DAILY DIGEST, 3/8: Scientists worried for the fate of winter run salmon; Water board digs into data for climate planning; Flood control partnerships aim for a safer Sacramento; Los Angeles sues Monsanto over PCB water pollution; and more …

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On the calendar today …

• LEG HEARING: The Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife will hold a hearing beginning at 9am. Agenda items include SB 890: Department of Water Resources: Water Storage and Conveyance Fund; and SB 880: Water diversion: monitoring and reporting. Click here for the agenda and remote access instructions.
• SCOPING MEETING: EIS for analyzing potential modifications to the Long-Term Operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP) and the State Water Project (SWP) – Sacramento from 2pm to 4pm.  The Bureau of Reclamation intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for analyzing potential modifications to the Long-Term Operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP) and the State Water Project (SWP).   Reclamation is seeking suggestions and information on the alternatives and topics to be addressed and other important issues related to multi-year operations of the CVP and SWP.  Meeting materials are posted here.  Click here to join the meeting

In California water news today …

Conservation scientists are worried for the fate of NorCal’s winter run salmon population

“Late February and early March is the time of year when thousands of winter-run salmon make the 352-mile journey from spawning grounds near Lake Shasta to the Golden Gate Bridge.  But this year’s salmon population needed a big boost from conservation fisheries after an extremely dry 2021 wiped out most of the eggs that had been laid.  “Seventy-five percent of the eggs in the river perished because they were literally cooked,” said NOAA Fisheries scientist Dr. Rachel Johnson. ... ”  Read more from KCRA here: Conservation scientists are worried for the fate of NorCal’s winter run salmon population

Sacramento salmon ocean abundance estimate tops last year’s, but adult river spawners remain low

Dan Bacher writes, “Low numbers of adult fall-run Chinook salmon returned to spawn in the Sacramento River in 2021, but the ocean abundance forecast for fall Chinooks that the ocean recreational and commercial fishing seasons are largely based upon is better than last year, according to federal and state scientists at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s annual salmon information meeting held virtually on March 2.  The 2022 ocean abundance projection for Sacramento River fall Chinook, the driver of West Coast salmon fisheries, is estimated at 396,500 adult salmon, compared to a 271,000 forecast last year at this time, according to Dr. Michael O’Farrell of the National Marine Fisheries Service. … ”  Read more from the Daily Kos here: Sacramento salmon ocean abundance estimate tops last year’s, but adult river spawners remain low

Water board digs into data for climate planning

“The State Water Resources Control Board has come a long way since consolidating offices for pollution control and water rights 50 years ago, according to board chair Joaquin Esquivel. Reinvesting in that water rights system through a data-based approach will be key in the era of climate change, he explained during a presentation for the Northern California Water Association’s annual meeting on Friday.  “Frankly, it feels like we’re in a bit of climate catchup,” added board member Sean Maguire. “We do have a lot of work to do. And it’s really going to take everyone rolling up their sleeves to get this done.” … ”  Read more from Agri-Pulse here: Water board digs into data for climate planning

Leaks an untapped opportunity for water savings

“Before a drop of treated water in California ever reaches a consumer’s faucet, about 8% of it has already been wasted due to leaks in the delivery system. Nationally, the waste is even higher, at 17%. This represents an untapped opportunity for water savings, according to a study from the University of California, Davis.  The study, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, is the first large-scale assessment of utility-level water loss in the United States. It found that leak reduction by utilities can be the most cost-effective tool in an urban water manager’s toolkit, provided utility-specific approaches are used. … ”  Read more from UC Davis here: Leaks an untapped opportunity for water savings

These California Latino farmers have built success. Can it survive for their children?

“When Joe Del Bosque bought one of his first few fields 25 years ago, his wife, Maria, nicknamed it “the field of the house.” She hoped the agriculturally rich half-mile stretch of land would make them enough money to buy their first home.  The land allowed them to do that — and more.  Del Bosque, 72, now farms 2,000 acres — including that half-mile he first bought. His vast melon fields are among the country’s most productive, and his almonds are sold around the world.  “It’s been a great journey for me,” Del Bosque said. “Up until now.” … ”  Read more from NBC News here: These California Latino farmers have built success. Can it survive for their children?

Join DWR for Groundwater Awareness Week and learn how the water beneath our feet plays a critical role in California

“This week marks National Groundwater Awareness Week, and as California enters a third consecutive year of drought it is more important than ever to be aware of groundwater’s role in the state’s water supply and the need to protect this precious resource. All this week, DWR will be showcasing aspects of groundwater on its social media platforms.  Groundwater is a lifeline to communities, industries, agriculture, and ecosystems in California, especially during drought years. It provides 40 percent of the state’s water supply in a normal year, and up to 60 percent in dry years. … ”  Read more from DWR here: Join DWR for Groundwater Awareness Week and learn how the water beneath our feet plays a critical role in California

2021 drought cost California ag industry more than $1B

“The 2021 drought directly cost the California agriculture sector about $1.1 billion and nearly 8,750 full- and part-time jobs, according to estimates in a new analysis led by University of California Merced researchers.  The Economic Impacts of the 2021 Drought on California Agriculture Preliminary Report analyzes the impacts of last year’s drought in California’s Central Valley, Russian River Basin and northern intermountain valley areas, according to a news release. … ”  Read more from The Packer here: 2021 drought cost California ag industry more than $1B

The many hands of California’s marine debris community

“About 70% of Californians believe their ocean and beaches are very important to California’s future and report that plastics and marine debris are a big problem on a coast near them.  As a result, organizations, individuals, and volunteers from across the state are contributing an enormous and noble amount of time and energy to make California a national leader on addressing and preventing marine debris.  The NOAA Marine Debris Program provides support by funding various partners involved in marine debris research, prevention, and removal throughout California. These partners include local universities, non-profits, and state and federal agencies that make up the many hands that are taking bold and creative steps to address marine debris from all angles. … ”  Read more from NOAA here: The many hands of California’s marine debris community

Increasing frequency of El Niño events expected by 2040

“Global weather fluctuations called El Niño events are likely to become more frequent by 2040, a new study shows.  El Niño – the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean –affects climate, ecosystems and societies worldwide.  The study examined four possible scenarios for future carbon emissions, and found increased risk of El Niño events in all four.  This means El Niño events and associated climate extremes are now more likely “regardless of any significant mitigation actions” to reduce emissions, the researchers warn. … ”  Read more from YubaNet here: Increasing frequency of El Niño events expected by 2040

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In commentary today …

California must move forward with water projects

Bill Diedrich, president of the California Farm Water Coalition, writes, “Prior to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s State of the State speech, there is one item to examine that serves as a building block for all the issues the governor will address – water.  Despite unexpected storms in late 2021, California is braced for another year of drought.  The water we do have must move throughout the state by way of a complicated system of reservoirs, dams, canals, pipes and treatment plants. That movement is managed by an equally complicated network of federal, state and local officials.  We can’t improve our water supply or get it to its destination without storage, conveyance and the management system functioning. And the success of all requires collaboration among water users and the state of California. … ”  Read more from Cal Matters here: California must move forward with water projects

Opinion: Wildfires, climate change put California forests at tipping point

Matt Dias, president and CEO of the California Forestry Association, and Julee Malinowski-Ball, executive director of the California Biomass Energy Alliance, write “The last two years have been California’s most destructive fire seasons. Thirty-six people lost their lives, and more than 14,000 structures were destroyed or damaged. In addition, more than 7.3 million acres burned in California, which is larger than all of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties combined. To put it simply, California’s forest lands are in crisis.  Climate change is part of the problem. In six of the last 10 years, the state has been considered to be in a drought, with the 2020-21 rain season being the second driest in California history. The brush and trees are drier and more brittle with less rain, making them more susceptible to disease, insect infestations and fire. The lack of snowpack has allowed wildfires to burn longer and impact larger landscapes and communities. … ”  Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Opinion: Wildfires, climate change put California forests at tipping point

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In regional water news and commentary today …

NORTH COAST

Public comment opens on Klamath dam removal plan

“Dam removal on the Klamath River is one step closer to reality. A draft environmental impact statement was released on Friday by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. It’s an opportunity to get feedback on the dam removal plan along the Oregon-California border.  The overall Klamath Dam removal project would be the largest dam removal effort in U.S. history. It comprises four aging dams – J.C. Boyle, Copco No. 1, Copco No. 2, and Iron Gate – which are owned by the utility PacifiCorp in Klamath County, Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. The draft EIS comment period runs until April 18. … ”  Read more from Jefferson Public Radio here: Public comment opens on Klamath dam removal plan

Gov. declares emergency in Klamath County as drought worsens

“Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has declared a state of emergency in Klamath County as southern Oregon remains in an ongoing drought that shows no sign of letting up. The Monday declaration directs state agencies, including the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Water Resources Department and the Water Resources Commission, to provide assistance to water users in the region and to seek federal resources to help residents and wildlife, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. ... ”  Read more from Channel 8 here: Gov. declares emergency in Klamath County as drought worsens

Wood introduces bill to improve drought preparedness for North Coast watershed

“Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Santa Rosa) has introduced AB 2451, legislation creating a dedicated Drought Section within the Division of Water Rights responsible for improving drought planning, drought response and climate resiliency statewide, and directing the agency to conduct drought planning for North Coast watersheds.  Existing law establishes the State Water Resources Control Board (the Board) and the regional water quality control boards within the Natural Resources Agency. This Board has two divisions, one for Water Rights and one for Water Quality. … ”  Read more from the Del Norte Triplicate here: Wood introduces bill to improve drought preparedness for North Coast watershed

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Some Lake Tahoe ski areas announce extension of ski and ride season

“Vail Resorts announced today that Heavenly Mountain Resort and Kirkwood have extended their 2021-22 seasons.  Heavenly will remain open an extra week, until Sunday, April 24, and Kirkwood will add three weeks to its calendar, ending the season on Sunday, May 1, weather and snow conditions permitting. … ”  Read more from South Tahoe Now here: Some Lake Tahoe ski areas announce extension of ski and ride season

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Water restrictions likely coming to Redding as California drought continues

“Local water districts are tightening their resources during this drought, and Redding is likely next.  Although the city won’t know their 2022 Bureau water allocation until April, water officials aren’t being naïve; they expect to move to Tier 2 (at least) of their water conservation measures. KRCR spoke on Monday with Josh Watkins, Redding’s water utility manager. He explained that the city has two different water contracts: one with the Sacramento River (part of the Central Valley Project), and the other with Whiskeytown Lake (which is monitored by the Buckeye Water Treatment Plant). ... ”  Read more from ABC 7 here: Water restrictions likely coming to Redding as California drought continues

Flood control partnerships aim for a safer Sacramento

“In December 1861, as the Civil War raged in the Eastern U.S., the young city of Sacramento, California, was fighting its own battle — with raging floodwaters. The American River levee failed east of 30th Street, flooding what is now River Park and sweeping into the city. To relieve the flooding, city officials cut the levee at R and 5th Streets. Some of the flooding subsided, but houses were swept away in the current.  As newly elected Governor Leland Stanford was rowed to the state capitol on January 10, 1862, through the waterlogged streets of downtown, he may have had choice words for the gold prospectors who founded Sacramento in the 1840s at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but with the economic opportunities came enormous challenges in navigation and flood control. … ”  Read more from Stormwater Solutions here: Flood control partnerships aim for a safer Sacramento

NAPA/SONOMA

Drought Town Hall intended as ‘huge reality check’

“As the region endures a third year of drought, water systems that have been heavily taxed for two years are in critical shape after a dry winter, with the warm, rainless summer months coming up.  Against that backdrop, organizers of a Drought Town Hall hosted by Sonoma Water on Thursday are hoping to attract the widest possible audience for what the agency’s assistant general manager describes as a “huge reality check.”  The virtual meeting will offer a chance for residents to hear about the status of reservoirs, groundwater, surface streams and rivers. They’ll also learn about conservation needs and other measures underway and likely up ahead to help us through to the next wet season. … ”  Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Drought Town Hall intended as ‘huge reality check’

Napa Walt Ranch vineyard proposal: Still debated, but is that fair?

Igor Sill, a sustainable and organic Napa grape grower and Sierra Club member, writes, “There is a great deal of controversy and confusion surrounding greenhouse gas emissions and real property rights as to the Walt Ranch project.  After addressing and resolving all other issues, Napa County’s Board of Supervisors’ March decision is now focused on its last and remaining concern: carbon sequestration and forest re-growth. It appears the Halls (project applicants Craig and Kathryn Hall, owners of the Hall and Walt wine labels) have done everything possible to comply with the county’s mandates as well as gone beyond mitigation for environmental carbon sequestration. Napa is well known for its outsized share of activists that have alarmed the community with reporting of misleading information surrounding watershed, oak woodlands and long term strategic plan. Having said that, the battle to stop Walt Ranch continues. ... ”  Read more from the North Bay Journal here: Napa Walt Ranch vineyard proposal: Still debated, but is that fair?

CENTRAL COAST

Santa Barbara County to consider restarting offshore oil production

“The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will consider a proposal by Exxon-Mobil to restart oil production off the county’s coast.  Supervisor Das Williams said the oil company wants to “restart an oil operation that was going previous to the oil spill in 2015.”  In 2015, the county’s Refugio State Beach was hit hard as more than 140,000 gallons of crude oil spilled into the ocean after an underground pipeline cracked. ... ”  Read more from KTLA here: Santa Barbara County to consider restarting offshore oil production

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Solar panel water systems could be headed to Central California

“Since 2014, SOURCE Global has been aiming to provide clean drinking water to thousands of people across the world.  The company has reached 53 countries. Now, they are looking to help the Central Valley.  “I think it is very important to avoid ingesting contaminants like uranium, arsenic and nitrates that are very common in the Central Valley,” says Clara McBane, Senior VP or SOURCE Global. … ”  Read more from ABC 30 here: Solar panel water systems could be headed to Central California

Watch: Special election candidates share how they’d handle water in California

“Four Republicans and two Democrats met with The Fresno Bee Editorial Board to discuss why they want to win election to California’s 22nd Congressional District.”  Watch video from the Fresno bee here: Special election candidates share how they’d handle water in California

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

New lawn replacement program available for all SCV Water customers

“SCV Water’s Lawn Replacement Program (LRP) is back and even better than before to give homeowners, businesses, HOAs, and large landscape customers more opportunities to save water and money.  With the new and improved LRP, customers will receive $3 per square foot of grass removed and replaced with water-efficient landscaping and have more incentives and rebates to help complete their projects. Additionally, customers have more flexibility to mix, match and stack incentives and additional rebates, and now smaller projects and more project areas are eligible so that more people can participate. … ”  Read more from ACWA’s Water News here:  New lawn replacement program available for all SCV Water customers

Los Angeles sues Monsanto over PCB water pollution

“The city of Los Angeles has entered the legal fray over banned polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, joining other California cities in suing Monsanto on claims the chemicals have tainted city water sources.  Although the toxic substance was banned in the U.S. 1979, the presence of PCBs has lingered in a variety of older products including electrical equipment, caulks, paints and sealants and — according to the city — continues making its way into rivers, lakes and streams.  “The health and safety and environmental ramifications of PCBs, those are just jaw dropping,” said LA City Attorney Mike Feuer at a press conference Monday. “It is time for Monsanto to clean up and pay up.” … ”  Read more from Courthouse News Service here: Los Angeles sues Monsanto over PCB water pollution

SEE ALSO: Los Angeles suing Monsanto over PCB contamination of waterways, from The Hill

SAN DIEGO

Commentary: San Diego County rates will trend lower than MWD’s over time

“A recent commentary by the board presidents of the Fallbrook and Rainbow water districts included incomplete and misleading information about increases in future water rates in San Diego County.  Contrary to their assertion of a 50% increase over five years, the San Diego County Water Authority’s board has not set rates for future years. At the wholesale level, rate setting is done one year at a time and the process is just starting for 2023.   As part of our financial due diligence that helps maintain strong credit ratings, we forecast a range of possible future rates while we work with our partners to maintain our infrastructure and minimize financial impacts on ratepayers. … ”  Read more from the Times of San Diego here:  Commentary: San Diego County rates will trend lower than MWD’s over time

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Along the Colorado River …

The Southern Nevada evaporative cooling issue

“Evaporative cooling is a highly effect method in the desert climate to cool a building. This cooling method uses water as the means to cost effectively bring temperatures down.  Due to its cost efficiency, it is used in nearly all industrial warehouses. Cooling towers used for large buildings such as a casino or hospital also employ a version of this cooling approach. This is contrasted with mechanical cooling as most homes typically use. Mechanical cooling allows for lower cooling temperatures but comes at using substantial electrical power. Just look at a home power bill for the summer to understand how electrical demand and costs go up significantly. … ”  Read more from Nevada Business here: The Southern Nevada evaporative cooling issue

Commentary: Collaborative approach will lead to better water policy in Arizona

Lukas Walton, Board Member and Environment Program Committee Chair for the Walton Foundation, and Rob Walton, the retired chairman of the board of Walmart, write, “Arizonans are no strangers to living in a world where managing water, and the lack of it, requires innovation and the ability to do more with less. But even by Arizona standards we’re facing unprecedented challenges. Since Jan. 1, Arizona is receiving nearly 20% less water from its primary water supply, the Colorado River.  The cuts–dictated by the water sharing agreement between Colorado River Basin states and tribal nations–are triggered by the long-standing drought, climate change, and reduced water reserves in Lake Mead. The impact will be felt most severely by Arizona farmers who grow cotton, alfalfa and barley, as well as raise beef cattle and produce milk. But the full impact goes far beyond and will have a ripple effect impacting the state’s economy as a whole. … ”  Continue reading at the Walton Foundation here: Commentary: Collaborative approach will lead to better water policy in Arizona

Listen: Arizona could set up new authority to look for — and pay for — new water

“Gov. Doug Ducey has unveiled plans to set up a new Arizona Water Authority, which would aim to look for — and pay for — new sources of water.  Lawmakers could consider the proposal in a special session, although the details for that appear to still need to be worked out.  Haley Paul is policy director for the National Audubon Society in Arizona. The Show spoke with her to learn her response to Ducey’s proposal.”  Listen to the show from KJZZ here: Listen: Arizona could set up new authority to look for — and pay for — new water

Colorado: Snowpack drops and so does runoff outlook

“Below-average spring runoff and water supplies are looking increasingly likely this year based on the season’s latest snowpack trends. The Colorado Basin River Forecast Center, part of the National Weather Service, says that water supply forecast volumes have fallen over the past month across most of the Colorado River Basin and Great Basin because of below-normal February precipitation.  “A near-record dry February across northern Utah, southwest Wyoming, and northwest Colorado led to large declines in the spring water supply outlook in the Green River Basin and northern Great Basin. ... ”  Read more from the Grand Junction Sentinel here: Snowpack drops and so does runoff outlook

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In national water news today …

February capped off a warm, dry winter for U.S.

“February continued 2022’s relatively dry start, with the majority of the contiguous U.S. in drought. The end of the month also ushered in the end of meteorological winter, which ranked as the nation’s 12th-driest winter in 128 years.  Here are more highlights from NOAA’s latest monthly U.S. climate report ... ”  Read more from NOAA here: February capped off a warm, dry winter for U.S.

The week ahead forecast …

Dr. Michael Anderson, California’s State Climatologist, releases forecast updates during the wet season providing a brief overview of the most recent storm impacts, upcoming precipitation forecasts, and outlooks for the coming month.

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