DAILY DIGEST, 3/9: Feds not giving “fair share” of water to all contractors, some say; Lawmakers push for more flexible water operations; Causes and consequences of epic Western US drought; An interview with the San Joaquin Valley Partnership; and more …

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On the calendar today …

• MEETING: The Delta Independent Science Board will meet from 9am to 5pm. The Delta ISB will meet to discuss next steps for its monitoring enterprise review and its water supply reliability estimation review, and the Delta Science Program will present its final assessment of the value and impact of the Delta ISB. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.
• WEBINAR: Delta Cross Channel Upgrades Project Webinar from 4pm to 5:30pm.  The public, agencies, organizations, and other interested parties are invited to attend an afternoon March 9 webinar of an overview of the Delta Cross Channel Gate Upgrades Project. Reclamation is investigating alternatives to modernize the two, 60 x 30-foot radial gates to allow for more frequent operation, as called for in state and federal decision documents for the long-term operation of the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project.  Details shared during the meeting will include results of technical and engineering studies to evaluate opportunities to increase the structure’s operational life, decrease operation and maintenance costs, and increase the safety of employees and recreational boaters. Register here.
• SCOPING MEETING: EIS for analyzing potential modifications to the Long-Term Operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP) and the State Water Project (SWP) – Red Bluff from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.  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.
• SCOPING MEETING: West False River Drought Salinity Barrier EIR from 6pm to 8pm. DWR will host a virtual public scoping meeting to provide a brief presentation on the West False River Drought Salinity Barrier project with time for public comments on the scope and content of the Environmental Impact Report.  Click here to register.

In California water news today …

Feds not giving “fair share” of water to all contractors, some say

“In California’s byzantine water world, some water districts are, apparently, more equal than others, to paraphrase George Orwell.  That appears to be the case in the federally operated Central Valley Project, particularly when it comes to two main sets of water districts: the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors and the Friant Contractors.  On Feb. 27, the Bureau of Reclamation, which determines annual water allocations for those contractors, announced it would deliver only 15% of Friant members’ contracted amounts even though the snowpack in that watershed appears to be able to support at least 40% of Friant contracts, according to Friant managers.  That’s not fair, Friant contractors complained. … ”  Read more from SJV Water here: Feds not giving “fair share” of water to all contractors, some say

Lawmakers push for more flexible water operations

“U.S. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and other California Republicans are urging the Bureau of Reclamation and state Department of Water Resources to seek more flexibility in their operations to store more water upstream during the severe drought.  The lawmakers want the agencies to submit a Temporary Urgency Change Petition to the State Water Resources Control Board so they can lower operational requirements over the next several months. The agencies submitted such a petition this fall but withdrew it after December’s rains. … ”  Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Lawmakers push for more flexible water operations

Causes and consequences of epic Western US drought

“Some of you may have been following the news about the drought in the Western United States and probably saw headlines about a study finding that the last 22 years have been the driest in the Western U.S. in at least the previous 1,200 years. It says “at least” because that is how far back the reconstructed data goes. It could be longer. Let’s unpack what is in that research to catch up with the state of the current drought, to analyze how it relates to California’s Central Valley, and to see what we can expect from another year of drought.  … ”  Continue reading from the Union of Concerned Scientists here: Causes and consequences of epic Western US drought

Groundwater management and drought: An interview with the San Joaquin Valley Partnership

“As California continues to experience historic drought conditions with less available snowpack and precipitation, groundwater basins are being more heavily relied on for water supply needs throughout the state. Groundwater serves as a critical resource for many different industries and uses, including farms, urban and rural communities, and ecosystems in California. This increased reliance on groundwater over the past several decades has resulted in the lowering of groundwater levels in some areas, more wells being installed, and the deepening of wells to reach available groundwater during extended dry periods.  Managing and protecting groundwater is especially important as over 80% of Californians depend on groundwater for some portion of their water supply and some communities rely entirely on groundwater for drinking water. … ”  Continue reading from DWR News here:  Groundwater management and drought: An interview with the San Joaquin Valley Partnership

Legislature rejects GOP bill on water storage fund

“In one of the first rejections of a new bill this year, a Senate committee struck down a Republican proposal to establish a water storage and conveyance fund.  Two moderate Democrats had joined as co-authors and another voted in favor of the bill. But the majority of lawmakers sided with arguments from the Natural Resources Defense Council that the measure was too focused on building the Sites Reservoir project, a proposal that still awaits a thorough environmental review.  Proponents argued the bill would not allocate any new funding and was designed to open up a broader conversation about infrastructure spending to better prepare California for drought. … ”  Read more from Agri-Pulse here: Legislature rejects GOP bill on water storage fund

Diverters reminded to measure water use under law

“Data is key to better understanding and managing California’s water supply. However, the state reports a lack of compliance by affected water-rights holders, who are required to report the water they divert.  “Even though we initially opposed the regulation, it is the law, so it is very important that people are in compliance,” said Danny Merkley, California Farm Bureau director of water resources. “It protects our existing water-rights system, which was designed for times of scarcity, like we have now, and it works if we get the data.”  Regulations adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board in 2016 established penalties for those required to measure and report water diversions.  Mandated under Senate Bill 88 in 2015, the rules apply to those who have previously diverted or intend to divert more than 10 acre-feet per year. They also impact water-rights holders who are authorized to divert more than 10 acre-feet per year under a permit, license or registration. ... ”  Continue reading from Ag Alert here: Diverters reminded to measure water use under law

2022 water year looks dismal as snowpack melts

“The optimism spurred by heavy snowstorms in December has melted away, and the 2022 water year is now looking bleak.  After facing the driest recorded January and February in state history, California Department of Water Resources reported that statewide, the snowpack stood at 63% of average for the date last week after conducting the agency’s third manual snow survey of the year.  “That is not enough to fill up our reservoirs,” said Sean de Guzman, manager of the DWR Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit.  He said, “It’s safe to say we’ll end this year dry and extend this drought a third year.” ... ”  Read more from Ag Alert here: 2022 water year looks dismal as snowpack melts

Atmospheric river precipitation enhanced by climate change: A case study of the storm that contributed to California’s Oroville Dam crisis

“Allison Michaelis, an Assistant Professor at Northern Illinois University, along with co-authors Sasha Gershunov (SIO/CW3E), Alexander Weyant (SIO), Meredith Fish (SIO alumna), Tamara Shulgina (CW3E), and F. Martin Ralph (CW3E), recently published a paper titled “Atmospheric river precipitation enhanced by climate change: A case study of the storm that contributed to California’s Oroville Dam crisis” in Earth’s Future. This study supports CW3E’s 2019-2024 Strategic Plan involving Atmospheric Rivers (AR) Research and Applications by quantifying the effects of climate change on a recent impactful AR event.  Michaelis et al. (2022) took a novel modeling approach to simulate the AR that contributed to the Oroville Dam crisis in early February 2017 (the Oroville AR) under global climate conditions representing pre-industrial, present-day, mid-, and late-21st century environments using the Model for Prediction Across Scales-Atmosphere (MPAS-A). ... ”  Continue reading at the Center for Western Weather & Water Extremes here: Atmospheric river precipitation enhanced by climate change: A case study of the storm that contributed to California’s Oroville Dam crisis

Following rain, desert microbes exhale potent greenhouse gas

“New UC Riverside research shows how, after it rains, microbes in desert soil convert one form of pollution into another — laughing gas.   No laughing matter, nitrous oxide or N2O is the third most potent greenhouse gas. Scientists conducting the research were surprised to measure N2O production in the desert heat. “It only happens in waterlogged soils. Since the desert is dry most of the year, we didn’t think this process could occur in arid soils,” said Alex Krichels, UCR environmental scientist and first author on the new study. … ”  Read more from UC Riverside here: Following rain, desert microbes exhale potent greenhouse gas

Big Sur’s beaches are getting wider. Researchers say it’s the result of fire and flood

“The beauty of Big Sur is driven by the drama of the landscape: the pounding waves, the sliding cliffs, the burning forests.  The latest show of nature on this wild stretch of the Central Coast is an unusual widening of the beaches, which scientists tie to climate change. One expanse of sandy shore pushed out 140 feet over the past few years, according to research published Wednesday by the U.S. Geological Survey. The beach widening is the result of back-to-back punches of extreme wildfire and rain, the study suggests, which caused hillsides to slip and sediment to carry to the coast. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Big Sur’s beaches are getting wider. Researchers say it’s the result of fire and flood

SEE ALSO: Fire (plus) flood (equals) beach: coastal response to an exceptional river sediment discharge event, from Nature

Reclamation provides $5.6 million to improve water treatment technologies

“The Bureau of Reclamation is providing $5.6 million in financial assistance to 15 projects to improve the technology used to treat unusable waters like seawater, brackish groundwater and municipal wastewater.  The projects are funded through Reclamation’s Desalination and Water Purification Research Program, which plays a critical role in taking an idea from the lab through to a real-world demonstration that can both attract industry commercialization and provide the water treatment community practical benefits.  “There are technologies that show the potential to provide Western communities a new source of water,” said Acting Commissioner David Palumbo. “Reclamation is supporting the study and development of these new technologies to make more water available for use.” … ”  Read more from the Bureau of Reclamation here:  Reclamation provides $5.6 million to improve water treatment technologies

CRS Report: Central Valley Project: Issues and legislation

“The Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), is one of the world’s largest water supply projects. The CVP covers approximately 400 miles in California, from Redding to Bakersfield, and draws from two large river basins: the Sacramento and the San Joaquin. It is composed of 20 dams and reservoirs and numerous pieces of water storage and conveyance infrastructure. In an average year, the CVP delivers more than 7 million acre–feet of water to support irrigated agriculture, municipalities, and fish and wildlife needs, among other purposes. About 75% of CVP water is used for agricultural irrigation, including 7 of California’s top 10 agricultural counties. The CVP is operated jointly with the State Water Project (SWP), which provides much of its water to municipal users in Southern California. … ”  Read more from the Congressional Research Service here: CRS Report: Central Valley Project: Issues and legislation

Snow measurement technology evaluated in new report

“The Bureau of Reclamation released The Emerging Technologies in Snow Monitoring report as part of Reclamation’s new Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program. The program aims to improve accuracy of water supply forecasts and the report evaluates current and emerging snow measurement technologies for the Western United States.  “Snow provides important water storage for the west by slowly releasing water through the late spring and summer,” said Chief Engineer David Raff. “A changing climate and an increasing population are stressing water supplies and making it more important to know how much water the snowpack contains.” … ” Read more from the Bureau of Reclamation here: Snow measurement technology evaluated in new report

Governor Newsom appoints Julie Lee and reappoints Judge Frank Damrell Jr. to the Delta Stewardship Council; Susan Tatayon announces retirement

“Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Julie Lee and reappointed Frank Damrell Jr. to the Delta Stewardship Council. Council Chair Susan Tatayon, whose membership term ended in February 2022, has announced her retirement from the State of California after more than 35 years in water resources management. … ”  Read the full press release from the Delta Stewardship Council here:  Governor Newsom appoints Julie Lee and reappoints Judge Frank Damrell Jr. to the Delta Stewardship Council; Susan Tatayon announces retirement

Newsom appoints top environmental lobbyist to CalEPA

“Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed Rachel Zwillinger as assistant general counsel for enforcement at CalEPA.  As a water policy advisor at Defenders of Wildlife, Zwillinger was a fierce opponent of voluntary agreements for Bay-Delta flows. In 2020 she argued the administration’s framework for agreements did not meet the state’s environmental standards and was “built on quicksand instead of credible science.” The group threatened to walk out of the process.  Defenders of Wildlife has been a plaintiff in a lawsuit over Trump-era biological opinions, with Zwillinger calling them a death sentence for endangered Delta fish. This year she took aim at part of the state’s emergency drought plan, calling it an “exploitative process” that violated fish and wildlife protections. … ”  Read more from Agri-Pulse here: Newsom appoints top environmental lobbyist to CalEPA

Nature-based solutions in mountains can reduce climate change impact on drought

“New research, led by Dr Petra Holden from the African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) at the University of Cape Town (UCT), has shown how catchment restoration — through the management of alien tree infestation in the mountains of the southwestern Cape — could have lessened the impact of climate change on low river flows during the Cape Town “Day Zero” drought. Climate change is impacting extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. Nature-based solutions, such as catchment restoration, involve working with ecosystems and landscapes to address societal challenges. These challenges include the impacts of climate change on water resources. Up to now, studies have not separated the role of nature-based solutions in reducing the human-driven climate change impacts of extreme events on water availability from that of natural climate variability. … ”  Read more from Science Daily here: Nature-based solutions in mountains can reduce climate change impact on drought

Growing impact of wildfire on western US water supply

“How will increasing wildfire activity affect water resources in the water-limited western United States (WUS)? Among basins where >20% of forest burned, postfire streamflow is significantly enhanced by an average of approximately 30% for 6 y. Over 2015 to 2020, several large WUS basins experienced >10% of forest burned. Climate projections and an exponential forest fire response to climate-induced drying suggest the next 3 decades will see repeated years when WUS forest fire area exceeds that of 2020, which set a modern record for forest area burned. If so, entire regions will likely experience more streamflow than expected, potentially enhancing human access to water but posing hazard management challenges. Projections of water supply and runoff-related hazards must account for wildfire. ... ”  Read more from PNAS here: Growing impact of wildfire on western US water supply

‘A crucial year for PG&E.’ California tightens grip on utility but wildfire risk persists

“The Dixie Fire was rampaging through rural Northern California, chewing through nearly a million acres, when state regulators bestowed a blessing of sorts on the company responsible for the fire: PG&E Corp. Last September, weeks after PG&E acknowledged that its equipment probably caused the fire, an obscure but powerful new state agency named the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety signed off on PG&E’s annual wildfire mitigation plan — a legally-required safety map the utility must prepare and then follow to reduce the likelihood of new fires. … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: ‘A crucial year for PG&E.’ California tightens grip on utility but wildfire risk persists

Extreme wildfires expected to increase 30% by 2050

“Indonesia’s peatlands, California’s forests, and, now, vast swathes of Argentine wetland have all been ravaged by extreme wildfires, heralding a fiery future and the dire need to prevent it.  With climate change triggering droughts and farmers clearing forests, the number of extreme wildfires is expected to increase 30% within the next 28 years. And they are now scorching environments that were not prone to burning in the past, such as the Arctic’s tundra and the Amazon rainforest.  “We’ve seen a great increase in recent fires in northern Syria, northern Siberia, the eastern side of Australia, and India,” said Australian government bushfire scientist Andrew Sullivan, an editor on the report, released Wednesday, by the UN Environment Programme and GRID-Arendal environmental communications group. … ”  Read more from Insurance Journal here: Extreme wildfires expected to increase 30% by 2050

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In commentary today …

Learning about CA’s water rights is the first step to reform

Doug Obegi, Director for NRDC’s California River Restoration, writes, “Thankfully, there is a growing recognition of the need to reform California’s water rights system, which is deeply inequitable, unsustainable, and all but broken.  The State has given out far more water rights than there is water in an average year (let alone during droughts), and unsustainable water diversions from our rivers, streams, and the Bay-Delta estuary are causing our native fish and wildlife species to collapse – threatening thousands of fishing jobs, Tribes, and communities that depend on their health, and in many cases leading to extinction. Over the past decade, in every critical dry year the State Water Resources Control Board has allowed the state and federal water projects to routinely violate the terms and conditions of their water rights that require compliance with water temperature standards protecting salmon and minimum water quality standards protecting not just fish and wildlife, but also farms and cities in the Delta. … ”  Continue reading at the NRDC here:  Learning about CA’s water rights is the first step to reform

It’s time to restore habitat for salmon runs, before it’s too late

John McManus, president of the Golden State Salmon Association, writes, “Last summer and fall the vast majority of juvenile endangered Sacramento River winter run Chinook salmon were killed by lethally hot river temperatures while a handful of agriculture operators got the lion’s share of available water. This was made possible by water rules established in the 19^th century before salmon regularly faced threats from drought and overheated rivers.  Many Sacramento River fall run salmon – the backbone of California’s billion-dollar salmon fishing industry – were also lost to hot water. So too were a significant number of threatened spring run salmon. A recent announcement from the federal Bureau of Reclamation suggests a repeat of the fish kills is likely again this year unless we do something different. … ”  Read more from Cal Matters here: It’s time to restore habitat for salmon runs, before it’s too late

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In regional water news and commentary today …

NORTH COAST

Hearing focuses on balancing needs in Klamath Basin

“Federal officials say they are determined to find “long-term, durable” solutions to resolve the decades-old water crisis in the Klamath Basin, balancing diverse priorities to sustain healthy communities. The House Subcommittee on Water, Oceans and Wildlife held a virtual hearing March 8 to discuss the basin, including testimony from farmers, tribal members and local government leaders recounting how years of drought and miscues are now threatening local crops, salmon and domestic wells.  Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., chaired the meeting along with Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore. Together, their districts span the entire basin straddling both states. ... ”  Read more from the Herald & News here: Hearing focuses on balancing needs in Klamath Basin

Audubon testifies in favor of funding for Klamath National Wildlife Refuges

“Audubon’s mission is to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon represents 1.9 million members and has over 460 affiliated chapters, 23 state offices, and 41 nature centers across the country. As your Subcommittee considers the Klamath River Basin and related water needs, I urge you to ensure that the water needs for birds and their critical habitats, particularly those areas located within Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges (hereafter, Klamath NWRs), are sustained. These refuges are also priorities for Klamath Basin Audubon Society, Portland Audubon Society, and the Oregon Audubon Council. The Klamath region is also recognized by the National Audubon Society as the Klamath Basin – Clear Lake Important Bird Area.  The Klamath NWRs are part of the Pacific Flyway, essential for millions of migratory waterbirds, shorebirds, and raptors, including the largest concentration of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states. … ”  Continue reading at Audubon here: Audubon testifies in favor of funding for Klamath National Wildlife Refuges

Interior Department begins implementation of bipartisan infrastructure law investments to build ecosystem resilience, habitat restoration in Klamath Basin

“The Department of the Interior announced today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is soliciting proposals for restoration activities that address high-priority Klamath Basin challenges in Southern Oregon and Northern California. With $162 million in funding available in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Service is inviting restoration project proposals from Tribes, local and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other conservation partners who are committed to finding long-term, collaborative solutions for the basin and its communities.  “Clean water, healthy forests and fertile land made the Klamath basin and its surrounding watershed home to Tribal communities, productive agriculture, and abundant populations of suckers, salmon and other fish, and migratory birds. But recent water scarcity has had a tremendous impact on the area’s fishing, farming, and ecosystems,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. … ”  Read more from the Department of the Interior here: Interior Department begins implementation of bipartisan infrastructure law investments to build ecosystem resilience, habitat restoration in Klamath Basin

Fish and Wildlife seeks project proposals to improve Klamath

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently collecting proposals for ecological restoration activities regarding the Klamath Basin in Northern California, including Humboldt County, and Southern Oregon.  The service has $162 million to fund restoration due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and invites proposals from big and small government agencies, Native American tribes, nongovernmental organizations and conservation specialists.  “Clean water, healthy forests and fertile land made the Klamath Basin and its surrounding watershed home to tribal communities, productive agriculture, and abundant populations of suckers, salmon and other fish, and migratory birds. But recent water scarcity has had a tremendous impact on the area’s fishing, farming, and ecosystems,” Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland said in a news release. … ”  Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Fish and Wildlife seeks project proposals to improve Klamath

Fire worries rise after Klamath Basin snow levels drop to third of average

“Lower than expected snowfall could make fire conditions in western Siskiyou County worse than last year.  Snow levels dropped to about a third of their usual depth, meaning there will likely be less water stored in the forest this year, according to a report issued by the Klamath National Forest. That could make brush drier than average and more easily ignited during peak fire season this summer.  Throughout February, lack of snow and daytime temperatures above freezing melted what hopes the U.S. Forest Service had that snowpack would recover after a dryer-than-usual January. ... ”  Read more from the Redding Record Searchlight here: Fire worries rise after Klamath Basin snow levels drop to third of average

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Water restrictions are likely coming to Redding in April

“The City of Redding said it anticipates moving to stage two of its water contingency plan due to the ongoing statewide drought.  The city won’t know its 2022 water allocation until at least April but expects it to be lower than years prior.  The City of Redding currently has two water contracts, one with the Sacramento River through the Central Valley Water Project, and one with Whiskeytown Lake being monitored by the Buckeye Water Treatment Plant. … ”  Read more from Action News Now here: Water restrictions are likely coming to Redding in April

BAY AREA

Eden Environmental Citizens Group sues Manterex Inc. for violations of the federal water pollution control

“On Friday, Eden Environmental Citizens Group, LLC filed a complaint in the Northern District of California against Mantrex Inc. alleging violations of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.  According to the complaint, Eden is an environmental membership group and a California limited liability company. Eden states that its organizational purpose is the protection, preservation and enhancement of California’s waterways, and it implements this mission by enforcing the provisions of the Federal Clean Water Act and California’s Industrial General Permit by seeking redress from environmental harms caused by Industrial Dischargers who pollute the waters of the United States. … ”  Read more from Law Street Media here: Eden Environmental Citizens Group sues Manterex Inc. for violations of the federal water pollution control

Bay Area environmental groups close watching Supreme Court case that would limit EPA’s authority

“Environmental advocate David Lewis of Save the Bay believes the work of Environmental Protection Agency is critical for California and the health of the Bay Area’s environment. He’s concerned about a highly publicized case now before the United States Supreme court, that could potentially limit the EPA’s power.  “Right here in the Bay Area, there are countless examples of how the Environmental Protection Agency has brought federal laws and federal enforcement to protect the health of people and to protect wildlife,” Lewis points out. … ”  Read more from KGO here: Bay Area environmental groups close watching Supreme Court case that would limit EPA’s authority

CENTRAL COAST

Making every drop count in a drought – a Central Coast City is helping to reduce water use at home

“The Central and South Coasts are in the middle of a drought and communities are coming up with ideas on how to deal with it.  The City of Santa Maria is offering qualifying residents complimentary low-flow rated showerheads in exchange for their old ones, as well as a water conservation kit. It’s a reminder to make every drop count, says Myra Ritchie, Water Conservation Specialist at the City of Santa Maria. ... ”  Read more from KCLU here: Making every drop count in a drought – a Central Coast City is helping to reduce water use at home

New trails opening soon at fire-damaged redwood preserve near Santa Cruz

“A forested preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains badly burned by wildfire two years ago will open later this year to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians with a fresh set of trails.  Located near Davenport, the 8,852-acre San Vicente Redwoods property is about 6 miles long and 2.5 miles wide and stands as a key piece of contiguous redwood forest in the mountains between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz.  Since it was purchased by conservation groups in 2011, it has been viewed as a prime candidate for public-access trails. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: New trails opening soon at fire-damaged redwood preserve near Santa Cruz

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Stockton coalition receives mosaic grant to develop “The People’s Water Plan”

“Restore the Delta and local coalition partners Little Manila Rising, Greenlining the Hood, Third City Coalition, and With Our Words have been awarded a 2022 Mosaic grant.  The funds will help this coalition of Stockton-based organizations develop The People’s Water Plan. Combining communications, leadership development, advocacy, training, data gathering, the plan will empower environmental justice communities in Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta, the largest estuary on the West Coast. The People’s Water Plan will develop curriculum materials including manuals, videos, and training programming with the aim to train 50+ BIPOC leaders in the region. … ”  Read more from Restore the Delta here: Stockton coalition receives mosaic grant to develop “The People’s Water Plan”

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Metropolitan increases call for conservation with $10.5 million investment in public outreach

“With California moving into a third year of severe drought, Metropolitan is expanding its call for residents and businesses to use water as efficiently as possible to help ensure the region has the water it needs for the coming months.  Metropolitan’s Board of Directors today approved entering a $10.5 million agreement to expand advertising and outreach efforts to increase public awareness of the drought and the need for conservation. The multilingual campaign will bring the conservation message to radio, digital, social media and outdoor advertising platforms through a three-year agreement for media placement services with GP Generate, a minority-owned, small business advertising agency based in Los Angeles. … ”  Read more from Business Wire here: Metropolitan increases call for conservation with $10.5 million investment in public outreach

Southern California city seeks to end reliance on imported water

“As part of efforts to reduce its dependence on imported water supplies, the beachfront city of Santa Monica, California, is moving forward with plans to maximize its use of local groundwater sources. In January, construction began on a $72 million project to add and expand treatment facilities that will enable Santa Monica full use of a key local well field that was contaminated by past industrial activities. Among its noteworthy features, the project will entail the first municipal use of flow-reversal reverse-osmosis technology in the United States. … ”  Read more from Civil Engineering Source here: Southern California city seeks to end reliance on imported water

Commentary: Reimagining the Sepulveda Basin into a grand park in Los Angeles

Diana Weynand, chair of the San Fernando Valley Climate Reality Chapter, writes, “California’s statewide water policy has evolved to better incorporate the realities of climate change in recent years, recognizing that natural processes are key drivers of sustainability. And California needs a sustainable and resilient water supply.  It’s encouraging to see the development of policies and programs for aquifer recharge, floodplain reclamation, watershed restoration, return of water to Indigenous groups and protection of environmental flows.  Emerging initiatives, like 30×30 California, Natural and Working Lands and the Department of Water Resources’ partnership with the U.S. Army Corps’ “Engineering with Nature” program, hold tremendous promise to help us realize a more resilient water future. … ”  Read more from Cal Matters here: Commentary: Reimagining the Sepulveda Basin into a grand park in Los Angeles

A poisonous legacy of racism and pollution still haunts this L.A.-area flood channel

“Nyla Olsen’s eyes moisten with rage as she recalls the day in early October when a surge of putrid water rolled out of the Dominguez Channel and turned life in Leeward Bay Marina into “a horror movie.”  Fish were gasping for oxygen at the surface of the water or floating belly up, she said. Boat hulls were slathered with sticky black slime. An octopus died after trying to escape by climbing onto a vessel, she said.  “I called every emergency response outfit I could think of for help, including the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Olsen, owner of the Chowder Barge — the Wilmington marina’s heart and soul. ... ”  Read more from the LA Times here: A poisonous legacy of racism and pollution still haunts this L.A.-area flood channel

Eastern Muncipal Water District honored for innovative work in recycled water

“Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) was honored today by the national WateReuse Association with its Transformational Innovation Award for EMWD’s work in helping to pilot test a technology to reduce salts in recycled water.  EMWD was recognized at the WateReuse National Conference in San Antonio, Tex., where it received the award for its Closed Circuit Reverse Osmosis (CCRO) pilot project.  The WateReuse Association is a trade association whose mission is to advance laws, policy, funding, and acceptance of recycled water. EMWD is one of the nation’s leading recycled water agencies and meets more than one-third of its overall water supply needs through the use of recycled water for irrigation of agriculture, parks, schools, recreational facilities and environmental benefits. … ”  Read more from the Eastern Municpal Water District here: Eastern Muncipal Water District honored for innovative work in recycled water

Dana Point City Council supports initial steps toward Doheny ocean desalination plant

“The Dana Point City Council last week voiced continued support for South Coast Water District’s desalination plant, which looks to establish a local source for drinking water and reduce dependency on imported water.  In a unanimous decision, councilmembers voted to send a letter to the San Diego Water Board, imploring the agency to renew the South Orange County Wastewater Authority’s permit to discharge wastewater through the San Juan Creek Ocean Outfall. ... ”  Read more from the Dana Point Times here: Dana Point City Council supports initial steps toward Doheny ocean desalination plant

SAN DIEGO

Decades-long environmental catastrophe in Imperial Beach, California

“On Jan. 29, government officials lifted a water contact closure for San Diego County’s Imperial Beach shoreline. Some parts of the ocean shoreline were still closed until water sampling confirmed the water to be safe enough for contact.  Then, on Jan. 31, San Diego County’s Department of Environmental Health and Quality re-implemented the water contact closure. According to the county, sewage-contaminated runoff from the Tijuana River is entering the Tijuana estuary, and sample results indicate contamination extends at least from the border to the Imperial Beach shoreline. … ”  Read more from Liberation here: Decades-long environmental catastrophe in Imperial Beach, California

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Along the Colorado River …

‘Pouring water in a leaky bucket:’ How Ducey’s new water plan could leave large gaps in rural Arizona

“As the West grapples with unprecedented megadrought, the Arizona Legislature is scrambling to solve a deepening water crisis. In his recent state of the state address, Gov. Doug Ducey proposed a historic, billion dollar investment into the creation of a new state agency — the Arizona Water Authority — that would pursue a wide array of water security projects to obtain new sources of water for the state, including the construction of a multi-billion dollar desalination plant in Mexico. It’s good to see the state investing seriously into water security, said Haley Paul, policy director for Audubon Southwest and co-chair of the Water for Arizona Coalition. But so far, Ducey’s angle of approach appears to be leaving out an important factor: rural groundwater conservation. … ”  Read more from the Arizona Daily Sun here: ‘Pouring water in a leaky bucket:’ How Ducey’s new water plan could leave large gaps in rural Arizona

What’s ‘average’? Snowpack determines health of Colorado River, and our understanding of it is changing

“High in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming, under thin air and bluebird skies, the Colorado River Basin is slowly replenishing its savings account. Craggy peaks become smooth walls of white, and snow piles up against conifer trunks, covering even the deepest, darkest corners of the forest in a glimmering blanket.  Snow that accumulates on the western slope of the Rockies eventually becomes water in the Colorado River. Some of it will flow as far south as Mexico, running through kitchen faucets in cities and suburbs along the way, or watering crops that keep America fed. … ”  Read more from Cronkite News here: What’s ‘average’? Snowpack determines health of Colorado River, and our understanding of it is changing

Lake Powell is in big trouble

“One of the U.S. West’s most important water reservoirs is about to hit a new low.  Lake Powell, on the border of Utah and Arizona, is a crucial reservoir along the Colorado River, part of a system that supplies water for 40 million people in multiple states across the West. As of Tuesday, according to readings provided by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the lake stood at 3,526 feet (1,074.73 meters) above sea level, or around 24% of its total capacity. That’s just 1 foot above a threshold of water outlined in drought contingency plans, which would trigger additional releases from upstream water sources. … ”  Read more from Gizmodo here: Lake Powell is in big trouble

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In national water news today …

Graves, Rouzer, Newhouse lead 201 House Republicans in renewing calls for the Biden administration to drop WOTUS expansion

“Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO), Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member David Rouzer (R-NC), and Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-WA) are leading 201 House Republicans in renewing calls for the Biden administration to drop its plan to expand the scope of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS).  House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), and House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY) are among the Republicans who also signed the letter. … ”  Read more from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure here: Graves, Rouzer, Newhouse lead 201 House Republicans in renewing calls for the Biden administration to drop WOTUS expansion

EPA memo steers water money to disadvantaged communities

“The Biden administration issued guidance to states on Tuesday that it said will ensure the country’s largest-ever investment in water infrastructure doesn’t bypass disadvantaged communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards like pollution.  The Environmental Protection Agency’s guidance memo applies to $43 billion in the infrastructure bill for making drinking water cleaner, improving sewage treatment and replacing lead pipes. The agency said the memo helps the Biden Administration meet its goal of addressing environmental needs in communities that often have high rates of poverty and unemployment. … ”  Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: EPA memo steers water money to disadvantaged communities

SEE ALSO:  EPA Releases New Memo Outlining Strategy to Equitably Deliver Clean Water Through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, press release from the EPA

Weather whiplash dominated U.S. winter 2021-2022

“Seldom does an entire season turn on a dime the way this past winter did for the contiguous United States. The regime that prevailed before New Year’s was starkly different, and much more violent, than the one that took hold with the start of 2022.  NOAA’s winter 2021-22 summary, released on March 8, found that the winter as a whole (December through February) ranked as the 18th warmest in 127 years of recordkeeping.  However, what’s much more telling is the monthly breakdown … ”  Read more from Yale Climate Collections here:  Weather whiplash dominated U.S. winter 2021-2022

Feds say pesticide won’t destroy species

“The Fish and Wildlife Service has concluded that the pesticide malathion does not jeopardize threatened and endangered species or their habitat.  In a much-awaited study that’s drawing sharp criticism from environmentalists, the federal agency backed off its most recent draft conclusion that the registration of malathion for use was likely to threaten 78 species and destroy or adversely modify 23 critical habitats.  Since the release of the draft assessment, called a biological opinion, the Fish and Wildlife Service said, it collaborated with EPA, industry and the Agriculture Department to develop general and species-specific conservation measures. … ”  Continue reading at E&E News here: Feds say pesticide won’t destroy species

US looks to boost cooperation with Tribes on land management

“National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said Tuesday he and other officials are committed to boosting the role Native American tribes can play in managing public lands around the U.S.  He told members of a congressional committee during a virtual hearing that part of the effort includes integrating Indigenous knowledge into management plans and recognizing that federal lands once belonged to the tribes.  Sams was questioned about how the National Park Service could use existing authority and recent executive directives issued by top federal officials to make good on the latest round of promises to tribes regarding meaningful consultation and having a seat at the table. … ”  Read more from the Associated Press here: US looks to boost cooperation with Tribes on land management

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Also on Maven’s Notebook today …

NOTICE: Better Water Use Data in the Delta Support Better Water Management Decisions

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