DAILY DIGEST, weekend edition: Undamming the Klamath may be a reality this year; LaMalfa leads letter requesting more flexible water operations; Why did California regulators choose a firm with ties to Chevron to study irrigating crops with oil wastewater?; and more …

In California water news this weekend …

Undamming the Klamath may be a reality this year

“Twenty years ago, undamming the Klamath River seemed like an impossibility. Against all odds, the project is entering its home stretch and dam removal may begin as early as this year.  On Friday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released a draft environmental impact statement detailing how removing four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River would have permanent and significant benefits for the environment and the public. One of the biggest benefits would be the restoration of water quality and temperatures, which are essential for the survival of fish species in the river that local tribes and fishermen rely upon.  “Once again, a thorough analysis by experts reveals dam removal as key for restoring Klamath fisheries and improving water quality,” Yurok Vice Chairman Frankie Myers said in a statement. “Our culture and our fisheries are hanging in the balance. We are ready to start work on dam removal this year.” ... ”  Read more from the Eureka Times-Herald here: Undamming the Klamath may be a reality this year

Feds release Klamath Dam removal environmental document

“The Federal Energy Regulation Commission today released the final draft of its Environmental Impact Statement on plans to remove four hydroelectric dams from the lower Klamath River dams, and proponents say the document confirms the long-touted environmental benefits.  “Once again, a thorough analysis by experts reveals dam removal as key for restoring Klamath fisheries and improving water quality” said Yurok Vice Chair Frankie Myers in a press release. “Our culture and our fisheries are hanging in the balance. We are ready to start work on dam removal this year.” … ”  Read more from the North Coast Journal here: Feds release Klamath Dam removal environmental document

SEE ALSO:

• • FERC Staff Issues the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Hydropower License Surrender and Decommissioning of the Lower Klamath Project No. 14803 (P-14803-001), press release from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
  • Major hurdle cleared in plan to demolish 4 California dams, from US News & World Report
  • Public comment opens on Klamath dam removal plan, from Jefferson Public Radio
  • Klamath Dam Removal Process Enters Home Stretch, from Dan Bacher at the Daily Kos

The dammed rivers that shaped America’s West

“The evolution of the sprawling cities of the American West is inextricably bound to America’s 20th-century fascination with dam-building. But that decades-long story, rife with dammed and diverted rivers as well as political intrigue, is being reshaped by climate change, drought and overuse into a tale of ecologic and economic misadventure. Despite the problematic history of the big dam projects, however, historian Char Miller insists that objective assessment requires acknowledgment of both the benefits these structures have provided and the good intentions involved in their creation. … Miller remains hopeful that the same spirit and know-how that built the dams can now be relied upon to ameliorate the challenges they have caused. Miller recently spoke with Governing Editor-at-Large Clay Jenkinson.  ... ”  Read the full article at Governing here: The dammed rivers that shaped America’s West

Congressman LaMalfa leads letter requesting more flexible water operations in water year 2022

“Yesterday, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R – Calif) led a group of California Congressional Members in a letter to the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) requesting them to jointly resubmit a Temporary Urgency Change Petition (TUCP) for Water Year 2022 to the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) to lower operational requirements over the next several months due to the worsening drought conditions. Members of the California delegation, including Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R – Calif), Congressman Ken Calvert (R – Calif), Congressman Tom McClintock (R – Calif), and Congressman David Valadao (R – Calif) joined. Due to the current low reservoir storage levels, this year’s precipitation data, and forecasted weather conditions Members are concerned about drought conditions worsening hydrologic operations, and water flow releases unable to meet Delta outflow and salinity requirements. The TUCP would provide the necessary modifications to preserve upstream water storage due to precipitation and snowpack levels remaining low.  … ”  Read more from Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s website here: Congressman LaMalfa leads letter requesting more flexible water operations in water year 2022

Why did California regulators choose a firm with ties to Chevron to study irrigating crops with oil wastewater?

“In 2015, a California water board suddenly found itself under a microscope for allowing farmers to irrigate their crops with oil field wastewater, a practice it had condoned for decades.  The California Council on Science and Technology had just revealed that the testing and treatment of hazardous chemicals in oil field wastewater used for irrigation was inadequate, and legislators were demanding increased oversight. They feared that oil companies’ wastewater was threatening groundwater needed for drinking water and growing crops.  Faced with heightened scrutiny, the California’s Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board raced to secure a consultant to study the controversial practice and soon settled on GSI Environmental as both qualified and unbiased. … But the board should never have chosen GSI, scientists, public interest activists and former regulators said in interviews … ”  Read the full story at Inside Climate News here: Why did California regulators choose a firm with ties to Chevron to study irrigating crops with oil wastewater?

With Delta smelt all but gone in the wild, a first-ever “hatch-and-release” effort aims to save them from extinction

“In the vast labyrinth of the West Coast’s largest freshwater tidal estuary, one native fish species has never been so rare. Once uncountably numerous, the Delta smelt was placed on state and federal endangered species lists in 1993, stopped appearing in most annual sampling surveys in 2016, and is now, for all practical purposes, extinct in the wild. At least, it was.  Then, in December, state and federal biologists released more than 12,000 adult Delta smelt, born about a year earlier in a University of California, Davis laboratory, into the lower Sacramento River in an effort to draw the species away from the brink of oblivion. Another batch of smelt was released in January and three more in early February. ... ”  Read more from Western Water here: With Delta smelt all but gone in the wild, a first-ever “hatch-and-release” effort aims to save them from extinction

Time Is Ripe: Don’t give up on California-grown asparagus just yet

“A lovely plate of fresh steamed or roasted asparagus is something we look forward to each spring in California. Once called “the King of Vegetables,” the local fields of Delta asparagus have become harder and harder to find. Thousands of acres of asparagus once covered the Stockton-Brentwood area in soft green spears every spring, but urban sprawl and other crops have steadily replaced them.  In the last 20 years, California’s asparagus acreage has plummeted. … ”  Read more from the East Bay Times here: Time Is Ripe: Don’t give up on California-grown asparagus just yet

Delta Region central to California’s economy, ecosystem, and drinking water supply

“The Delta Region and its web of waterways and marshes are central to California’s economy, ecosystem, and drinking water supply.  As California settles into what will likely be the third dry year in a row. Routine water releases from upstream reservoirs are even more important to maintain the safety of the water supply. … ”  Read more from Channel 23 here: Delta Region central to California’s economy, ecosystem, and drinking water supply

Drought maps show California is even drier than last year in some parts of the state

“Despite sprinkles of rain and some pea-sized hail in the Bay Area earlier this week, much of California remains in severe drought. Overall, it’s just as dry as last year, which was also extremely dry, and the outlook for the near future isn’t promising.  About 69% of the state is in severe drought or worse, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor data.  “There’s very little indication that we’re going to see any substantial changes by the end of winter, even through the first part of spring,” said Brian Fuchs, associate geoscientist and climatologist at the National Drought Mitigation Center, which operates the U.S. Drought Monitor. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Drought maps show California is even drier than last year in some parts of the state

California-Nevada and Pacific Northwest Special Edition Drought Early Warning Update

“A high pressure ridge near the western U.S. coast has largely diverted precipitation away from the states of California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho over the past 6 weeks and impeded drought recovery. In southern Oregon, reservoir levels are already extremely low, and in California, the volume of water stored in the snowpack and reservoirs combined has plateaued. These five western states are on the precipice of drought intensification and development if below-normal precipitation continues, as is being suggested by subseasonal forecasts and historical odds. … ”  Read more from NIDIS here: California-Nevada and Pacific Northwest Special Edition Drought Early Warning Update

Forecasting Our Future: Two ways high-flying technology helps track and predict California’s water supply

“In order to efficiently manage California’s water supply, water managers need detailed information on how much water is available to start. Most of that water, especially during the dry season comes from melted snowpack. The rest comes from rainfall and reservoirs.  Getting detailed data that is accurate is a challenge, especially when considering how much ground California covers, over 160,000 square miles. A lot of that area is hard to access to take in-person measurements.  One solution is to take those measurements from above by using modern technology. … ”  Read more from KCRA Channel 3 here: Forecasting Our Future: Two ways high-flying technology helps track and predict California’s water supply

Atmospheric rivers: how they work, and how El Niño and La Niña affect them

“This past December, a mind-boggling 18 feet of snowfall fell in the California Sierra Nevada Mountains! How does so much snow fall in one place in such a short period of time? One of the primary phenomena responsible for such extreme rain and snowfall, particularly in regions like the western U.S., is the atmospheric river. Like their terrestrial counterparts, atmospheric rivers carry tremendous amounts of water over thousands of miles. These aerial versions, however, often bring both severe disruption and great benefit through the heavy rain and mountain snows that they produce. In this blog post, we will give you a brief primer on atmospheric rivers and (of course!) explain how they are affected by ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation). … ”  Read more from Snow Brains here: Atmospheric rivers: how they work, and how El Niño and La Niña affect them

California reps ask US for new water study at former base

“Two California congressmembers are asking the federal government to study whether there’s evidence that potential toxic and contaminated drinking water at Fort Ord can be tied to specific cancers and other diseases.  “Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to our servicemembers and their families,” said Reps. Katie Porter and Jimmy Panetta in a letter to the director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. “By conducting a new study at Fort Ord, we may guarantee that those harmed while serving our country get the medical care they need.” … ”  Read more from ABC News here: California reps ask US for new water study at former base

California agriculture takes $1.2-billion hit during drought, losing 8,700 farm jobs, researchers find

“Severe drought last year caused the California agriculture industry to shrink by an estimated 8,745 jobs and shoulder $1.2 billion in direct costs as water cutbacks forced growers to fallow farmland and pump more groundwater from wells, according to new research.  In a report prepared for the California Department of Food and Agriculture, researchers calculated that reduced water deliveries resulted in 395,000 acres of cropland left dry and unplanted — an area larger than Los Angeles. In estimating the costs, they factored in losses in crop revenue and higher costs for pumping more groundwater. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: California agriculture takes $1.2-billion hit during drought, losing 8,700 farm jobs, researchers find

Wildlife Conservation Board funds environmental improvement and acquisition projects

“At its Feb. 24, 2022 quarterly meeting, the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) approved approximately $64.39 million in grants to help restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat throughout California. Some of the 27 approved projects will benefit fish and wildlife — including some endangered species — while others will provide public access to important natural resources. Several projects will also demonstrate the importance of protecting working landscapes that integrate economic, social and environmental stewardship practices beneficial to the environment, landowners and the local community.  Funding for these projects comes from a combination of sources including the Habitat Conservation Fund and bond measures approved by voters to help preserve and protect California’s natural resources. ... ”  Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife here: Wildlife Conservation Board funds environmental improvement and acquisition projects

UCLA research project proposes removal of carbon dioxide from the ocean to help fight climate change

“No matter how effective we become in reducing carbon emissions, there remains the need to remove carbon from the atmosphere in order to reverse the effects of climate change.  “When you think about the scale of what we’re talking about, it’s essentially the largest industry that’s never been created,” Gaurav Sant, Director of the UCLA Institute for Carbon Management said. … A team of researchers at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering have developed something called Single-step carbon sequestration and storage, or sCS2, that focuses on removing carbon from the ocean instead of the air. … ”  Read more from ABC 7 here: UCLA research project proposes removal of carbon dioxide from the ocean to help fight climate change

Drought, fires and beetles — California’s forests are dying. It is too late to save them?

“With increasing heat and drought across the West, one of the largest tree die-offs in modern California history reached new heights last year and, in combination with wildfires, has left much of the state’s once sprawling green forests browned, blackened and in critically dire shape.  An estimated 9.5 million trees died from bugs, disease and dehydration in 2021, according to new aerial survey data from the U.S. Forest Service. The losses were slightly less than what was recorded in surveys two years earlier but still well above what scientists consider normal. The run of mortality since 2010 now exceeds 172 million trees. The epidemic, which started last decade in the southern Sierra Nevada and has since spiraled throughout the state, is contributing to the changing character of California’s 33 million acres of forests. … ”  Read more from the SF Chronicle here: Drought, fires and beetles — California’s forests are dying. It is too late to save them?

Return to top

In commentary this weekend …

Congress must act to stop illegal pot grows from polluting national forests in Sierra

Gary Lasky, legal chair of the Sierra Club’s Tehipite chapter, and Rich McIntyre, director of Cannabis Removal on Public Lands Project, write, “Today there are thousands of cartel-controlled marijuana trespass plantings (grows) that are polluting California’s public lands and making many places we love to visit potentially dangerous. These operations have increased throughout California, including in the Sierra foothills and in our national forests where major cannabis farms have been discovered and reclaimed. Local rivers, including the San Joaquin, flow from these public lands, and are the lifeblood for communities, agriculture and wildlife. While many hoped that the legalization of cannabis would curb destructive trespass marijuana growing on our public lands, the unfortunate truth is that it has not. … ”  Continue reading at the Fresno Bee here: Congress must act to stop illegal pot grows from polluting national forests in Sierra

Return to top

In regional water news this weekend …

NORTH COAST

Klamath: Dry well situation deepens, but assistance will be extended

“The Upper Klamath Basin’s groundwater crisis has continued to worsen, even in winter. Even after rains returned last October and snow soon followed, the Oregon Water Resources Department has received 34 additional reports of dry or failing domestic wells in Klamath County. That’s on top of more than 200 reported during the summer of 2021. “Most of the complaints turned out to be legitimate,” said Ivan Gall, administrator for OWRD’s Field Services Division. ... ”  Read more from the Herald & News here: Klamath: Dry well situation deepens, but assistance will be extended

Arcata enviromental group among plaintiffs in potential conservation suit

“The Environmental Protection Information Center, an environmental nonprofit based out of Arcata, is among the groups listed in a potential lawsuit over the mishandling of coho salmon in the Shasta River as part of “enhancement of survival” practices by private entities taking water from this stream.  On Thursday, The Western Environmental Law Center announced its intent to file a federal lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries Service, an agency operating under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, regarding a “safe harbor” conservation program the filing parties believe is flawed. The Environmental Protection Information Center, or EPIC, is listed as a plaintiff along with Yreka-based group Friends of the Shasta River. … ”  Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Arcata enviromental group among plaintiffs in potential conservation suit

EPIC to sue National Marine Fisheries Service over fish-killing permit

“[O]n behalf of the Friends of the Shasta River and Environmental Protection Information Center, the Western Environmental Law Center notified the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the groups’ intent to challenge its flawed Shasta River safe harbor program in federal court. The NMFS safe harbor program provides legal immunity for harming protected species in exchange for stewardship practices on private land.  The groups allege NMFS violated the Endangered Species Act by allowing water diverters to kill threatened coho salmon under “enhancement of survival permits” based on unlawful and scientifically incorrect biological opinions. NMFS’s decision to issue the permits despite these flawed foundations violates its duty to not “jeopardize” threatened coho salmon or adversely modify their habitat. … ”  Continue reading at the Redheaded Blackbelt here: EPIC to sue National Marine Fisheries Service over fish-killing permit

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Commentary: Water vs. gold

Mike Pasner writes, “On Feb. 9, Nevada Irrigation District’s board of directors considered a trunk line that would replace 31 wells that might go dry when a Canadian company, Rise Gold, starts to pump water out of the mine shaft.  There was a large debate involving about 20 commenters. All of the public opinions expressed were against NID approving the water supply assessment. ... ”  Continue reading at The Union here: Commentary: Water vs. gold

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Sacramento Valley returns to normal temperatures with slight chance of rain

“After almost a full week of sub-freezing mornings, the north valley will see slightly warmer temperatures, cloudy weather and a slight chance of rain.  Unsettled weather will lead to a chance for periods of light rain and mountain snow showers in the northern foothills with some locations seeing little to no precipitation, according to a report by National Weather Service Sacramento.  Chico on Sunday will clear up some clouds from Saturday night with a high of 69 degrees dropping to 41 at night with partial clouds and partial sky. Daytime temperatures from Monday to Wednesday will increase to the low to mid 70s and night time temperatures will be in the upper 40s. A 10% chance of rain is expected Wednesday. … ”  Continue reading from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Sacramento Valley returns to normal temperatures with slight chance of rain

Butte County farmers hoping for a “miracle March” as they prepare for another drought year

“In Butte County, the drought continues to impact farmers.  Heading into our second year of dry conditions, farmers continue to take the necessary steps to conserve as much water as possible.  “We have probably the most efficient irrigation that currently exists and all of our orchards. So the amount of water that the trees get is exactly the amount of water they need. We’re not wasting water, we’re not putting more water on then necessary,” said Colleen Cecil, the executive director of the Butte County Farm Bureau. … ”  Read more from KRCR here: Farmers hoping for a “miracle March” as they prepare for another drought year

Orland Area Water Supply Project releases map of proposed waterlines

“The Orland Area Water Supply Project team released a map earlier this month showing where new water lines are planned within the Orland region after evaluating the location of all dry wells that were reported within Glenn County in November and December 2021.  “Based on the evaluation of the dry well locations and considering the funding resources available for the Project, the Project team formulated the draft alignment for pipelines to extend from the City of Orland water system to connect to residential properties outside city limits to provide domestic water supply where needed,” read a release issued by the city of Orland. … ”  Read more from the Glenn County Transcript here: Orland Area Water Supply Project releases map of proposed waterlines

Opposition brewing to Sacramento storm water tax

Jon Coupal, president of  the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and Steven Maviglio, the principal of the Sacramento-based Forza Communications, write, “We strongly suspect that readers of this column are stunned to see the authors’ names together as coauthors. One of us is a conservative taxpayer advocate and the other is a Democratic political consultant.  What unites us is our opposition to the City of Sacramento’s proposed storm water tax. Here’s some background.  First, the taxpayers in Sacramento generate over half a billion dollars in tax revenue for city services. These taxes include property taxes, sales taxes, utility user taxes and the Measure U tax. … ”  Continue reading from Capitol Weekly here: Opposition brewing to Sacramento storm water tax

NAPA/SONOMA

Outdoors Q&A: Is CDFW doing anything to improve steelhead return numbers in Russian River?

“Q: This year’s steelhead return numbers in the Russian River are low. Is the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Warm Springs Hatchery doing anything to improve the situation?  A: As anglers ourselves, we sympathize with the frustration of low steelhead return numbers so far this year. It’s important to remember that the recent steelhead return numbers are preliminary.  Peak spawning for steelhead is in February, so it’s still too early to say anything conclusive about this year’s returns. It’s also important to remember there are many elements beyond CDFW’s control. … ”  Continue reading from Noozhawk here: Outdoors Q&A: Is CDFW doing anything to improve steelhead return numbers in Russian River?

A wealthy family’s plans for a Napa vineyard have exploded into controversy. The outcome could define the valley’s future

“In the hills overlooking the Napa Valley, a wealthy family has waged a long effort to clear trees from an expansive piece of land and plant grapes. Any vintner can see the potential: The property sits in the Atlas Peak appellation, prized for its high elevation and volcanic soils, producing wines that routinely sell for $100 a bottle or far more.  But 17 years after the family bought the property, known as Walt Ranch, the dispute over their plans has proved existential, raising questions about who should decide land use in the nation’s wine mecca and whether the valley’s abundance should face limits.  Now that debate — the subject of a Napa County Board of Supervisors hearing on Tuesday — has exploded after a supervisor with connections and support in the wine industry voted in favor of the vineyard deal without revealing that he and his family had, in the previous months, acquired a financial stake in the property next door. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: A wealthy family’s plans for a Napa vineyard have exploded into controversy. The outcome could define the valley’s future

BAY AREA

Here’s when the Bay Area could see rain again after chilly week

“After a week of freezing temperatures, the Bay Area will start to warm up this weekend, with chances of rain for mid- to late next week, according to the National Weather Service.  In what feels like weather whiplash, Friday brought record lows to some parts of the Bay Area — just two weeks after the same areas saw record highs. But temperatures over the weekend and through Tuesday will gradually tick up, with highs “right around average for this time of year,” according to Brayden Murdock, a meteorologist with the weather service. ... ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Here’s when the Bay Area could see rain again after chilly week

Marin water managers eye lake as drought, flooding tool

“Phoenix Lake might be prized more for its scenic trails than its drinking water, but the drought has water managers exploring a multi-million-dollar project to extract every drop it can from the small reservoir.  Built in 1905-06, Phoenix Lake is the Marin Municipal Water District’s second-oldest and second-smallest reservoir, making up only about a half-percent of the total water supply for 191,000 residents.  The lake is not connected to other reservoirs in the district, making it time-consuming to extract water when needed. Water quality issues such as large amounts of sediment and low mineral content also make the water difficult to treat, leading the district to tap only a portion of the water. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin water managers eye lake as drought, flooding tool

Slaying beasts at Valley Water

“When Gary Kremen delivered his State of Valley Water Address on February 8th, he had Herculean beasts and ecological balance sheets on his mind. Kremen, chairman of the board of directors of Valley Water, described the “triple-headed hydra” threatening the district as the combination of a worsening drought, an evolving COVID-19 pandemic, and an increasingly dire picture of climate future.  Despite early winter storms, drought in California remains the status quo, which poses multiple problems for the Santa Clara Valley. The district imports 55% of its water and, with nearby Anderson reservoir out of commission for the next ten years, reliant on overburdened upstream reservoirs.  “Conservation is a way of life” for Valley Water, said Kremen in his address. … ”  Continue reading at Knee Deep Times here: Slaying beasts at Valley Water

Half a dozen horizontal levees in the works

“The buzz about horizontal levees began more than five years ago, when the East Bay’s Oro Loma Sanitary District near San Lorenzo began experimenting with building a wedge-shaped levee, planting it with natives, and irrigating it with wastewater. Since then, the specter of sea level rise, perpetual drought, and disappearing wetlands has put many sizes and shapes of horizontal levee on the region’s shoreline adaptation maps.  “These horizontal levees, and nature-based infrastructure, will buy us time so we don’t get backed into a corner with hard infrastructure,” says S.F Estuary Partnership planner Josh Bradt, referring to the default seawall. ... ”  Continue reading at Knee Deep Times here: Half a dozen horizontal levees in the works

CENTRAL COAST

Monterey Peninsula water officials attempt to ease LAFCO worries

“Monterey Peninsula water officials on Thursday paved the way for an inter-governmental agency to support a plan to turn California American Water Co. into a public utility by tempering one of the key objections raised by the agency, but there was some apprehension about what good it would actually do.  The Local Agency Formation Commission, or LAFCO, will decide on Monday whether to support the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District’s bid to acquire the assets of Cal Am. Voters, by passing Measure J in 2018, mandated a public takeover of the private company. … ”  Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Monterey Peninsula water officials attempt to ease LAFCO worries

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Lathrop gets OK to release treated water into SJ River

“It’s official – the City of Lathrop can now discharge its treated wastewater into the San Joaquin River.  For nearly five years the city has been seeking a permit through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System through the Environmental Protection Agency that would allow the city to discharge the treated effluent – the cleaned, filtered water that remains after the solids have been removed from sewage – directly in the San Joaquin River. ... ”  Read more from the Manteca Bulletin here: Lathrop gets OK to release treated water into SJ River

Turlock Irrigation District anticipates third-straight dry year

“Should dry conditions persist, Turlock Irrigation District is expecting a third consecutive drought year and an irrigation allotment to match.  TID hydrologist Olivia Cramer on Tuesday said that despite the 10th of an inch of rainfall which fell in the Tuolumne River Watershed Monday night — with a splattering of sprinkles locally — the current water year has seen just 18.76 inches of rainfall so far. That’s 79.2 percent of average for the date and above totals seen at this point last year, Cramer said, but anticipated dry conditions moving forward spell continued drought. … ”  Read more from the Turlock Journal here: Turlock Irrigation District anticipates third-straight dry year

Want to learn about water in Tehachapi? March 9 meeting is your chance

“A special meeting of the Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District set for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9, will be conducted in a workshop format — allowing those present to learn more about how the district will apportion available imported and banked water in the coming year. Information about what new rules will mean for Cummings Basin pumpers will also be provided. General Manager Tom Neisler said that by March 1 the district expects to respond to customer requests for imported water. The district has the same deadline for letting water users in the Cummings Basin know how much water they can pump under new rules related to the amended and restated adjudication judgment. … ”  Read more from the Tehachapi News here: Want to learn about water in Tehachapi? March 9 meeting is your chance

EASTERN SIERRA

It’s a fight to the finish for a rare daisy and a gold mine near Death Valley

“Botanist Maria Jesus has made a career out of trying to protect wild places where rare plants are making their last stand, and field work can mean bivouacking alone in a pup tent.  Take the Inyo rock daisy, which only grows in the crevices of cliff walls in two largely roadless areas of the southern Inyo Mountains near Death Valley National Park.  One is Conglomerate Mesa, a 22,500-acre chunk of piñon pines, rock spires and tilted beds of limestone. It’s also where K2 Gold Corp., of Vancouver, Canada, is drilling and trenching on public lands in hopes of laying the groundwork for a large-scale open pit mine.  The other is near privately-owned land in the nearby historic Cerro Gordo Mining District, which was recently sold to investors with plans to develop a ghost town into a tourist attraction. … ”  Continue reading from the LA Times here: It’s a fight to the finish for a rare daisy and a gold mine near Death Valley

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Long Beach: An assessment of water affordability & conservation potential

“This report contains a comprehensive water affordability assessment of the City of Long Beach at the census tract level.  Specifically, it includes information on the current water affordability efforts of Long Beach, an assessment of water affordability using the Household Burden Indicator, a review of customer water consumption and billing data, a three-year look at accounts in arrears data, and water conservation bill impacts for customers. The results of the report indicate that while water affordability may vary throughout the city, Long Beach has taken extensive action to help make essential water use more affordable. The analysis also demonstrates that water conservation can play a meaningful role in lowering water and sewer bills for Long Beach customers.”  Read the report from the Alliance for Water Efficiency here: Long Beach: An assessment of water affordability & conservation potential

Inland Empire Black Workers Center creates path to water careers

“Recently formed, the Inland Empire Black Workers Center has hit the ground running, building community partnerships and enrolling workers in its pre-apprenticeship program.  Collaborating with partners, water agencies and Inland Empire Works, the center is creating equitable pathways to careers in water and wastewater. The first phase of the program is a pre-apprenticeship, which prioritizes opportunities for workers from Black communities, individuals re-entering the workforce after justice system involvement and workers in communities facing income and environmental inequality.  “We are building leadership all the time,” the organization’s Associate Director Nosakhere Thomas said. “Everyone should have a voice and with us they have a space where they won’t be judged and will be heard.” … ”  Read more from the Riverside Press-Enterprise here: Inland Empire Black Workers Center creates path to water careers

Redlands: District work lessens impact of drought and recent restrictions on State Water Project supplies

“The past 22 years in the West have been dryer than any period in the last 1,200 years. And while human impact on the environment through climate change has made the situation worse – local collaboration has helped to lessen these impacts with innovative water storage techniques that benefit both nature and community.  Recent projects to enhance the capture and percolation of water into the basin have dramatically improved the region’s ability to weather the drought – a fact of growing importance given severe restrictions on State Water Project water to the area, and local precipitation levels at just 56% of normal so far this year. ... ”  Continue reading at the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District here: Redlands: District work lessens impact of drought and recent restrictions on State Water Project supplies

IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS

A wildflower super bloom is unlikely for 2022, but California deserts will still see some flowers

“On a rare “super bloom” year in California, Edom Hill near Palm Springs typically turns green with vegetation, signaling the impending crush of wildflowers across the state’s deserts.  For that to happen, the magic ingredient is rain.  “A lot of winter storms hit Central California, and they may go over Death Valley, but they never reach this far south,” said James Cornett, a longtime desert ecologist. “So if Edom Hill is green, it means that the winter storms have covered California and reached all the way into the southern latitudes of our state, including the Coachella Valley.” … ”  Read more from the Desert Sun here: A wildflower super bloom is unlikely for 2022, but California deserts will still see some flowers

SAN DIEGO

Carlsbad elementary school temporarily closed following water contamination

“An elementary school in Carlsbad was forced to temporarily close after water lines were crossed, causing contamination at the school.  According to a Carlsbad city spokesperson, the water contamination was discovered Thursday at Hope Elementary School.  The city said the school district contacted the Carlsbad Municipal Water District after becoming concerned about water quality at the school. … ”  Read more from Channel 10 here: Carlsbad elementary school temporarily closed following water contamination

Return to top

Along the Colorado River …

Research spotlight: Climate-driven megadrought

“In February 2022, a new UCLA-led study found that the 22-year-long southwest North American megadrought is the region’s driest in at least 1,200 years. The article, published in Nature Climate Change, was a collaboration among researchers from UCLA, NASA, and the Columbia Climate School. Studying the area from southern Montana to northern Mexico, and from the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountains, researchers discovered that megadroughts occurred repeatedly in the region from 800 to 1600. Following a hiatus of over 400 years, this turn-of-the-21st-century drought will very likely persist through 2022 and possibly longer, matching the duration of past megadroughts.  The study, led by UCLA geographer Park Williams, suggests that dramatic shifts in dryness and water availability happened in the Southwest prior to the effects of human-caused climate change becoming apparent in the 20th century. Existing climate models have shown that the current drought would have been dry even without climate change, but not to the same extent. … ”  Continue reading at NIDIS here: Research spotlight: Climate-driven megadrought

Arizona governor outlines plan to boost water supplies

“Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and a top leader in the state Legislature on Friday filled in a key part of a developing plan to boost the desert state’s increasingly strained water supply.  They plan to create a state agency to acquire new supplies and develop and fund projects, with deep pockets and the authority to go out and find sources that can secure the state’s water future. One potential project is a multibillion-dollar desalination plant in Mexico, but many others are also being eyed along with efforts to conserve existing supplies. The proposed new Arizona Water Authority would be funded with an initial $1 billion investment and have the authority to borrow money and issue bonds to fund larger projects. Some of the money will be set aside for cities and towns and even private water companies for smaller local projects. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Arizona governor outlines plan to boost water supplies

Arizona plans to create agency to find, pay for new sources of water

“State officials are moving to create an agency to search for and finance the water Arizona will need if it hopes to support its current population and grow. But Arizonans, particularly those who plan to move here in the future, should be prepared to pay more — possibly a lot more — to get that water. The new Arizona Water Authority announced Friday by Gov. Doug Ducey would have the unique right to obtain and even own water. The state is considering piping excess water from the Midwest and desalinating water from the Gulf of California. … ”  Read more from Tucson.com here: Arizona plans to create agency to find, pay for new sources of water

Commentary: New water authority could radically change how Arizona funds major projects

Opinion columnist Joanna Allhands writes, “When Gov. Doug Ducey announced his plan to set aside $1 billion for statewide water augmentation and conservation projects, some of us wondered how – or whether – Arizona would ever spend the money.  Mostly, because there are few shovel-ready projects in the queue. Though we’ve been talking for years about ideas like desalination and water recycling, additional stormwater recharge and irrigation efficiency, that’s mostly what it’s been: Talk.  It’s unclear how much additional water Arizona needs to shore up our supplies. It’s even murkier when we’ll need it, whether existing residents or future growth would primarily benefit from it – and, most importantly, who is supposed to pay for it. … ”  Continue reading at Arizona Central here: Commentary: New water authority could radically change how Arizona funds major projects

Coalition urges ‘historical changes’ to groundwater policy

“A bipartisan coalition that includes a former governor and a current state legislator is renewing its call for “historical changes” to protect Arizona’s groundwater supply.  The Water for Arizona Coalition has gathered support from business leaders, conservation organizations and current and former politicians as it advocates for policies to ensure a reliable water supply to meet the state’s needs long into the future.  Former Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt, State Rep. Regina Cobb and Mohave County Supervisor Travis Lingenfelter were among coalition members speaking at a news conference last week, issuing a call for action for the Arizona Legislature. … ”  Read more from the Mohave Valley Daily News here: Coalition urges ‘historical changes’ to groundwater policy

Interior Secretary Haaland visits ADWR for roundtable discussion of Arizona water issues

“Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Tanya Trujillo traveled from Washington, D.C. this week for a two-day visit to Arizona that, on Tuesday, included a roundtable discussion on water issues at the offices of the Arizona Department of Water Resources.  The 90-minute meeting at ADWR included several members of Arizona’s congressional delegation, a representative of the Governor’s Office and leaders of Arizona tribal communities, as well as numerous representatives of the State’s water users. ... ”  Read more from the Arizona Department of Water Resources here: Interior Secretary Haaland visits ADWR for roundtable discussion of Arizona water issues

Scaly employees: Thousands of fish released into SRP canals in Arizona to clean out vegetation

“The Salt River Project maintains 131 miles of canals that deliver water to millions of residents across the Phoenix metropolitan area, but there’s one challenge they constantly face: vegetation.  Weeds and algae can build up in SRP’s canal systems, slowing the flow of water and clogging up the waterways.  Their solution? Thousands of fish. … ”  Read more from Fox 10 here: Scaly employees: Thousands of fish released into SRP canals in Arizona to clean out vegetation

Return to top