills. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Monterey Peninsula water district’s buyout of Cal Am lies with Monday’s LAFCO vote
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Lyons family gives once again to river restoration in Modesto area
“The Lyons family has donated $50,000 to the restoration of Dos Rios Ranch, a floodplain zone close to its farmland southwest of Modesto. The gift reflects the family’s efforts to farm in a way that enhances wildlife habitat. This has included the recovery of the once-endangered Aleutian cackling goose, along with fish and other creatures in the floodplain project. Dos Rios stretches across about 2,400 acres where the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers join. It is close to a decade into a $45 million-plus restoration aimed at enhancing habitat, buffering flood damage and recharging groundwater. … ” Read more from the Modesto Bee here: Lyons family gives once again to river restoration in Modesto area
Bakersfield commentary: Get serious about our water problem
Brik McDill, Ph.D., a retired psychologist and an associate of CSUB’s Kegley Institute of Ethics, writes, “Seems we Kern County residents are impaled on the horns of an ethical dilemma: Work to enact the 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) which requires a State Water Board-approved local plan to ensure no more water is taken out of already overdrafted aquifers than goes in by natural means (snow melt and rain) versus the city and county issuing thousands of building permits for new homes and other new commercial developments, which pull groundwater out of aquifers with no regard paid as to how these developments deplete underground water tables faster than they can be recharged. The Act required that by Jan. 31, 2020 all statewide water jurisdictions have their water management plans meet with SWB approval that “water-out-water-back-in” balance will be achieved by 2040. Only two jurisdictions in the state (Sacramento and Ventura) are currently in compliance with the Act. … ” Continue reading at the Bakersfield Californian here: Bakersfield commentary: Get serious about our water problem
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
BLM seeks to withdraw Trump administration’s approval of California desert water pipeline
“The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other defendants in an environmental challenge suit have asked the Central District of California for permission to halt plans enabling a real estate developer to operate a pipeline transporting water between Cadiz and Barstow, California. The weekend-filed motion for remand explains that the BLM’s prior decision in favor of Cadiz Real Estate LLC contravened the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and did not sufficiently evaluate possible impacts to historic properties under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). … ” Read more from Law Street Media here: BLM seeks to withdraw Trump administration’s approval of California desert water pipeline
Along the Colorado River …
Commentary: The 500-plus plan to save Lake Mead is monumental – and still solves nothing
Columnist Joanna Allhands writes, “Additional details are emerging about the “500-plus plan,” which would leave at least an additional 500,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead every year through 2026, over and above the water we are obligated to conserve. And they underscore how big – but also how much of a Band-Aid – this plan to save the lake really is. The lower basin states of Arizona, California and Mexico are already obligated to cut 533,000 acre-feet next year because we are in a Tier 1 shortage. The 500,000 acre-feet would be on top of that – so, roughly double the amount of water that we were planning to leave in Lake Mead in 2022. That’s a lot of water to find in a matter of months. But we don’t have much choice. … ” Read more from Arizona Central here: Commentary: The 500-plus plan to save Lake Mead is monumental – and still solves nothing
Group with diverse interests comes together for first-of-its kind dust-on-snow workshop
“Dust and snow don’t seem to mix, but the two have a close relationship. The Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies in Silverton hosted a first-of-its-kind public workshop about dust, snow and water in the Rio Grande and Colorado River basins Friday on Zoom. The meeting convened more than 80 scientists, water and land managers, Indigenous leaders, ranchers and conservationists to discuss the impacts of dust on water resources in the Rio Grande and Colorado headwaters, as well as broader water issues in the Southwest. “This is the first (workshop) that’s been a public effort to be all inclusive, meaning not just talking about the effects of dust on snowpack, but talking about land health in the desert Southwest,” said Jeff Derry, executive director of the Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies. … ” Read more from the Durango Herald here: Group with diverse interests comes together for first-of-its kind dust-on-snow workshop
In national water news today …
Millions of Americans struggle to pay their water bills — here’s how a national water aid program could work
“Running water and indoor plumbing are so central to modern life that most Americans take them from granted. But these services aren’t free, and millions struggle to afford them. A 2019 survey found that U.S. households in the bottom fifth of the economy spent 12.4 percent of their disposable income on water and sewer services. News reports suggest that for low-income households, this burden has increased during the pandemic. Since 1981, the federal government has helped low-income households with their energy costs through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. But there had not been a national water aid program until Congress created a temporary Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program as part of the COVID-19 response. Now the House-passed Build Back Better Act includes US$225 million for grants to states and tribes to help reduce the cost of water services for low-income households. … ” Read more from Water Online here: Millions of Americans struggle to pay their water bills — here’s how a national water aid program could work
Water quality policy must consider stored watershed phosphorous
“Phosphorous stored up over many decades in watersheds represents a major threat to future water quality. Phosphorous is limiting nutrient for algae growth, a free-floating one-celled plant that consumes oxygen in the water when it decays. As oxygen becomes depleted the quality of the water declines, other aquatic life die, the water develops a foul odor, and the water may become harmful to humans and other animals. But phosphorous stored up in watersheds is rarely considered by water quality policymakers. … ” Read more from EOS here: Water quality policy must consider stored watershed phosphorous
A new technique could identify algae from space
“Algae form the basis for many aquatic food webs, but when certain algae, bacteria, or other tiny photosynthetic organisms start to grow out of control—a phenomenon called an algal bloom—they can cause major problems. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) disrupt ecosystems, negatively affect drinking water supplies, and threaten human health worldwide, costing an estimated $4 billion per year in the United States alone, said Tyler King, a hydrologist at the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Idaho Water Science Center. Because of the sheer scale of the problem, HABs are difficult to monitor from the ground, so scientists are working on ways to more effectively monitor them from space. … ” Read more from EOS here: A new technique could identify algae from space
Current reservoir conditions …
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
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
