In California water news today …
Where snowpack level stands after most critical survey of the year
“California’s wet season is coming to a close without fulfilling hopes of drought relief, meaning another year of painful water shortages and widespread calls for conservation. The modest snowpack that state water officials will find at their April 1 snow survey on Friday – less than 40% of average, the lowest peak accumulation in seven years – confirms winter as a disappointment, the result of a record dry start to 2022. Some parts of Northern California have seen less than an inch of rain since Jan. 1, including San Jose, Oakland and Salinas, while a lack of winter storms in the mountains this year has brought the northern Sierra Nevada just 12% of average precipitation, state and federal data show. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Where snowpack level stands after most critical survey of the year
SEE ALSO:
- In Tahoe’s ‘year of extremes,’ final Sierra Nevada snowpack measurements come in far below average, from SF Gate
- Sierra snowpack falls to one of lowest levels in 70 years, from the San Jose Mercury News
Reclamation updates Central Valley Project water supply allocation for municipal and industrial contractors
“Due to critically dry hydrologic conditions, Reclamation is updating water supply allocations for Central Valley Project municipal and industrial water service contractors. Effective April 1, water supply for all Central Valley Project M&I water service contractors will be reduced to Public Health and Safety. The announcement comes after the first three months of 2022 are the driest in the state’s recorded history. Initial CVP water supply allocations were announced last month, which included a 25% allocation for M&I water service contactors with exception of north-of-Delta M&I contractors, who were already allocated Public Health and Safety due to limited northern California water storage.
California issues new drought executive order
“Gov. Newson has signed Executive Order N-7-22 (Order) in response to intensifying drought conditions. The Order, signed earlier this week, builds on his four 2021 orders relating to California’s drought, which is now in its third year. The governor has instructed that the information be widely publicized, and water providers should consider informing their customers about these drought developments. Among other requirements, the Order limits a county, city or other public agency’s ability to permit modified or new groundwater wells, and instructs the State Water Resource Control Board (Water Board) to consider (1) requiring certain water conservation measures from urban water suppliers and (2) banning non-functional or decorative grass at businesses and institutions. … ” Read more from Best Best & Krieger here: California issues new drought executive order
Droughts are cutting into California’s hydropower. Here’s what that means for clean energy.
“The droughts that swept across the western US in 2021 sparked wildfires and damaged crops. But the historic lack of water also had an impact on one of California’s key sources of renewable energy: hydropower. Electricity generation from California hydropower plants was down 48% from the 10-year average, according to new data from the Energy Information Agency. And 2022 is looking even worse. Hydropower is the world’s leading source of renewable energy, making up about 17% of electricity generation in 2020, but droughts in various regions are making it harder to rely on. As a low-carbon source of power, it’s essential in limiting emissions of carbon dioxide, especially because when a hydropower plant goes down, fossil fuels are usually used to make up the shortfall. … ” Read more from MIT here: Droughts are cutting into California’s hydropower. Here’s what that means for clean energy.
As drought saps water supply, California signs $2.6-billion ecological pact
“It’s a major source of California’s water supply and a vital habitat for fish, migratory birds and other species. But the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta watershed is also a fragile ecosystem in decline, with human demands for water taking a harsh toll on the environment. With a third year of severe drought straining water resources and pushing endangered salmon and other fish closer to extinction, California officials have announced a controversial $2.6-billion deal with the federal government and major water suppliers that they say will bolster the ecosystem. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: As drought saps water supply, California signs $2.6-billion ecological pact
California wants to pay farmers to not farm this year
“This year, California farmers have been given a financial incentive to not plant crops. Much of the state is already experiencing extreme drought conditions. As part of a $2.9-billion plan to try to keep water flowing in California rivers, the state will pay farms to keep thousands of acres vacant this growing season. Both state and federal officials, as well as some major water companies in the region, signed the plan on Tuesday. Their hope is to keep upwards of 824,000 acre-feet of water every year in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. … ” Read more from Modern Farmer here: California wants to pay farmers to not farm this year
Eastern Tule GSA takes steps to meet SGMA, help Friant-Kern
“The Eastern Tule Groundwater Sustainability Agency has begun implementing its plan in earnest to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, SGMA, while at the same time meeting its agreement to help pay for damage to the Friant-Kern Canal. The Lower Tule River Irrigation District has also taken similar measures. SJV Water reported ETGSA and the Lower Tule River irrigation District have been among the first in the state to charge growers fees while at the same time restricting the amount of water growers can pump out of the ground. The fees ETGSA are charging is going to pay for the agreement the agency reached with the Friant Water Authority, which oversees the Friant-Kern Canal, to help fix the canal. ETGSA and FWA came to an agreement in which ETGSA would provide a minimum of $125 million to help fix the canal. … ” Read more from the Porterville Recorder here: Eastern Tule GSA takes steps to meet SGMA, help Friant-Kern
CDFA board to discuss drought at Merced meeting
“California’s state agriculture board will resume meeting in person April 5 after two years of meeting virtually because of pandemic-related restrictions on public gatherings, and their topic of discussion will be another crisis — drought. The Board of Food and Agriculture’s 10 a.m. meeting at the University of California, Merced will feature water experts, water district officials, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation leaders and others. Public comment on the drought will begin at about 2 p.m. The meeting in Room 306 of the university’s administration building can also be viewed online. ... ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: CDFA board to discuss drought at Merced meeting
Feinstein, Padilla applaud $870 million in recent funding for California water projects
“Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) have helped secure more than $870 million in funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water projects in California over the last five months. This will help fund water infrastructure projects in California to improve flood risk management; strengthen water supply; combat sea-level rise and coastal erosion; and invest in critical port and harbor maintenance. Senator Feinstein is chairman of the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Senator Padilla is a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which authorizes these critical projects. The funding was included in two bills, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021, and the fiscal year 2022 federal omnibus funding bill, which was enacted on March 15, 2022. … ” Continue reading this press release from Senator Dianne Feinstein’s office here: Feinstein, Padilla applaud $870 million in recent funding for California water projects
Reclamation awards $3 million to 17 Tribes for water projects
“The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that 17 Tribes in eight states will receive $3 million to support water management projects. The Native American Affairs Technical Assistance to Tribes Program supports Tribes through projects including water need studies, water quality data collection and assessments, and water measurement studies. “Reclamation is committed to working with Tribes and Tribal organizations as they develop, manage and protect their water resources,” said Acting Commissioner David Palumbo. “This funding will help Tribes and Tribal Nations as they address the long-term drought and meet their critical water needs.” This program provides Tribes financial assistance to implement projects to support their water management projects. This investment will complement the funding provided by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s investments to support Tribal communities and ensure they have the resources they need to bolster climate resilience and develop their water resources. … ” Read more from the Bureau of Reclamation here: Reclamation awards $3 million to 17 Tribes for water projects
California braces for another cataclysmic wildfire season
“Warning signs are flashing red: California faces another scary year for extreme wildfires. More than 93 percent of the state is in severe or extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. And a March 1 reading of the state’s snowpack found it way below normal — just 63 percent of the average for that date. That’s not all. California hillsides are turning brown with dead and dying grass — potential kindling for the next inferno. Taken together, it’s a recipe for disaster. … ” Read more from Scientific American here: California braces for another cataclysmic wildfire season
Special April 1st section …
Parr for the course – Holistic fish conservation
Nan Frobish writes, “Juvenile Chinook Salmon lack rearing habitat in the Central Valley due to pervasive land use change and altered hydrology. Historically, juvenile salmon (or parr) had access to roughly four million acres of seasonal floodplain which provided ideal growth conditions before transitioning to the ocean. Managed wetlands and flooded off-season agricultural fields can provide surrogate habitat to mitigate some habitat losses. A pilot program by fishery agencies and the PGA has turned their attention to a previously untapped habitat by stocking immature salmon parr to golf course wetland ponds to increase habitat and population. The program, coined “Parr for the Course”, serves to increase the salmon population after their decline. This could be salmon conservationists’ mulligan for past failures. … ” Continue reading at the California Water Blog here: Parr for the Course – Holistic Fish Conservation
In commentary today …
Editorial: Newsom’s water deal — years in the making — balances needs of public, farmers and greens
The San Diego Union-Tribune editorial board writes, “When it comes to water, balancing the competing interests of California farmers, environmentalists and residents is an extremely difficult challenge. That’s why it was a pleasant surprise to hear Tuesday that after six years of negotiations involving state and federal agencies, the farm industry and large water districts, Gov. Gavin Newsom had won agreement on a $2.9 billion plan to boost the health of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. It’s the hub of the Golden State’s ecosystem, providing fresh water to two-thirds of the state’s population and to millions of acres of farmland. … ” Continue reading at the San Diego Union-Tribune here: Editorial: Newsom’s water deal — years in the making — balances needs of public, farmers and greens
Today’s featured article …
MONTHLY RESERVOIR REPORT for April 1st
The “Miracle March” everyone was hoping for, unfortunately did not materialize.
Across California, federal CVP reservoir storage currently stands at 4.698 million acre-feet (MAF), representing a little less than 40% of total federal reservoir system capacity but, 57% of the 15-year average. When compared to this same time last month, however, total CVP storage was only 4.573 MAF, thus indicating an actual storage gain of 125,000 acre-feet (AF) over the past 30-days despite receiving little to no new precipitation.
How could this have happened? Particularly under supposed drought conditions?
Click here to read this month’s reservoir report.
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In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Indigenous activists protest plans to log redwoods in a Northern California forest
“Late last month, hundreds of activists and environmental groups rallied at California’s state capitol. Indigenous performers danced while others chanted to protest the logging of redwoods in the Jackson Demonstration State Forest. Their rallying cry? “Pomo land back.” It was a familiar scene for Priscilla Hunter. As an elder member of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, it wasn’t her first time rallying at the steps of the capitol building. But this time, she said, it felt more personal than ever. Jackson Demonstration State Forest, located in Mendocino County, lies within the bounds of her ancestral lands. “It’s in our backyard,” she said. … ” Read more from Capital Public Radio here: Indigenous activists protest plans to log redwoods in a Northern California forest
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Some Caldor Fire victims to resume paying water fees despite losing homes
“Despite losing their homes to the Caldor Fire, some property owners in Grizzly Flats will have to start paying a monthly water fee again. Jared McVey has a common story in Grizzly Flats. He lost his home in the Caldor Fire last year. But after living there for about six years, he will not be returning. “We went back up there saw the devastation and decided we didn’t want to go through it every day,” McVey said. Though we won’t be going back, he will still have to pay the monthly water fee from the local water district. The fee isn’t about the usage of water. It’s about whether or not there is a water meter. “In my mind, it’s not morally right,” McVey said. … ” Read more from Channel 40 here: Some Caldor Fire victims to resume paying water fees despite losing homes
Drone light shows to replace fireworks in King Beach and North Lake Tahoe
“After a two-year hiatus of the annual Independence Day fireworks shows on the North Shore due to pandemic constraints, a new twist to the time-honored tradition is being planned for July 3 in Kings Beach and July 4 in Tahoe City. The North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, North Tahoe Business Association and Tahoe City Downtown Association have announced that drone light shows will be part of the Independence Day celebrations in place of traditional pyrotechnic fireworks displays. The shift aligns with the region’s commitment to sustainability and stewardship, and addresses community concerns related to fire risk and environmental impacts. … ” Read more from South Tahoe Now here: Drone light shows to replace fireworks in King Beach and North Lake Tahoe
Most forest areas burned in the Caldor Fire reopen to the public for recreation
“Most of the Caldor Fire area in the Eldorado National Forest and all of it in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit are already open or set to open Friday, April 1. Even if open for public access, those visiting the forest are reminded to use extra caution when recreating due to the hazards that remain in recently burned landscapes. The following roads, trails, and developed recreation sites directly impacted by the fire in the Eldorado National Forest (ENF) will remain closed for ongoing hazard mitigation under Forest Order 03-22-06 … ” Read more from South Lake Tahoe Now: Most forest areas burned in the Caldor Fire reopen to the public for recreation
Commentary: Look to the past to predict mine’s future if allowed
Nevada City resident Ken Bernstein writes, “The Idaho-Maryland Mine project is generating more controversy than any other local topic. Discussions of pros, cons and what might happen are becoming louder and more emotional. I am not interested in speculation. I believe the most accurate predictor of a person’s future decisions are those made in the past. Instead of joining the noise and confusion of these discussions, I wanted to get to know Ben Mossman, CEO of Rise Gold, what decisions he made in Canada, and what could happen in Grass Valley. Before Mr. Mossman came here, he was president, CEO, CFO and director of Banks Island Gold, which operated in Banks Island, Canada. … ” Read more from The Union here: Look to the past to predict mine’s future if allowed
NAPA/SONOMA
‘Minimal March’ expands extreme drought conditions in Sonoma County
“The ‘March Miracle’ never arrived this year so Northern Californians find themselves once again facing worsening drought conditions. Federal officials released their weekly Drought Monitor map on Thursday. Extreme drought conditions now cover all of Sonoma County and a sliver of neighboring Napa County. But it will certainly be expanding. The National Weather Service 10-day forecast predicts higher than normal temperatures that will continue to suck moisture out of the rapidly drying out hillsides. … ” Read more from CBS San Francisco here: ‘Minimal March’ expands extreme drought conditions in Sonoma County
BAY AREA
Editorial: Lasting partnership needed to keep San Rafael Creek dredging on schedule
“San Rafael Creek is supposed to be dredged every six to eight years, but in recent decades it has taken so long to win federal funding for the job that the city is lucky to see a full cleaning of the canal’s silt every 20 years. The delay allows for a buildup of more sediment, carried by drainage into the canal and tidal action, that becomes a barrier to the free flow of boat traffic. The last time the creek was dredged was 2011, but that was a partial project because of questions regarding disposal of contaminated soil found in the spoils. Since then, sediment has built up to levels that leave areas as shallow as only two feet deep. … ” Continue reading at the Marin Independent Journal here: Editorial: Lasting partnership needed to keep San Rafael Creek dredging on schedule
$1.5 million granted for Mountain View phase of Baylands restoration project
“A $1.5 million federal grant to fully fund a wetlands restoration feasibility study to protect against flooding and improve wildlife habitat was announced on Thursday by U.S. representatives Anna Eshoo and Ro Khanna. The grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be directed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help begin the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project’s Phase III. The project will help mitigate flooding from the Bay caused by sea level rise, restore critical wildlife habitat and provide additional recreational opportunities to the community. … ” Read more from the Mountain View Voice here: $1.5 million granted for Mountain View phase of Baylands restoration project
Water restrictions return for Coastside residents
“The Coastside County Water District declared a water-shortage emergency Thursday, bringing back some water-use restrictions for the approximately 19,000 customers it serves in Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Princeton, and Miramar. “We are going into a third consecutive year of drought,” said Cathleen Brennan, a water resource analyst with the CCWD. “The CCWD does have local sources, but they are impacted by the drought, and we rely on purchases from SFPUC to serve our community. When SFPUC declared a water shortage emergency and gave us an allocation, that prompted us to declare a water shortage emergency and mandate certain water use restrictions so we could try to meet that allocation.” … ” Read more from CBS Bay Area here: Water restrictions return for Coastside residents
Ranch owner wants to raze hills near Gilroy for a gravel quarry. Tribal leaders say the land is sacred
“Drivers heading through the rural area south of Gilroy on Highway 101 will pass farm stands called the Garlic Shoppe and the Cherry Shack and then go by what looks like serene ranchland covered in oak-dotted hills. But Sargent Ranch, a 5,300-acre property on the west side of the highway, is actually the center of a controversy gripping Santa Clara County. The owners are seeking permits to build a 403-acre sand and gravel quarry that would require razing four of the hills. Opponents say the quarry would desecrate the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band’s most sacred site and wildlife habitat. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Ranch owner wants to raze hills near Gilroy for a gravel quarry. Tribal leaders say the land is sacred
CENTRAL COAST
Pajaro River levee project at the ‘cusp of reality’
“The Pajaro River levee restoration is one of four projects nationwide receiving funding from the federal government, with $67 million from President Joe Biden’s administration coming to help with the long-awaited renovation. Biden made the announcement on Tuesday. The funding is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that was supported by Congressman Jimmy Panetta and signed into law by Biden in the Fall of 2021. “I’m very excited that the President has made us one of the top four projects in the nation,” said Watsonville-Santa Cruz-Aptos Adult Ed Director Nancy Bilicich, who co-chairs the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency (PRFMA). … ” Read more from Good Times Santa Cruz here: Pajaro River levee project at the ‘cusp of reality’
Trying to keep taps from going dry: Central, South Coast legislator wants more review for new wells
“A state assemblyman representing parts of the Central and South Coasts is doing something to try to protect some drinking water supplies from literally being sucked dry. A proposed new state law, AB 2201, would require permits for new groundwater pumping facilities to insure they don’t deplete existing community drinking water wells. Democratic Assemblyman Steve Bennett of Ventura authored the legislation. Bennett says new wells are sometimes being approved without adequate analysis of how they might impact already overdrafted water basins. … ” Read more from KCLU here: Trying to keep taps from going dry: Central, South Coast legislator wants more review for new wells
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Cost of Poseidon desalinated water gets renewed scrutiny
“Poseidon Water’s controversial proposal for a Huntington Beach desalination plant might cost water customers more than previously thought, a factor that could create a new obstacle to construction of the $1.4 billion project. Word that the principal customer for the water, the Orange County Water District, was reexamining costs came from district General Manager Mike Markus on Thursday, March 31, at an OC Forum panel discussion on solutions to water shortages. It’s one of several recent signs of emerging challenges for Poseidon, which needs a permit from the state Coastal Commission before it can negotiate a final contract with the water district and build a plant to turn ocean water into tap water. … ” Read more from the OC Register here: Cost of Poseidon desalinated water gets renewed scrutiny
Long Beach: Water customers may get $100 rebate as part of city lawsuit
“Long Beach Water Department ratepayers will get a roughly $100 bill credit as the city begins to transfer back over $30 million in unconstitutional fees that have inflated customers’ bills for decades. The city’s Water Commission cautioned Thursday that its vote to give customers a one-time credit did not necessarily mean it was the last action by the commission regarding the full $30.8 million the city must transfer back before September. The first transfer of $9 million was initiated last week, according to a city official. “The use of the term ‘one-time’ does not mean we won’t consider further rate relief,” President Bob Shannon said in reference to the rebate. “We’re just dealing with the amount of money we have in hand at the time, which is $9 million.” … ” Read more from the Long Beach Post here: Water customers may get $100 rebate as part of city lawsuit
Desalination in Doheny is making progress
“The Doheny Ocean Desalination Project looks as if it’s making progress as the plant won its first state approval without difficulty– now the South Coast Water District proposal needs two more approvals and to gather some partners for the project. A desalination plant proposed near Doheny State Beach in Dana Point was unanimously approved on March 9 for the first of three necessary state permits after sailing through the San Diego Regional Water Control Board hearing on March 9 with no significant concerns raised by either the board or the public. … ” Read more from The Log here: Desalination in Doheny is making progress
Man arrested on suspicion of stealing water meter from Phelan/Pinon Hills Water District
“A 51-year old man from Phelan was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of stealing a water meter while a felon in possession of a firearm and a controlled substance, authorities reported. Manuel Gomez remained at the High Desert Detention Center on Wednesday, with bail set at $50,000. He is scheduled to appear Friday in Victorville Superior Court, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s booking records show. The Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station reported that at 5 p.m. on Tuesday deputies were contacted by employees of the Phelan/Pinon Hills Water District. ... ” Read more from the Victorville Daily Press here: Man arrested on suspicion of stealing water meter from Phelan/Pinon Hills Water District
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
CA Federal politicians ask Biden to fund Salton Sea to restore wildlife habitat
“Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla and Representatives Raul Ruiz, Juan Vargas, Grace Napolitano, and Jared Huffman called on the Interior Department, Agriculture Department and Army Corps of Engineers on Tuesday, March 29, 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, according to a recent article in Sierra Sun Times. “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. … ” Read more from the Desert Review here: CA Federal politicians ask Biden to fund Salton Sea to restore wildlife habitat
Along the Colorado River …
Las Vegas: New law targets water-guzzling grass, reduces outdoor water use
“Grass is one of the largest users of water in Southern Nevada, sucking up 75 percent more water than a drip-irrigated landscape covering the same area. A new state law targets water-thirsty grass that is purely ornamental and does not serve a recreational purpose. The turf removal law will help protect the valley’s water supply by prohibiting use of Colorado River water to irrigate decorative grass at all non-single-family properties by the end of 2026. The law impacts nonfunctional grass in streetscapes, medians, parking lots and other nonrecreational areas. … ” Read more from the Las Vegas Review Journal here: New law targets water-guzzling grass, reduces outdoor water use
Arizona column: Willcox is running out of groundwater. But is that enough for voters to act?
Opinion columnist Joanna Allhands writes, “What happens if voters create a groundwater Active Management Area (AMA)? It’s a question that no one has had to answer in 40 years – and one that many figured would be out of the question in a farming community like Willcox. It’s long been argued that AMAs are too restrictive for rural areas, which have no limits on groundwater pumping. Many figured that as soon as proponents started talking about water allotments and plans to use less water, they’d have trouble finding even 10% of eligible voters willing to put the designation to a vote. Then a grassroots coalition submitted roughly 900 signatures – far more than the necessary 10% – to vote on an AMA in November. … ” Read more from Arizona Central here: Arizona column: Willcox is running out of groundwater. But is that enough for voters to act?
Salt River Project swaps dams for water release
“Salt River Project began the annual spring river swap operation earlier this week with water releases ramping down on the Verde River system while gradually increasing from Stewart Mountain Dam on the Salt River. This swap started slightly earlier this spring than in previous years due to projected below median inflows this winter and lower Verde River reservoir storage levels, and will balance the water storage on the Salt and Verde storage reservoirs to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply. … ” Read more from the Fountain Hill Times here: Salt River Project swaps dams for water release
In national water news today …
E.P.A. decides against limiting perchlorate in drinking water
“The Biden administration on Thursday said it would uphold a Trump-era decision and not impose limits in drinking water of perchlorate, a contaminant that has been linked to brain damage in infants. The announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency shocked public health advocates who had denounced the Trump administration in 2020 for opting not to regulate perchlorate. The chemical is a component in rocket fuel, ammunition and explosives. Exposure can damage the development of fetuses and children and cause a measurable decrease in I.Q. in newborns. The Trump administration had found that perchlorate did not meet the criteria for regulation because it did not appear in drinking water “with a frequency and at levels of public health concern.” Activists at the time accused the E.P.A. of disregarding science. … ” Read more from the New York Times here: E.P.A. decides against limiting perchlorate in drinking water
Press release: EPA announces plan to protect the public from perchlorate in drinking water
“Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it completed review of a July 2020 determination to not regulate perchlorate in drinking water. The agency concluded that the 2020 decision is supported by the best available peer reviewed science. Additionally, EPA announced multiple integrated actions to ensure that public health is protected from perchlorate in drinking water. “EPA is taking action and applying the right tools to support public health protections,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a new monitoring study, financial and technical tools, and cleanup of contaminated sites will enhance protections and help ensure that communities can rely on clean and safe drinking water.” The agency is committed to partnering with state co-regulators, Tribes, and communities to address perchlorate. … ” Read more from the EPA here: Press release: EPA announces plan to protect the public from perchlorate in drinking water
What you eat has a water footprint — here’s why it matters
“What takes more water to produce, a hamburger or an almond milk latte? Where in food production does the water get used? Did you know that we eat far more water than we drink? This week, Water Footprint Calculator, a sister site of FoodPrint, launched a new searchable database that shows the water footprint of over 100 foods. We brought in the two senior policy and research analysts, Robin Madel and Kai Olson-Sawyer, to explain what water footprints are, answer some of the above questions, and explain why a gallery like this can be a useful tool for consumers and educators. … ” Read more from Salon here: What you eat has a water footprint — here’s why it matters
‘No time to waste’: PepsiCo ramps up water goal with revolutionary tech that reuses steam from potato chip production
“PepsiCo has developed groundbreaking tech for condensing and treating the steam evaporated from its fryers to recover more than 50% of the water used in potato chip manufacturing lines, an approach that could save 60 million litres of water a year. … ” Read more at Bakery and Snacks here: ‘No time to waste’: PepsiCo ramps up water goal with revolutionary tech that reuses steam from potato chip production
Microplastics have been found in human blood. Now what?
“A new study that found microplastics in human blood is being heralded as a scientific advancement in the small but growing body of research suggesting that the nanoparticles could affect human health. Published earlier this month in Environment International, the research from the Netherlands is considered significant for two main reasons. First, it confirms what many scientists have hypothesized for some time: When people inhale or ingest microplastics, the particles don’t merely pass through the body but, rather, remain there. That’s especially significant given just how much humans are likely exposed to microplastics by accidentally inhaling or ingesting them. One 2019 analysis estimated that people take in roughly a credit card’s worth of microplastics every week, but, until now, there’s been limited research into whether the particles remain in the body, where they could potentially cause harm. … ” Read more from E&E News here: Microplastics have been found in human blood. Now what?
National water and climate update …
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