In California water news today …
Large water pipeline in Kings County raising questions, concerns
“A large water pipeline being built near Lemoore in Kings County is raising eyebrows as much for its possible uses as for the name associated with its construction — John Vidovich. The large, black pipe could be seen earlier this month being tucked into the ground along 21st Avenue just south of Highway 198 and west of Lemoore. Parts of the line were laid out on top of the ground meandering south toward the small town of Stratford. Stacks of pipe were staged even further south. All of it was on land listed as belonging to Sandridge Partners, according to onX Hunt, a mobile app that shows land ownership boundaries with detailed satellite images. … ” Read more from SJV Water here: Large water pipeline in Kings County raising questions, concerns
Merced irrigation officials scramble to fix groundwater plan, as fear of restrictions loom
“Officials with Merced-area water agencies say they’re updating a key regional groundwater plan after the California Department of Water Resources said it didn’t go far enough to reach state water sustainability targets. Last month the Merced Subbasin groundwater plan was one of a handful of plans by Central Valley irrigation districts graded poorly by the state. Some of those grades were for alleged deficiencies like failing to indicate how to protect water quality, keep drinking water wells from going dry or stop land from sinking further. ... ” Read more from the Merced Sun-Star here: Merced irrigation officials scramble to fix groundwater plan, as fear of restrictions loom
Rainy years can’t make up for California’s groundwater use
“Over a third of American vegetables are grown in California, largely in the state’s Central Valley. The region also produces two-thirds of the nation’s fruits and nuts. These crops—and the many Americans who produce and consume them—are heavily reliant on California’s water supply. But, given recurrent and severe droughts, the state’s groundwater supply has been strained. When surface water supplies run low, most arid regions worldwide turn instead to their groundwater. But past mismanagement of the groundwater in California has caused parts of the state to sink as much as 30 feet and has also increased the frequency of earthquakes along the San Andreas fault. … ” Read more from Ars Technica here: Rainy years can’t make up for California’s groundwater use
Water, drought, and the supply chain crisis
William Bordeau writes, “This holiday season, every family is paying close attention to a topic no one ever expected would be a debate around the dinner table: the supply chain crisis. But even as cargo ships line up at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach delaying the delivery of glass wine bottles, and limits on steel production in China is driving up the price of canned cranberry sauce, we must also acknowledge the impact California’s unreliable water supply has had on the skyrocketing cost of food and the risk this poses to our nation’s food security. I was born and raised in Coalinga, California, located on the West side of the San Joaquin Valley, and in one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. The water that makes it possible for this region to help feed the nation was brought to the Central Valley by incredible feats of engineering and a massive investment in water infrastructure. Farmers do not take this water for granted. … ” Read more from the Real Clear Policy here: Water, drought, and the supply chain crisis
Sites Reservoir extends comment period on draft environmental documents
“The Sites Project Authority is the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act for preparation of an Environmental Impact Report on the proposal to construct and operate a new offstream water storage reservoir and associated facilities. Public involvement is an important part of the environmental review process, with several opportunities to participate and help inform the content of the project’s environmental analyses. On November 12, 2021, the Sites Project Authority issued a Notice of Availability announcing the public review and comment period for the Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report/Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (RDEIR/SDEIS) and dates of virtual public meetings. On December 22, 2021, the Sites Project Authority announced a two week extension of the public review and comment period from January 11, 2022 to January 28, 2022. … ” Read more from the Sites JPA here: Sites Reservoir extends comment period on draft environmental documents
Startups pitch new irrigation ideas
“From a buried sensor to nanobubbles, these companies have some interesting ideas for the future of irrigation. The Irrigation Association has long fostered the development of new ideas and programs. For its 2021 Irrigation Association event, the group started its first ever Innovation Hub, allowing startups to exhibit, tell their story and possibly be singled out for recognition of their innovation. For agriculture, there were five startups in the pitch. Here’s a look at each. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Startups pitch new irrigation ideas
Challenges hinder move to new irrigation tech
“The advance in irrigation water management over the past few years has been tremendous. The rising availability of sensors to help with scheduling, new science in ways to reduce water use while still getting top yields and advanced analysis are all offered to growers. Yet the move to irrigation water management and maintaining momentum in the future is a challenge. During the 6th Decennial National Irrigation Symposium, held at the 2021 Irrigation Show, an article was presented showing new ways for extension to reach out to growers. The decennial symposium was delayed a year due to the pandemic, and even some presentations at the event remained virtual; but over two-and-a-half days, engineers explored a wide range of topics. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Challenges hinder move to new irrigation tech
Water efficiency regulations: Economic feasibility of CII DIM installation
“California’s recent water efficiency legislation (SB606 & AB1668) has highlighted the possibility of using dedicated irrigation meters (DIMs) as a tool to encourage water savings. In particular, the legislation singles out commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) meters that provide water to both indoor and outdoor uses (so-called mixed-use meters, or MUMs). … To help water suppliers in California and beyond understand which of these options to pursue, the CaDC recently partnered with the California Water Efficiency Partnership (CalWEP), to assess the economic feasibility of meter splitting as a tool for water efficiency. In doing so, the team was able to identify the characteristics of properties that might benefit from these tools and the advantages that could accompany them. … ” Read the full article from the California Data Collaborative here: Water efficiency regulations: Economic feasibility of CII DIM installation
Researchers find drought-resistant traits in grape rootstocks
“Scientists at University of California, Davis have identified new root traits that help grapevines resist drought. The findings, published in the journal Annals of Botany, could speed up the development of grape rootstocks that protect vines from dry conditions, helping the grape and wine industry adapt to climate change. The research, led by Department of Viticulture and Enology Assistant Professor Megan Bartlett, comes as 80% of California is experiencing extreme drought. … “Rootstocks are an important tool to manage water stress,” Bartlett said. “Our goal was to identify traits that make rootstocks drought tolerant, so that grape breeders can amplify these traits in new varieties.” ... ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Researchers find drought-resistant traits in grape rootstocks
16 environmental justice, tribal and fishing groups announce opposition to ‘More Water Now’
Dan Bacher writes, “Sixteen tribal, environmental justice, fishing, and conservation groups on Tuesday announced their strong opposition to the “More Water Now” ballot measure initiative, otherwise known as the “Water Infrastructure Funding Act of 2022.” The initiative, being by pushed by Central Valley agribusiness and water districts to fund an array of new water projects in California, is circulating for signatures and could potentially be on the November 2022 ballot. Groups announcing their opposition include: Sierra Club California, California Indian Environmental Alliance, Society of Native Nations, Idle No More, Restore the Delta, Azul, Golden State Salmon Association, Sunrise Movement OC, California Coastal Protection Network, Health the Bay, Surfrider Foundation, Los Angeles Waterkeeper, Orange County Coastkeeper, The River Project, Heal the Bay, and Social Eco Education. ... ” Read more from the Daily Kos here: 16 environmental justice, tribal and fishing groups announce opposition to ‘More Water Now’
Walmart faces lawsuit for allegedly dumping enormous amounts of toxic waste in California
“California officials have filed a statewide lawsuit against Walmart Inc. alleging that the company illegally disposed of hazardous waste at landfills across the state. In the 42-page document filed Monday by state prosecutors, the lawsuit alleges the retail giant illegally dumped nearly 160,000 pounds of hazardous waste, or more than 1 million items, each year in California over the last six years. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 12 California district attorneys said Walmart violated California’s environmental laws and regulations by dumping hazardous waste products at landfills that aren’t equipped to handle the materials, including alkaline and lithium batteries, insect killer sprays, aerosol cans, toxic cleaning supplies and LED lightbulbs. … ” Read more from KQED here: Walmart faces lawsuit for allegedly dumping enormous amounts of toxic waste in California
Extensions coming for low-flow river closures
“At its December meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. One of the items of interest was to extend the locations and expand low-flow closure periods for rivers along the north and central coast. The changes will prohibit fishing in specific rivers due to drought conditions, to protect native fish populations through April 30, when flows fall below a certain level. Currently low-flow inland sport fishing regulations require the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine whether flows at any of the designated gauging stations are lower than the minimum flows specified for particular stream reaches; if CDFW determines the flows are below the minimum specifications, the regulation closes the stream reach to fishing for a specified period. … ” Read more from the North Coast Journal here: Extensions coming for low-flow river closures
CDFW awards $9.7 million for fisheries habitat restoration program projects
“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) today announced the selection of 15 projects that will receive funding for the restoration, enhancement and protection of anadromous salmonid habitat in California watersheds. The grants, which total $9.7 million, were awarded through CDFW’s Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP). FRGP was first established in 1981 and since 2000, has included funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, established by Congress to reverse the declines of Pacific salmon and steelhead throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska. “As 2021 draws to an end, while we reflect upon prolonged drought and seasonal wildfires, we must also maintain our focus on the importance of the work California restoration practitioners undertake,” CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham said. “These awarded projects represent a new year of extraordinary efforts to address the challenges to California’s ecosystems through the hard work, dedication and passion of those Californians working to restore habitat for these iconic species.” … ” Read more from CDFW here: CDFW awards $9.7 million for fisheries habitat restoration program projects
Incoming storms …
CW3E AR Update: Strong Atmospheric River and Multiple Upper-level Systems to Produce Heavy Rain and Snow in the Western US
“AR activity and heavy precipitation is expected over much of the western US today through Friday. As the AR weakens, a series of upper-level shortwave troughs is forecast to move down along the US West Coast and bring additional periods of precipitation to the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. Freezing levels are forecasted to decrease starting on 23 Dec to 3000-4000 ft and remain below 5000 ft during the passing of the shortwaves. A second period of AR activity is possible over the southwestern US on 25–26 Dec. The NWS Weather Prediction Center (WPC) is forecasting at least 5–10 inches of total precipitation in portions of the Pacific Coast Ranges, the Cascades, and the Sierra Nevada over the next 7 days, with more than 10 inches likely in the higher terrain of the Sierra Nevada … Read the full update at the Center for Western Water & Weather Extremes here: CW3E AR Update: 22 December 2021 Outlook
SEE ALSO: Wettest Christmas Eve ever could be in store for LA, San Diego, from AccuWeather
Sierra could get 80 more inches of snow by Christmas
“The folks at UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Lab have been tracking the fluffy white stuff and predict that Christmas will be the snowiest day of the week. “And that will be the icing on the cake,” Andrew Schwartz, station manager for the lab told KTVU on Wednesday. He and his team of scientists are predicting that between 60 and 80 inches of snow could actually fall in the Donner Summit area – a 7,000-foot mountain pass in the northern Sierra Nevada wet of Truckee – between now and Christmas Day. ... ” Read more from KTVU here: Sierra could get 80 more inches of snow by Christmas
In commentary today …
It’s time to use California’s budget surplus money to fix key aqueduct and canals
The Fresno Bee editorial board writes, “To get the new year started right, California’s Senate Republicans — all nine of them — are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to do something that makes a lot of sense. Their call is to fund badly needed repairs to the key waterways that ship water to communities and farms throughout the San Joaquin Valley and beyond. The major one is the California Aqueduct — the 444-mile-long structure that carries water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Southern California. The others are the 116-mile Delta-Mendota Canal, which starts at Tracy and ends at Mendota, and Friant-Kern Canal. It begins at Millerton Lake near Fresno and heads south to Kern County, covering 152 miles. … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee here: It’s time to use California’s budget surplus money to fix key aqueduct and canals
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Another $10 million headed to Klamath for drought relief
“Oregon’s Congressional delegation has secured another $10 million in federal aid for the Klamath Project. Though irrigators would rather have water for Christmas, the money is still a welcome gift. This appropriation, secured by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Representative Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario), is in addition to the $30 million in financial assistance already directed to project producers this summer. It comes through a $210 million supplemental appropriations package awarded to the Bureau of Reclamation by recent government funding legislation. … ” Read more from the Herald & News here: Another $10 million headed to Klamath for drought relief
Dreaming of a White Christmas? Snow levels may drop as low as 1,000 feet over the holiday weekend
“It’s beginning to look a lot like, well, hazardous driving conditions! But also beautiful and seasonally festive SNOW, which is forecast to come fluttering down as low as 1,000 feet over the weekend with heavy snow and small hail likely impacting road conditions in and around Humboldt County. … snow and hail are projected to get progressively heavier and lower in the coming days. … Read more from the Lost Coast Outpost here: Dreaming of a White Christmas? Snow levels may drop as low as 1,000 feet over the holiday weekend
Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) now available for review for Nordic Aquafarms Project
“The County of Humboldt has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Nordic Aquafarms California, LLC – Coastal Development Permit and Special Permit application (Case Number PLN-2020-16698). The land-based aquaculture facility is located in the Samoa area, east of Vance Avenue, approximately 2,000 feet north from the intersection of Vance Avenue and Bay Street, on the property known as 364 Vance Avenue (Assessor Parcel Number 401-112-021). Water intakes are located approximately one-half mile apart along the Samoa Channel in Humboldt Bay at the Redwood Marine Terminal II (RMT II) Dock and Red Tank Dock ... ” Read more from the Redheaded Blackbelt here: Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) now available for review for Nordic Aquafarms Project
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Invasive plants are invading Tahoe. A debate rages over using herbicides to battle them
“Desperate to control aquatic invasive species in a heavily traveled Lake Tahoe waterway, two regulatory agencies are considering allowing the use of aquatic herbicides in the Tahoe Basin, a treatment method that up until now has been prohibited. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board will decide in January if herbicides should be used on 17 acres in the Tahoe Keys to control rapidly spreading underwater invasive plants. Aquatic invasive plants have the potential to devastate Tahoe by impacting lake clarity, impeding boating, negatively affecting aquatic life and contributing to algae blooms. ... ” Read more from the Reno Gazette Journal here: Invasive plants are invading Tahoe. A debate rages over using herbicides to battle them
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Over half a million salmon released into Sacramento River
“The Coleman National Fish Hatchery released 600,000 juvenile chinook salmon into the Sacramento River last week. This is only part of the two million hatched in October, and the rest will be released in early January. The Golden State Salmon Association originally brought the idea to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA fisheries in the spring. John McManus, president of the organization, said they were being produced in excess of the normal production target at the hatchery. … ” Read more from KRCR here: Over half a million salmon released into Sacramento River
CENTRAL COAST
Four-day Storm Approaches San Luis Obispo County
“December rain could bring season totals to beat last year already. According to local meteorologists and the National Weather Service, a four-day storm will land in San Luis Obispo County around 11 a.m. today with three days of heavy rain and a slight chance of showers on Sunday, December 26. Some forecasts show chance of a “white Christmas” locally on our mountain ranges. … ” Read more from the Paso Robles Daily Press here: Four-day Storm Approaches San Luis Obispo County
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Will ‘cold bomb’ hit Fresno after rain clears?
“What’s coming after these latest storms clear from Fresno and other Valley cities after Christmas? If the weather prognosticators are right, you better add another blanket to the bed. In its long-range forecast, AccuWeather is predicting lows near or below freezing starting on Dec. 30. The Jan. 5 prediction for Fresno is an overnight low of 27 degrees. Meteorologists expect an arctic airmass riding an upper jet stream into California to produce the low temperatures. Sunshine will accompany the “cold bomb” until the middle of January when rain and warmer temperatures are expected. … ” Read more from GV Wire here: Will ‘cold bomb’ hit Fresno after rain clears?
Musicians pay tribute to Merle Haggard in campaign to bring back water in the Kern River
“Proving the best way to get the word out is with a creative twist, Bring Back the Kern has partnered with musicians from Bakersfield and beyond in a tribute to Merle Haggard that also advocates for returning water to the river. Before Haggard died in 2016, he recorded his final song, “Kern River Blues,” lamenting “there used to be a river here, running deep and wide. Then somebody stole the water, another politician lied.” As the State Water Board holds a hearing to resolve water rights disputes on the Kern River, musicians will use the country legend’s music to protest the river being dry. … ” Read more from the Bakersfield Californian here: Musicians pay tribute to Merle Haggard in campaign to bring back water in the Kern River
EASTERN SIERRA
Ridgecrest: IWVWD General Manager’s Column: Legislation and Litigation
Don Zbeda writes, “If I were to sum up 2021 with respect to the world of California water it would be two words, legislation and litigation. If the prolonged drought California experienced from 2011 through 2017 taught us anything it was that we needed to adapt to the reality that water is not a limitless resource and wasteful habits must give way to conscious decisions to use water wisely. California, as well as other regions of the Western United States, is experiencing drought conditions once again with conditions projected to extend well into next year and perhaps beyond. … ” Continue reading at the Ridgecrest Independent here: IWVWD General Manager’s Column: Legislation and Litigation
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Bringing back steelhead trout
Mauricio Gomez writes, “Over the past 17 years, I have been working on the biggest restoration project of my career, and I’m happy to share that now it’s finally close to wrapping up. When I first started working on steelhead trout restoration projects in California’s Santa Barbara and Ventura region in 2004, I learned about some incredible backcountry creeks in the Sisquoc and Manzana river watersheds that supported populations of steelhead trout, which is listed as federally endangered. These native fish have a complex lifecycle. Similar to salmon, steelhead trout are anadromous, meaning they are born from eggs deposited in cold freshwater and they spend part of their lives in the ocean before returning to freshwater to spawn. ... ” Read more from the Earth Island Journal here: Bringing back steelhead trout
West coast storm brings light morning showers to Southern California
“A storm that will deliver rain and snow Thursday into Friday has arrived in Southern California. Mountain snowfall and widespread rain are in the forecast with most of the precipitation falling late Thursday into Friday throughout Southern California. The same system hammered northern parts of the West Coast with rain and snow earlier this week. Here’s the storm outlook. … ” Read more from NBC 4 here: West coast storm brings light morning showers to Southern California
Flood watch declared for Orange County ahead of significant rainfall
“It may not be a white Christmas in Southern California, but it’ll definitely be a wet one, according to a flood warning issued by the National Weather Service Wednesday morning. Rain is expected to begin late Thursday evening — the heaviest of it occurring after Thursday midnight — and continue through Friday morning with light showers expected through noon. The storm is the result of an atmospheric river in the Gulf of Alaska, which meteorologist Casey Oswant explained is a type of rain-producing weather system that typically draws moisture from the tropics. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Flood watch declared for Orange County ahead of significant rainfall
Nation’s largest ion exchange PFAS treatment facility begins operation in Yorba Linda
“The Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) and the Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD) began operating the nation’s largest ion exchange (IX) treatment plant to remove per–and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from local well water. PFAS are a group of thousands of manmade, heat–resistant chemicals that are prevalent in the environment and are commonly used in consumer products to repel water, grease, and oil. Due to their prolonged use, PFAS are being detected in water sources throughout the United States, including the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which supplies 77% of the water supply to 2.5 million people in north and central Orange County. Despite playing no role in releasing PFAS into the environment, water providers must find ways to remove it from their local water supplies. “OCWD and our amazing staff are committed to proactively and swiftly addressing PFAS in the Orange County Groundwater Basin,” said OCWD President Steve Sheldon. … ” Read more from the Orange County Water District here: Nation’s largest ion exchange PFAS treatment facility begins operation in Yorba Linda
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Up to 1 inch of rain possible in Palm Springs on Christmas Eve, Weather Service says
“A flood watch has been issued by the National Weather Service ahead of what is expected to be a rainy Christmas Eve morning in the Coachella Valley. The flood watch, which will take effect at midnight Thursday and last through noon Friday, was issued because an atmospheric river is expected to deliver heavy rainfall to the region. The National Weather Service website states that a flood watch means that flooding is possible and people should be prepared to take action. ... ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: Up to 1 inch of rain possible in Palm Springs on Christmas Eve, Weather Service says
SAN DIEGO
Pacific storm will dump about 2 inches of rain on San Diego County coast starting Thursday night
“It’s not going to be a white Christmas in San Diego County, but it will certainly be a wet one. The tail of a Pacific storm that will drop 6 to 8 feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada will move ashore in San Diego on Thursday night and unload 1.5 to 2.0 inches of rain at and near the coast by noon Friday, says the National Weather Service. The storm, which is drawing lots of moisture from the subtropics also could deliver 2.5 inches of rain in the coastal foothills and valleys, and up to 4 inches in the mountains. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: It’s not going to be a white Christmas in San Diego County, but it will certainly be a wet one.
In national water news today …
EPA, trade groups differ on how to improve water sector cybersecurity
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is moving forward with plans to require drinking water utilities to incorporate cybersecurity audits as part of the routine supervisory process conducted by states. This requirement comes amid increasing federal interest regarding the issue of cybersecurity and infrastructure. Despite this, the agency’s plans have generated opposition from several organizations representing water providers and the states themselves. Meanwhile, alternative approaches to ensure the protection of the water sector against cyber threats have come forth from inside and outside the industry. ... ” Read more from Civil Engineering Source here: EPA, trade groups differ on how to improve water sector cybersecurity
Defending rivers means cleaning up stormwater
“Dealing with excessive stormwater is top of mind if your neighborhood floods regularly. But even if you’re not used to trudging through water-logged streets, there are plenty of reasons to care about what happens when too much rain falls in your city. American Rivers’ Economics and Policy Research Associate, Shanyn Viars, talks about why. … ” Continue reading at American Rivers here: Defending rivers means cleaning up stormwater
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
VELES WEEKLY WATER REPORT: Technical analysis and fundamentals out of sync for Californian water price
