On the calendar today …
- The Central Valley Regional Water Board will meet beginning at 9am. Agenda items include a discussion of 2022-23 water quality control program priorities and an update on the Grassland Bypass Project. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.
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In California water news today …
CW3E AR Update: Potential for Long-duration Atmospheric River and Heavy Precipitation in California
“A weak system will bring AR conditions and light-to-moderate precipitation to Southern California and the Colorado River Basin tomorrow. A stronger and more complex system is forecasted to bring landfalling AR activity and heavy precipitation to much of California early next week. There is still considerable uncertainty in the timing, magnitude, and duration of AR conditions and precipitation, but the forecast models are starting to converge toward a similar outcome. ... ” Continue reading at the Center for Western Water & Weather Extremes here: CW3E AR Update
Powerful Pacific storm set to drench drought-stricken California
“A powerful storm swirling in the Pacific Ocean is poised to bring much-needed rain and snow this weekend to drought-stricken California. Up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of snow is expected to fall in the Sierra Nevada Mountains starting Saturday, and 2 inches of rain will drench the Sacramento area, according to the National Weather Service. The storm could be intense enough to disrupt travel on roads at higher elevations. “It could be a significant winter storm for us,” Eric Kurth, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Sacramento. “We’re expecting a good potential for travel disruptions over the mountains.” … ” Read more from Bloomberg here: Powerful Pacific storm set to drench drought-stricken California
SEE ALSO: Pacific storm is expected to bring heavy rain to California early next week, forecasters say, from the LA Times
Water shutoffs loom for thousands of Californians after agencies failed to apply for millions in relief
“More than a half million Californians struggling to pay their water bills during the pandemic will likely have their debt paid off by the state. The massive debt-relief program, which closed to new applicants this week, is slated to dole out $303 million, according to state records. … Still, even with the windfall of cash, hundreds of thousands of people are likely to continue carrying burdensome water debt – and at a particularly bad time. … The large number of people who remain at risk of a shutoff is partly due to water agencies not applying for the state relief and partly to the narrow window the funding covers. … ” Continue reading at the San Francisco Chronicle here: Water shutoffs loom for thousands of Californians after agencies failed to apply for millions in relief
Some in California have to limit their daily water usage to 55 gallons. Here’s what that means for everyday activities
“Extreme drought in California is forcing drastic measures on the 200,000 residents in Marin County. They have been told to cut their water usage to just 55 gallons a day. A 10-minute shower uses about 25 gallons. A load of laundry uses 40 gallons of water. A single sprinkler head can spray out 15 gallons per minute. The new restrictions mean no refilling swimming pools or fountains. Residents can’t wash their car in their driveways, and outdoor irrigation is prohibited. … ” Read more from CBS News here: Some in California have to limit their daily water usage to 55 gallons. Here’s what that means for everyday activities
What’s really important? Putting recent water news into perspective
“Last week, three major news stories about California’s water supply dominated the news. We asked Water Policy Center director Ellen Hanak and senior fellow Jeff Mount to share their perspectives on what’s really important about these stories. PPIC: We’ve got three things on the docket: first, the statewide mandatory conservation order that came out last Friday; second, the 0% allocation from the State Water Project (SWP); and third, the story about the Sierra’s shrinking snowpack. Go! Jeff Mount: Let’s start with the snowpack story. It got a lot of buzz, because it paints a very dire picture. Although the results are aligned with what we are already seeing, we have the capability to adapt. … ” Read more from the PPIC blog here: What’s really important? Putting recent water news into perspective
Harder delivers key water infrastructure funds: $609 million to improve drinking water
“Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement that California will receive $609,441,000 from the bipartisan infrastructure law to address water infrastructure needs – everything from improving drinking water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure. This funding is the one of the first batches of federal resources that will be delivered to the state through the bipartisan infrastructure law. “Today marks the beginning of a new era for our state and for the Central Valley. After decades of inaction, we’re finally investing in our water infrastructure,” said Rep. Harder. “When I sat down to negotiate this bill, I made it clear to Republicans and Democrats alike that my number one priority was water. Now, I’m proud to say that priority is becoming a reality.” … ” Read more from Congressman Harder here: Harder delivers key water infrastructure funds: $609 million to improve drinking water
Almond industry casts a wary eye on future
“From drought and heat that affected yields to a nagging shipping container crisis that has jeopardized its lucrative overseas contracts, the almond industry faces no shortage of challenges heading into 2022. While almond production last season set new records at over 3 billion pounds valued at $5.6 billion, the West’s severe drought and blistering temperatures last summer shrunk yields this season just as a large carryover supply has depressed prices, according to USDA reports. But industry leaders have tried to maintain an optimistic tone at this week’s 49th Almond Conference in Sacramento, touting expanding global demand for almonds and recent research that ties consumption of the nut to maintaining healthy skin. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Almond industry casts a wary eye on future
CRS Report: Central Valley Project: Issues and legislation
“The Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), is one of the world’s largest water supply projects. The CVP covers approximately 400 miles in California, from Redding to Bakersfield, and draws from two large river basins: the Sacramento and the San Joaquin. It is composed of 20 dams and reservoirs and numerous pieces of water storage and conveyance infrastructure. In an average year, the CVP delivers more than 7 million acre–feet of water to support irrigated agriculture, municipalities, and fish and wildlife needs, among other purposes. About 75% of CVP water is used for agricultural irrigation, including 7 of California’s top 10 agricultural counties. The CVP is operated jointly with the State Water Project (SWP), which provides much of its water to municipal users in Southern California. … ” Read the full report from the Congressional Research Service here: CRS Report: Central Valley Project: Issues and legislation
World’s first standardized testing for microplastics in drinking water
“With concerns mounting over the potential impacts that microplastics may have on the environment and human health, the California State Water Resources Control Board, in partnership with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, has developed the first standardized analytical methods in the world for the testing and reporting of microplastics in drinking water. These methods come after a recent piece of state legislation, Senate Bill 1422, required the State Water Board to adopt a definition of microplastics and then create a standard methodology for the testing of drinking water for microplastics. The bill also required four years of testing and reporting of microplastics in drinking water, including public disclosure of those results. … ” Read more from Water World here: World’s first standardized testing for microplastics in drinking water
Padilla: 700 military sites have toxic chemicals in water
“California Sen. Alex Padilla said nearly 700 military facilities around the country may have dangerous, toxic chemicals contaminating drinking and ground water. Padilla said the Department of Defense discovered the problem — and then didn’t notify service members for at least 5 years. “These harmful synthetic compounds cause a variety of severe health issues from hormonal disorders, to decreased fertility, to cancer,” Padilla said the the chemicals known as PFAS. “It’s outrageous to hear the stories from service members who raised their families near contaminated bases and didn’t know about the danger until their children got sick.” … ” Read more from News 10 here: Padilla: 700 military sites have toxic chemicals in water
How can California protect its water supply from wildfire?
“It’s intuitive that wildfires can affect ecosystems, harm wildlife and contaminate streams and rivers. But wildfires can also have complex, severe and direct effects on our water supply and infrastructure—effects that have only become clear in recent years. Scientists and policymakers must integrate insights and experience from many disciplines and sectors to understand and address the consequences. In September, 23 scholars and practitioners with a diversity of water and fire expertise came together to answer a critical question: How can California proactively protect its water supply from fires? Their findings, combined with the insights of the author team, form the basis of a new scoping report, released by the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ California Institute for Water Resources and the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation. … ” Read more from the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation here: How can California protect its water supply from wildfire?
‘Atmospheric river,’ ‘bomb cyclone’ and ‘snowmageddon’; How do scientists come up with weather terms?
“Sierra cement, yellow snow, pineapple express. Haboob, Texas norther, bomb cyclone. They seem like ridiculous terms used to describe a messy bedroom or types of ice cream. But they’re actually weather terms, and meteorologists use them. Sierra cement refers to the heavy, wet snow that often falls on the West Coast. Yellow snow is not urine, but snow turned golden by pine or cypress pollen. And pineapple express is a band in the atmosphere that transports moisture from Hawaii and the tropics to the coasts of the U.S. and Canada. Who develops these terms and how they enter the public lexicon are often murky. … ” Read more from the Durango Herald here: ‘Atmospheric river,’ ‘bomb cyclone’ and ‘snowmageddon’; How do scientists come up with weather terms?
In commentary today …
California’s water infrastructure needs to be updated
Mike Wade, executive director of the California Farm Water Coalition, writes in response to Dan Walter’s recent commentary, Drought has big impacts on California agriculture, “The question for all of us is how to best use our water supply to benefit everyone. The state and federal governments have responded to that question by providing farmers with little, or in many cases zero water. We strongly believe that providing a healthy, safe, affordable food supply is a great benefit to all of us. … ” Continue reading at Cal Matters here: California’s water infrastructure needs to be updated
Feds should focus on natural solutions in flood preparation
Natalie Snider, associate vice president of Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds at Environmental Defense Fund, and David Lewis, executive director of Save The Bay, writes, “Our country faces a flood crisis. More people and places are at risk, with climate-induced flooding threatening widespread social, environmental and economic impacts. We need a holistic approach to reduce flood risk now. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has focused on building levees, spillways and hardened infrastructure to address episodic storm events. But, by focusing solely on storm surge, they leave millions exposed to chronic flooding from sea level rise, tides and extreme rainfall. The standard operating procedures of the previous century no longer suffice. In some cases, hardened infrastructure exacerbates flood risk, harms natural resources and wildlife, and leaves the most vulnerable communities behind. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: Feds should focus on natural solutions in flood preparation
The latest chapter in Los Angeles’ century-long water war with the Eastern Sierra’s people & environment
Richard Frank, Professor of Environmental Practice and Director of the U. C. Davis School of Law’s California Environmental Law & Policy Center, writes, “There LADWP goes again. Recently the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power announced it was walking away from its longstanding obligation to provide Mono County residents and the environment with a tiny fraction of the water it transports from Mono County to LADWP’s urban customers in Los Angeles. When efforts by county officials to resolve the dispute informally with LADWP failed, the County sued, arguing that LADWP’s unilateral action violates California’s most iconic environmental law, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Earlier this year, a trial court agreed, ruling in the County’s favor. The court found that LADWP’s decision to turn off the Mono County spigot without prior environmental review violates CEQA. Now LADWP has chosen to appeal this adverse ruling to the California appellate court—where it is likely to lose again. If LADWP’s action were an isolated incident, observers might well conclude that this is simply the latest chapter in California’s seemingly interminable water wars. But it’s not. … ” Continue reading at the Legal Planet here: The latest chapter in Los Angeles’ century-long water war with the Eastern Sierra’s people & environment
Today’s featured article …
BAY-DELTA SCIENCE CONFERENCE: Ecosystem Engineering Impacts of Invasive Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) in the Delta
Invasive submerged aquatic vegetation are of particular concern throughout the Delta region. Despite ongoing efforts to control the problem, the total area invaded by aquatic weeds has doubled between 2004 and 2018. Aquatic weeds are now so pervasive that they threaten restoration investments, endangered species, recreation, the local economy, and water project operations.
Species of SAV can act as ecosystem engineers by altering water temperature and nutrient dynamics, providing habitat for invasive fish, reducing phytoplankton productivity, and transforming plant community composition. Less is known, however, about how invasive SAV affects long-term ecosystem processes such as carbon storage and sediment dynamics.
At the 2021 Bay-Delta Science Conference, Dr. Judith Drexler discussed the results of three separate but related studies on how Egeria densa (hereafter abbreviated as E. densa) alters carbon storage and sediment dynamics.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Five miles of stunning Northern California coastline preserved in landmark redwoods deal
“In the largest coastal land preservation deal in Northern California in more than 20 years, a San Francisco environmental group has signed an agreement to buy five miles of rugged oceanfront land on the Mendocino Coast, with plans to restore its redwood forests. Home to Roosevelt elk, coho salmon, mountain lions and other wildlife, the oceanfront panorama has changed little since Spanish galleons sailed south from Cape Mendocino in the 1600s. It sits at the southern end of the “Lost Coast,” between Rockport and Ferndale, an area so steep and remote that state road engineers in 1984 abandoned plans to extend Highway 1 through the region, turning the roadway inland and leaving the oceanfront the most undeveloped and isolated portion of California’s famed coastline. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Five miles of stunning Northern California coastline preserved in landmark redwoods deal
City of Dorris to receive $3.7 million grant to upgrade its water system
“As part of a statewide program to help cities hit by the drought, the city of Dorris in northern Siskiyou County is set to receive a $3.7 million grant from the California Department of Water Resources. The state agency said “Dorris has been impacted by dwindling groundwater supplies because of the drought.” The grant was one of 11 awarded throughout the state. The state said Dorris will use the money to deepen an existing well and replace leaky pipes. … ” Read more from the Redding Record-Searchlight here: City of Dorris to receive $3.7 million grant to upgrade its water system
Expect light, beneficial rain across Mendocino County this weekend
“Wet winter weather is just around the corner, but temperatures and precipitation levels aren’t expected to be anything out of the ordinary for this time of the year. That doesn’t make the rain any less welcome given the severe drought conditions that persist across the county and the state. There’s the possibility of a drizzle of rain tonight, but more substantial rainfall isn’t expected to start until Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Eureka. The rainy weather is expected to last through early next week and deliver around 2 to 3 inches of rain across Mendocino County, which is about 30% of the usual 6.9 inches of rainfall in December for Ukiah and nothing out of the ordinary. … ” Read more from the Mendocino Beacon here: Expect light, beneficial rain across Mendocino County this weekend
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Promoting healthy soils and farmland in the Sacramento River basin: Celebrating healthy soils week
Bruce Houdesheldt writes, “We are pleased to join many others in celebrating Healthy Soils Week and the amazing benefits our soil provides for all Californians! From a water management perspective, healthy soils are an important element of ridgetop to river mouth water management, as soils play a valuable role in improving water filtration, water quality, and resilience to drought. It is estimated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture that healthy soils hold 20 times their weight in water, thus increasing soil organic matter on California’s working lands by just 1% could save 1.5 million acre-feet of water per year. … ” Read more from the Northern California Water Association here: Promoting healthy soils and farmland in the Sacramento River basin: Celebrating healthy soils week
Surviving the summer: Monitoring conditions for salmonids on the Lower American River
“The Water Forum and its members maintained a strong focus on water operations and temperature management as we moved through the drought this year. In weekly cross-caucus meetings we poured over the latest projections, debated the merits of actions, and learned how to read buzz graphs and temperature modeling results. One long-standing member of the Water Forum, Ron Stork, Friends of the River, said that we might as well be getting college credit for a water operations and hydrology course. But that’s just one half of the story. Water Forum members are also focused on how the low flows, high water temperatures, and extreme heat have impacted the health of steelhead trout and fall-run Chinook salmon (salmonids) this year. … Here’s what we learned … ” Continue reading at the Water Forum here: Surviving the summer: Monitoring conditions for salmonids on the Lower American River
NAPA/SONOMA
Rain, colder temps on the way to Sonoma County
“Forecasters are predicting a notable decline in nighttime temperatures in the North Bay starting Thursday night, just ahead of an atmospheric river that promises to drop as much as 5 inches of rain on parts of Sonoma County and the rest of the Bay Area this weekend. Rain has been in much of this area’s weather forecast since the beginning of the week, but it has all been rather light. Forecasters were again predicting trace amounts of accumulation in the region on Wednesday evening continuing into Thursday, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Drew Peterson. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Rain, colder temps on the way to Sonoma County
Calistoga succeeds in major water conservation efforts, but Stage II emergency remains
“Calistogans are to be commended for conserving water at record rates, and are also encouraged to continue with water-saving measures. The city saw a “whopping” 34% reduction in water use in November compared to November 2020. “That’s huge. In fact, this November’s water demand was one of the lowest Novembers in the past two decades,” said Mitchell Egert, the City’s Water Conservation Expert at Tuesday’s city council meeting. “That’s 7 million gallons we’ve saved,” or seven Feige water storage tanks. However, Calistoga will still remain in Stage II until further notice. … ” Read more from the Napa Valley Register here: Calistoga succeeds in major water conservation efforts, but Stage II emergency remains
Petaluma groundwater agency approves sustainability plan
“The Petaluma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency Board of Directors on Wednesday approved its groundwater sustainability plan, marking a major milestone for the agency charged with ensuring sufficient water stores in south Sonoma County for generations to come. The Petaluma area agency is one of three local entities established since 2015 to address the largely unregulated world of groundwater usage in California. The state-mandated agencies had their plans endorsed by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors last month, and each was set to bring those plans to their respective boards this week for final local approval. … ” Read more from the Argus Courier here: Petaluma groundwater agency approves sustainability plan
BAY AREA
Bay Area weather: Atmospheric river this weekend shaping up to be largest storm in a month
“After a month-long dry spell and some drizzle earlier this week, an atmospheric river is expected to soak the Bay Area in 1 to 3 inches of rain in some areas this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. A smattering of showers on Monday and Wednesday drizzled the region in a couple hundredths of an inch of rain. As of Thursday at 7:30 a.m., 24-hour rain totals included: 0.16 inches at Ben Lomond, 0.16 inches in San Jose, 0.02 inches in Redwood City, 0.01 inches in downtown San Francisco, 0.01 inches at the Oakland International Airpot and 0.02 inches at Mount Tampalais. The Monterey peninsula, which saw more precipitation amounts, got anywhere from 0.1 to 0.2 inches of rain. … ” Read more from the Mercury News here: Bay Area weather: Atmospheric river this weekend shaping up to be largest storm in a month
More details emerge on atmospheric river headed for SF Bay Area
“Forecasters are honing in on the details of an atmospheric river expected to arrive in the San Francisco Bay Area this weekend, bringing much-needed rain to a drought-plagued region. “We’re still looking at a weak to low-end moderate event, anticipated to move through mainly Sunday into Monday, with lingering showers into Tuesday and Wednesday,” said Roger Gass, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. ... ” Read more from SF Gate here: More details emerge on atmospheric river headed for SF Bay Area
Valley Water projects invited to apply for federal WIFIA loans
“On Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in a press release that two Valley Water projects are invited to apply for loans from the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). The Valley Water projects invited to apply for WIFIA loans include the proposed Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project (up to $1.2 billion), and the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program. Three projects under the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Project would benefit from the WIFIA funding, including the Almaden Lake Improvement Project ($25 million), the Coyote Creek Flood Protection Project ($24 million), and the Sunnyvale East and West Channels Flood Protection Project ($25 million). … ” Read more from Valley Water News here: Valley Water projects invited to apply for federal WIFIA loans
CENTRAL COAST
New groundwater plan will help San Luis Obispo basin’s water levels
“San Luis Obispo County approved a sustainable water plan that would help quench the unusually parched region and ensure its wells have enough water for years to come. The county and the city of SLO greenlit the Groundwater Sustainability Plan on Dec. 7 for the San Luis Obispo Basin to counter the longstanding depleted water levels in the San Luis and Edna Valleys. These subbasins were identified by the California Department of Water Resources as some of the high- and medium-priority basins in SLO County in accordance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Other regions subject to SGMA include the Paso Robles and the Cuyama basins. … ” Read more from New Times SLO here: New groundwater plan will help San Luis Obispo basin’s water levels
Santa Maria prepared in response to state water limitations
“Water agencies in the state of California will not be getting any of the water they requested for 2022. While the California Department of Water Resources allocation to state water contractors may be at 0 percent, the City of Santa Maria will revert to local ground water. “We have not been providing any blend of state water for the last five to six weeks. We’ve been providing only ground water,” said Santa Maria Director of Utilities, Shad Springer. … ” Read more from KSBY here: Santa Maria prepared in response to state water limitations
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
1st of series of storms moves into Central CA, bringing rain and snow
“After almost a month of seeing no rain in Central California, a series of storms will bring a soggy stretch of weather into the region over the next week. Central Valley residents woke up to rain as the first storm arrived overnight on Thursday. Widespread rain hit the area as drivers headed out for their early commute. The rain is expected to last throughout Thursday morning. ABC30 Meteorologist Madeline Evans says the Valley floor could see about a quarter-inch of rain. Snow will also fall over the mountain communities throughout the day. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 7 pm on Wednesday to 4 pm on Thursday. ... ” Continue reading from KFSN at MSN here: 1st of series of storms moves into Central CA, bringing rain and snow
Merced Irrigation District in battle with state over water rights
“Local water officials are urging residents to get involved in a battle with the state over water rights. The State Water Board had a lengthy meeting Wednesday and discussed how to proceed with implementing the Bay Delta Plan. The Merced Irrigation District says the plan will take up to half of eastern Merced County’s water supply from Lake McClure and send it north to the Bay Delta. … ” Read more from Channel 30 here: Merced Irrigation District in battle with state over water rights
In Bakersfield, many push for bringing back the flow of the long-dry Kern River
“The Kern River cascades from the Sierra Nevada in a steep-sided canyon, coursing through granite boulders, and flows to the northeast side of Bakersfield. There, beside cottonwoods and willows, the last of the river collects in a pool where dragonflies hover and reeds sway in the breeze. Then the river dies, disappearing into the sand. Decades ago, the Kern flowed all the way through Bakersfield. But so much water has been appropriated and diverted in canals to farmland that the river has vanished in the city, leaving miles of dry riverbed. Now, a group of residents is campaigning to bring back a flowing river in Bakersfield. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: In Bakersfield, many push for bringing back the flow of the long-dry Kern River
Frazier Park community still asking for clean water months later
“Back in the summer, Frazier Park residents were asked not to boil their water and those who are infants or pregnant are being cautioned not to drink it after a high level of nitrate was found in the water which is known to affect how blood carries oxygen to the body. But several months later, the issue continues, and the community is still getting letters about their water. … ” Read more from Channel 23 here: Frazier Park community still asking for clean water months later
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
LADWP’s green future nearly ready for takeoff
“A bill overwhelmingly passed by the state legislature during the most recent special session doesn’t appear to be as threatening to Intermountain Power Project’s transition plans as might have first appeared. During a recent virtual conference sponsored by industry trade group Green Hydrogen Coalition, the chief engineer and general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Martin Adams, made clear his agency is moving full bore toward a green energy future. IPP and the salt domes beneath it are critical elements of that future, he said. … ” Read more from the Millard County Chronicle Progress here: LADWP’s green future nearly ready for takeoff
LA County estimates it could cost up to $143 million to mend Dominguez Channel odor incident
“The County of Los Angeles could spend up to $143 million in costs related to this fall’s Dominguez Channel incident, a period of elevated hydrogen sulfide gas levels that began two months ago and has sickened thousands of residents in the surrounding area, including parts of Carson and Long Beach. So far, the county’s Department of Public Works, the agency responsible for the Dominguez Channel, has spent $54 million on the Dominguez Channel odor from its Flood Control District Fund, Rossana D’Antonio, deputy director for development services and Emergency Management for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, said in an email. … ” Read more from the Long Beach Post here: LA County estimates it could cost up to $143 million to mend Dominguez Channel odor incident
Climate change is transforming how Angelenos live, breathe and escape the heat
“If you’re looking for evidence that the climate crisis is taking a toll, look no further than a new survey of Angelenos. Fifty-one percent of Los Angeles County residents avoided going outside at some point between summer 2020 and summer 2021 because of concerns about breathing wildfire smoke, the University of Southern California survey found. More than one-quarter of Angelenos said they had suffered psychological distress due to a disaster such as a fire, flood or extreme heat during that time. Heat storms in particular are taking a toll on quality of life. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Climate change is transforming how Angelenos live, breathe and escape the heat
SAN DIEGO
How San Diego County’s water conservation efforts have prepared them for severe drought conditions
“California will soak up some much needed rain this week on the heels of a sobering decision from the state to drastically reduce water distribution to the Los Angeles area due to our ongoing drought. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power generally receives 40% of its water from the State Water Project, which means a significant reduction can have a real economic impact. Meanwhile, the San Diego County Water Authority gets less than 1% of its water from the state, a remarkable difference from the 95% the agency received from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California in the early 1990s. How did they get there? Coincidentally, the motivation was from a threatened 50% reduction in water allocation due to drought conditions at the time. … ” Read more from ABC 7 here: How San Diego County’s water conservation efforts have prepared them for severe drought conditions
Pure Water Oceanside to start purifying recycled water by end of ’21
“By the end of December, the city will begin turning recycled water into drinkable water through its new, state-of-the-art water purification facility, the first of its kind in San Diego County. The new water purification system, dubbed Pure Water Oceanside, uses ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and an advanced oxidation process to purify recycled wastewater. “It’s inspired by the natural water cycle and is the natural next step for recycling our precious water resource that we currently discharge into the ocean without tapping into its full potential,” said Oceanside Water Utilities Director Cari Dale, who has led the project. … ” Read more from the Coast News Group here: Pure Water Oceanside to start purifying recycled water by end of ’21
Along the Colorado River …
With the Colorado River in crisis, those who decide its future gather under one roof
“The river that supplies water to about 40 million people is getting worryingly dry. Since the federal government officially declared a water shortage this summer, the Colorado River has been thrust into national headlines, and so have the scientists and decision makers who track and shape its future. Next week, hundreds of them will gather under one roof for the first time since the shortage was declared. The Colorado River Water Users Association has met annually for 76 years now, but this year’s iteration in Las Vegas will be under a new magnifying glass. “This used to be more regional,” said John Entsminger, general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority. “Maybe occasionally a national story. But we saw people discussing the Colorado River as a case study in Glasgow. So there certainly is a lot more attention being paid to it.” … ” Read more from KNAU here: With the Colorado River in crisis, those who decide its future gather under one roof
State officials are updating Nevada’s water plan — and they want to hear from you
“It’s been two decades since the state released a comprehensive water plan. The last plan was accepted by the Legislature by 1999, when the state’s population was 1.8 million. It preceded two decades marked by bouts of extreme drought across the state. And since it was approved, Nevada has continued to grow, and the fingerprints of climate change have become more apparent, affecting when and how water cycles through the environment. At the same time, there remain structural challenges in allocating what has always been, in the country’s most arid state, a scarce resource. In many places across the state, there are more rights to use water than there is water to go around — this, amid increased demand to use it. ... ” Continue reading at the Nevada Independent here: State officials are updating Nevada’s water plan — and they want to hear from you
In national water news today …
States fail to revive Trump Clean Water Act rule pending appeal
“A group of eight states and three industry groups couldn’t convince a federal judge to put his order tossing a Trump-era Clean Water Act rule on hold pending their appeal in the Ninth Circuit. Most of the harm the states, led by Louisiana, and industry groups described was speculative, according to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. If they did show harm, their showing “ranks as marginal,” the court said Tuesday. On the other hand, the importance of preserving the administrative process and avoiding irreparable environmental harm tips the balance in favor of denying a stay, the court said. … ” Read more from Bloomberg here: States fail to revive Trump Clean Water Act rule pending appeal
The Year in Water, 2021: Water crises take center stage
“For years these compact phrases, mantra-like in their repetition, have come to define the world’s water problems. Now add a fourth: too frequent. If nothing else, the last 12 months of floods, fires, droughts, and other meteorological torments delivered an uncomfortable message. Extreme events are happening more often. And they are happening almost everywhere. Communities rich and poor bore witness to horrific devastation in 2021. In July, floods in China’s Henan province trapped commuters in subway tunnels in the city of Zhengzhou, which received as much rain in three days as it does in an average year. That same month, raging waters in Germany’s Ahr Valley scoured farmland into canyons and submerged riverside towns. Herders in northern Kenya today are lamenting the decimation of their livestock as seasonal rains failed yet again to nourish the ochre earth. … ” Read more from Circle of Blue here: The Year in Water, 2021: Water crises take center stage
And lastly …
Photos: Drone views of Bethel Island’s Delta Coves housing development
Get your luxury home with private dock in the Delta while they last: “Atop a double levee at the eastern edge of Contra Costa County, a massive new waterfront residential community is taking shape more than four decades after it was envisioned. Located in the heart of Bethel Island, the Delta Coves housing development is the largest and most upscale project ever on this 3,400-square-foot rural island surrounded by levees. Here 494 waterfront homes have risen or are being built, each with private, individual docks. In addition to luxury homes ranging in price from $1.3 to $1.7 million, the new manmade lagoon community in the heart of Bethel Island will feature a clubhouse, swimming pool, outdoor event center and 230-slip marina. Fifty-one homes have been built so far, with 121 currently under construction. There are 11 model homes open now, with 14 different floor plans. … ” Check out the pictures from the San Jose Mercury News here: Photos: Drone views of Bethel Island’s Delta Coves housing development
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
VELES WEEKLY REPORT: NQH2O price at $728.27 down $0.03 or 0.004% basically unchanged; The seasonal downtrend may be over
