DAILY DIGEST, 2/17: Proposed dam project sparks opposition from fellow water users; Experts unsure if SGMA is working; State Water Board preps for worst case drought scenario; Will salmon simmer again?; and more …

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On the calendar today …

• MEETING: The Central Valley Regional Water Board meets beginning at 9am. Agenda items include the Executive Officer’s report and consideration of a Resolution to adopt the Triennial Review of the Water Quality Control Plans for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins and the Tulare Lake Basin.Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.
• CEQA SCOPING MEETING: Site-specific water quality objectives for copper and zinc in fresh waterbodies of California from 4pm to 6pm.  State Water Resources Control Board Division of Water Quality (State Water Board) staff will conduct a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) public scoping meeting for the proposed water quality control policy which will support the development of site-specific water quality objectives for copper and zinc in fresh waterbodies of California using the biotic ligand model.  Click here for the full meeting notice and remote access instructions.

In California water news today …

Proposed dam project sparks opposition from fellow water users

“A new California dam project you probably haven’t heard of has already passed the initial environmental stages and recently won approval to apply for possible public funding. Predictably, the project has stoked opposition but not all the naysayers are who you might expect.  The Del Puerto Canyon Reservoir project, which would sit in the hilly, canyon-filled west side of the San Joaquin Valley just above the town of Patterson, has sparked a lawsuit from other valley water users.  “We don’t know the full spectrum of potential impacts,” said Eric R. Quinley, general manager of Delano-Earlimart Irrigation District, one of the water districts opposing the project. “That’s one of the reasons we were forced to intervene as we did.”  Project proponents say otherwise. ... ”  Read more from SJV Water here: Proposed dam project sparks opposition from fellow water users

California has begun managing groundwater under a new law. Experts aren’t sure it’s working

“In the rural county of Madera in California’s San Joaquin Valley, some farmworkers have learned to ration their water on a two-week schedule. Water gets hauled in by trucks and delivered to homes that have installed temporary tanks to store it in their backyards.  Those cisterns usually hold up to 2,500 gallons, enough water to last a family two weeks, if they’re careful. The average California household uses double that in the same amount of time.  “We’ve been using too much groundwater in the Central Valley that we really do not have, and it’s taking water from our communities now and from future generations,” said Erick Orellana, a policy advocate for the nonprofit Community Water Center. ... ”  Read more from Inside Climate News here: California has begun managing groundwater under a new law. Experts aren’t sure it’s working

New data shows subsidence continued in water year 2021, but pace slower than seen in previous droughts

“The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) released new satellite-based data that show subsidence – or the sinking of the land surface due to excessive groundwater pumping – continues in the state. DWR has intensified statewide subsidence monitoring to help identify impacts and address them collaboratively with local groundwater agencies, counties and landowners.  The areas experiencing the most subsidence during Water Year 2021 (WY 2021) are in the San Joaquin Valley, with a maximum of 1.1 feet of subsidence observed in the region and the Sacramento Valley with a maximum of 0.7 feet in the region. Data show that in WY 2021 subsidence of greater than 0.5 feet per year expanded to more areas than observed in WY 2020. However, fewer areas experienced higher rates of subsidence than at the end of the last drought in 2016. … ”  Read more from the Department of Water Resources here: New data shows subsidence continued in water year 2021, but pace slower than seen in previous droughts

California smashed an unenviable winter climate record

“At nearly 6,900 feet up in California’s Sierra Nevada, researchers are diligently watching the snow.  The historic Central Sierra Snow Lab, run by the University of California, Berkeley, has collected snow and weather information continuously in these mountains since 1957. Their work is increasingly salient: California, a region already prone to “boom and bust” water cycles, largely relies on snowpack for its water. But in a warming climate, that state’s precipitation is becoming more extreme and erratic. That means intense periods of wet extremes followed by dry stretches — the type that help set the stage for inferno-like wildfires. ... ”  Read more from Mashable here: California smashed an unenviable winter climate record

State Water Board preps for worst case drought scenario

“With warm weather, no meaningful precipitation lately and dry winds, the statewide snowpack has been dropping by about 1% every day, according to state water board staff.  “We have to assume that we don’t get another drop,” said board chair Joaquin Esquivel during a hearing Tuesday.  Board member Sean Maguire called it sobering how reservoir storage now stands at close to the same level as the record 1976-77 drought. … ”  Continue reading at Agri-Pulse here: State Water Board preps for worst case drought scenario

Will salmon simmer again?

“After two critically dry years that coincided with Trump-era rollbacks to environmental protections, some iconic Delta fish are closer than ever to the point of no return. Last fall, for the second year in a row, the fall midwater trawl found zero wild Delta smelt, while a coalition of environmentalists and fishermen is asking a federal court to help prevent a repeat of 2021’s near-obliteration of endangered winter-run Chinook salmon. Their lawsuit is just one of the balls to watch this spring as several projects and processes that could radically affect how much water flows through the Delta, and when, percolate.  “There’s a lot going on right now, kind of bubbling just below the surface,” says the Natural Resource Defense Council attorney Doug Obegi. … ”  Read more from Estuary News here: Will salmon simmer again?

West coast salmonids all tired out?

“West Coast salmon and steelhead populations have declined steeply in the past century – a plight that biologists have primarily blamed on habitat loss. Dams, for instance, block adult fish’s access to historic spawning grounds, and juvenile survival is impacted by streamside development and water diversions.  Now, it turns out, microplastic pollution may be a much bigger factor than anyone knew just several years ago.  In 2019, scientists with the San Francisco Estuary Institute and the Los Angeles-based nonprofit 5 Gyres published findings indicating that car tire particles are one of the most prevalent forms of microplastic pollution flowing into San Francisco Bay. … ”  Read more from Estuary News here: West coast salmonids all tired out?

Wildlife Conservation Board releases Stream Flow Enhancement Program 5-Year Report

“The Wildlife Conservation Board has released its 5-year report for the Stream Flow Enhancement Program, a Proposition 1 grant program which has funded projects that enhance the quantity or quality of stream flow throughout California. To date, the grant program has funded 128 projects totaling $138 million. The report highlights the number, distribution and types of projects funded, and includes several project-specific case studies as well as lessons learned and the future direction of the program.”

La Niña expected through spring, brings uncertainty to Sierra snowpack

“The recent dry weather in Northern California might be sticking around for a while.  The Climate Prediction Center forecasts a 77% chance La Niña conditions will continue through the month of May.  The term La Niña refers to a correlation between ocean water temperatures and winter weather patterns. … ”  Read more from Channel 40 here: La Niña expected through spring, brings uncertainty to Sierra snowpack

Could these ideas stop California’s megadrought?

“The federal government once conducted a study to find out if water could be feasibly imported into California from other states.  The findings were published by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in an appendix to the Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study published in 2012. The study was to determine if the water supply of the Colorado River Basin could be increased. Among the suggestions was importing water to Southern California.  The ideas floated by the USBR included using the Columbia River (that runs through Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia), rivers in Alaska or icebergs to bring more water into Southern California. Delivering the water included using pipelines, tanker ships, or towing icebergs. … ”  Read more from Your Central Valley here: Could these ideas stop California’s megadrought?

California will stick solar panels over canals to fight two disasters at once

“A water and electric utility in central California will install a first-of-its-kind network of solar panels on water canals. Turlock Irrigation District (TID) has secured a $20 million grant from the state to pursue the first-in-the-nation project, which could serve a beneficial double whammy: create renewable energy and save some water in the process.  Project Nexus is based off an analysis published last year in Nature Sustainability, which put some real numbers behind the idea that solar panels over canals could do some good. A lot of water in California wends its way through the state’s 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometers) of open delivery canals that comprise the aqueduct system, transporting water supply from the Sierra Nevada mountains and northern parts of the state to reservoirs, lakes, hydropower plants, and farms. … ”  Read more from Gizmodo here: California will stick solar panels over canals to fight two disasters at once

Oroville Dam crisis 5 years later: Spillways rebuilt; lawsuit in appeals court

“Five years after the Oroville Dam spillway crisis, DWR has completed the structural rebuild of the main and emergency spillways and says it backs the spillways’ safety.  The rebuilt main spillway was first utilized on April 2, 2019 and was successful in sustaining a flow of 25,000 cubic feet per second.  John Yarbrough, the assistant deputy director for DWR’s state water project said the new spillway is entirely up to modern standards and has been seen considerable oversight throughout the construction process. … ”  Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Oroville Dam crisis 5 years later: Spillways rebuilt; lawsuit in appeals court

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In commentary today …

The Delta needs a dike to weather climate change & protect LA water instead of tunnel

Dennis Wyatt, editor of the Manteca Bulletin, writes, “If climate change is happening and sea levels are rising then why is the State of California pursuing a Delta solution that protects Los Angeles Basin water interests and those of corporate farms at the expense of large swaths of San Joaquin and Sacramento counties?  Just like the State of California’s horse-blinder approach to high-speed rail that ignores changing realities, the same is true of the myopic tunnel project to bypass the Delta to keep water flowing into SoCal swimming pools in the event of a “disaster”.  The disaster of choice the proponents of the Delta Bypass keep going back to are earthquakes. They justify robbing the Delta of beneficial water to keep its ecological system healthy before it is pumped south to head to faucets accessed to hose down Disneyland pavement by saying a quake could disrupt the LA Basin’s sucking of water from north state watersheds. … ”  Read more from the Manteca Bulletin here: The Delta needs a dike to weather climate change & protect LA water instead of tunnel

California Water Commission advances two environmentally destructive water projects

The San Francisco Bay chapter of the Sierra Club writes, “On December 15th, the California Water Commission voted to advance two water storage projects that will have devastating consequences for California’s environment. After hours of public comment, many of which opposed advancing the two projects, the Commission decided both projects — Sites Reservoir and Pacheco Reservoir — maintained their eligibility to receive public funding under Proposition 1.  Proposition 1, passed by voters in 2014, created an innovative approach of investing bond funds based on the public benefits achieved by individual projects. In 2018, the Commission determined that eight projects were eligible for funds, including four surface storage projects and four groundwater projects. … ”  Read more from the Sierra Club here: California Water Commission advances two environmentally destructive water projects

Sites Reservoir: A part of the solution for dry years

David Guy, president of the Northern California Water Association, writes, “As we are staring at one of the most erratic water years in memory, with alternating wet and dry months, we would be well served this year in California if we had water in Sites Reservoir—an off-stream reservoir on the west-side of the Sacramento Valley.  To hear an update on the project, we encourage you to listen to a recent podcast on how Sites Reservoir would benefit California in a dry year like 2022. The Ingrained podcast is available here. If Sites had already been built, nearly 1 million acre feet of additional water would have been available to support the environment, farms and cities in 2021. ... ”  Continue reading at the Northern California Water Association here: Sites Reservoir: A part of the solution for dry years

State’s water policies are shameful

Jeff Benzinger writes, ” … It’s ludicrous and sad that the California State Water Resources Control Board has dictated that operators of the dams flush more water out of the reservoirs out to the Delta, thus guaranteeing less water for Valley farmers of less water to grow crops and supply city dwellers.  The reason we build dams – or shall I say used to build dams because the last one was New Melones in 1978 – is to store water for use in dry months. Over 120 years ago farmers in the Valley realized water meant prosperity and prompted the building of those dams. The La Grange Dam was the first local dam, built of stone, in 1883 to supply water to Ceres area farms. Ceres’ own Fred Moffet was on the board of the Turlock Irrigation District which built the first Don Pedro dam on the Tuolumne River from 1921 to 1923. As a kid my parents would take me up to watch the “new” dam being constructed in late 1960s. I remember watching giant skip loaders hauling in dirt for the massive earthen dam. … ”  Read more from Westside Connect here: State’s water policies are shameful

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In regional water news and commentary today …

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Court halts development of 760 luxury homes in Tahoe, a win for grassroots activists

“The developers behind housing project Martis Valley West wanted to build hundreds of high-end homes in a gated community on a forested ridgeline hugging the northern rim of the Lake Tahoe Basin.  But in their environmental review, they stopped short of disclosing the impact all 760 of those homes would have on Lake Tahoe’s famous clear water, including the traffic driving between the development and the Tahoe Basin. Pollution caused by cars and traffic is one of the leading causes of Tahoe’s declining lake clarity. … ”  Read more from SF Gate here: Court halts development of 760 luxury homes in Tahoe, a win for grassroots activists

Could the Winter Olympics ever come back to Lake Tahoe? Latest on effort to bid for games

“Before the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley Ski Resort had one chairlift, two rope tows and a 50-room lodge.  The winter games put northern California on the map as a premier North America skiing destination.  62 years later, we wondered if Lake Tahoe could ever host another Winter Olympics and if so, when that could possibly be.  Jon Killoran, CEO of the Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition, said his organization has spent the last 20 years trying to build the foundation to bring another winter games to the region. … ”  Read more from Channel 4 here: Could the Winter Olympics ever come back to Lake Tahoe? Latest on effort to bid for games

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Commentary: We all want to protect Butte County’s water

Ernie Washington writes, “The subject of water can be dry, but right now we are. The drought has reasserted itself, big time, after an encouraging November and December. The almonds are blooming in perfect conditions and as a longtime almond farmer normally I’d be thrilled, but frankly I wish it would rain like hell.  With the drought, SGMA ( the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requires groundwater extraction to be brought into balance with recharge by 2042) and the advent of the Tuscan Water District as discussed in an editorial in this paper last week it seems appropriate to consider water and its future in Butte County. Full disclosure, I have an interest in water issues and have served on the Butte County Water Commission for approximately 10 years.  Butte County is in a unique position statewide in that we’re literally surrounded by the stuff yet even here it’s in short supply and deserving of protection and preservation. … ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Commentary: We all want to protect Butte County’s water

SCWA taking steps to move North Bay Aqueduct intake to Sacramento River

“The Solano County Water Agency directors recently adopted a resolution to support a plan to move the intake to the North Bay Aqueduct from Cache Slough to the Sacramento River.  The action, the agency reported in a statement, would protect the water supply for about 500,000 residents in Solano and Napa counties.  However, the Water+ project comes with an estimated $600 million price tag, so achieving multiple benefits that could attract state, federal and other funding sources to offset the cost is essential. … ”  Read more from the Daily Republic here: SCWA taking steps to move North Bay Aqueduct intake to Sacramento River

Solano water agency project to protect water supply for Solano, Napa

“The Solano County Water Agency board is moving forward with a water and infrastructure project they say will protect the water supply for half a million Napa and Solano residents.  The North Bay Aqueduct, part of the State Water Project, supplies water to both counties but its intake location limits its usefulness, officials said in a press statement released Wednesday.  Poor water quality and sea-level rise near the aqueduct’s intake in Cache Slough reduce water supply reliability while increasing cost to residents, officials continued, thus water diversions often must be curtailed to minimize impacts to endangered fish.  Thus the Solano County Water Agency (SCWA) board of directors resolved to pursue development of the Water+ project to maintain the useful life of the aqueduct. ... ”  Continue reading from the Daily Republic here: Solano water agency project to protect water supply for Solano, Napa

NAPA/SONOMA

Napa County targets Campbell Creek culvert to help fish, Napa River

“A six-foot-diameter corrugated steel pipe culvert at Dry Creek Road north of the city of Napa is targeted for a $1.6 million replacement project — and that’s just part of a bigger story to help fish and the Napa River. The culvert at Campbell Creek blocks steelhead trout from continuing upstream. The culvert design can lead to erosion and to sediments washing to the distant Napa River, to the detriment of fish, according to various studies.  A new Campbell Creek culvert would make a big difference, given the area above the culvert is considered to have a very valuable fish spawning habitat, county Public Works Director Steven Lederer said. … ”  Read more from the Napa Register here: Napa County targets Campbell Creek culvert to help fish, Napa River

State senator proposes bills to ease highway 37 congestion, add sea level protections

“State Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, introduced two bills this week designed to ease congestion on state Highway 37, which runs between Vallejo to Novato and traverses Solano, Sonoma, and Marin counties, and to protect it from sea-level rise.  Dodd proposes adding a toll to pay for “critical improvements” and would like to tap into nearly $2 billion in federal infrastructure funding as well, his office announced Tuesday. … ”  Continue reading from CBS San Francisco here:  State senator proposes bills to ease highway 37 congestion, add sea level protections

BAY AREA

Marin Municipal Water District lifts sprinkler ban

“Most Marin County residents will once again be allowed to turn on their sprinklers following a nearly three-month ban.  The Marin Municipal Water District board voted unanimously on Tuesday to allow the district’s 191,000 residents in central and southern Marin to use outdoor sprinklers and drip irrigation two days per week. Outdoor irrigation using potable water supplies had been banned since Dec. 1 in response to the drought.  The two-day-per-week allowance comes after rains in late 2021 nearly refilled the district’s drought-sapped reservoirs, which had faced possible depletion by mid-2022. ... ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin Municipal Water District lifts sprinkler ban

Editorial: Marin water district has right idea with decorative turf ban

The Marin Independent Journal editorial board writes, “The Marin Municipal Water District is far from out of the woods when it comes to the drought and its water supply.  While the rainstorms in November and December brought relief and bought more time for decision-making, the district and its customers still face a huge challenge. Backing off of restrictions imposed in the midst of the water supply crisis should be addressed with due caution, especially given the recent return of unusually dry weeks of winter. ... ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Editorial: Marin water district has right idea with decorative turf ban

Some San Jose residents could run out of water by summer if drought continues, expert says

“In California, you pay big bucks for blue skies and sunshine filled days like we had today in San Jose.  But this morning, ABC7 News Meteorologist Drew Tuma explained why it’s not necessarily always a good thing.  “This is our 49th day in a row without a drop of rain in San Jose,” Tuma said. “So, that is the record longest stretch in our winter season that we have not seen a drop of rain in parts of the South Bay. So you can see how dry it has been this winter season.” … ”  Read more from ABC Bay Area here: Some San Jose residents could run out of water by summer if drought continues, expert says

Santa Clara Valley Water District warns of drought emergency

“Despite efforts to conserve water, the driest January on record has left Santa Clara in a drought emergency.  The looming specter of drought kicked off a joint informational meeting between the Santa Clara City Council and the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) Board of Directors Tuesday night. The item stressed the need to continue to conserve water to avoid drastic measures to ensure the City has enough water to operate.  “The more we conserve, the less emergency water we have to purchase,” said Gary Kremen, chair of the Water District Board. … ”  Read more from the Silicon Valley Voice here: Santa Clara Valley Water District warns of drought emergency

Valley Water working to advance environmental justice and equity across Santa Clara County

“When Valley Water’s new Chief Executive Officer, Rick Callender, took the helm in July 2020, one of his priorities was to address systemic racism and ensure equity in providing safe, clean water, flood protection and environmental stewardship to all communities within Valley Water’s service area.  Shortly thereafter, with the support of the Board of Directors, Valley Water created a new Office of Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI), charged with promoting equity both internally and externally with stakeholders, and advancing environmental justice. ... ”  Read more from Valley Water News here:  Valley Water working to advance environmental justice and equity across Santa Clara County

Big boulders, big benefits to Coyote Creek fish

“As a source of flowing water, upper Coyote Creek is unreliable at best. Though storms swell its banks in winter, Mediterranean-climate summers shrink this South Bay stream to a series of isolated pools by August.  “By October right before the rains come, we’re down to these really small pools that have all the fish in them,” says retired U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ecologist Rob Leidy.  Leidy and UC Berkeley fish ecologist Stephanie Carlson began monitoring the annual dry-down of upper Coyote Creek in 2014, with the help of Hana Moidu and other graduate students. The creek itself originates in Henry W. Coe State Park and flows to the Bay through Coyote and Anderson lakes south of San Jose. … ”  Read more from Estuary News here: Big boulders, big benefits to Coyote Creek fish

Foster City cleaning algae bloom

“The unseasonably warm weather caused an algae bloom in the Foster City Lagoon, which officials are working to remove, according to the city. The dead algae causes the appearance of water discoloration or presence of floating material but is not harmful. Last week, crews started removing the dead algae that floated to the water’s surface, including the areas along the edge of the lagoon where the material accumulated. This work is expected to continue through the week. ... ”  Read more from the Daily Journal here: Foster City cleaning algae bloom

Dry winter months diminish Coastside’s water supply

“After one of the driest Januarys in state history, local water officials are considering new measures to ensure water conservation in the midst of a prolonged drought. Coastside County Water District Water Resource Analyst Cathleen Brennan said last week that the water district’s board of directors will likely implement water use restrictions in March by declaring a water shortage emergency warning. The declaration emphasizes reducing outdoor irrigation. … ”  Read more from the Half Moon Bay Review here: Dry winter months diminish Coastside’s water supply

CENTRAL COAST

Monterey: A quiet fight for soil is unfolding between invasive and native plant species.

“Across many of the landscapes one finds in Monterey County, a quiet war is unfolding.   As with many wars throughout history, this one is over real estate, with natives fighting to hold their ground against resource-hungry foreign invaders. On many battlegrounds, from urban backyards to expansive wild settings, the foreign interests are finding success in their conquest, to the detriment of the ecosystem’s health and those who have called this county home for thousands of years.  This battle, between native and invasive plant species, takes place on an environmental scale, which means the stakes are high and the impact wide ranging, but it happens across decades and centuries, timelines too slow to grab the attention of human populations at-large. That is, until something substantial happens, such as hotter and more uncontrollable wildfires that burn eucalyptus tree oils and torch through French broom gauntlets, deeply damaging the earth below. … ”  Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Monterey: A quiet fight for soil is unfolding between invasive and native plant species.

Carpinteria Water District: Hoping for a March miracle

“We are over a month into 2022 and it sure is dry. In January, we had 0.02 inches of rain recorded in Carpinteria, and February is not looking much better.  We are halfway through February and hoping for some rain to help replenish local water supplies. Historically in Santa Barbara County, precipitation in January and February make up 43% of the rainfall all year. We started the winter with a hopeful set of storms in December. The rainfall at Lake Cachuma was 8.22 inches in the month of December, which accounts for the majority of the 9.99 inches of rain the area has received since September of last year. … ”  Read more from the Coastal View here: Carpinteria Water District: Hoping for a March miracle

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Merced County farms looking at drastic water shortages with coming dry season

“Local irrigation district officials and Merced County farmers are worried the current wet season isn’t wet enough to yield more than one acre-foot of surface water for many local farmers in the coming dry season. During a Merced Irrigation District board meeting this week, officials discussed how to grapple with the expected water supply shortages this year due to the drought and water allocations from Lake McClure, which the MID board decides every year. “As of now and unless the weather changes, the board will have some difficult decisions to make in the coming weeks,” said John Sweigard, the general manager of the Merced Irrigation District. … ”  Read more from the Merced Sun-Star here: Merced County farms looking at drastic water shortages with coming dry season

Merced Irrigation District expects low water allocations due to drought

“Growers in the North Valley are bracing low water allocations this year.  The Merced Irrigation District says due to the dry season, its board may have to make some “difficult decisions” in the coming weeks.  Growers in the North Valley are bracing low water allocations this year.  The Merced Irrigation District says due to the dry season, its board may have to make some “difficult decisions” in the coming weeks. … ”  Read more from KFSN here: Merced Irrigation District expects low water allocations due to drought

San Joaquin County to get $35 million for levee projects to reduce flood risk

“Millions of dollars are going to San Joaquin County to help reduce flood risk.  On Wednesday, Representative Josh Harder (D) Modesto announced that $35 million from the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act will go toward improving levees in San Joaquin County this year. ... ”  Continue reading at KCRA here: San Joaquin County to get $35 million for levee projects to reduce flood risk

Kern River watershed starved for precipitation

Steven Alan Lafond, retired after 33 years as chief hydrographer on Kern River, writes, “Pounding, saturating, late-winter rains, along with bountiful snow and slush, combined with record amounts of spring-time precipitation, may be required for the Kern River to flow through Bakersfield later this summer. After a record-setting plume of precipitation swept through Bakersfield, our surrounding mountains, and the entirety of the Sierra Nevada during the second half of December 2021, inexplicably, the Pacific Ocean water faucet closed. Since Dec. 28, Bakersfield has recorded but .01 inch of rainfall. It is now over 40-Days-and-Nights with nary a drop of rain — in the middle of winter, mind you. Since the time continuous water flow measurements of Kern River were first begun on Sept. 29, 1893, the Kern River has been known to produce one wet year out of every three years. … ”  Continue reading from the Bakersfield Californian here: Kern River watershed starved for precipitation

EASTERN SIERRA

Eared Grebe research at Mono Lake

“The Mono Lake Committee is dedicated to the restoration of Mono Lake and recognizes Eared Grebes as one of the bird species of special significance due to the species’ historical and current reliance on Mono Lake. Since 2008, the Mono Lake Committee has collaborated with Dr. Sean Boyd from Environment and Climate Change Canada to facilitate annual aerial Eared Grebe surveys at Mono Lake. As of December, 2021, this work is now published in the scientific journal Waterbirds.  There are two findings from the paper that are critical pieces of information for the Committee moving forward. … ”  Continue reading from the Mono Lake Committee here: Eared Grebe research at Mono Lake

Owens Valley Groundwater Agency shrinking fast as members pull out, hoping water levels remain stable

“Five years ago, public entities within the Owens Valley aquifer joined in on the development of a groundwater sustainability plan dictated by the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Act. It’s been a bumpy ride that seems to have ended with the majority of what became the Owens Valley Groundwater Agency pulling out once the coveted Groundwater Sustainability Plan was developed. As complex as that process was, the uncoupling of the OVGA is even more complex.  The exodus started when the groundwater basin was downgraded from medium to low priority mid-stream in the process. Low priority basins pretty much don’t have to do anything, but the multi-county, multi-agency OVGA already had a $700,000 grant to develop the plan; so it did. … ”  Read more from the Sierra Wave here: Owens Valley Groundwater Agency shrinking fast as members pull out, hoping water levels remain stable

Ridgecrest: Groundwater Authority applies for $7.6 million in grant funds

“The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority plans to apply for $7.6 million in grant funds from California, according to a presentation at the IWVGA board meeting on February 9.  Funds from this grant are to help California agencies plan their groundwater sustainability plans, and IWVGA intends to put those funds towards planning how to get imported to the IWV.  This round of grant funds also signals the coming of an important new chapter for the IWVGA: this might be the last grant funding round for planning, according to the meeting’s presentation by Capitol Core’s Michael Mckinney. … ”  Read more from the Ridgecrest Independent here: Ridgecrest: Groundwater Authority applies for $7.6 million in grant funds

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Irvine Ranch Water District, Metropolitan to help communities affected by California drought

“Irvine Ranch Water District and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California are working together to support drought-stricken communities by making water from IRWD’s water bank available to those that need it most.  IRWD and Metropolitan, Southern California’s water wholesaler, are partnering to provide nearly 4,000 acre-feet of water from the IRWD Water Bank in Kern County for distribution to drought-stricken areas within Metropolitan’s service area. In return, Metropolitan will reimburse the recovery costs and provide a credit to IRWD for the same amount of water to meet a future need.  The partnership and implementing agreement reflect an overarching spirit of collaboration among water agencies throughout the state, working together to respond to emergencies. ... ”  Read more from ACWA’s Water News here: IRWD, MWD to help communities affected by California drought

Long Beach: Rancho Los Cerritos launches $4 million project to capture, reuse 95% of rainfall

“The historic Long Beach landmark Rancho Los Cerritos has unveiled a plan to build an advanced groundwater-reclamation system designed to capture, store and reuse rainfall by up to 95%.  The $4 million initiative, “Looking Back to Advance Forward,” is funded by grants provided by the Port of Long Beach, Metropolitan Water District, Long Beach Water Department and Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. It will “reuse nearly 95 percent of rainfall, decreasing water use and preventing runoff and pollutants from reaching the ocean,” according to a press release. The project will also include an extensive public education program that strives to teach students about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. … ”  Read more from the Long Beach Post here: Long Beach: Rancho Los Cerritos launches $4 million project to capture, reuse 95% of rainfall

Snow in LA? Closer look reveals icy aftermath of Southern California storms

“Nearly a month had passed without a single raindrop falling on Los Angeles, but that rainless streak came to an end on Tuesday afternoon in grand fashion when thunderstorms rumbled over Southern California.  Residents were sent scrambling for cover when the rain hit, occurring just two days after an unseasonable warm spell sent temperatures into the 80s F. Only 0.06 of an inch of rain was measured in downtown Los Angeles, the first measurable rain since Jan. 17, but a much different story unfolded in neighboring Pasadena, which is just about 10 miles northeast of L.A.  Hailstones piled up on roads and yards across Pasadena late Tuesday afternoon with claps of thunder and flashes of lightning shocking residents. Some were so stunned by the white hailstones that they misinterpreted the hail as snow. … ”  Read more from AccuWeather here: Snow in LA? Closer look reveals icy aftermath of Southern California storms

Six years in, work on Santa Ana River flood protection in Yorba Linda nearly done

“The last of new flood control improvements along the lower Santa Ana River are expected to wrap up this spring, part of a decades-long series of projects that federal and local officials say will better protect neighboring communities in the event of seriously rising water.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ project in east Yorba Linda, which has dragged on for almost six years, should be completed before its scheduled July end date, said Peter Gauer, the Corps’ resident engineer. “We anticipate them finishing ahead of schedule, possibly April of this year.” ... ”  Read more from the OC Register here: Six years in, work on Santa Ana River flood protection in Yorba Linda nearly done

SAN DIEGO

Why are San Diego water rates so high?

“Conservation efforts combined with projects across San Diego are playing a role in putting the county in a better position to weather a drought, but is also leaving the county with some of the highest water rates in the state — higher than Los Angeles County.  A new report by Arizona State University environmental economist Michael Hanemann offers an analysis of water rates in San Diego County. He found that the San Diego County Water Authority’s wholesale rate for untreated water is $400 more per acre-foot than the Metropolitan Water District in Los Angeles. ... ”  Read more from KPBS here: Why are San Diego water rates so high?

Column: Just Sayin’: The saga of San Diego water

Harvey Levine writes, ” … My interest is in effective governance that delivers what’s best for residents, businesses and the environment and doing it at costs that are reasonable and proper. This month we focus on WATER.  One of the big concerns is supply. With frequent photos of almost dry reservoirs, and the Colorado River no longer flowing freely into the Sea of Cortez, responsible municipalities are looking at options for risk mitigation. The normal response to risk is to either ignore it or downplay it, often leading to undesired results.  To their credit, the City and County of San Diego have engaged in strategies that have effectively mitigated the risk. However, the actions, and especially the extreme cost, have inflicted consequences in excess of what would be considered prudent.  Let’s visit the saga of water supply for San Diego County to see what I mean. … ”  Continue reading at the San Diego Union-Tribune here: Column: Just Sayin’: The saga of San Diego water

NOAA study shows sea-level rise drastically increasing, San Diego may be impacted

“A new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that sea-level rise will increase by up to 12 inches nationally in the next 30 years, the same amount it’s increased in the last 100 years.  The Gulf Coast, especially Texas and Louisiana, will get hit hardest.  The west coast of the United States is on the lower end of the increase, with between four and eight inches of rising expected by 2050. However, there are other factors at play that could make flooding worse in Southern California. … ”  Continue reading from Channel 10 here: NOAA study shows sea-level rise drastically increasing, San Diego may be impacted

San Diego gets surprise blast of hail, rain and snow

“A cold low-pressure system was moving eastward Wednesday after delivering surprisingly intense lightning, thunder, hail, snow and rain to San Diego.  About a quarter of an inch to half an inch of rain fell in the county, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).  One inch of snow was reported at Birch Hill, near Palomar Observatory, the NWS said. Snow was also reported at Mount Laguna overnight. … ”  Read more from KPBS here: San Diego gets surprise blast of hail, rain and snow

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Along the Colorado River …

Imagine a great river, flowing free through Glen Canyon

“Some environmental groups and water honchos have sponsored a “Rewilding of Glen Canyon” contest, with the winner getting $4,000 “and counting.” The contest’s goal is to reconnect the Colorado River above and below a dismantled dam, to restore the beauty of a glorious place now submerged by Lake Powell – just 26% full.  The usual suspects make up the rewilding sponsors: former Bureau of Reclamation Chief Dan Beard and Richard Ingebretsen’s Glen Canyon Institute. There’s also Clark County, Nevada, Commissioner Tick Segerblom; Save the Colorado’s Gary Wockner; and nature photographer John Fielder. Great Basin Water Network and Living Rivers are co-sponsors. … ”  Read more from The Journal here: Imagine a great river, flowing free through Glen Canyon

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In national water news today …

SCOTUS water decision could be a game-changer

“Potentially game-changing news for Western farmers and ranchers hit the headlines early this year when the U.S. Supreme Court announced that the justices will revisit and potentially limit the scope of Clean Water Act (CWA) precedent.  The case to be taken up by the Supreme Court centers on a conflict between an Idaho couple, Chantell and Michael Sackett, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Sacketts attempted to build a home on land the EPA claims to be federally protected wetlands under the CWA. The Supreme Court in 2012 sided with the Sacketts in their battle for judicial review of an EPA order that stopped them from building a house on their land and threatened fines of more than $30,000 a day. In a short order last month, the justices agreed to consider whether the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals erred when it affirmed that the federal government has permitting authority over the couple’s property in northern Idaho.  … ”  Read more from the Western Farm Press here:  SCOTUS water decision could be a game-changer

NEPA reviews moving faster under Biden

“Federal agencies have been issuing decisions on infrastructure permits faster than average by nearly four months, according to a new study.  “They seemed to be operating with greater efficiency,” said Perkins Coie LLP partner Ted Boling, who led the Trump rewrite of National Environmental Policy Act rules. “A transition year is always topsy-turvy, but there does seem to be timeliness of particular infrastructure development.”  Infrastructure can include everything from land management plans to rail projects, and the data shows how the federal government is handling environmental reviews as the new administration looks to accelerate clean energy development but also address environmental justice concerns. … ”  Read more from E&E News here: NEPA reviews moving faster under Biden

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Real–Time Spatial Estimates of Snow–Water Equivalent (SWE) …

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Also on Maven’s Notebook today …

VELES WEEKLY REPORT: Water price jumps nearly 10%, the squeeze is on, all eyes on groundwater.

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