On the calendar today …
- FREE WEBINAR: “Reorienting to Recovery” CA Central Valley Salmon Recovery Project from 9am to 11am. The “Reorienting to Recovery” seeks to engage interested parties across the salmonid landscape in an inclusive, collaborative, and structured process to identify a suite of implementable and impactful actions that will advnace recovery of Central Valley salmon and steelhead throughout their lifecycle, and establish broad support and buy-in for these preferred actions by making trade-offs transparent and balancing participants’ diverse values, perspectives, and priorities. Enter zoom meeting here: https://kearnswest.zoom.us/j/7936816238?pwd=cHlLWGsyWWc3Q0h5SHVoYXJWMDJyZz09
- WEBINAR: Development and Adoption of Standard Guidelines for Managed Aquifer Recharge (69-19) from 9am to 10am. Standard Guidelines for Managed Aquifer Recharge, ASCE/EWRI 69-19, provides a thorough and up-to-date description of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) projects. Topics/Agenda: Overview of Managed Aquifer Recharge in the US and World; Why the need for Standard Guidelines; Pros and cons of ASCE Standard Guidelines process; and Case Studies. Presented by Intera. Click here to register.
- WORKSHOP: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Funding beginning at 9am. State Water Resources Control Board staff will hold a staff workshop to provide an overview of the proposed implementation plan for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Funding appropriated in the 2021/22 State Budget (PFAS General Fund allocation). This funding is available for technical and financial assistance to drinking water systems. Click here for the workshop notice.
- WEBINAR: Introduction to the National Science Foundation’s Hydrologic Sciences Program: A Virtual Town Hall Meeting from 11:30am to 12:30pm. The U.S. National Science Foundation’s Hydrologic Sciences Program supports fundamental research about water on and beneath the Earth’s surface, as well as relationships of water with material and living components of the environment.This virtual Town Hall meeting will introduce the Program’s scope, highlighting recent updates to the solicitation. Program Directors will discuss new research opportunities related to climate change and technological innovation, as well as steps NSF is taking to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the research community. Click here to register.
- EVENT: Toward a More Inclusive 21st Century Water Sector: Opportunities for Diversity, Equity, and Engagement (in person in Irvine) from 12:30pm to 5:00pm. How do water agencies and the industry, in general, better promote a more diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the needs and aspirations of the society it serves? And, how do we ensure that the water sector embraces the values and issues faced by under-represented groups with whom it interacts? Join us for an engaging panel discussion around these issues. Click here to register.
Voluntary agreements and Sacramento River temperature plan unveiled …
Press release: State, Federal Agencies Announce Agreement with Local Water Suppliers to Improve the Health of Rivers and Landscapes
“State, federal and local water leaders announced broad agreement today on measures to provide additional water flows and new habitat to help improve conditions in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta watershed. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed today outlines terms for a transformational eight-year program that would provide substantial new flows for the environment to help recover salmon and other native fish, create new and restored habitat for fish and wildlife, and provide significant funding for environmental improvements and water purchases. It also outlines a governance and habitat monitoring framework with clear metrics and goals to allow state, federal and local partners to analyze progress, manage adaptively and decide whether the program should be continued, modified or ended after eight years. … ” Continue reading this press release from the California Natural Resources Agency here: Press release: State, Federal Agencies Announce Agreement with Local Water Suppliers to Improve the Health of Rivers and Landscapes
Press release: State, Federal Agencies and Sacramento River Settlement Contractors Agree on Approach for 2022 Water Operations on the Sacramento River
“Federal and state agencies along with Sacramento River Settlement Contractors (SRSCs) agreed this week on an approach to addressing Central Valley Project operations on the Sacramento River this year (mid-April through November). As a result of extreme weather brought on by climate change, California is experiencing one of the driest years within the driest decade on record. The Sacramento River watershed has been especially impacted with the current storage in Lake Shasta at 1.7 million acre-feet, compared with the average 3.5 million acre-feet for this time of year. The unprecedented conditions will result in significant environmental impacts to native fish, birds, and other wildlife, along with critically low water supply to agriculture, resulting in substantial fallowing of crop lands in the Sacramento Valley. In order to respond to the dire circumstances and ensure the system can continue to serve multiple beneficial purposes that include water for cities and rural communities, farms, and fish and wildlife and their habitats in the Sacramento Valley, the agencies and SRSCs developed an approach to a proposed temperature management plan to be submitted by the Bureau of Reclamation to the State Water Resources Control Board for approval. … ” Continue reading this press release from Cal EPA here: Press release: State, Federal Agencies and Sacramento River Settlement Contractors Agree on Approach for 2022 Water Operations on the Sacramento River
Newsom unveils plan to end water wars
“Ever since he became governor, Gavin Newsom said he intended to end the “water wars,” the fight for water in the state constantly plagued by litigation. On Tuesday, Newsom announced a plan that he hopes will eventually accomplish that. As Environmental Protection Agency Secretary of the State Jared Blumenfeld told the Sacramento Bee, “We have to end these water wars.” Newsom’s administration unveiled a $2.6 billion plan being called an “environmental peace treaty” that it hopes will oversee how water is allocated from rivers in Central Valley’s rivers that simply can’t meet the dueling demands of agriculture and environmentalists. The deal calls for farms and municipalities to give up billions of gallons of water while also helping to fund the restoration of troubled fish habitats. … ” Read more from the Porterville Recorder here: Newsom unveils plan to end water wars
California plan would pay farmers to grow less to save water
“California would pay farmers not to plant thousands of acres of land as part of a $2.9 billion plan announced Tuesday aimed at letting more water flow through the state’s major rivers and streams to help restore the unique habitat in one of North America’s largest estuaries. The agreement, signed Tuesday between state and federal officials and some of California’s biggest water agencies, would result in about 35,000 acres of rice fields left unused — or about 6% of the state’s normal crop each year, according to the California Rice Commission. The result, combined with other measures, would be up to an extra 824,000 acre feet (1 billion cubic meters) of water each year flowing through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. … ” Continue reading at the Associated Press here: California plan would pay farmers to grow less to save water
Gov. Newsom outlines a peace agreement on California water. Will the fighting finally end?
“Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration unveiled a $2.6 billion environmental peace treaty on the Central Valley’s overtaxed rivers Tuesday. The deal calls for farms and cities to surrender billions of gallons of water while contributing funds to help restore troubled fish habitats. Newsom’s top aides called the 34-page memorandum of understanding a compromise measure that will leave more water in the rivers — but not as much as many environmentalists believe is needed to prop up ailing populations of salmon, steelhead and other fish. And some key water users, such as the city of San Francisco, haven’t yet signed onto the plan. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Gov. Newsom outlines a peace agreement on California water. Will the fighting finally end?
Salmon advocates slam voluntary agreements, Sacramento River Temperature Management Plan
Dan Bacher writes, ” … According to its proponents, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) “outlines terms for a transformational eight-year program that would provide substantial new flows for the environment to help recover salmon and other native fish, create new and restored habitat for fish and wildlife, and provide significant funding for environmental improvements and water purchases. It also outlines a governance and habitat monitoring framework with clear metrics and goals to allow state, federal and local partners to analyze progress, manage adaptively and decide whether the program should be continued, modified or ended after eight years.” However, salmon advocates, environmentalists and Tribes strongly disagree with proponents of the voluntary agreements, arguing that there is nothing “transformational” about the MOU. “These voluntary agreements were created by the most powerful water users in California and usurped a scientifically informed, democratic process meant to protect water quality and salmon that was open to all Californians,” stated Regina Chichizola from Save California Salmon. … ” Continue reading from the Daily Kos here: Salmon Advocates Slam Voluntary Agreements, Sacramento River Temperature Management Plan
Peace deal? Valley farmers see Treaty of Versailles in Newsom’s water pact
“Amid a second straight year of bone-dry conditions and worsening drought and following four years of intense negotiations with agricultural and urban water users and environmental advocates, Gov. Gavin Newsom and his administration rolled out what they pitch as a “peace accord” on the state’s water wars. The deal, dubbed the voluntary agreement for water management, has left Valley farmers and water users searching for a different description. Instead, many Valley water officials and farmers feel as though they are living as the unnamed band leader referenced in the The Godfather and Newsom is giving them an offer they can’t refuse. Given the options in front of them, either their brains or their signature will wind up on the voluntary agreement. … ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Peace deal? Valley farmers see Treaty of Versailles in Newsom’s water pact
Reactions to voluntary agreements …
From the Friant Water Authority:
“Friant Water Authority is appreciative of the efforts by the federal and state governments, along with several public water agencies, to develop a term sheet outlining the components of the voluntary agreements for meeting the objectives of the Water Quality Control Plan update for the Bay Delta watershed. FWA is aware that the term sheet currently includes commitments of water and funding from the Friant Division that were part of the agreement in 2018 that FWA was in agreement with at that time. Due to several outstanding issues that remain unresolved, FWA is unable to execute the proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) at this time.
From the Kern County Water Agency:
“For many years, the State of California has led the development of Voluntary Agreements (VA) for adaptively managing flows in the Delta and its tributaries to balance beneficial uses of water. Public Water Agencies (PWAs), including the Kern County Water Agency (Agency), have been working diligently to build upon and finalize Governor Newsom’s February 2020 VA framework. Today’s VA is a comprehensive, eight-year solution for science-based water management in the Delta and its tributaries, integrating flow and habitat actions to improve and protect the ecosystem while preserving adequate supplies for the 35 million Californians who also depend on this water. …
From the Regional Water Authority:
“Today’s agreement is an important milestone in advancing the voluntary agreement process. For the Sacramento region, the VA process offers a path to increasing the pace and scale of the habitat work we are doing on the American River, providing water to the environment, and funding local infrastructure projects that make our water supply more resilient. This framework is consistent with our longstanding approach to managing American River flows sustainably to meet the needs of our communities and the environment, while recognizing its role in California’s water system. We are committed to working with our state and federal partners and other local water providers to move the voluntary agreement forward.”
From Restore the Delta:
“Clearly timing the voluntary agreement process to unfold at the same time as the EIR for the Delta Conveyance Plan is an attempt by the Newsom Administration to jam the Delta community, environmental justice communities, environmental NGO’s, fishing groups, and California tribes so that they cannot respond to major water planning decisions. It reveals the lack of regard this administration holds for public process, the public trust, the Delta, and appropriate climate data driven water planning. Restore the Delta maintains that the voluntary agreement framework process violates the legal principles of environmental justice inclusion and does not serve the public trust, or the human right to water. Governor Newsom continues to serve the interests of the top 2% of agribusiness across California at the expense of Northern California Tribes, Delta communities, commercial fishing interests, and communities in need of improved drinking water conditions. ... ” Read the full statement from Restore the Delta here: Voluntary Agreements Fail Environmental Justice Communities
Other California water news …
Groundwater agencies at the epicenter of sinking beneath the Friant-Kern Canal have restricted pumping, raised fees in hopes of curbing water table free fall
“Three Tulare County groundwater agencies that cover areas with severe subsidence due to over pumping spent the last year implementing programs to stem that tide and collected more than $11 million in the process. The Lower Tule River Irrigation District, Pixley Irrigation District and Eastern Tule groundwater sustainability agencies (GSA) are among the first to subject growers to pumping restrictions with associated fees. Much of that money will go toward paying a share to fix the Friant-Kern Canal, which has sagged in recent years as the land beneath it collapsed from over pumping. Other revenue collected through pumping fees will pay for water recharge projects to try and replenish the depleted aquifer beneath the GSAs, all of which are in the Tule subbasin. ... ” Read more from SJV Water here: Groundwater agencies at the epicenter of sinking beneath the Friant-Kern Canal have restricted pumping, raised fees in hopes of curbing water table free fall
Gray demands audit into Calif.’s 700,000 acre-feet water loss
“With the startling revelation that California lost around 700,000 acre-feet of water last year, Asm. Adam Gray (D–Merced) is calling for an investigation into the matter. Gray requested the Joint Legislative Audit Committee to order an audit of the state’s water operations on Monday. Per the request, the audit would explore the Department of Water Resources and the State Water Resources Control Board. “Why was no one held accountable after the state grossly miscalculated how much moisture was actually stored in the Sierras last year?” Gray said. … ” Read more from the SJV Sun here: Gray demands audit into Calif.’s 700,000 acre-feet water loss
Here’s how much the latest rainstorms affected water levels in California’s reservoirs
“The storms that rolled across the Bay Area and much of California on Sunday and Monday delivered some of the highest rainfall totals of the calendar year so far, as meteorologists predicted — but that still isn’t much, they said Tuesday. “On a bigger picture, this is one of the biggest storms we’ve had of 2022,” said Matt Mehle, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “But we’ve only had a handful of systems actually bring any precipitation to the Bay Area in January and February.” … The rain, while welcome, also did not give California’s parched reservoirs much of a boost. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Here’s how much the latest rainstorms affected water levels in California’s reservoirs
California grapples with regulation of known carcinogen ethylene oxide
“Late one warm Saturday morning in mid-March, a group of five longtime residents of Southeast Los Angeles gathered in a cramped office in Maywood to talk about living in one of the most heavily polluted areas in California. They recalled the vast legacy of soil contamination due to air emissions from the now-shuttered Exide lead battery recycling facility, and shared their fears of letting their children and grandchildren play in lead-contaminated dirt. They described the rumbling noise and noxious smells from the near-constant heavy truck traffic in the industry-rich area. Maybe most frightening, they said, was the brown or gray water that can flow from their kitchen and bathroom faucets and which they suspect comes from contaminated sources. … ” Read more from Capitol & Main here: California grapples with regulation of known carcinogen ethylene oxide
Coalition plans to protect Valley bird habitats
“A public-private partnership has released a 10-year plan to restore and protect bird habitat in the Central Valley that also provides significant benefits to local communities, including flood protection, increased access to recreation, and replenishment of groundwater. The Central Valley Joint Venture (CVJV) is a coalition of 19 public and private organizations that coordinates efforts to conserve Central Valley birds and their habitats for current and future generations. The Central Valley hosts one of the largest concentrations of migratory birds in the world; more than 100 million birds representing 400 species use the Valley annually. … ” Continue reading from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: Coalition plans to protect Valley bird habitats
Drought effects on hydroelectricity generation in western U.S. differed by region in 2021
“In 2021, a historic drought that affected much of the western United States led to reduced water supply and, as a result, lower hydropower generation in the Pacific Northwest and California. Electricity generation at California’s hydropower plants last year was 48% below the 10-year average (2011–2020). In the Pacific Northwest, which consists of Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho, hydropower generation was 14% below the 10-year average. The western United States tends to be more susceptible to drought than the eastern United States because western precipitation is highly seasonal. Air masses coming from the Pacific Ocean carry moisture that falls as rain and snow on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada range in California and in the Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest. ... ” Read more from the US Energy Information Administration here: Drought effects on hydroelectricity generation in western U.S. differed by region in 2021
Sites Reservoir project awarded more funding
“After being formally invited last week to apply for a $2.2 billion low-interest loan through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), officials with the Sites Reservoir project announced Thursday that additional funding was made available. The California Water Commission (CWC) recently announced an increase in funding for Proposition 1 bond recipients including $38 million for Sites Reservoir. This additional funding increases the total amount in Proposition 1 funds to $875 million for the water storage project. … ” Read more from the Colusa Sun Herald here: Sites Reservoir project awarded more funding
Nevada and California water woes continue as drought worsens
“Nevada and California drought conditions continue to worsen; in some places conditions are worse this year than in 2021 – a year marked by massive wildfires. The 2022 water year and ensuing conditions were described as “baking beneath this high-pressure ridge” Monday during a National Integrated Drought Information System webinar discussing drought conditions for the states of California and Nevada. The northern portions of both states, especially along the Oregon and Idaho borders, are worse off than last year, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hydrologist Nathan Patrick. And it’s not looking good anywhere else. … ” Read more from the Redding Record Searchlight here: Nevada and California water woes continue as drought worsens
Drought response sees conservation efforts
“Following the driest first three months of a year in the state’s recorded history, Governor Gavin Newsom this week took steps to drive water conservation at the local level, calling on local water suppliers to move to Level 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plans. Level 2 would require locally-appropriate actions that will conserve water across all sectors, and directs the State Water Resources Control Board to consider a ban on the watering of decorative grass at businesses and institutions. In an executive order signed recently, the Governor ordered the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to evaluate the adoption of regulations banning irrigation of “non-functional” turf (or grass), such as decorative grass adjacent to large industrial and commercial buildings. The ban would not include residential lawns or grass used for recreation, such as school fields, sports fields and parks. The Department of Water Resources estimates this ban alone will result in potential water savings of several hundred thousand acre-feet. … ” Read more from the Riverbank News here: Drought response sees conservation efforts
New UC Berkeley center will apply data science to solving environmental challenges
“A new research center at the University of California, Berkeley, funded by alumni Eric and Wendy Schmidt, will tackle major environmental challenges including climate change and biodiversity loss by combining data science and environmental science. The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center for Data Science and Environment will make its novel solutions publicly available to all and make sure they are practical and can be replicated and scaled for society’s benefit. The rapid increase in new environmental data, computational methods and tools that connect people to data and each other provides the opportunity to vastly increase the role of data science in environmental problem-solving — from developing models that predict wildfires to building tools that optimize carbon capture methods. … ” Read more from UC Berkeley here: New UC Berkeley center will apply data science to solving environmental challenges
In commentary today …
Newsom fails (again) to show drought leadership
The San Jose Mercury News and East Bay Times editorial board writes, “As California’s devastating drought worsens, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s leadership has run dry. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that 93% of the state is in a severe drought. Levels at California’s major reservoirs have dropped to frightening levels. As of Monday, the state’s largest reservoir, Shasta, was only 38% full. The next largest, Oroville, was 47% full. Yet, with no signs that this historic drought is relenting, Newsom on Monday again refused to impose mandatory water restrictions on urban users. Instead, our spineless governor ordered the state’s 420 water agencies, which serve 90% of California residents, to tighten their water conservation rules, allowing each provider to set its own plan. … ” Continue reading at the San Jose Mercury News here: Newsom fails (again) to show drought leadership
Today’s featured article …
GUEST COMMENTARY: Climate-proofing California’s water future, one drought dollar at a time
Commentary written by Charming Evelyn, chair of the Water Committee and vice chair of the Environmental Justice Committee at Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, and Nancy Buchoz, a Huntington Beach resident.
It’s raining drought dollars in California! The state has a $30 billion budget surplus, and billions of federal infrastructure dollars pouring in. Water is a top priority, with good reason in the midst of drought, but we have to spend our money wisely.
That not only means fixing aging infrastructure, but also choosing climate-smart and cost-effective water supplies, to ensure the projects we pay for now don’t drive more drought or more water debt for hardworking families that are already struggling to pay rising bills.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Funding for Prairie Creek Restoration ramps up
“The Prairie Creek Floodplain Restoration Project, a collaborative project between CalTrout and partners is ready to launch the next phase. Along with Save the Redwoods League, the State Coastal Conservancy (SCC), and the Yurok Tribe – California Trout is thrilled by the announcement made last week that will mobilize over $7M through SCC Conservancy for 2022-23 construction seasons. The funding comes from the Ocean Protection Council, the Wildlife Conservation Board California Riparian Habitat Conservation Program, and with the ongoing support of Save the Redwoods League. … ” Read more from Cal Trout here: Funding for Prairie Creek Restoration ramps up
Cal Water secures funding to relieve Redwood Valley customers of past-due water bill debt accumulated during pandemic
“California Water Service’s Redwood Valley District customers received a total of $147,210.79 in bill credits to resolve remaining unpaid water bill balances incurred during the height of COVID-19. Cal Water secured funding from the California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program, which enabled water suppliers to apply for financial support on behalf of customers unable to pay their water bills. In late November 2021, Cal Water had requested more than $20 million in relief from the Program’s administrator, the State Water Resources Control Board, for customers with past-due balances incurred between March 4, 2020, and June 15, 2021, across its service areas. … ” Read more from the Lake County News here: Cal Water secures funding to relieve Redwood Valley customers of past-due water bill debt accumulated during pandemic
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Sacramento took brunt of latest storm. Here’s how much rain fell in the region
“Sacramento took the brunt of Monday afternoon’s storm that brought hail, rain and some thunder and lightning to the capital region. The National Weather Service in Sacramento measured .76 inches of rainfall at both Sacramento International and Executive airports between 5 a.m. Monday and 5 a.m. Tuesday. That’s more than any other NWS-monitored gauge received across Northern California north of Lake McClure in Mariposa County (2.93 inches in the same period), according to the National Weather Service in Sacramento. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Sacramento took brunt of latest storm. Here’s how much rain fell in the region
NAPA/SONOMA
Healdsburg lands $7 million state grant for recycled water pipeline project
“The City of Healdsburg will be receiving an over $7 million California Department of Water Resources grant to add 4.5 miles to its municipal recycled water distribution network and expand recycled water deliveries, a big win for the city when it comes to building drought resilience amid another year of dry conditions. Healdsburg City Manager Jeff Kay announced news of the grant at this week’s city council meeting on March 21. “We heard back from the state that we’ve secured $7.1 million to support that project. We’re not going to declare victory just yet, but it is huge. It’s obviously a lot of money and it is a huge chunk out of the cost of that project,” Kay said. ... ” Read more from Sonoma County News here: Healdsburg lands $7 million state grant for recycled water pipeline project
CENTRAL COAST
Santa Cruz bucks statewide trend, has lowest water users in the state
“While Gov. Gavin Newsom is ordering water agencies around the state to tighten water conservation rules, the city of Santa Cruz has no plans for restrictions or rationing this year. The city fulfills 100% of its water needs and doesn’t rely on the state. Last December’s atmospheric river along with recent rain is enough to ease water concerns for the year. But, the 98,000 Santa Cruz City water customers have played a major role, too. The city’s water director gives them credit as the lowest water users in the state, perhaps the nation, with an average of 47 gallons per day per person. … ” Read more from KSBY here: Santa Cruz bucks statewide trend, has lowest water users in the state
Santa Barbara City Council votes to pour $2 million into water reserves fund
“Santa Barbara City Council members heard about additional water conservation opportunities on Tuesday – one day after Gov. Gavin Newsom called for Level 2 water shortage contingency plans. The governor’s plan calls for more local action. Santa Barbara’s Water Resources Manager Joshua Haggmark told the council that residents already do a good job conserving water. Residents have conserved 25% of their water use when compared to 2013. He said Lake Cachuma and the Gibralter Reservoir have received little to no rainfall for three years. … ” Read more from KEYT here: Santa Barbara City Council votes to pour $2 million into water reserves fund
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Despite recent rain, Merced misses out on ‘March miracle’ as state grapples with drought
“Although rainy skies cloaked Merced earlier this week, the month is coming to a close without any significant “March miracle” storms that could have eased statewide drought conditions, forecasters say. Rainfall in Merced on Monday added up to .38 inches between the early morning and late afternoon, according to National Weather Service measurements. Despite the fanfare of a few thunderclaps accompanying the precipitation, the storm culminated in only a moderate amount of drizzle. … ” Read more from the Merced Sun-Star here: Despite recent rain, Merced misses out on ‘March miracle’ as state grapples with drought
Valley farmers see damage to crops amid recent storms
“The storm knocked down a large portion of the wheat crop at Fresno State. The effect almost resembles crop circles in some areas but this isn’t wind damage. Farm manager Rob Willmott was heartbroken to see 40% of his crop on its side. “It, unfortunately, had a little bit more water in the soil and therefore wasn’t able to stand up to that heavy rain that came in,” he said. The wheat was set to be harvested in two weeks but Willmott remains optimistic they’ll still be able to save 90% of the 108-acre crop. … ” Read more from KFSN here: Valley farmers see damage to crops amid recent storms
Climate report issues bleak warning for Valley communities
“Without action to address increasing temperature, water insecurity, poor air quality, San Joaquin Valley towns like Ivanhoe remain the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In early January, the State of California released its San Joaquin Valley Region Report as part of California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment. Beginning in 2006, the state began its Climate Change Assessment initiative to better understand the impacts of climate change. Nearly 14 years later, the focus of the report has shifted from understanding the impacts of climate change to regional “adaptation” strategies – a term used to describe the range of actions that can be taken to prepare for and adjust to new climate conditions, thereby reducing harm or taking advantage of new opportunities. … ” Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: Climate report issues bleak warning for Valley communities
Water board hears from city, Golden Hills, as it plans SWP priorities
“A light snow was falling outside the Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District headquarters on Monday morning, March 28. But everyone at a meeting of the agency’s board of directors was keenly aware that the precipitation did little to alleviate continued drought — and nothing to change the recent reduction in allocation of water from the State Water Project. The business of the day was a workshop to hear comments from the public on the district’s priorities to allocate whatever imported water may be available. At the time of the board’s last meeting — on March 16 — the district expected to receive 15 percent of its Table A allocation from the SWP, equivalent to 2,985 acre-feet of water. But just two days later the state Department of Water Resources reduced the allocation to only 5 percent — about 965 acre-feet of water — and there is still a chance that the state will return to the zero allocation announced last December. … ” Read more from the Tehachapi News here: Water board hears from city, Golden Hills, as it plans SWP priorities
EASTERN SIERRA
Drought alters Mammoth Mountain’s carbon dioxide emissions
“Thirty years ago, on the flanks of a volcano in California’s Sierra Nevada range, trees began to die en masse, suffocated at their roots by carbon dioxide seeping up from the mountain’s depths after a swarm of small earthquakes. The wave of tree deaths on Mammoth Mountain, which lies within one of the nation’s largest active volcanic systems, prompted scientists to start monitoring the volcano’s emissions more closely. Now, researchers led by Stanford University geologist George Hilley have made a surprising discovery in the long-running record: The ebb and flow of carbon dioxide emissions from Mammoth Mountain are strongly linked to the weight of snow and ice atop the Sierra Nevada, and to the amount of water that percolates from ground level down into the volcano’s plumbing. … ” Read more from Science Daily here: Drought alters Mammoth Mountain’s carbon dioxide emissions
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
OCWD lab named first public lab in California to receive newest certification to detect PFAS in drinking water
“Orange County Water District’s (OCWD; the District) Philip L. Anthony Water Quality Laboratory is the first public agency laboratory in California to achieve state certification to analyze for per– and polyfluoralkly substances (PFAS) in drinking water by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 533. Certification was granted by the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) administered by the State Water Resources Control Board. The lab previously became the first public agency lab to receive ELAP certification for PFAS analysis via EPA Method 537. Together, these certifications enable the lab to analyze 29 PFAS targets in drinking water. … ” Read more from Orange County Water District here: OCWD lab named first public lab in California to receive newest certification to detect PFAS in drinking water
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Congressional members to Biden administration: restore wildlife habitat, prevent toxic dust at Salton Sea
“Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla and Representatives Raul Ruiz, Juan Vargas, Grace Napolitano and Jared Huffman (all D-Calif.) today called on the Interior Department, Agriculture Department and Army Corps of Engineers to jointly develop a near-term funding plan to restore wildlife habitat along the Salton Sea and prevent toxic dust from federal land from blowing into the surrounding communities. “In recent years, water inflows to the Salton Sea, California’s largest lake, have sharply declined as the result of changing agricultural practices and water conservation efforts undertaken to stabilize the water supply security of the Colorado River Basin,” the members wrote. “As the Salton Sea shrinks, toxic elements such as arsenic and selenium are exposed on 8.75 square miles of Federally owned lands. When strong desert winds broadly spread this toxic dust, it disproportionately harms the disadvantaged communities surrounding the lake.” … ” Read the letter at Senator Dianne Feinstein’s website here: Congressional Members to Biden Administration: Restore Wildlife Habitat, Prevent Toxic Dust at Salton Sea
SAN DIEGO
Governor’s new water saving order will have minimal effect on San Diego
“Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Monday calling for increased water conservation after the driest first quarter in California’s history, but the San Diego region will be largely spared. Newsom called on local water suppliers to move to their Level 2 drought plans, which anticipate shortages of up to 20% and could include restrictions on watering in many parts of the state. “While we have made historic investments to protect our communities, economy and ecosystems from the worsening drought across the West, it is clear we need to do more,” said said Newsom. “I am calling on local water agencies to implement more aggressive water conservation measures, including having the Water Board evaluate a ban on watering ornamental grass on commercial properties.” … ” Read more from the Times of San Diego here: Governor’s new water saving order will have minimal effect on San Diego
Oceanside approves repairs to coastal barrier despite objections
“Oceanside authorized repairs to a degraded South Pacific Street rock revetment this week, despite opposition from some residents and the environmental group Surfrider Foundation, which said it plans to appeal the decision to the state Coastal Commission. The slumping wall of boulders protects the backyards of oceanfront homes in the 1000 and 900 blocks of South Pacific from the erosion caused by waves. However, the waves are winning, and many of the rocks have dislodged and rolled west onto the sand. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: Oceanside approves repairs to coastal barrier despite objections
Along the Colorado River …
Severe drought and mandatory water cuts are pitting communities against each other in Arizona
“As the climate crisis intensifies, battle lines are beginning to form over water. In Arizona — amid a decades-long megadrought — some communities are facing the very real possibility of losing access to the precious water that remains. Outside the city limits of Scottsdale, where the asphalt ends and the dirt road begins, is the Rio Verde Foothills community. Hundreds of homes here get water trucked in from Scottsdale, but those deliveries will end on January 1, 2023. That’s because last summer, for the first time ever, drought conditions forced the federal government to declare a tier 1 water shortage in the Colorado River, reducing how much Arizona can use. ... ” Read more from CNN here: Severe drought and mandatory water cuts are pitting communities against each other in Arizona
Two Arizona tribe leaders make case for critically needed water projects
“Leaders of two Arizona tribes asked lawmakers Wednesday to support funding for development of critical water infrastructure and to OK a bill that would let tribal water be sold to others in the drought-stricken state. White Mountain Apache Chairwoman Gwendena Lee-Gatewood told the Senate Indian Affairs Committee that her tribe needs more time and money to complete a long-delayed rural water system promised by the federal government more than 10 years ago. And Colorado River Indian Tribes Chairwoman Amelia Flores said her tribe has deals to reallocate some of its water, but needs congressional approval to do so. But Flores said the hearing was about more than just water rights and infrastructure. ... ” Read more from Arizona Public Media here: Two Arizona tribe leaders make case for critically needed water projects
Arizona will endure another hot, dry spring as droughts persist
“People in Arizona hoping for a break this spring from the drought gripping the state will be disappointed, with climatologists calling for minor to exceptional drought conditions, what one calls the state’s “new normal.” The spring outlook released this month by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted the largest drought coverage seen in the U.S. since 2013, with as much as 60% of the continental U.S. facing drought conditions. “This outlook that NOAA is saying, that we’re going to develop or have worsening drought, it’s not surprising, it’s not unexpected,” said Erinanne Saffel, Arizona’s state climatologist. … ” Read more from Arizona Big Media here: Arizona will endure another hot, dry spring as droughts persist
In national water news today …
Microplastics are confirmed in human blood for the first time
“The ravages of plastic waste aren’t finished with us. Unfortunately, the worst might only be beginning. In a world-first, scientists have detected microplastics in human blood — with tiny particles found in nearly 80 percent of tested human participants, according to a recent study published in the journal Environmental International. These tiny particles can move freely throughout the body, and become stuck in organs — which could cause significant health issues. But now that we know, scientists are on watch to understand the full scope of effects — both short- and long-term, on human health. It’s an unnerving discovery, but we’re all in this together as scientists rush to explore the potential health effects. … ” Read more from Interesting Engineering here: Microplastics are confirmed in human blood for the first time
The Alps are dusted with nanoplastics
“Plastics are ubiquitous, with more than 350 million tons produced worldwide every year. The far-reaching effects of synthetic materials are also in the news, from the pile of garbage circulating in the Pacific to elephants dying from consuming nondegradable plastic waste. Now, a new study from an international team of researchers found tiny plastic particles high in the Alps. … ” Read more from EOS here: The Alps are dusted with nanoplastics
Wildfires will worsen, warns U.N. Report
“From Australia to Chile and all the way to Greece and Portugal, wildfires have put the international community on alert in recent years. Some fires have reached unprecedented proportions, like the fires that raged in California in 2021, burning more than a million hectares. A new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warns these fires are going to happen more often as a result of anthropogenic climate change and other human activities. According to the report, wildfires may increase globally by 14% by the end of this decade and 50% by 2100 if no preventive actions are taken. Even places where fires are generally not expected to occur naturally, such as the Arctic and tropical forests, are at increased risk. … ” Read more from EOS here: Wildfires will worsen, warns U.N. Report
