On the calendar today …
- MEETING: Central Valley Flood Protection Board beginning at 9am. Agenda items include a presentation of levee inspection results for the RD 2068 and RD 2098 – Yolano Cache Slough Levee System and an update on the 2022 Central Valley Flood Protection Plan. Click here for full agenda and remote access instructions.
- EVENT: CA Water Alliance Second Annual Water Forum (Fresno) from 12pm 1:30pm. Please join the California Water Alliance for the 2nd Annual Water Forum. Ryan Jacobsen with the Fresno County Farm Bureau will be our MC again and the panel will certainly provide a robust conversation surrounding the water crisis in California. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: California’s Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program and Safe to Eat Workgroup (STEW) from 12pm to 1:30pm. California’s Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program and Safe to Eat Workgroup (STEW) have been working with many partners since 2007 to answer the question: “Is it safe to eat fish and shellfish from our waters?” This presentation will reflect on past accomplishments, discuss some lessons learned along the way, and review our vision for working together to continue to use open science and equity to enable innovative, inclusive, and informed monitoring and management decisions into the future. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
Despite some rain and snow, it’s still not enough precipitation to add to reservoir runoff
“The Department of Water Resources’ “water supply forecasting” team updated their April-July runoff forecast. The team studies the snow depth and the rate the water begins to run-off as it relates to melting. Right now is the peak of snowfall accumulation with runoff projected to continue into late spring. By June or July, the Department of Water Resources says the reservoir levels are typically the highest due to the snowpack almost completely run off. The report released, shows that natural flow rates in rivers have increased, and are more pronounced in the central and southern Sierra. Despite the increased flow, all the rivers are running below half the March average rate, except the San Joaquin River that is running just above half, at 56% rate. ... ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Despite some rain and snow, it’s still not enough precipitation to add to reservoir runoff
SEE ALSO: BULLETIN 120: Forecast update, posted on Maven’s Notebook
A modest “one and done” storm early next week, but trend toward re-strengthening drought continues
Daniel Swain writes, “Well, it has been almost completely dry still across California since my last blog post in early March. This ongoing Jan-Mar dry spell has been truly incredible across a broad swath of the West centered on California, and numerous records for dry conditions during the ostensible “wet season” have been shattered. Across most of California and parts of adjacent states, we have just experienced the driest Jan 1 – Mar 24 period on record. Even with some precipitation expected just before the end of the month (see more below), many spots are still likely to set new records for driest Jan-Mar period on record in well over a century. Virtually all of California is now below average in the precipitation department for the Water Year to date. … ” Read more from Weather West here: A modest “one and done” storm early next week, but trend toward re-strengthening drought continues
CW3E AR Update: Weak atmospheric river and low-pressure system to bring precipitation to Southern and Central CA
“A weak atmospheric river (AR) is forecasted to make landfall over the Pacific Northwest tomorrow night. A secondary cyclone is forecasted to develop west of the AR and slowly approach the California coast, bringing a brief period of AR conditions to much of the state. Model-to-model differences in the forecast evolution of the surface cyclone and AR are leading to large differences in the forecast timing and location of the heaviest precipitation in California. The NWS Weather Prediction Center is forecasting 1–3 inches of precipitation over portions of coastal Southern California and the Sierra Nevada, with the highest amounts in the Transverse Ranges. … ” Read more from the Center for Western Weather & Water Extremes here: CW3E AR Update: Weak atmospheric river and low-pressure system to bring precipitation to Southern and Central CA
State plan releases money for Friant-Kern canal repairs. How much will be spent
“The California Department of Water Resources on Thursday reported it released $29.8 million for repairs to the Friant-Kern Canal, which has lost more than 60 percent of its carrying capacity in eastern Tulare County due to land subsidence. The Middle Reach Capacity Correction Project is intended to restore a 33-mile section of the 152-mile U.S. Bureau of Reclamation canal. Phase one of the project is expected to cost $292 million and be finished in early 2024. The department said the Friant-Kern is one of four projects receiving $100 million under the California Budget Act of 2021 to San Joaquin Valley conveyance systems. The Department of Water Resources is working on agreements on the Delta-Mendota Canal, the San Luis Canal and the California Aqueduct. An additional $100 million in funding is slated for the coming fiscal year. … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee here: State plan releases money for Friant-Kern canal repairs. How much will be spent
Friant-Kern Canal fix gets first infusion of state money
“The state gave its first shot of cash – $29.8 million – toward fixing the sagging Friant-Kern Canal on Thursday. Another $7.4 million could be added to the pot once the Friant Water Authority, which operates the canal, secures federal funding it is seeking. That would bring this year’s full contribution from the state Department of Water Resources up to $37.2 million. And there will likely be more coming next year. DWR announced in November it would divvy up a $200 million fund this year and next between four of California’s most critical canals, which are sinking because of groundwater over pumping. … ” Read more from SJV Water here: Friant-Kern Canal fix gets first infusion of state money
SEE ALSO: DWR Releases Funds for Repairs of the Friant-Kern Canal, press release from DWR and the Friant Water Authority
Decision in Boswell-Vidovich pipeline fight set for April 1
“A Kings County Superior Court Judge will decide April 1 whether a large water pipeline barreling from Lemoore southwest past Stratford must be reviewed under the state’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Regardless of that decision, the full-blown water war that has erupted between Sandridge Partners or J.G. Boswell Company, who are behind this and other legal skirmishes, will continue. If Judge Valerie Chrissakis does rule on April 1 that the pipeline being built by Sandridge should come under CEQA review, that could subject it to months-long environmental studies and a whole lot more public scrutiny. The line has been the subject of intense curiosity among area farmers and even Boswell’s attorney has asked in court hearings what water the line will move and to where? … ” Read more from SJV Water here: Decision in Boswell-Vidovich pipeline fight set for April 1
Why Californians have been saving less water in 2022
“The latest figures on California’s water conservation are in, and they’re pretty dismal. Despite calls to reduce consumption during our punishing drought, Californians used 2.6 percent more water in January compared with the same month in 2020, according to state data. The figures for February and March are unlikely to be much better. These disappointing numbers represent a marked change from late 2021. In December, Californians reduced residential water usage by more than 15 percent, exceeding Gov. Gavin Newsom’s conservation target. October and November saw significant savings as well. So why the backslide? … ” Continue reading at the New York Times here: Why Californians have been saving less water in 2022
1,100 miles of levees: Part of California’s water ‘switching yard’
“Gazing down from atop 3,489-foot high Mt. Diablo, on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta levees create a maze like patchwork of nearly 60 islands and tracts surrounded by water flowing toward the San Francisco Bay. The 1,100 linear miles of levees was created after the Gold Rush to reclaim vast wetlands for farming. The soil — laden with extremely rich nutrients — is considered among the most prime farmland in California. The levees ultimately made it possible for California to develop the planet’s most elaborate — and lengthy — movement of water stretching as far as Shasta Reservoir to San Diego covering more than 670 miles. Without levees, some form of sea wall, or the proposed Delta Tunnel it would not be possible to move drinking water for 63 percent California’s nearly 40 million residents through the Delta and into aqueducts to complete the trip to Southern California or the Bay Area. … ” Read more from the Manteca Bulletin here: 1,100 miles of levees: Part of California’s water ‘switching yard’
Lake Mendocino Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations awarded ASCE Region 9 Water Project
“Each year, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Region 9 presents project awards recognizing outstanding Civil Engineering projects in California. Awards are selected from nominations made throughout the state and evaluated by the ASCE review committee. ASCE recently presented the 2021 ASCE Region 9 Water Project award to Jay Jasperse, Chief Engineer of Sonoma Water, recognizing the Lake Mendocino Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) Final Viability Assessment (FVA) as an outstanding water project. … ” Continue reading at the Center for Western Weather & Water Extremes here: Lake Mendocino Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations awarded ASCE Region 9 Water Project
Progress made on Sites Reservoir Project development
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its intent to help fund the Sites Reservoir Project. EPA has invited sponsors of the project to apply for a nearly $2.2 billion loan through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). It will be the largest loan made through the WIFIA program once finalized. Sites Project Authority Chairman Fritz Durst said that the importance of the announcement from EPA “cannot be overstated.” The Sites project is a proposed off-stream water storage facility that will capture and store stormwater flows from the Sacramento River. ... ” Read more from Ag Net West here: Progress made on Sites Reservoir Project development
Listen: Amid drought, ‘it’s really a miracle that California exists,’ says AP reporter
“The Golden State is facing the third consecutive year of severe drought. A few weeks ago, the state’s farmers found out they’ll be getting less water from the federal government. What does that mean for this year’s harvest and for farmers’ livelihoods? Agricultural workers in Central California produce most of the fruits, nuts, and vegetables consumed in the United States. Reporter Adam Beam, covers California for the Associated Press, explains the state water project and the Central Valley Project operated by the federal government, which most recently distributed resources to farmers based on the water collected in dams, canals, and reservoirs.” Listen at KCRW here: Listen: Amid drought, ‘it’s really a miracle that California exists,’ says AP reporter
How ranchers are preparing for another year of drought in Northern California
“A third year of drought in the region means reduced water for agriculture and ranching uses, prompting farmers and business owners to make difficult decisions around cutting back on operations. “Between the drought and the Scott River water-use curtailments by the State Water Resources Control Board, we are most likely going to have to quit ranching,” said Nancy Burns, an owner and operator of Marble Peaks Ranch in Etna, describing the dire situation in distinctly blunt terms. The ranch raises Corriedale sheep. The 454-acre property, which is largely in a natural state, with 65 acres of irrigated pasture, relies on water from Miner’s Creek, a tributary of the Scott River, Burns explained. … ” Read more from Mt. Shasta News here: How ranchers are preparing for another year of drought in Northern California
Second District upholds EIR for Kern Water Bank Recharge Project involving diversion of unappropriated Kern River Water in certain wet years; rejects CEQA claims alleging inconsistent project description, inaccurate environmental setting, and inadequate water supply impacts analysis
“In an opinion originally filed on February 23, and later modified and ordered published on March 22, 2022, the Second District Court of Appeal reversed the trial court’s judgment invalidating the Kern Water Bank Authority’s (“KWBA”) EIR and approval of its own project to divert unappropriated Kern River waters in certain wet years to recharge its Kern Water Bank (“KWB”). Buena Vista Water Storage District v. Kern Water Bank Authority (2022) ___ Cal.App.5th _____. In upholding KWBA’s EIR and reinstating its project approval, the Court addressed CEQA project description, baseline, and impact analysis issues in the context of a water diversion and recharge project involving excess flood waters from the not-fully-appropriated Kern River. … ” Read more from Miller Star Regalia here: Second District upholds EIR for Kern Water Bank Recharge Project involving diversion of unappropriated Kern River Water in certain wet years
Research reveals a curious link between wildfires and water in the American West
“In 2020, fires burned more than six percent of California’s forests — an alarming harbinger of a future where wildfire season runs year-round. Scientists already link these severe, frequent wildfires in the western U.S. to climate change. Still, new research also reveals that wildfires may have a surprising effect on water resources in this drought-stricken region. Published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the findings indicate water runoff from streams increases in heavily burned forests in the years following a wildfire. This trend will likely continue over the next thirty years in a region where increasing wildfires and water shortages loom over many communities. … ” Read more from Inverse here: Research reveals a curious link between wildfires and water in the American West
Myths of prescribed fire: The watering can that pretends to be a river
“The use of prescribed fire — intentionally setting fires in forests and other ecosystems under planned circumstances — has received increased attention in California and elsewhere in recent years. On the one hand, it is good that there is growing recognition that fire is a natural and necessary part of forests and other ecosystems. On the other hand, current advocacy for large-scale prescribed fire across vast areas is often built on outdated assumptions and overstated claims, while downplaying problems stemming from how prescribed fire is actually being implemented. This factsheet identifies five key sets of myths regarding prescribed fire and shows how they can lead to misguided policies and missed opportunities to better accomplish public safety and ecological restoration goals in a more cost-effective manner. ... ” Read more from Earth Island Journal here: Myths of prescribed fire: The watering can that pretends to be a river
Wildfire smoke particles can affect climate for days, not hours, UC Davis study finds
“On top of their risk to human health and the environment, emissions from wildfire smoke can also alter the climate — even “hundreds of hours” after the smoke has plumed, according to a recent study led by researchers from University of California, Davis. A research team traveled in summer 2019 to the Mount Bachelor Observatory in Oregon to gain a “better understanding of the aging of biomass burning organic aerosols,” which are particles that result from fires that burn biomass such as trees, grasses and shrubs, the study’s abstract explains. Environmental chemists and toxicology researchers conducted measurements of aerosol concentrations linked to fire events. ... ” Continue reading at the Sacramento Bee here: Wildfire smoke particles can affect climate for days, not hours, UC Davis study finds
Audit: California utilities aren’t doing enough to reduce wildfire threats
“As record-breaking drought fuels another potentially dangerous wildfire season, the state auditor reported today that state officials are failing to hold California’s electric utilities accountable for preventing fires caused by their equipment. The report to the California Legislature found that the new Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety approved utility companies’ wildfire prevention plans even when they were “seriously deficient.” Included were plans by Pacific Gas & Electric, California’s largest utility, which was held responsible for sparking the state’s deadliest wildfire, the Camp Fire that killed 85 people in 2018. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: Audit: California utilities aren’t doing enough to reduce wildfire threats
Little carbon from living trees during wildfires
“Research on the ground following two large wildfires in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range showed the vast majority of carbon stored in trees before the blazes was still there after the fires. Published in the journal Forests, the findings are an important step toward understanding the connection between wildfires and climate-change-inducing carbon emissions, according to a scientific collaboration that included Mark Harmon of Oregon State University. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Little carbon from living trees during wildfires
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Legal brief: Klamath River project
“A federal court in California declined to dismiss the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s crossclaim in a suit brought by the Yurok Tribe challenging the federal agency’s biological opinion on a Klamath River project, which assessed impacts on coho and Chinook salmon. The bureau has adequately alleged a conflict between an Oregon Water Resources Department order preventing it from releasing water classified as stored at the Upper Klamath Lake and its obligations under the Endangered Species Act.” Read the legal brief from Courthouse News Service here: Legal brief: Klamath River project
So far this is Eureka’s driest year ever recorded
“Local precipitation totals for the month of March are shaping up to be the lowest ever recorded. While late December and early January storms started the season with great promise, historic drought conditions have gripped Humboldt County. “Our total precipitation in Eureka for the year so far is a whole 3.83 inches,” James White, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Eureka, told the Outpost. “That is the lowest precipitation level recorded since record-keeping began over 100 years ago. We had the driest January and February on record and that trend will probably continue for the month of March.” … ” Read more from the Lost Coast Outpost here: So far this is Eureka’s driest year ever recorded
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Lake Tahoe could see record temps this week as Northern California heats up
“Don’t expect winter wonderland weather this weekend if you’re headed to Lake Tahoe. Record-high temperatures were forecast for the area, reaching into the upper 60s around the lake, mid-70s in Markleeville and the eastern Sierra and the high 70s to low 80s in Carson City and Reno, according to the National Weather Service’s Reno office. The unseasonably warm weather began Wednesday with South Lake Tahoe setting a record high at 66 degrees, exceeding the previous record of 62 degrees set in 2004. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Lake Tahoe could see record temps this week as Northern California heats up
Tahoe ski resorts announce closing dates
“With the weather warming this spring to record levels, the ski season is quickly coming to an end. Most ski resorts at Lake Tahoe have announced closing dates, except for Palisades Tahoe on the North Shore who normally is the last to close. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Tahoe ski resorts announce closing dates
Residents weigh in on reopening of Grass Valley gold mine
“The formal process for Nevada County residents to weigh in on the reopening of a gold mine is officially underway. Grass Valley’s Idaho-Maryland mine produced 2.4 million ounces of gold during a century of operation. Rise Gold has had ownership of the mine for about five years and is hoping to see it productive again in the near future. One person at the hearing echoed the same desires. … But that assessment does not sit well with some of the people who showed up for the Planning Commission hearing on the more than 1,000-page environmental impact report. … ” Read more from KTXL here: Residents weigh in on reopening of Grass Valley gold mine
Centennial dam still appears to have support on Nevada Irrigation District Board
“At the end of their Wednesday meeting, Nevada Irrigation District (NID) Directors shared their individual reports. Generally, these reports list meetings or events directors attended, or reports out of various committees. Chair Chris Bierwagen stated he didn’t have a report, but voiced his frustration that 100,000 acre-feet of water just ended up in Camp Far Reservoir. He then stated his commitment to continue to support Centennial dam. … ” Continue reading at YubaNet here: Centennial dam still appears to have support on Nevada Irrigation District Board
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
New water usage ordinance added to Davis municipal code
“On Feb. 22, the Davis City Council voted unanimously in favor of new water usage restrictions. To reduce wasting drinkable water, washing buildings or sidewalks with potable water is now prohibited. City Councilman Dan Carson said that the drought situation looks dire. Since the rainy season this year has been unusually dry, citizens of California must be mindful of water usage in these coming months. “We’re trying to send a message to the public that they have to be very smart with their water use because honestly, things look grim right now, in terms of this being, once again, an unusually dry rain season,” Carson said. ... ” Read more from the Davis Enterprise here: New water usage ordinance added to Davis municipal code
NAPA/SONOMA
Sonoma County and most of North Coast are now in ‘extreme drought’
“The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows virtually all of Sonoma County and the North Coast in a state of extreme drought, as March weather continues to be mostly dry. A quarter to a half-inch of rain may be on the way Sunday and/or Monday, but rainfall has barely topped an inch in Santa Rosa and neighboring cities since Jan. 1. The rain gauge at the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport has collected 1.12 inches this year so far, or just 7% of normal, National Weather Service meteorologist Roger Gass said. A typical year would see 16.91 inches at this point in the year. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Sonoma County and most of North Coast are now in ‘extreme drought’
BAY AREA
Major Bay protection and restoration efforts in S.F. Estuary Blueprint get federal boost
“Money to restore San Francisco Bay and address impacts from climate change received a $24 million boost via the federal omnibus spending bill signed into law this week by President Biden. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 provides funds to implement the priority actions identified in the San Francisco Estuary Partnership’s Blueprint. Specifically, the money will go toward the U.S. EPA’s San Francisco Bay Area Water Quality Improvement Fund, which has focused work on removing pollutants, improving wetlands and reducing runoff. The $24 million annual earmark is the biggest increase to the fund since it began in 2008, with a push from Sen. Dianne Feinstein. The Water Quality Improvement Fund currently receives about $5 million annually to advance wetland restoration, water quality improvement and green urban development projects. ... ” Read more from the Antioch Herald here: Major Bay protection and restoration efforts in S.F. Estuary Blueprint get federal boost
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
San Joaquin County agricultural industry has avoided worst of California’s drought
“San Joaquin County has avoided the worst impacts of the drought, which has cost California $1.7 billion and more than 14,000 jobs, a recent report found. Surface water conditions in the San Joaquin Valley are less severe than during the 2012-16 drought, and are better in the north valley than in the south, the report by University of California researchers found. “We’re faring better than most when it comes to drought,” Peter Rietkerk, general manager of the South San Joaquin Irrigation District, said of his district. The district irrigates Escalon, Ripon and Manteca and surrounding agricultural areas. … ” Read more from the Stockton Record here: San Joaquin County agricultural industry has avoided worst of California’s drought
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Dams out: Rindge Dam
“The 100-foot-tall Rindge Dam in Malibu Creek is located in the Santa Monica Mountains, about three miles upstream from Southern California’s Malibu coastline. Construction of the concrete dam and spillway structure was completed in 1926 on the Rindge family property and provided water for irrigation and household use in Malibu. The reservoir filled entirely with sediment by the 1940s, and the dam was decommissioned in 1967. It was purchased shortly thereafter by California State Parks and is now part of Malibu Creek State Park.” Read more from Cal Trout here: Dams out: Rindge Dam View story map here: Rindge Dam story map
West Basin gets $3.8 million in fed. funds for recycled water projects
“West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) has received $3.79 million in federal funding for its North Gardena Recycled Water Lateral and Mills Memorial Park Recycled Water Lateral projects. Project funding was made possible through the support of Rep. Maxine Waters, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and Sen. Alex Padilla. Through their combined efforts, West Basin was able to secure key funding in the fi nal Fiscal Year 2022 Energy and Water Appropriations measure, which was signed by President Biden last week. … ” Read more from the Gardena Valley News here: West Basin gets $3.8 million in fed. funds for recycled water projects
Feds block massive hydroelectric project near Lake Elsinore again
“A massive hydroelectric project proposed to span through the Cleveland National Forest — west of Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Murrieta and Temecula — has once again been blocked by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. On Thursday, the federal agency issued a decision saying it would not rehear arguments from Vista-based Nevada Hydro LLC about its project application and the company’s request for a stay was denied. … ” Read more from the Patch here: Feds block massive hydroelectric project near Lake Elsinore again
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
How can desert surf parks, lagoon resort be approved amid drought? Here’s what law says
“Four surf wave parks, an ice hockey arena with two large chilled rinks and a Disney “beachfront” resort and lagoon are among water-intensive developments that have been approved or are under consideration in the Coachella Valley. Major developers are offering up water-themed projects in this parched desert region like there’s no tomorrow, even as a prolonged drought continues across the Southwest, and the Colorado River reservoirs that replenish area water supply dip to historic lows. The high-end projects are being proposed and approved while low-income, largely Latino residents in mobile home parks at the eastern edge of the valley, in some cases not far from new luxury projects, continue to live with contaminated wells or no running water. Water officials say state laws and policies leave them no choice … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: How can desert surf parks, lagoon resort be approved amid drought? Here’s what law says
Along the Colorado River …
Las Vegas: Water authority looks to curb another group of water wasters — septic systems
“As outlooks for water supplies on the Colorado River continue to worsen, water regulators in Southern Nevada are turning their sights to another set of water wasters. The Southern Nevada Water Authority is looking to entice as many of the estimated 15,000 septic system users in the Las Vegas Valley to abandon their water-seeping septic tanks and hook into the municipal sewer system that recycles water back into Lake Mead that can then be reused again and again. The initiative would aid the authority in water conservation efforts it says are needed to meet the water demands associated with the valley’s continued population growth over the next several decades, according to John Entsminger, general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority. … ” Read more from the Las Vegas Review Journal here: Las Vegas: Water authority looks to curb another group of water wasters — septic systems
Flores urges Senate to pass CRIT Water Resiliency Act
“Colorado River Indian Tribes Chair Amelia Flores was in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, March 23 to urge the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to support the CRIT Water Resiliency Act of 2021 that would allow the tribe to lease a portion of its annual Colorado River water allocation for off-reservation use within the state. CRIT is Arizona’s largest and most senior Colorado River water rights holder, with a 719,248 acre-feet allocation per year for its lands in Arizona and California. But CRIT’s water rights cannot be leased for off-reservation use due to a 1782 federal statute prohibiting the transfer of federal Indian trust assets – such as CRIT’s water rights – without an act of Congress. … ” Read more from the Parker Pioneer here: Flores urges Senate to pass CRIT Water Resiliency Act
U.S. Senate committee hears 2 bills on tribal water rights in Arizona
“Two tribal leaders from Arizona testified to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on Wednesday, defending a pair of bills brought by Sen. Mark Kelly and co-sponsored by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema that center on tribal water rights. The first was a bill concerning the White Mountain Apache Tribe that asks for additional funding and an extended Congressional deadline to complete the tribe’s Rural Water System and Miner Flat Dam Project for drinking water, a project approved as part of a water rights settlement enacted by Congress in 2010. … ” Read more from Arizona Public Media here: U.S. Senate committee hears 2 bills on tribal water rights in Arizona
Utah uranium mill is endangering land, water, say environmentalists and tribes
“Tribes and environmentalists say the country’s last operational uranium mill has become a low-cost industrial waste dump that could imperil land and groundwater in the Colorado River Basin and at nearby Bears Ears National Monument. They want it to close or be subject to stricter regulations to avoid a catastrophic incident like the 2015 Gold King mine spill, which contaminated both the Animas River and the nearby San Juan River. A report issued by the Grand Canyon Trust March 15 said the White Mesa Mill in southeastern Utah, which opened in 1980 to extract uranium from mined ore, had been converted into a lower-cost alternative to a highly regulated toxic waste facility using what the trust calls a “radioactive Midas touch,” a licensed “alternative feed” mill that reprocesses used ore and low-level waste to extract more uranium and rare earths. … ” Continue reading from the Arizona Republic here: Utah uranium mill is endangering land, water, say environmentalists and tribes
Best: Colorado River’s confounding math problem should worry us
Allen Best, publisher of ‘Big Pivots,’ writes, “Spring runoff last year in the Colorado River Basin was a bust, a snowpack almost 90% of average reduced to a 30% inflow at Lake Powell. Nobody yet predicts another bust this year. Maybe a meteorological March Madness will yet compensate for last year. While we wait, water managers talk about “the math problem.” The gap between water flows and demands in the Colorado River is enormous and likely to widen. The dysfunctional equation begins with 20 million acre-feet, the average annual flows assumed by the Colorado River Compact that was crafted 100 years ago by delegates from the seven basin states. … ” Read more from Vail Daily here: Best: Colorado River’s confounding math problem should worry us
In national water news today …
‘Earth is transitioning’: Models suggest more megadroughts
“At the end of this century, scientists believe that megadroughts – extended drought events that can last two decades or more – will be more severe and longer than they are today in western United States. Coupled with worsening climate change, those droughts will likely be more dangerous and extreme. “In the future, not only will a given decade probably be drier on average,” said co-author Flavio Lehner, assistant professor of Earth and atmospheric sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The department is shared with the College of Engineering. “But that decade will also feature more extremes within that decade, than for example, a decade today.” … ” Read more from the Cornell Chronicles here: ‘Earth is transitioning’: Models suggest more megadroughts
Climate change is intensifying the global water cycle
“Human-induced climate change is warming the planet and, in turn, enabling our atmosphere to hold more moisture. The magnitude and extent of this shift are challenging to see on a global scale, but its effects on local weather are much more noticeable: Greater evaporation in some regions and increased precipitation in others has already driven more frequent and intense droughts and rainfall — with the risk of more extreme weather events looming in the near future. … ” Read more from Discover Magazine here: Climate change is intensifying the global water cycle
National water and climate update …
The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces this weekly report using data and products from the National
Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature,
and drought conditions in the U.S.
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
BULLETIN 120: Forecast update
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Reclamation announces funding opportunity for drought resiliency
