On the calendar today …
- WEBINAR: Electrical Hydrogeology: Building Aquifer Conceptual Models from Airborne and Ground Electrical Datasets from 12pm to 1pm. The use of electrical data to provide denser datasets for conceptualizing flow and transport in aquifers is on the rise due to technology improvements and demonstrated cost effectiveness. Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys provide large coverage of aquifer areas to detect regional scale flow paths and dominant fracture pathways. Ground-based electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) surveys provide controlled higher resolution evaluation of potential drilling targets identified by AEM, to further quantify hydrogeologic parameters and assess validity of drilling targets. Temporal electrical resistivity imaging (TERI) can also be deployed to monitor and observe aquifer flow processes over time. As increasing amounts of data are collected and tested in a specific aquifer, the parameterization across the datasets becomes stronger over time. This talk will illustrate the integration of airborne and ground electrical datasets with targeted traditional drilling/sampling data, to build robust conceptual models containing well defined preferential pathways at the regional scale. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: The Secret World of the Last Vernal Pool Grassland in the South SF Bay from 6pm to 8pm. Join us for an exploration of the Warm Springs Subunit of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Warm Springs, a vernal pool grassland, is home to several endangered species as well as many rare and unusual plants blooming in Spring and Summer. Come and learn about this South Bay natural treasure! Click here to register.
More on the voluntary agreements …
Newsom announces ‘historic’ treaty on river flows. Why MID and TID aren’t celebrating
“Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a “historic” agreement on Central Valley river flows Tuesday, but key irrigation districts in Stanislaus County were not parties to it. … The Modesto and Turlock irrigation districts, which divert the Tuolumne River, said in a joint email that they were not involved in the negotiations. And they said they would not have consented to the pact in any case because it would take too much water from current uses. “Despite the harrowing challenges of a third year of drought, an additional 186,688 acre-feet would have been released from the Tuolumne River over the last two years if the (agreement) was in place, accounting for a 71% increase over current regulatory conditions,” the districts said. … ” Read more from the Modesto Bee here: Newsom announces ‘historic’ treaty on river flows. Why MID and TID aren’t celebrating
Drought-struck California wants to pay farmers to cut plantings
“California, gripped entirely in drought, proposed a $2.9 billion plan to pay farmers to reduce some of their planting in an effort to better manage water resources. The voluntary agreement negotiated between government officials and some of the state’s major water agencies, which was announced on Tuesday, is also aimed at protecting salmon and other wildlife and ecosystems. California is facing more drought after devastating dryness last year raised river temperatures so much that endangered fish were at risk of cooking to death. Farmers in the state’s Central Valley, where a quarter of America’s food is grown, have struggled to keep crops alive, including garlic, wine grapes and almonds. … ” Read more from Bloomberg here: Drought-struck California wants to pay farmers to cut plantings
Calif. plan would idle 35,000 acres of rice ground
“A water-saving plan unveiled this week by California and federal officials would result in about 35,000 acres of Central Valley rice ground being left idle, a wire service is reporting. The plan is part of a larger agreement signed March 29 that send an extra 824 acre-feet of fresh water through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to protect water quality, according to The Associated Press. An acre-foot is enough water to serve an average household for a year. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Calif. plan would idle 35,000 acres of rice ground
Healthy rivers, farms and landscapes: A collaborative new approach to water management in California
“State, federal and local water leaders in the Sacramento River Basin came together this week on a broad agreement on long-term measures for healthy rivers, farms and landscapes. With one of the driest years among a decade with two series of consecutive dry years, we have an opportunity to advance a transformational new approach to water management in the Delta and our rivers. Through a process generally known as voluntary agreements, we have a new governance structure for water management that will emerge with a collaborative and innovative spirit to work hard for healthy rivers, farms, and landscapes–all working together for the benefit of our people, communities, fish and wildlife. … ” Read more from Northern California Water Association here: Healthy rivers, farms and landscapes: A collaborative new approach to water management in California
Feinstein applauds proposed comprehensive water agreement
“Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) released the following statement in support of the memorandum of understanding signed yesterday by state and federal agencies and major water districts to provide additional water flows and new habitat to help improve conditions in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta watershed, subject to approval by the State Water Resources Control Board: “I applaud Governor Newsom for his leadership on the comprehensive water agreement announced this week between federal and state agencies and major water districts. I also appreciate the good-faith negotiations and agreement by the water districts. This proposal has the potential to improve populations of salmon runs and other fish species without threatening California’s water supply, a remarkable feat in the context of our significant drought and perpetual water wars. ... “
In other California water news today …
California is about to see how how bad this drought really is
“Tens of millions of residents of the Western United States will be anxiously watching for the results of Friday’s snowpack surveys, and the results could directly impact Californians for the rest of 2022. The annual measurements of snow levels serve as indicators of how much water will be available for the rest of the spring, summer and early fall, according to Climate Central, a group of scientists and journalists who research climate change and its effects on people. About half of the U.S.’s water supply — and up to 70% in mountain regions — is stored in snow, Climate Central added, meaning that if snowpack levels are low, the amount of water available for drinking, bathing, agriculture and so many other uses might be, too. … ” Read more from KTLA Channel 5 here: California is about to see how how bad this drought really is
Cattle ranchers battle drought while struggling to maintain conservation habitats
“California’s vast land doesn’t just consist of valleys, mountains and oceans. There are rolling hills, home to major grassland and wildlife. It’s territory that can have the most amazing views of large acreage, but it also comes with it’s faults. The land needs to be managed and is often great for grazing goats and sheep, as well as cattle. Most of the territory can’t be mowed, and the nooks and crannies are perfect for livestock. It is also home to bears, wild pigs, coyotes, deer and, in the past, elk. Aside from these large animals, hundreds of thousands of birds fly over this area for a place to land, when there is water. … ” Read more from the Channel 10 here: Cattle ranchers battle drought while struggling to maintain conservation habitats
Drought: California’s new normal
“Over the past several months, CalTrout along with our partners in the Salmon and Steelhead Coalition have been busy working together creating fun and enjoyable pieces to educate on drought and help pass policies to better serve a drought-stricken state. As such, we are proud to present our short film “Drought: California’s New Normal – Meeting the Challenge Ahead”, featuring interviews with an array of involved and interested folks … Our hope with this film is to send the message to decision-makers at the top that this drought is permanent and here to stay with nature paying the price. 2021 was one of the driest years on record, and 2022 is shaping up to be even worse. ... ” Read more from Cal Trout here: Drought: California’s New Normal
Report finds California has fifth-most polluted water in U.S.
“A new report is painting a dire picture of California’s waterways. In fact, it shows the state has some of the highest levels of water pollution in the country. The Environmental Integrity Project, a non-profit, looked at rivers and streams in all 50 states and found California is the fifth-most polluted. We dug a little deeper into this and found that one of Sacramento’s most popular places to cool off has high levels of bacteria. “Basically, anything that you can picture — oil from your car, grass clippings, runoff from agriculture — mix into what we sometimes call this toxic cocktail of wastewater,” said Delia Bense-Kang with the Surfrider Foundation. … ” Read more from Channel 13 here: Report finds California has fifth-most polluted water in U.S.
Salmon fisheries in murky waters
“California commercial salmon fishers are waiting for the season to begin, but the timeline for how long they’ll be able to fish is still unclear. The Bay Area’s commercial salmon season has been delayed two months later than usual in order to preserve stocks of fish in Northern California. The Pacific Fishery Management Council, the federal agency that manages fishing seasons in Washington, Oregon and California is responsible for the decision. Last week the council released three possible scenarios for the upcoming season. After the public comment period, the council will announce the final dates for sport and commercial fishing on April 14. Meanwhile, recreational salmon fishing is expected to open in California on April 2 from Point Arena to the California-Mexico border under all three alternatives. … ” Read more from the Half Moon Bay Review here: Salmon fisheries in murky waters
California on path (again) toward regulating hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) in drinking water; follows EPA scientific workshop in September 2021
“On April 5 and 7, 2022, the State Water Resources Control Board (Board) will be holding public workshops to present information and solicit public input regarding a proposed administrative draft of a hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) maximum contaminant level (MCL). MCLs are drinking water standards with which public water systems must comply. The workshops, and administrative draft of the MCL, will help inform the Board’s formal rulemaking, expected to begin later this year. If adopted, the MCL would be the first drinking water standard for chromium-6 in the nation. … ” Read more from KFSN here: California on path (again) toward regulating hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) in drinking water; follows EPA scientific workshop in September 2021
State lawmaker calls for audit after California ‘loses’ billions of gallons of water
“Water is arguably California’s most precious resource. The state is facing its third consecutive dry year. Last year was one of the driest on record. “In a drought year, every single drop matters so that’s why it’s coming under scrutiny now that we look back,” said Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. Jacobsen is referring to an alleged miscalculation by the California Department of Water Resources and the State Water Resources Control Board. … ” Read more from KFSN here: State lawmaker calls for audit after California ‘loses’ billions of gallons of water
Calif. stormwater reuse project awarded $25M
“The California Water Commission (CWC) has announced increased funding for Proposition 1 bond recipients, including $38 million for the Sites Reservoir. The funds bring the project’s total amount of Proposition 1 funds to $875 million. … Sites Reservoir captures and stores stormwater flows from the Sacramento River — after all other water rights and regulatory requirements are met — for release primarily in dry and critical years for environmental use and for California communities, farms, and businesses. … ” Read the full story at Water World here: Calif. stormwater reuse project awarded $25M
B.F. Sisk dam safety project first to get funding through US President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
“The Department of the Interior has announced the US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) is providing project-specific funding of $100 million for the modification of B.F. Sisk Dam in California – becoming the first dam safety project funding authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $500 million to USBR over the next five years to support critical dam safety projects, streamline construction management, maintain the operational capacity of it’s dams and minimize risk to the downstream public. … ” Read more from Water Power & Dam Construction here: B.F. Sisk dam safety project first to get funding through US President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Fire season in Northern California could be coming early again
“Each year in California seems to get dryer and dryer, with an ongoing drought and an ever-expanding fire season. The 2022 fire season is shaping up to continue the pattern. Fire season officially begins when the various jurisdictions throughout Northern California begin staffing up and reopening airbases. These talks typically begin in spring but can vary based on weather conditions and other factors. Cal Fire-Butte County Capt. Jacob Gilliam said making these determinations can often be tricky. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Fire season in Northern California could be coming early again
In commentary today …
It’s time for Californians to talk about the cow in the room
Karen Rubio, co-founder of Plant-Based Advocates, writes, ” … Gov. Gavin Newsom is urging Californians to cut water consumption, but is reducing residential usage — taking shorter showers, pulling out lawns — really an effective solution? As it turns out, not so much. According to Pacific Institute, a leading nonprofit research and policy group based in Oakland, only 4% of California’s water footprint goes to direct household water consumption. So, where is our water going? In the midst of the turmoil over our diminishing water supply, an often-overlooked industry operates without scrutiny — consuming the lion’s share of California’s diminishing water, churning out massive amounts of greenhouse gas emissions and polluting our environment with impunity. Few realize that meat and dairy production devour a full 47% of California’s water, their huge water footprints due to the amount of water-intensive feed required to raise the animals. … ” Read the full commentary at the San Jose Mercury News here: It’s time for Californians to talk about the cow in the room
Today’s featured article …
DELTA INDEPENDENT SCIENCE BOARD: How the State Water Project and Central Valley Project comply with the endangered species acts
Presentation provides an overview and details on the biological opinions and incidental take permit
For the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project to comply with the federal Endangered Species Act, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Department of Water Resources consult with the federal fish agencies, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, on the operation of the water projects. The federal fish agencies each then issue a biological opinion that includes specific actions intended to enable the long-term operations of the water projects without jeopardizing listed species. For the State Water Project to comply with the California Endangered Species Act, the Department of Fish and Wildlife issues an Incidental Take Permit to the Department of Water Resources through a similar process.
At the March meeting of the Delta Independent Science Board, board members heard presentations on the biological opinions and the incidental take permit for long-term operations of the State Water Project and Central Valley Project. The presentations addressed the process and goals of their respective processes, the uncertainties with species management, and how adaptive management is included in the permits.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Jackson County Board of Commissioners votes to oppose Klamath dams removal
“Tuesday, March 29, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to continue their oppositional stance toward removing the Klamath dams. While discussing the environmental impact statement from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Commissioner Colleen Roberts chuckled into her zoom camera, saying that her staff had reviewed the document’s 989 pages, but the meeting then skipped over the document’s details. Roberts mentioned only her recommendation that the board support a “no action alternative” to leave the dams standing. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Jackson County Board of Commissioners votes to oppose Klamath dams removal
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Idaho-Maryland Mine opponents decry report ‘riddled with errors’
“CEA Foundation and its MineWatch coalition members on Wednesday delivered comments to the Nevada County Planning Commission on the draft environmental impact report for the proposed reopening of the Idaho-Maryland Mine, a news release states. Experts, volunteers, and legal minds reviewed the report’s 1,000-plus pages to provide a review of the technical studies, impact assessments and proposed mitigations. “Mining is our past, not our future,” said retired capital planner Paul Schwartz in the release. “Today’s economic engine is recreation-based, but we’re also facing historic drought and fire risk. Protecting precious resources like water, air quality, and our peaceful rural setting is job number one.” … ” Read more from Trout Unlimited here: Idaho-Maryland Mine opponents decry report ‘riddled with errors’
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Here’s what the executive order means for water restrictions in Sacramento
“On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced an executive order for water restrictions in California. The order mandates that local water providers shift to level 2 of their respective Water Shortage Contingency Plans. Each of those plans is made by and tailored to each water supplier, so the requirements for businesses and residents are different depending on where you work or live. For residents and businesses in the city of Sacramento, not much changes. … ” Read more from KCRA here: Here’s what the executive order means for water restrictions in Sacramento
NAPA/SONOMA
California Sportfishing Fishing Alliance sues landscaping company for alleged CWA violations
“The nonprofit California Sportfishing Protection Alliance filed a civil suit against landscaping supply company DenBeste Yard & Garden Inc. on Monday for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act. The DenBeste facility, located in Sonoma County, Calif., allegedly discharges pollutant-contaminated storm water into the Russian River, which feeds into the Pacific Ocean, without a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit, according to the complaint. … “The failure on the part of industrial facility operators, such as Defendant, to apply for and comply with the General Permit is recognized as a significant cause of the continuing decline in water quality of receiving waters,” the complaint states. … ” Read more from Law Street Media here: California Sportfishing Fishing Alliance sues landscaping company for alleged CWA violations
BAY AREA
East Bay MUD response to state drought declaration
“The East Bay Municipal Utility District applauds the state action taken aimed at preserving California’s water supplies during this drought. On April 26, the EBMUD Board of Directors will review our water supply projections for the year and its drought restrictions pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order issued this week. Although EBMUD ended 2021 at about 150 percent of average precipitation in the Mokelumne River Watershed, which is the source of most of the East Bay’s water supplies, EBMUD will finish the month of March with only a total of 2.5 inches since January – the driest first three months of the year in EBMUD’s history. … ” Continue reading from the Amador Ledger-Dispatch here: East Bay MUD response to state drought declaration
S.F.’s hydropower supply is under threat
“San Francisco’s water and power supply are intimate bedfellows. Nearly 20 percent of The City’s energy is generated by water stored at Cherry Lake and Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a glacial valley in the northwestern corner of Yosemite National Park – the same water that spills from our taps. By putting our water to work through the use of gravity, The City has provided fossil-fuel-free hydropower to residents for over a century. But as the state enters its third year of extreme drought and reservoir levels across the state dwindle, it’s not just The City’s water supply that’s under threat: so too is its energy. … ” Read more from the SF Examiner here: S.F.’s hydropower supply is under threat
Poll: Voters opposed to extending term limits for Santa Clara Valley Water District board members
“Internal polls taken by the Santa Clara Valley Water District, Silicon Valley’s largest water provider, show that voters oppose the idea of extending the term limits of the district’s board members. But the district’s board, by a 4-3 vote, decided last month to spend $3.2 million in public funds to place a measure on the June 7 Santa Clara County ballot to do it anyway, using language that critics say misleadingly implies the measure would limit board members’ terms. The Mercury News obtained the internal polling under a state Public Records Act request. Now, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, former Santa Clara County Supervisor Blanca Alvarado, and — in a highly unusual move, two of the water district’s own board members, Linda LeZotte and Nai Hsueh — have signed the ballot argument urging a no vote. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Poll: Voters opposed to extending term limits for Santa Clara Valley Water District board members
CENTRAL COAST
Pajaro River levee rebuild awarded $67 million in federal infrastructure funds
“A $400 million rebuild of decrepit Pajaro River levees that has been in the works for decades, is more likely to pencil out after the Biden-Harris administration earmarked $67 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for the project. The system of levees was built in 1949. Flawed since its inception, Latino and working class residents in Watsonville and Pajaro have borne the brunt of flood impacts. A 1995 flood killed two people and triggered $95 million in damages. The funds awarded Tuesday, are part of $17 the billion appropriated by a new federal infrastructure law to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to improve critical waterway infrastructure and alleviate flood impacts across the U.S., in the face of climate change. … ” Read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel here: Pajaro River levee rebuild awarded $67 million in federal infrastructure funds
As California drought worsens, Santa Barbara secures water supplies
“Despite the worsening drought in California, Santa Barbara should not expect any water shortages for the next couple of years, city officials said this week, citing conservation and planning efforts. The city has been conservative with its water supply planning strategy. That means, even though hydrological conditions have been “unfavorable,” the planning had prepared for even worse, Joshua Haggmark, the city’s water resources manager, told the Santa Barbara City Council Tuesday. “Because of our planning, because of the conservation of the community, we’re not anticipating any shortages through 2024 — that’s assuming we make no changes, and that’s assuming we continue to utilize the supplies that we have,” Mr. Haggmark said. … ” Read more from the Santa Barbara Independent here: As California drought worsens, Santa Barbara secures water supplies
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. … ” Read more from KEYT here: Santa Barbara City Council votes to pour $2 million into water reserves fund
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Column: As California drought deepens, lax watering schedules keep lawns green in Fresno, Clovis
“California may be mired in drought, but front lawns throughout Fresno and Clovis have express permission to pretend otherwise. Starting Friday, April 1, the central San Joaquin Valley’s two largest cities return to a three-day residential watering schedule that will be in effect until Oct 31. No, that isn’t an oversight. Fresno and Clovis residents can water their lawns and outdoor foliage three times a week during a historic drought, and no one in a city utility truck will be the slightest bit bothered. … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee here: Column: As California drought deepens, lax watering schedules keep lawns green in Fresno, Clovis
Farmersville approves support for water conservation grant
“Parts of the Kaweah Subbasin may soon shift from agricultural use to something more sustainable. During their March 28 meeting the Farmersville City Council approved mayor Paul Boyer to sign a letter in support of a grant application from the Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District for a state program that would repurpose parcels of agricultural land in an effort to conserve groundwater. The conservation district – located in Farmersville – submitted their grant application to the California Department of Conservation for the Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program on Feb. 22. … ” Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: Farmersville approves support for water conservation grant
Community project offers solution to Central Valley drinking water crisis
“Water quality is one of Central California’s biggest challenges, with high levels of nitrate and arsenic contaminants and worsening drought conditions. For the thousands of Central Valley residents who can’t safely drink water from their tap, a new community program offers a solution. Supported by two respected non-profits, the program is donating solar water panels to people who live in California’s Central Valley and are impacted by the area’s water crisis. The water panels look like solar panels but create clean, safe, high-quality drinking water without wells, city water service or electrical hook ups, and can save a family relying on bottled water $70 a month or $840 a year. Through the end of March, the program will offer $50, per home, to anyone who refers a family that is eligible for the program and has panels installed. … ” Read more from Valley Voice here: Community project offers solution to Central Valley drinking water crisis
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Antelope Valley: Documents for water transfer complete
“The Palmdale Water District completed the environmental documents for an agreement with Littlerock Creek Irrigation District to transfer excess State Water Project water from Littlerock to Palmdale. “Littlerock Creek (Irrigation District) and Palmdale Water District have been working collaboratively for decades on water and water issues,” Resource and Analytics Director Peter Thompson II said. When tools became available through the Department of Water Resources, “both agencies took the opportunity” to craft a long-term water transfer agreement, “to make it easy for us to transfer water,” he said. … ” Read more from the Antelope Valley Press here: Antelope Valley: Documents for water transfer complete
Editorial: Gov urges water suppliers to increase conservation
The Antelope Valley Press editorial board writes, “We are just entering spring and already, Gov. Gavin Newsom is urging water suppliers, statewide, to increase their conservation efforts by enacting more stringent regulations. The reason behind this action is because drought conditions are worsening at an alarming rate. … We need only look around the Antelope Valley to know that drought has affected us for many years, so it’s not surprising that the governor would enact more stringent regulations when it comes to water usage. Despite the continued drought, more housing plans are in the works for our area. Any time there is new construction, whether it’s residential or business, we must wonder where the water will come from. … ” Read more from the Antelope Valley Press here: Editorial: Gov urges water suppliers to increase conservation
Santa Clarita offering rain barrels to help conserve water
“Rain barrels capture and store rain water for things like home gardening projects and other household tasks, and the city of Santa Clarita is offering a rain barrel purchase program where residents can pre-order two rain barrels per household for $40 each. As a means to help conserve water, save residents money on their water bills, and reduce runoff pollution and erosion, residents can purchase up to two rain barrels between 9 and 11 a.m. on April 2 at The Centre at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, with an opportunity to take a class on how to collect and utilize rain water effectively. Each rain barrel is made of food-grade plastic with a solid brass spigot that can be used to attach a garden hose to divert water for landscape irrigation. The barrel is also topped with a 4-inch mesh screen that prevents bugs from contaminating the water. … ” Read more from The Signal here: Santa Clarita offering rain barrels to help conserve water
City of Pasadena opposes 8% Metropolitan water district rate increase
“Interim City Manager Cynthia Kurtz sent an opposition letter to the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) over rate increases. “Pasadena does not support rate increases of 8% and 8% for each of the next two years,” Kurtz wrote in the March 21 letter. “Over the past decade, Metropolitan staff has continuously communicated to its member agencies to expect rate increases of 3-5% per annum. And, Metropolitan has stayed that course and managed to operate within those parameters despite some of the most challenging drought years in recorded history.” … ” Read more from Pasadena Now here: City of Pasadena opposes 8% Metropolitan water district rate increase
West Basin Municipal Water District hires new general manager
“The West Basin Municipal Water District — which oversees much of the South Bay’s drinking water supply — hired a new general manger this week. Gregory Reed, a 30-year public servant with water industry experience, will fill the position — and will be responsible for overseeing the district’s general affairs and goal execution over the next three years. He’ll make a $300,000 salary, with potential increases based on performance evaluations. “Reed has proven to be a visionary and inclusive leader,” Director Harold Williams said in a press release announcing the hiring. “His commitment to innovation, sustainability, collaboration and community engagement will be critical as we continue to face challenges impacting our water supplies.” … ” Read more from the Daily Breeze here: West Basin Municipal Water District hires new general manager
SAN DIEGO
What Newsom’s drought actions mean for San Diego
“It rained almost two inches over Monday night in certain parts of the San Diego region, but the drought is not over. In fact, Jeff Stephenson, water resources manager at San Diego County Water Authority, said residents should consider turning off their sprinklers for the next seven days. Of the six levels of emergency actions taken during a drought, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday moved California from the first to the second level. That means local water suppliers must act like supplies have dipped by at least 10 to 20 percent, as CalMatters explained. But he isn’t requiring everybody to cut water use by the same amount across the board. This time he’s letting cities and jurisdictions trigger their local plans for action during drought prepared back in 2020. ... ” Read more from the Voice of San Diego here (scroll down): What Newsom’s drought actions mean for San Diego
‘Continue with our water conservation practices’
“Even with our recent storm, San Diego County is still well below our average for rain this year. And as bad as the drought conditions are here, in Northern California they are even worse. As a result, Governor Gavin Newsom just issued an executive order that moves the state into a stricter level of water saving, but he’s allowing each local district to set its own rules. “We’re going to continue with our water conservation practices,” said Jeff Stephenson, Water Resources Manager with the San Diego County Water Authority. “We’ve ramped up our messaging and then directing people to our conservation programs.” … ” Read more from Channel 8 here: ‘Continue with our water conservation practices’
Along the Colorado River …
Arizona to endure another hot, dry spring as droughts persist
“Arizonans 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 Tucson.com here: Arizona to endure another hot, dry spring as droughts persist
The Gila adjudication: it’s all about water rights
“What is the Gila Adjudication and why could its rulings regarding water rights in the Gila River System, which includes the Verde River, have the potential to impact both well users and municipal water users in a significant way? … The Gila Adjudication is a proceeding established 48 years ago to determine the rights to all surface water in the Gila River system, which encompasses the Verde River, Granite Creek, Mint Wash, Williamson Valley Wash, the Big Chino Wash and the Agua Fria River. The Adjudication is ongoing with new cases currently being processed and heard. … ” Read the full story at Sedona.biz here: The Gila adjudication: it’s all about water rights
Tribal leaders push for more involvement in federal water policymaking
“Several tribal leaders met with U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland this week to advocate for their involvement in federal water policymaking. They want full participation in water allocation decisions in a time of increased scarcity. Monday’s meeting in Albuquerque, N.M., focused on long-term management of the Colorado River Basin. Leaders of the Navajo Nation and 19 other tribes want assurances that Indigenous communities in the West will have universal access to clean drinking water as part of the government’s federal trust responsibility. … ” Read more from KNAU here: Tribal leaders push for more involvement in federal water policymaking
The Colorado River District putting on State of the River event
“The future of ag on the Western Slope and access to water are on tap to be hot button items at this year’s State of the River in Grand Junction. Gary Wockner, with Save the Colorado, says, “the big decision that’s going to happen right now is what’s going on with Lake Powell downstream in Arizona. The lake is at historic lows, hydropower might quit working sometime this summer because the lake keeps falling to historic low levels.” It may be the biggest decision in Colorado water history. Wockner also says, “leave water on the farms and ranches or whether they want to actually dry up temporarily or permanently up to a hundreds of thousands of acres of farms and ranches to send the water down to Lake Powell and try to save it.” … ” Read more from Western Slope Now here: The Colorado River District putting on State of the River event
In national water news today …
Historic restructuring of flood insurance begins tomorrow
“They ranted and complained, they hectored administration officials, and they tried to stop it with legislation. But members of Congress have failed to block a historic restructuring of the federal government’s flood insurance program that aligns premiums more closely with each property’s flood risk. The program begins tomorrow for millions of people. The restructuring, called Risk Rating 2.0, revises premiums for the 5 million policyholders in the government’s National Flood Insurance Program. Premiums will be based on a more precise and accurate analysis of flood risk — a revision that climate advocates say will discourage development in flood zones by making insurance costlier in those areas. ... ” Read more from E&E News here: Historic restructuring of flood insurance begins tomorrow
Incredible before and after photos show just how much this critical reservoir has dried up
“The second-largest man-made reservoir in the country has dropped to unthinkable lows amid the West’s climate change-driven megadrought. A pair of before and after photos at Lake Powell illustrates how alarming the transformation has been. The “before” was taken June 23, 2021, and the “after” was taken Sunday. In the first image, countless waves ripple across the landscape and the lake surrounds the massive Lone Rock; in the second — from the same vantage point — the ground sits parched, nary a puddle to be seen. At around 24% full, Lake Powell is at its lowest level since 1963, when the Glen Canyon Dam was built and the reservoir — near the Utah-Arizona border — was filled. … ” Read more from CNN here: Incredible before and after photos show just how much this critical reservoir has dried up
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
Bulletin 120 Forecast Update – March 28, 2022
su_note note_color=”#ededed”] About the Daily Digest: The Daily Digest is a collection of selected news articles, commentaries and editorials appearing in the mainstream press. Items are generally selected to follow the focus of the Notebook blog. The Daily Digest is published every weekday with a weekend edition posting on Sundays. [/su_note]
