In California water news today …
California water districts to get more supply than planned
“Last month’s wet winter storms led California officials on Thursday to announce they’ll release more water than initially planned from state storage to local agencies that provide water for 27 million people and vast swaths of farmland. The Department of Water Resources now plans to give water districts 15% of what they’ve requested for 2022. That’s up from last month, when the state said it would supply 0% of requested water beyond what was needed for necessities such as drinking and bathing. It was the first time ever the state issued an initial water allocation of nothing. … ” Read more from KTLA here: California water districts to get more supply than planned
State officials plan to deliver more water than the 0% first expected
“After a wet December, California water officials say state reservoirs likely will be able to provide cities and farms more than the scant emergency supplies initially projected for 2022. The Department of Water Resources announced Thursday that the State Water Project now has enough water in storage to meet 15% of the water requests from across California, still a dismally small figure but better than the 0% allocation announced last month. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: State officials plan to deliver more water than the 0% first expected
SEE ALSO:
- December storms allow for modest increase in State Water Project allocation to 15%, press release from DWR
- A sign the drought is easing: California officials to ship more water to farms, cities, from the Sacramento Bee
What a dry January means for California’s drought
“In the final three months of 2021, hope arrived in California in the form of rain. Record-breaking downpours nourished the parched land. The state’s snowpack, a major source of water, reached a staggering 160 percent of its expected level. If the rains continued through the rest of the winter, experts advised, California’s severe drought could soon start to look very different. But alas. January, typically one of the state’s wettest months, has proved unusually dry. And the odds now favor less-than-average rainfall through the rest of winter, said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles. … ” Read more from the New York Times here: What a dry January means for California’s drought
Where Northern California stands on its reservoirs and drought situation
“What started as record rain in October and record snow in December has led to storm silence in January. The biggest reservoirs and dams are seeing 35%-56% of capacity. Folsom Dam sits at 56%, Oroville is around 45%, and Shasta is 35% full. “We need more and more of these storms that keep coming through. We need January, February, March, and April,” said Sean de Guzman, snow survey manager with the Department of Water Resources (DWR). …. ” Continue reading at Channel 10 here: Where Northern California stands on its reservoirs and drought situation
No change in Central Valley drought conditions in latest Drought Monitor Index numbers
“On Thursday morning, the latest drought conditions for the State of California came in from the Drought Monitor Index. The weekly update shows that Severe Drought conditions remain for the Sacramento Valley. Multiple storms during the month of December have helped to improve drought conditions. Northern California picked up heavy precipitation which led to a generous snowpack. … ” Read more from ABC 10 here: No change in Central Valley drought conditions in latest Drought Monitor Index numbers
STORY CORRECTION: Water agencies table Delta drought regulation
This story was corrected yesterday to show that DWR and Reclamation withdrew the TUCP, rather than the State Water Board. “The Department of Water Resources and Bureau of Reclamation have withdrawn an emergency drought regulation for the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta. Despite a dry January, board staff said the regulation, known as a temporary urgency change petition (TUCP), would not improve conditions if implemented as planned in February. They found no potential benefits to Shasta and Trinity reservoirs, which have the greatest need for water. … ” (My apologies if this article is not available.) Read more from AgriPulse here: Water agencie tables Delta drought regulation
Atmospheric rivers provide data to improve future forecasts of extreme storms
“Atmospheric rivers [AR] are a major contributor to the annual precipitation on the West Coast. In fact, they make up half of the yearly totals. And when you are talking about these long, narrow bands of water vapor that can hold as much as 25 Mississippi Rivers and contribute to major flooding across the West Coast, more detailed data is better. Researchers are improving technology and flight paths to better understand these rivers in the sky one AR at a time. … ” Read more from Channel 8 here: Atmospheric rivers provide data to improve future forecasts of extreme storms
SEE ALSO: Hurricane Hunters fly first missions of winter season, from the US Air Force Reserve Command
A return to native agriculture
“Three Native Americans, living in different landscapes and nurtured by different tribal cultures, all share the same goal: to ensure that the traditional Indigenous ways of gathering, growing, husbanding, and serving food are preserved. They are part of a movement, small enough to be barely noticeable in the world of industrial agriculture, but strong enough to be growing steadily, powered by enduring links to Native history and culture. Herman Fillmore, the culture and language director for the Washoe Tribe in California and Nevada, has grown squash, corn, and beans in the Washoe community garden since it was first planted in the spring of 2014. These crops, often called “Three Sisters,” are plants that Indigenous people of North America learned to grow together because they are mutually supportive. … ” Read more from Civil Eats here: A return to native agriculture
A widespread windstorm could deliver hurricane-force wind gusts in California and other parts of the West
“A windstorm is forecast to bring strong and possibly damaging winds to the western US, starting the weekend. Over 30 million people are under wind alerts across portions of California, Nevada, and far western Arizona and Utah. These alerts include the cities of San Francisco, Sacramento, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Forecast wind models “show a high probability of an unusually strong January wind event tonight,” the National Weather Service (NWS) office in San Francisco said on Friday morning. Winds across the region could reach 20 to 35 mph, and wind gusts in some areas could reach up to hurricane-force (75 mph). … ” Read more from CNN here: A widespread windstorm could deliver hurricane-force wind gusts in California and other parts of the West
To battle climate change in California, White House team focuses on green energy, water management
“Jan. 20 marks one year since the Biden-Harris administration took office and rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement. Soon after, President Joe Biden appointed the country’s first-ever national climate advisor, Gina McCarthy, to head a White House team on climate change. McCarthy said that over the past couple of years, the public’s recognition of climate change as a threat has changed dramatically. “The light dawned on so many people over the past couple of years as they’ve looked at these floods and these terrible hurricanes and typhoons. And it’s very challenging in the U.S. and even the world, which means we have to recognize that our climate has changed,” McCarthy said. … ” Read more from KCRA here: To battle climate change in California, White House team focuses on green energy, water management
In commentary today …
In increasing State Water Project allocations, DWR is taking huge risks
Deirdre Des Jardins of California Water Research writes, “The Department of Water Resources has just announced that they are increasing the State Water Project allocations to 15%. Given the huge problems last year with watershed runoff forecasts, DWR is taking a huge risk of not meeting environmental water needs later in the year. In November 2021, nine scientists from leading California water research institutions wrote: “Delivering as much water as practicable to urban and agricultural users leaves no room to adjust for errors in forecasting or unanticipated worsening of conditions. Yet, as 2021 and previous drought years show, forecasting, modeling, and operational errors are the norm – not the exception – during droughts. These errors inevitably lead to increased harm to the environment and the likelihood of errors is increasing with a changing climate. … ” Continue reading at the California Water Research blog here: In increasing State Water Project allocations, DWR is taking huge risks
Logging makes forests and homes more vulnerable to wildfires
Chad Hanson, Ph.D., author and research ecologist with the John Muir Project, and Dominick DellaSala, Ph.D., author and chief scientist with Wild Heritage, writes, “The West has seen some really big forest fires recently, particularly in California’s Sierra Nevada and the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. Naturally, everyone is concerned and elected officials are eager to be seen as advancing solutions. The U.S. Senate is negotiating over the Build Back Better bill, which currently contains nearly $20 billion in logging subsidies for “hazardous fuel reduction” in forests. This term contains no clear definition but is typically employed as a euphemism for “thinning”, which usually includes commercial logging of mature and old-growth trees on public lands. It often includes clearcut logging that harms forests and streams and intensifies wildfires. … ” Read more from The Hill here: Logging makes forests and homes more vulnerable to wildfires
SEE ALSO: Fire strategy stuck with old tactics, experts warn, from the Missoulian
In regional water news and commentary today …
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
NorCal: With rains on hold, the future looks cloudy for an end to the drought. Here’s why.
“After nearly two weeks of dry weather seemingly put an end to hopes of a wet winter, meteorologist Hannah Chandler-Cooley has some words of encouragement for Californians dismayed by the lack of rain in January. During the last three months of 2021, there were rays of hope the drought could be on its way out, as the rainfall totals for the Redding area stayed consistently above normal. But the North State’s weather fortunes changed with the new year. … Most of the North State’s rain falls from December through February, and storms can continue through May. But dry periods in the middle of the rainy season are not unusual, she said. … ” Continue reading at the Redding Record Searchlight here: With rains on hold, the future looks cloudy for an end to the drought. Here’s why.
Sacramento selects Stantec for recycled water project
“The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San) recently selected global design firm Stantec to provide design for 16 miles of transmission pipelines as part of the Harvest Water program. The program will provide tertiary-treated recycled water for growers to use to irrigate crops, instead of pumped groundwater, on 16,000 acres of agricultural lands in southern Sacramento County. The Harvest Water Program will deliver up to 50,000-acre-feet per year of recycled water from Regional San’s treatment plant in Elk Grove, to areas near the lower Cosumnes River and Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. … ” Read more from Water World here: Sacramento selects Stantec for recycled water project
NAPA/SONOMA
Sonoma County well owners advised to test water for contaminants as a result of two-year drought
“With groundwater levels lower than normal after two years of drought, Sonoma County and state officials are recommending private well owners test their water for natural contamination. “Well owners should test their well water to ensure it is safe to consume,” Christine Sosko, county director of environmental health, said in a news release. Shrinking aquifers that caused some wells to run dry last year may have increased concentrations of substances that “can be harmful to human health,” Sosko said. Testing for “naturally occurring contaminants is highly recommended,” she said, adding that residents should contact a private water treatment expert for assistance if tests detect any unhealthy substances. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Sonoma County well owners advised to test water for contaminants as a result of two-year drought
CDFW to hold technical workshop for cannabis cultivators in Sonoma County
“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is holding a cannabis technical assistance workshop on February 9 in Sonoma County. This pop-up technical workshop is ideal for new and legacy farmers as well as cannabis consultants. CDFW’s cannabis permitting, engineering and grant staff will be available to discuss general and complex cannabis construction activities, notification package assistance, compliance questions and cannabis grant program opportunities. “The technical assistance workshop held in November was extremely helpful in solving some complex issues related to various cannabis projects,” said Lily Gross of Lily Gross Consulting. “Getting answers to questions on the spot with face-to-face connections and solving problems all in one meeting was a great use of my time and will help my clients’ projects. I look forward to utilizing these resources as needed.” … ” Read more from CDFW here: CDFW to hold technical workshop for cannabis cultivators in Sonoma County
BAY AREA
Marin Municipal Water District eases drought restrictions
“The Marin Municipal Water District voted unanimously this week to rescind water use limits and associated penalties that took effect in December. The decision on Tuesday means ratepayers will be not be penalized for excessive water use in their February bills, which would have been the first time they could have been applied. The decision is also the first rollback of the district’s drought restrictions that were implemented last year in the face of dwindling water supplies following two dry winters. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin Municipal Water District eases drought restrictions
East Bay sewer district gets $250 million federal loan for upgrades
“The Union Sanitary District will receive a $250 million federal infrastructure loan to upgrade its aging waste treatment facility. The cash infusion will help support the district’s roughly $510 million plan to significantly upgrade its 33-acre wastewater treatment facility in Union City, the largest improvement project it has ever undertaken. The project will take an estimated seven to 10 years to complete, officials said. Aging equipment, including massive aeration tanks and clarifiers that treat wastewater in stages, will be replaced. New infrastructure will be installed to help the facility remove about half of all nitrogen in wastewater, as well as up to 90% of ammonia before it is pumped back into the bay, easing the district’s impact on local waters. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: East Bay sewer district gets $250 million federal loan for upgrades
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
State Water Board member: Flowing water is “necessary” in the Kern River
“A technical legal gambit on the current Kern River case gave an interesting peek into the thoughts of one member of the powerful state Water Resources Control Board, which will ultimately decide the fate of any “loose” water on the river. The City of Bakersfield had filed a petition asking the board to reconsider an order that deferred consideration of public trust issues – meaning flows dedicated to the river for recreation, wildlife and drinking water – in the multi-phased administrative hearings to determine if there is available water on the river, if so, how much and who should get it. … ” Read more from SJV Water here: State Water Board member: Flowing water is “necessary” in the Kern River
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Palmdale Water District makes deal to share resources on some projects
“The Palmdale Water District has entered into an agreement with a Ventura County water agency to share resources and work on mutually beneficial projects. The District Board of Directors, on Jan. 10, unanimously approved the Memorandum of Understanding with United Water Conservation District. The agreement took almost a year to develop, General Manager Dennis LaMoreaux said, and will allow the two agencies to work together where they can help each other for projects “that will really help our communities.” … ” Read more from the Antelope Valley Press here: Palmdale Water District makes deal to share resources on some projects
LA River restoration project getting $28 million from Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law
“The Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration project is getting $28 million in funding from the federal Infrastructure law, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Wednesday. Garcetti said it’s the largest amount of federal funding received for the river. “I am deeply grateful to our Los Angeles Congressional delegation, as well as the Biden administration for this funding, and I look forward to seeing the transformation continue as a lifelong Angeleno,” he said. The project aims to restore 11 miles of the river from Griffith Park to downtown L.A., including the creation and re-establishment of fresh water marsh habitat to support wildlife, according to the city’s Bureau of Engineering. … ” Read more from KABC here: LA River restoration project getting $28 million from Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law
Water wasters in celeb-heavy suburb warned: 3 strikes and your flow is restricted
“In a wealthy enclave nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains that is a haven for celebrities, residents now face more aggressive consequences for wasting water — including the threat of having their water flows slowed to a trickle if they repeatedly flout conservation rules. The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District northwest of Los Angeles offers a bold example of how local authorities across drought-stricken California are trying to get people to use less water, voluntarily if possible but with the threat of punishment if they don’t comply. Before restricting water flows, the district hopes to spur savings by giving households a real-time look at their water use and stepping up fines for those homeowners who exceed their allotted “water budgets.” … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Water wasters in celeb-heavy suburb warned: 3 strikes and your flow is restricted
Santa Monica: New water project takes landmark step toward water self-sufficiency
“This week, the City of Santa Monica took a significant step toward a self-reliant water future as expansions to the Arcadia Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and restorations to the Olympic Well Field broke ground. The key water infrastructure improvements are a component of the City’s goal of becoming water self-sufficient by 2023. Santa Monica’s water system comprises groundwater basins, treatment facilities, and imported water connections to serve 18,000 customers with an average annual water demand of approximately 11,600 acre-feet per year (AFY). About 50 to 60% of its water supply is from local groundwater resources. … Expansions to the Arcadia WTP and restoration of the Olympic Well Field are core components of the SWMP. The $72 million project is an immediate solution to developing sustainable and drought-resilient water supplies and expanding groundwater production as described by City of Santa Monica Public Works/Water Resources Division’s Water Resources Manager Sunny Wang … ” Read more from the City of Santa Monica here: New water project takes landmark step toward water self-sufficiency
SEE ALSO: New water projects set to expand local supply, from the Santa Monica Daily Press
As kelp forests again reach for the ocean surface in Santa Monica Bay, life follows
“The difference is like night and day. What was once a barren underwater landscape of reef overrun by millions of urchins is now a kelp forest teeming with life. Anchored to the sea floor, long stalks of kelp tower in the water, their giant fronds bouncing with the current. Schools of fish flit through the greenery. Kelp forests provide habitat and food for more than 700 species, but 80 percent of the kelp forests in Santa Monica Bay have been lost in the past 100 years. … The growing return of kelp to the area is a success story for The Bay Foundation, a nonprofit environmental group focused on Santa Monica Bay, which has restored about 52 acres of kelp forest off the Palos Verdes Peninsula since 2013. ... ” Continue reading at Waves here: As kelp forests again reach for the ocean surface in Santa Monica Bay, life follows
State agency to decide if OC desalination project will get housing funds
“While going through his morning routine before work, Oscar Rodriguez, community organizer and co-founder of Oak View Communidad, is focused on his talking points to the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee, where he’ll speak out against a proposed Huntington Beach desalination plant. “Keep tax money, taxpayer money protected, keep it local, invest in projects that are really going to advance our communities,” said Rodriguez. Rodriguez lives in Oak View, a small neighborhood in Huntington Beach that is predominantly low-income and Hispanic, and has suffered from the pandemic, cost of living and inflation. … ” Read more from Spectrum 1 here: State agency to decide if OC desalination project will get housing funds
The Bay Foundation and City of Manhattan Beach partner on dune restoration project for the future of our beaches
“The Bay Foundation (TBF), in partnership with the City of Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, and California State Coastal Conservancy, announces the Manhattan Beach Dune Restoration Project. This project aims to increase the resilience of over one–half mile of active shoreline against sea level rise and erosion by implementing nature–based protection measures that are both beautiful and cost–effective. Manhattan Beach is the first South Bay community to attempt to restore sandy coastal beach dunes, and the partners hope it will serve as a model for the region and engage the community through enhanced beach experiences, beauty, outreach, and education. “The City of Manhattan Beach is thrilled to be partnering with community groups, agencies, and scientists to make this project a reality,” stated Mayor Hildy Stern. “With the support of the California State Coastal Conservancy grant funding, we look forward to creating a more resilient and healthy coastline in the South Bay. This is also a great opportunity for excited residents to volunteer and participate in restoring our beach dunes.” … ” Continue reading from The Bay Foundation here: The Bay Foundation and City of Manhattan Beach partner on dune restoration project for the future of our beaches
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
More than 1,700 native trees planted on exposed lakebed next to Salton Sea
“For a week in December, California Conservation Corps Inland Empire Center members methodically dug 1,782 holes on exposed lakebed bordering the Salton Sea, and then filled them with native mesquite and palo verde trees. The project, a partnership between the CCC, the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, the California Natural Resources Agency and the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, was an experiment of sorts: what plants will be able to grow and proliferate in the tough clay where California’s largest lake has receded? “This is like a test project, so the tribe is testing on this site and they’re going to see how the plants grow throughout their lifetime,” CCC corps member Matthew Stuart said in a news release. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: More than 1,700 native trees planted on exposed lakebed next to Salton Sea
Salton Sea included in $172 million in funding for ports and waterways projects
“US Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced the US Army Corps of Engineers will receive $172.5 million in federal funding to help move forward critical water infrastructure projects in California. This funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the 2022 Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, both of which Padilla voted to pass last year, according to a press release. Highlights of California projects receiving funding include ... ” Continue reading at the Desert Review here: Salton Sea included in $172 million in funding for ports and waterways projects
Column: Lithium could help Salton Sea and fight against climate change
Columnist George Skelton writes, “People have been fighting Salton Sea shrinkage, salinity and stench for decades without much success. But now the local economy could be headed toward a boom. Gov. Gavin Newsom is trying to help energy companies tap into a huge underground reserve of lithium that’s in high demand for the big rechargeable batteries needed to power carbon-free automobiles. “We have what some have described as the Saudi Arabia of lithium,” Newsom told reporters in unveiling his $286-billion state budget proposal, referring to that country’s vast oil reserves. … ” Read more from Silicon Valley here: Column: Lithium could help Salton Sea and fight against climate change
SAN DIEGO
Record-setting December rains spell relief for San Diego area farmers
“San Diego County is in the midst of moderate drought conditions, even after experiencing its 28th-wettest December on record, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS). For farmers like Charley Wolk in Fallbrook, last month’s rain was money to their ears. “That December rain was verging on miraculous,” Wolk said. The avocado farmer who also owns Bejoca Grove and Landscape Management Company says the showers helped provide much-needed financial relief for farmers who can pay anywhere from $4,000 to $40,000 a month for their water bills. … ” Read more from NBC San Diego here: Record-setting December rains spell relief for San Diego area farmers
Along the Colorado River …
Governor’s office elaborates on plans for financial investments in Arizona’s water future
“As in nearly all his previous State of the State addresses, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on January 10 emphasized the importance of water to the State’s future. “One area where our work clearly isn’t done is on water,” said Governor Ducey in his eighth and final State of State speech. “Instead of just talking about desalination – the technology that made Israel the world’s water superpower – how about we pave the way to make it actually happen? So, Speaker (Rusty) Bowers, President (Karen) Fann and I have been working, and we propose that we make a historic investment: $1 billion. “Our goal: Secure Arizona’s water future for the next 100 years.” ... ” Read more from the Arizona Department of Water Resources here: Governor’s office elaborates on plans for financial investments in Arizona’s water future
St. George’s Lake Powell Pipeline threatened by low lake levels
“As the Bureau of Reclamation announced modifications to its management of the Colorado River, there has been renewed concern about the Lake Powell Pipeline, a proposed 140-mile water line from Lake Powell to St. George. The Lake Powell Pipeline is Washington County Water Conservancy District’s answer to the continued urban growth in St. George. According to the St. George Spectrum, the pipeline is expected to transport up to 28 billion gallons of water per year, enough to support around 150,000 households. According to Utah Rivers Council, the project is estimated at $2.24 billion. It would start near Glen Canyon Dam and end at Sand Hollow Reservoir between Hurricane and St. George. … ” Read more from Lake Powell Chronicle here: St. George’s Lake Powell Pipeline threatened by low lake levels
Native American tribe, New Mexico ink water leasing deal
“A Native American tribe has agreed to lease more of its water to help address dwindling supplies in the Colorado River Basin, officials announced Thursday. The agreement involves the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission and The Nature Conservancy. The tribe has agreed to lease up to 6.5 billion gallons (25 billion liters) of water per year to the state to bolster flows for endangered species and increase water security for New Mexico. The water would be released from the Navajo Reservoir in northwestern New Mexico to feed the San Juan River, which flows into the Colorado River. … ” Read more from NBC News here: Native American tribe, New Mexico ink water leasing deal
In national water news today …
Groundwater — not ice sheets — is the largest source of water on land and most of it is ancient
“Outside of the world’s oceans, groundwater is one of the largest stores of water on Earth. While it might appear that the planet is covered in vast lakes and river systems, they make up only 0.01 per cent of the Earth’s water. In fact, we now know there is 100 times as much groundwater on this planet as there is freshwater on its surface. Groundwater is the water contained beneath the Earth’s surface. It’s stored in the tiny cracks found within rock and the spaces between soil particles. It can extend deep into the subsurface, at least as much as 10 kilometres. As groundwater researchers, we’re interested in how governments and industries might use these extensive groundwater reservoirs, such as for storing liquid waste and carbon dioxide. But groundwater may also have environmental functions that have not yet been revealed — this body of water remains hidden, with very few windows available for us to explore it. … ” Read more from The Conversation here: Groundwater — not ice sheets — is the largest source of water on land and most of it is ancient
Senators talk with EPA on pesticide concerns
“Republican senators met via Zoom with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan and EPA officials to discuss the problematic direction EPA is headed with decisions that restrict access to safe and necessary crop protection products. Regan’s EPA has made several decisions this last year that will dramatically impact agriculture. Senators Roger Marshall, R-Kan., Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Mike Braun, R-Ind., and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, held a Zoom call with Regan and staff to explain their concerns. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Senators talk with EPA on pesticide concerns
Interior reveals plans for orphan well cleanup
“The Interior Department has signed an agreement with several other federal agencies to organize its nationwide effort to clean up orphaned oil and gas wells. Congress directed a historic $4.7 billion toward plugging abandoned wells on federal, tribal and private lands when it passed the bipartisan infrastructure package in November. The law directs Interior to take the lead in carrying out the program on public lands and distributing funding to states and tribes. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Interior Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau last week, and disclosed publicly today, also details the agency’s planned collaboration with the departments of Energy and Agriculture, as well as EPA and the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. … ” Read more from E&E News here: Interior reveals plans for orphan well cleanup
EPA releases funding integration tool for source water
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its Funding Integration Tool for Source Water (FITS), which is a one-stop-shop tool that explains how users can integrate various federal funding sources to support activities that protect sources of drinking water. The tool provides synopses on various federal funding programs, planning and funding considerations for each component of a source water protection program, and examples from states on how funding sources have been leveraged in the past. The tool integrates 11 funding sources/programs, eight from the EPA (e.g., Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program), and the remainder from other federal agencies (the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service and U.S. Forest Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency). … ” Read more from Water World here: EPA releases funding integration tool for source water
National water and climate update …
The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces this weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S.
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