On the calendar today …
- WEBINAR: Salton Sea Birds from 12pm to 1:30pm. Join this Pacific Institute webinar to learn about changes at the Salton Sea and how they are affecting the Pacific Flyway, as well as management efforts to protect and restore habitat at the lake. There is no need to register for this webinar. Join the webinar here. Passcode: 163572
- SCOPING MEETING: EIS for analyzing potential modifications to the Long-Term Operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP) and the State Water Project (SWP) – Chico from 2pm to 4pm. 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. Here are the meeting materials. Click here to join the meeting
- MEETING: Delta Protection Commission from 4pm to 6pm. Agenda items include a report on 2022 Drought in the Delta and related activities by the Delta Watermaster and the Delta Conservancy; Consider appointment of Commission subcommittee to screen Executive Director applications; Consider Commission position on SB 1065 (authorizing commercial abandoned and derelict vessel removal and forming a statewide Coordinating Council); and an update on the Delta Stewardship Council (DSC) certification of consistency appeal process for Lookout Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration and Flood Improvement Project (Round 2) and consider endorsement of letter from Executive Director Vink to DSC. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.
In California water news today …
Official: Calif. to zero out water supplies again amid dry winter
“For the second time in a single water season, California water officials are preparing to zero out water deliveries to Valley farmers reliant on the State Water Project. During a Tuesday meeting of California’s State Water Resources Control Board, Department of Water Resources director Karla Nemeth announced her agency would be enacting the cuts on water contractors and preserving resources for health and safety needs only. Brad Hooker of Agri-Pulse first reported the news. ... ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Official: Calif. to zero out water supplies again amid dry winter
Judge clears Biden Delta plan to replace Trump’s biological opinions
“A federal judge is allowing the Biden administration to replace Trump-era biological opinions on endangered fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta with a temporary plan as federal agencies enter a years-long process to seek a permanent replacement. The Newsom administration has been a partner in the effort. Environmental and fishing groups were seeking an immediate halt to the 2019 biological opinions and more stringent protections than those in the interim plan. Irrigation districts and water project contractors, on the other hand, were supporting the original opinions, arguing the calendar-based pumping operations were outdated and the Delta needed a more flexible management approach. Several California Democrats in Congress opposed the plan as well, including Senator Dianne Feinstein. … ” Read more from Agri-Pulse here: Judge clears Biden Delta plan to replace Trump’s biological opinions
Federal Court adopts plan for water project operations in California, dismissing concerns of water users and eNGOs
“Last Friday, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California issued an order on competing motions in the coordinated cases challenging the 2019 biological opinions (BiOps) that govern operation of California’s State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project (Projects). The hefty order, which spanned over a hundred and twenty pages, attempted to distill the thousands of pages of briefing the parties submitted on the matter. Admittedly, stakes were high: these two Projects supply water to more than 25 million Californians and to farmers across the Central Valley. … ” Read more from Nossaman LLP here: Federal Court adopts plan for water project operations in California, dismissing concerns of water users and eNGOs
University study shows thousands of jobs could be impacted without proper water allocation
“A portion of Central Valley Ag will not receive any water from the Central Valley Project. Now, the Fresno Irrigation District is waiting until early April to release any water to farmers. A study done by Pepperdine University shows these allocations, and the lack of Ag water, are going to be devastating for not just farmers, but the valley economy as a whole. Three weeks ago, the Central Valley Project allocated zero water for the Westland’s Water District, forcing farmers like Ryan Ferguson to find other ways to water their crops. … ” Read more from Your Central Valley here: University study shows thousands of jobs could be impacted without proper water allocation
SEE ALSO:
- Fresno, Kings counties face job risks due to drought-related water supply, report says, from the Fresno Bee
- New Report Finds Over 35,000 Local Jobs Rely on Westlands Water District Agricultural Production, press release from Westlands Water District
The worst drought in 1,200 years: California at the Rubicon
“A paper that was recently published in the journal Nature Climate Change had a convoluted title: Rapid Intensification of the Emerging Southwestern North American Megadrought in 2020-2021. But what the paper detailed was explicit, easily understood – and terrifying. Using tree-ring data, researchers determined that the decades between 2000-2021 were the driest 20-year period in the American Southwest (including much of California) since 800 CE. Moreover, the current drought will likely continue through 2022, making it equivalent to a prolonged “megadrought” that afflicted the area in the late 1500s. “Reservoirs are low,” said Jay Lund, the co-director of the Center for Watershed Sciences at the University of California, Davis. “Lake Shasta is lower than it was at this time last year. The warming climate is making smaller droughts bigger, even as it’s increasing weather variability … ”
CA water manager says ‘disaster fatigue’ is why people aren’t focused on drought
“California water conservation efforts are worsening and some water managers are blaming “disaster fatigue” for the state’s abysmal conservation numbers. Last summer Governor Newsom called on all Californians to cut their water use by at least 15%. Niema Quiet has been doing her part to conserve water and told KCBS Radio that she has been washing some of her clothes by hand. “As a kid we didn’t even have washers and dryers so I look at it like that,” Quiet said. “I had to wash all my clothes by hand a lot.” … ” Read more from KCBS via MSN here: CA water manager says ‘disaster fatigue’ is why people aren’t focused on drought
‘Significant’ early spring heat wave coming to California next week
“Winter isn’t even over, and meteorologists are already talking about heat waves in California. High pressure that triggers dry, warm weather is expected to build over the West Coast next week and bring record-breaking temperatures across the Golden State, the National Weather Service said. While sweltering 100-degree temperatures that are often associated with heat waves aren’t in the forecast, widespread 80s, inching close to 90 in some spots, are predicted. Temperatures could be more than 20 degrees above average in some spots. … ” Read more from SF Gate here: ‘Significant’ early spring heat wave coming to California next week
California Water Commission increases potential funding for seven water storage projects
“The California Water Commission has increased the potential funding amounts for the seven projects in the Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP). Proposition 1, approved by California voters in 2014, directed the Commission to create a competitive process for funding water storage projects based on their public benefits. The projects were evaluated and ranked on criteria established in the WSIP regulations. … This month, with approximately $64 million in available funding remaining, the Commission voted to increase the potential funding amount for the Sites Project by $25 million, correcting a shortage from 2018 due to limited funding. … ”
Fund water projects, lawmaker says
“The California Water Commission must fund two Central Valley water projects to provide desperately needed water to California farmers, argued Assemblyman Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, argued in a letter to Commission Chair Teresa Alvarado. “I write to ask the California Water Commission to continue its support of the Kern Fan Project and Sites Reservoir – two water storage projects that are critical to the Central Valley and will benefit the entire state,” Fong wrote in the letter. “The Kern Fan Project consists of canals, pump stations and a new turnout at the California Aqueduct to convey water between the project facilities and the California Aqueduct. Sites Reservoir captures and stores stormwater flows from the Sacramento River for use by urban and agricultural uses.” … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee’s Capitol Alert here (scroll down to second story): Fund water projects, lawmaker says
American Canyon investing $1.6 million in planned Sites reservoir
“American Canyon will spend $1.6 million as it continues trying to solve its water crunch by participating in the tag-team effort to build Sites Reservoir 75 miles away in Colusa and Glenn counties. “We’re almost there,” City Councilmember David Oro said. “It’s further along than ever.” The city is the only Napa County city that doesn’t get some of its water from a local reservoir. It depends on highly variable State Water Project supplies coming from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta through the North Bay Aqueduct. ... ” Read more from the Napa Register here: American Canyon investing $1.6 million in planned Sites reservoir
Stanford’s Environmental Law Clinic supports efforts by tribes and environmental justice advocates to reframe California water rights
“As climate change makes water scarcity a perpetual reality in California, the health, culture, and wellbeing of vulnerable Californians and the survival of native species hinge on the State’s stewardship of water resources. To meet this crisis, the State needs the power to manage all water use in California. Yet, in the midst of the historic 2014-2015 drought, a subset of water users – those whose claimed water rights predate implementation of the state’s initial water legislation in 1914 – sued to exempt their water use from the State’s control. A trial court agreed, and the decision is now on appeal. If upheld, this decision would have dire consequences for the State’s ability to respond to the crisis in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the largest estuary on the west coast of North and South America. Last week, the Environmental Law Clinic filed an amicus brief on behalf of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, Little Manila Rising, and Restore the Delta to support the State’s appeal of this decision. … ” Read more from Stanford Law School here: Stanford’s Environmental Law Clinic supports efforts by tribes and environmental justice advocates to reframe California water rights
Project to return salmon to their historical habitat above Shasta Dam receives $1.5 million
“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that the Department of Water Resources (DWR) will receive $1.5 million in funding for the Juvenile Salmonid Collection System Pilot Project in the McCloud Arm of Shasta reservoir. This project is the first test of a collection system that would be an integral part of reintroducing endangered winter-run Chinook salmon and other runs of salmon to their historical habitat. “The time for action is now; winter-run Chinook salmon need access to their historical spawning habitat,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “Recent droughts have decimated winter-run Chinook salmon populations in the Sacramento River below Shasta Dam. Climate change is expected to repeat this situation with increasing regularity. With our state, federal and tribal partners, we can help this iconic run of Chinook salmon and increase the flexibility of California’s limited water supplies. We acknowledge and thank DWR for their initiative on this project. It would not have been possible without DWR’s leadership.” … ” Read more from Active NorCal here: Project to return salmon to their historical habitat above Shasta Dam receives $1.5 million
Senator Wiener introduces legislation to ensure public schools and state agencies have safe drinking water
“Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) has introduced Senate Bill 1144, the Safe and Efficient Water Act. SB 1144 requires public schools and state agencies to complete a water quality and efficiency assessment on their facilities. This bill ensures our public schools and state agencies have safe, drinkable water. Far too many school children and other California residents currently lack access to clean water. Under SB 1144, the water systems at public schools and state agencies must undergo testing for lead, radon, Legionella, and other contaminants. It will also require schools and agencies to test their water systems for water use efficiency. If any plumbing fixture is found to contain levels of contaminants beyond the legal limits, or is found to use more water than the current standards for water efficiency, the operating agency must replace the fixture at the earliest practical time, subject to funding. … ” Continue reading at Senator Weiner’s office here: Senator Wiener introduces legislation to ensure public schools and state agencies have safe drinking water
To support saving water, state offers free leak detection surveys to small water systems
“As California is gripped by a third year of dry conditions, sustainably managing our water systems and conserving water is more important than ever. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, on average, 14 percent of the water treated by water systems is lost to leaks; often caused by aging infrastructure and occasionally land subsidence. To address this issue, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) provided funding and partnered with the California Rural Water Association to offer free leak detection surveys for small water systems, including Tribal systems, that serve less than 3,000 connections. … ” Read more from DWR News here: To support saving water, state offers free leak detection surveys to small water systems
A plane was ‘cloud seeding’ in the Sierra this week to make it rain. Does that actually work?
“With Northern California’s traditional rainy season having gone dry, some water and power agencies are taking to the skies in hope of boosting rain and snowfall through a practice known as cloud seeding. Cloud seeding, mostly done with planes, sows rain clouds with a chemical vapor, including silver iodide particles that can bond with moisture, freeze into ice crystals and fall as rain or snow, artificially increasing the amount of precipitation from the clouds. While the process of chemically altering the weather sounds like something from a sci-fi story, the practice stretches back to the 1940s and has been successful enough that the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, a power provider, has used it since 1969 to increase the rainfall and snowfall that helps fuel its hydroelectric power plants. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: A plane was ‘cloud seeding’ in the Sierra this week to make it rain. Does that actually work?
Q&A: Install a greywater system to lower utility bills and save water
“Water from bathroom sinks, bathtubs, showers, and washing machines is classified as greywater and, depending on local and state regulations, can be diverted to irrigate landscaping. The water that dishwashers and kitchen sinks produce, on the other hand, can be contaminated with food and can’t be used in greywater systems. Toilet water is off-limits as well. A simple, low-tech greywater system can be professionally built for $1,000 to $2,000 by installing a three-way valve to funnel water from a washing machine to a hose or pipe that disperses it to the landscaping. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Q&A: Install a greywater system to lower utility bills and save water
Leaders, scientists discuss wildfire recovery at Watershed Improvement Program summit
“After back-to-back devastating wildfire seasons, this year’s annual Sierra Nevada Watershed Improvement Program (WIP) Summit brought together California’s top leaders, scientists, and community and tribal leaders to discuss wildfire recovery strategies that can help communities and landscapes not only recover from recent fires, but also become more resilient to major disturbances in the future. “If you look at this last decade, from my view, it’s terrifying and I think from the people who live and work in the region it’s a little bit terrifying,” said Angela Avery, executive officer of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. “Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen more than 2 million acres burn in the Sierra Nevada. Two fires, including the Dixie Fire, which is the largest single-source fire in California’s history, have burned up and over the crest of the Sierra Nevada.” ... ” Read more from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy here: Leaders, scientists discuss wildfire recovery at Watershed Improvement Program summit
In commentary today …
Westlands sounds the alarm about Valley farm jobs. California’s leaders need to listen
The Fresno Bee editorial board writes, “The importance of farming in the San Joaquin Valley is shown in a new report that captures the significant economic impact of the nation’s largest agriculture water district, which spans parts of Fresno and Kings counties. Westlands Water District, which runs from Kettlemen City on the south to near Firebaugh on the north, had a total economic impact of $4.7 billion in 2019, the most recent year for which data is available. When it comes to employment, Westlands’ 700 farms supported more than 35,000 jobs. Of those, 16,000 were linked directly to farm work, while nearly 18,000 were secondary jobs involved in processing the fruits, vegetables and nuts grown in the district. … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee here: Westlands sounds the alarm about Valley farm jobs. California’s leaders need to listen
Why California must fund water infrastructure upgrades
Edward Ring, co-founder of the California Policy Center, writes, “Californians have achieved impressive feats of water conservation over the past few decades. But that won’t be enough. While we’re drinking, washing, flushing, and irrigating less, demand for water still outpaces supply. Aging dams and canals need seismic retrofits, and new systems for harvesting and storing runoff water —and reusing wastewater — need to be built. What’s the hold-up? With care, environmentalist concerns over new water projects can be balanced with the need to provide Californians with an adequate water supply. But behind environmentalists, a diverse assortment of financial special interests is betting that Californians are going to live with chronic water scarcity forever. … ” Read more from the National Review here: Why California must fund water infrastructure upgrades
This megadrought’s dry years to come
The Southern California News Group editorial board writes, “Reading the tree rings from Montana to northern Mexico, from Pacific beaches to the Colorado Rockies, a team of scientists led by a UCLA researcher has shown that the current long-term drought in the West is the most severe in 1,200 years. It’s not just a dry spell — it’s a megadrought. The rigorous study, aided by NASA, shows all that talk you have heard most of your life, about how the lack of rain in these parts is normal, and about how “we live in a desert anyway” — we don’t; we live in a rare Mediterranean climate — is nonsense. … ” Read more the San Bernardino here: This megadrought’s dry years to come
Today’s featured article …
URBAN WATER INSTITUTE: Are we ready for a “black swan” event in the water business?
Felicia Marcus, Pat Mulroy, Jeffrey Kightlinger, and Tom Kennedy discuss unexpected events and how the water industry can prepare for them
A black swan is an unpredictable event that is unexpected and has potentially severe consequences; covid-19, for example. Could a black swan event happen in the water industry, and if so, are we ready for it? At the Urban Water Institute’s spring conference recently held online, a panel of experts tackled the question.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
State funds $4.3 million in upgrades and improvements to connect Clearlake area water districts
“Efforts by state and local leaders resulted this month in an award of millions of dollars for water system improvements in the Clearlake area. Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire has been working with the city of Clearlake, Lake County supervisors Bruno Sabatier and Moke Simon and local water districts to secure state funding that will once and for all establish an intertie between a few water districts near the city of Clearlake. After the Cache fire tore through Clearlake in late summer of 2021, city and county officials met with Sen. McGuire to highlight the need for the Lake County Intertie Project that will build resiliency in the system by upgrading the infrastructure and providing the capacity to share emergency water supply to three neighboring water districts. … ” Read more from the Lake County News here: State funds $4.3 million in upgrades and improvements to connect Clearlake area water districts
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Drought and Dixie Fire impacts water quality at Lake Almanor
“A warming climate is altering ecosystems worldwide. In California we are experiencing prolonged drought and more intense wildfires, which are impacting water quality in lakes and reservoirs. Fortunately, at Lake Almanor a dedicated group of concerned community members has commissioned water quality studies for the past thirteen years to monitor these impacts. They are the Lake Almanor Watershed Group (LAWG) and the 2021 water quality report is now available at the website of the Sierra Institute for Community and Environment (sierrainstitute.us). The report analyzes changes in temperature, oxygen concentration, electrical conductivity, transparency and pH, as well as plankton types and population density, at three lake sites at four times during the year. These same parameters, except for plankton and transparency, are also analyzed in the main tributaries to Lake Almanor: North Fork Feather River, Bailey Creek and Hamilton Branch. … ” Read more from the Plumas County News here: Drought and Dixie Fire impacts water quality at Lake Almanor
Saturday storm could drop several inches of snow at Tahoe
“A fast moving storm system will move across the region this weekend, bringing breezy winds with chances for rain and snow Saturday into Saturday evening, followed by chilly conditions with brisk northwest to north winds on Sunday. The National Weather Service in Reno on Wednesday issued a special statement that said several inches of snow are possible for mountain passes at Lake Tahoe. The service said the Tahoe Basin could expect 1-3 inches of snow, with 3-6 inches for the Sierra above 7,000 feet, with a foot not out of the question in localized areas. Less than 1 inch is projected for foothills of far western Nevada above 5,000 feet. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Saturday storm could drop several inches of snow at Tahoe
$29.2M approved to protect Lake Tahoe’s environment
“A federal bill was signed into law on March 15 that delivers additional critical investments to improve Tahoe’s environment, protect its delicate ecology, and support its community. With concerted support from Tahoe’s federal delegation, Tahoe will receive $23.8 million through the Lake Restoration Act, plus $3.4 million from the previously approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and $2 million in Community Project Funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation in the fiscal year 2022. “Tahoe doesn’t belong to just Nevada and California; it’s a national treasure,” said Darcie Goodman Collins, CEO of the League to Save Lake Tahoe, also known as Keep Tahoe Blue. “We’re encouraged that decision-makers in Washington D.C. have taken this bipartisan action to protect, preserve and Keep Tahoe Blue, especially in the face of climate change and extreme wildfire.” … ” Read more from South Tahoe Now here: $29.2M approved to protect Lake Tahoe’s environment
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Flood control partnerships for a safer Sacramento
“In December 1861, as the Civil War raged in the Eastern United States, the young city of Sacramento, California, was fighting its own battle—with raging flood waters. 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, no doubt. But with the economic opportunities came enormous challenges in navigation and flood control. The city’s fight to stay dry continues to the present day, spearheaded by the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, California Department of Water Resources, Central Valley Flood Protection Board, Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. ... ” Read more from the Army Corps of Engineers here: Flood control partnerships for a safer Sacramento
Sacramento residents vote on storm drain system measure
“Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. was the deadline for Sacramento residents to send their vote-by-mail ballot measure for the storm drain system improvement. “This is more than a flooding issue. This is a health issue. It’s a human rights issue,” said Melinda Johnson, with the Parkside Neighborhood Group. Johnson said when the rain falls in the community and other older parts of the city, the faulty storm drains lead to flooding, and it’s more than just rainwater. … ” Read more from KTXL here: Sacramento residents vote on storm drain system measure
BAY AREA
‘A lot riding’ on S.F. Bay Area rain this weekend to keep fire season in check
“The Bay Area’s persistent lack of rainfall this winter has left the region with vanishingly few chances for wet weather to help beat back the start of Northern California’s fire season, which could potentially start as early as June, meteorologists said Wednesday. But there was some cautious optimism that the potential for light rains this weekend could lend a hand. A cold front was expected to move through the Bay Area Saturday, bringing light rain to most areas as early as Friday night, said Roger Gass, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: ‘A lot riding’ on S.F. Bay Area rain this weekend to keep fire season in check
Point Reyes: Park pressed on water strategy
“The Point Reyes National Seashore is putting off several of the key policy changes it outlined in last year’s general management plan amendment, frustrating activists, ranchers and state regulators alike. One policy, a new water quality strategy, was delayed by an ongoing lawsuit, park officials told the California Coastal Commission last week. Seashore superintendent Craig Kenkel asked for an extension from the commission, and said that, in the meantime, the park will not grant long-term leases to ranchers and won’t cull the growing Drakes Beach elk herd as planned. Yet coastal commissioners balked at the park’s request, keeping an April hearing date and setting up a potential battle with the park service. … ” Read more from the Point Reyes Light here: Point Reyes: Park pressed on water strategy
Water rules in works for San Mateo, South San Francisco and San Carlos residents
“San Mateo, South San Francisco and San Carlos residents could soon be allowed to water landscaping only two days per week, the California Water Service announced Wednesday. The water provider said customers in its Bayshore District, which serves roughly 200,000 people in San Mateo County, will enter “stage 2” of the agency’s tiered water conservation plan in light of worsening drought conditions. … ” Read more from the Daily Journal here: Water rules in works for San Mateo, South San Francisco and San Carlos residents
Half Moon Bay: CCWD closes in on water shortage emergency
“As California enters a third year of drought and state agencies warn of water supply emergencies, Coastsiders may soon face water restrictions not seen since 2017. The Coastside County Water District is preparing to declare a water shortage emergency that will trigger certain mandatory prohibitions outlined in Stage 2 of the district’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan. Officially labeled as a Water Shortage Emergency Warning, the planned ordinance is aiming to reduce total water sales by 17 percent this year, with particular emphasis on cutting outdoor irrigation by 50 percent. … ” Read more from the Half Moon Bay here: Half Moon Bay: CCWD closes in on water shortage emergency
CENTRAL COAST
San Lorenzo Valley Water District weighs CZU complex fire rebuild options
“The San Lorenzo Valley Water District could decide Thursday just how it will rebuild some 7 miles of scorched drinking water pipeline – which burned in the August 2020 CZU Lightning Complex fire. The flexible, yet thick high-density polyethylene pipeline didn’t fare well in the historic blaze. The plastic pipe wound through steep Santa Cruz Mountains topography, and sat above ground, which made it particularly vulnerable to wildfire. As a result, the district lost nearly all of its surface water sources, forcing the purveyor to rely on the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin to provide drinking water — an aquifer that is critically overdraft, meaning more water has been pulled out of the aquifer than replenished over the years. … ” Read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel here: San Lorenzo Valley Water District weighs CZU complex fire rebuild options
Industry collaboration helps end surveillance sampling of leafy greens
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is discontinuing surveillance sampling of leafy greens grown in Salinas Valley. California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) CEO Tim York described the decision from FDA as “impactful.” Collaborative efforts on behalf of the industry were the lynchpin in showing the FDA that broad sampling was not necessary. “Our discussions between Western Growers, CDFA, and the California LGMA in late Fall, was ‘how can we demonstrate to you that there is proactive activity on the basis of our industry that might preclude the FDA sampling program,’” York explained. “[FDA] said ‘if you can provide us some data around what kind of sampling is taking place, the number of samples and results, we would consider that a mitigation step in place of our surveillance sampling.’ So indeed, that’s what happened.” ... ” Read more from Ag Net West here: Industry collaboration helps end surveillance sampling of leafy greens
Monterey County water officials warn: collaborate or suffer
“Dozens of people from several government agencies, water districts, water providers and Monterey County residents worried about the current state of water supplies gathered Tuesday in a first-of-its-kind water summit to forge a collaborative regional approach to the often-disparate interests that have guided local water policy. Organized by Monterey County Supervisor Mary Adams, the gathering was never designed to reach any formal agreement. Instead, it was the first time the various interests were gathered in one room – both physically and virtually – to share their views on approaches to an extremely challenging water supply problem in the county. “This will be a collaborative effort for a regional solution and needed dialogue,” Adams said to kick off the meeting. “We all need to leave our biases behind and our guns at the door.” … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Monterey County water officials warn: collaborate or suffer
Drought affects electric bills, PG&E raised rates twice in 2022
“Less rain means less water to power the hydroelectric plants that generate energy that we use throughout the year, but especially during the summer months. Mark Mesesan, a Communications Representative for PG&E, told KSBY, “We have been reserving the water in our reservoirs at this time of year and spring in order to prepare for the heavier electrical demand we anticipate in summer. When the temperatures go up, people are using their air conditioners.” … ” Read more from KSBY here: Drought affects electric bills, PG&E raised rates twice in 2022
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Many agriculture jobs at risk amid drought in Central California
“A new study shows thousands of jobs could be at risk due to uncertain water supplies for Central California farmers. Making matters worse, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is at 59-percent of normal for this time of year. “We can’t move this to Missouri or Iowa, it’s got to happen here. The big wild card in all of this is the availability in water, but I think it’s something we can solve,” says economist Michael Shires. The report suggests the Central California water supply could be reaching a tipping point. … ” Read more from KFSN here: Many agriculture jobs at risk amid drought in Central California
‘It’s hard to be optimistic.’ Here’s what Merced-area growers face after a dry winter
“With surface water allocations down and costs up, Merced County’s new irrigation season is reflecting the impacts of statewide drought. Merced County isn’t alone. The nearby Fresno Irrigation District (FID) announced Tuesday that the ongoing parched weather, including a record-dry January and February, led the Board of Directors to postpone its planned start of water deliveries. The decision came after the board reviewed the latest runoff forecasts and opted to conserve the district’s available water supply, according to a FID news release. … ” Read more from the Merced Sun-Star here: ‘It’s hard to be optimistic.’ Here’s what Merced-area growers face after a dry winter
Gustine gets $3.9 million from feds for water projects
“More than $69 million in direct funding is headed to the Central Valley and Northern California for federal projects approved by the Appropriations Committee, including a multi-million dollar water project in Gustine. The City of Gustine will get $3 million to install a 1-million-gallon water tank storage system and booster pump station to replace the current 75,000-gallon tank. The City also will get $950,000 to complete the Water Loop Line Project to build out a safe water distribution system. … ” Read more from Westside Connect here: Gustine gets $3.9 million from feds for water projects
Fed funds to fix water, sewer systems in Earlimart
“After struggling for the last decade to improve its water and sewer infrastructure, the rural town of Earlimart will finally get the funding it needs. All it took was an act of Congress. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives reached an agreement March 9 on a $1.5 trillion appropriations bill to fund programs and projects across the 12 divisions of the federal government. The bill included everything from $14 billion in emergency support of humanitarian, security, and economic assistance for Ukraine and Central European partners following the Russian invasion to just over $3 million to install a new sewer line and improve treatment of well water for the Earlimart Public Utility District. The latter is part of the Department of the Interior and Environment appropriations for 2022. … ” Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: Fed funds to fix water, sewer systems in Earlimart
EASTERN SIERRA
Restoration work makes strides in Mono Basin
“A new phase of aquatic restoration work based on a voluntary water settlement agreement in the Mono Basin began this past year. Conservation parties Mono Lake Committee, California Trout, and California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) are working with licensee Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) to manage water diversions by LADWP to the benefit of aquatic ecosystems of Mono Basin streams and Mono Lake. In October 2021, the California State Water Resources Board issued Order 21-86 to amend the water rights of the LADWP in the Mono Basin. Previously, Mono Basin stream habitat was damaged by excessive water diversions by the LADWP. Under this order, new requirements will be introduced and the restoration of 20 miles of stream habitat will be prioritized. CalTrout communicates closely with the Mono Lake Committee, CDFW, and LADWP to implement these changes. … ” Read more from Cal Trout here: Restoration work makes strides in Mono Basin
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Santa Monica: Facing a historic drought with Conservation, recycling and ‘smarter’ water use
“Santa Monica-based nonprofit Heal the Bay hosted a community conversation via Zoom on Tuesday evening, focusing on the Los Angeles area’s ongoing efforts to prepare for the future. At the water chat, Heal the Bay senior watershed specialist Mikaela Randolph asked panelist John Dorsey about local effects of climate change. Dorsey is a board-certified environmental scientist and a research fellow with the Coastal Research Institute. “What’s interesting is, all the modeling and everything — the models actually showing when we expected things to start changing from climate change? Everything’s happening even earlier than the models show,” Dorsey began. … ” Read more from the Santa Monica Daily Press here: Santa Monica: Facing a historic drought with Conservation, recycling and ‘smarter’ water use
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Desert Water Agency discusses local water conservation efforts
“Governor Gavin Newsom declared a drought emergency in 2021, yet recent data shows Californians are not conserving enough water, in fact the Coachella Valley used about 20% more water this January than the previous one. Wednesday afternoon, the Desert Water Agency presented a plan to address the drought and how the Coachella Valley can help. The DWA currently serves the cities of Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and a portion of Cathedral City. … ” Read more from NBC Palm Springs here: Desert Water Agency discusses local water conservation efforts
SAN DIEGO
Water district directors approve map with new division boundaries
“Ramona Municipal Water District directors approved a final map for the district’s election boundaries after discussing the pros and cons of dividing downtown Ramona among four divisions. The water district has five divisions, each represented by a director. Redistricting Partners LLC recently presented revised division boundaries to reflect changing population sizes and demographics based on 2020 Census data. Three new maps presented as Draft Plans A, B and C were considered at the water district’s Feb. 8 meeting, with directors selecting Draft Plan A for final review. After allowing time for public input, the maps were reconsidered for final approval March 8. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: Water district directors approve map with new division boundaries
Along the Colorado River …
Lake Powell hits historic low, raising hydropower concerns
“A massive reservoir known as a boating mecca dipped below a critical threshold on Tuesday raising new concerns about a source of power that millions of people in the U.S. West rely on for electricity. Lake Powell’s fall to below 3,525 feet (1,075 meters) puts it at its lowest level since the lake filled after the federal government dammed the Colorado River at Glen Canyon more than a half century ago — a record marking yet another sobering realization of the impacts of climate change and megadrought. It comes as hotter temperatures and less precipitation leave a smaller amount flowing through the over-tapped Colorado River. Though water scarcity is hardly new in the region, hydropower concerns at Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona reflect that a future western states assumed was years away is approaching — and fast. … ” Read more from the Associated Press here: Lake Powell hits historic low, raising hydropower concerns
SEE ALSO: A powerless Lake Powell? Water now at lowest level since it filled up, from the Salt Lake Tribune
Desalination in Arizona: What you should know as inventor gets ready to test new technology on Buckeye aquifer
“An Arizona inventor is in the process of testing brand-new technology, that could add to the water supply in the Phoenix area. Here’s what you need to know about Brian Hageman’s endeavors to bring desalination to the heart of Arizona. Didn’t the Governor talked about desalination recently? Yes. During his final state of the state address on Jan. 10, 2022, Governor Doug Ducey proposed setting aside $1 billion to bring desalinated water to Arizona. “Speaker [Rusty] Bowers, President [Karen] Fann and I have been working, and we propose that we make a historic investment: $1 billion,” said Gov. Ducey. “Our goal: secure Arizona’s water future for the next 100 years.” … ” Continue reading at Channel 10 here: Desalination in Arizona: What you should know as inventor gets ready to test new technology on Buckeye aquifer
Climate-driven water woes spark Colorado rush to conserve ‘liquid gold’
“In a rooftop greenhouse near downtown Denver, cash crops are thriving on hydroponic life support. Arugula. Chard. Escarole. Cabbage. “And basil,” said Altius Farms CEO Sally Herbert, plucking a bright leaf. “Which you really should taste. Because it’s magnificent.” The vertical farm is one of many Colorado models for coping with increasing water scarcity in the western United States, as climate change makes droughts more frequent and more severe. Other projects have Coloradans testing water recycling and building barriers against the wildfire runoff that can taint supplies. … ” Read more from CNBC here: Climate-driven water woes spark Colorado rush to conserve ‘liquid gold’
In national water news today …
Study examines the chemical GenX in water: Is it different from other PFAS?
“Last fall, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that GenX chemicals were more toxic than the ‘forever chemicals’ they were developed to replace. Now, a new University at Buffalo-led study examines what happens when GenX—chemicals used in food packaging, nonstick coating and other products—interacts with water. Published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, the research reveals how molecules of GenX and water intermingle to form complex structures called micelles. The work builds upon a growing body of scientific evidence suggesting that GenX and its derivatives, which have been found in drinking water in North Carolina and elsewhere, could pose similar or worse health hazards than other forever chemicals. … ” Read more from Expert Environmental here: Study examines the chemical GenX in water: Is it different from other PFAS?
EPA: ‘Forever chemicals’ in pesticide barrels may be illegal
“The presence of so-called forever chemicals in pesticides may stem from a violation of federal chemical law, according to an announcement today from EPA. In an open letter this morning, EPA announced several actions amid an ongoing investigation scrutinizing plastic containers fluorinated with PFAS. Those chemicals have leached into pesticides, an issue the agency linked to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) barrels last year. Now, EPA says the contamination may constitute a violation of the Toxic Substances Control Act, which regulates chemicals nationwide. EPA issued the letter to HDPE manufacturers, processors and other relevant parties, informing them that the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances may fly in the face of federal law. The chemicals can be formed as byproducts in the containers. … ” Read more from E&E News here: EPA: ‘Forever chemicals’ in pesticide barrels may be illegal
Hydropower helps ensure energy grid resilience, report says
“With the U.S. electrical grid facing the prospect of growing instability in the future, hydropower offers an increasingly critical means of improving system resilience, according to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Energy. Released in October, the report examines the contributions to grid resilience made by hydropower in the case of certain extreme events. Titled Hydropower’s Contributions to Grid Resilience, the report was prepared by authors affiliated with the multiple DOE laboratories: the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. … ” Read more from Civil Engineering Source here: Hydropower helps ensure energy grid resilience, report says
‘Pretty brutal’: Hiring woes plague Biden effort to contain wildfires
“The Biden administration has unveiled ambitious plans to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires that have plagued the West in recent summers. The “Great Resignation” has thrown a serious wrench in that strategy. The U.S. Forest Service has had chronic staffing shortages for over a decade. But amid rising wages and a fierce competition for labor across the U.S. economy, the agency faces a particularly bleak hiring picture, even as it looks to add an untold number of forest management staff (the Forest Service has declined to estimate just how many people it needs to hire) — to fight wildfires in what could be another tough season, carry out an aggressive new land management plan and continue regular forest management and surveys. … ” Read more from Politico here: ‘Pretty brutal’: Hiring woes plague Biden effort to contain wildfires
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
WEBINAR: Office Hours with Stantec’s SGMA Facilitation Team
