On the calendar today …
- MEETING: Delta Independent Science Board will meet from 9am to 5pm. Agenda items include a post-tour debrief; Delta Science Strategy and Delta ISB reviews; and a discussion of potential future reviews. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.
- WEBINAR: American River Basin Study from 12pm to 1pm. Learn about the American River Basin Study, which evaluates water management strategies to improve regional water supply reliability within the American River Basin, to improve Reclamation’s flexibility in operating Folsom Reservoir, to meet flow and water quality standards, and to protect fish species listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act in the lower American River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
The new ways California is meeting the growing needs for water in the state
“Water in California is sometimes referred to as liquid gold. It makes our cities and towns livable, but it’s getting harder and harder to meet the state’s water needs. Reliability of water access is becoming one of the greatest challenges the state faces as the climate change alters the already extreme variability in California’s weather. In fact, the state has long held the top spot for the most variable weather conditions in the nation going from drought to record amounts of rain and snow. One year the state could see only 20 inches of rain, but the next could get 60. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: The new ways California is meeting the growing needs for water in the state
Hurtado no longer calling for State Water Board to be dissolved
“State Senator Melissa Hurtado, D-Sanger, will no longer seek to dissolve the State Water Resources Control Board, which manages the state water. But Hurtado is still moving ahead with Senate Bill 1219 — the State Water Resiliency and Modernization Act. The act originally called for the State Water Resources Control Board to be dissolved and to be replaced by a Blue Ribbon Commission. That Commission would have been comprised of officials from water agencies across the state along with State Legislators. But Hurtado has placed amendments to the bill which no longer calls for the State Water Resources Control Board to be dissolved. … ” Read more from the Porterville Recorder here: Hurtado no longer calling for State Water Board to be dissolved
Judge temporarily halts controversial Kings Co. water pipeline
“Construction on a controversial water pipeline in Kings County has, once again, halted. Earlier this week, a Kings County Superior Court Judge ordered a preliminary injunction on the pipeline owned by Sandridge Partners and Santa Clara County’s John Vidovich, as first reported by SJV Water. Sandridge Partners is attempting to install a pipeline that is 48 inches in diameter that is part of a larger interconnected conveyance system that will run from north of Highway 198 west of Lemoore to the Blakeley Canal, south of Stratford. … ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Judge temporarily halts controversial Kings Co. water pipeline
Ongoing drought demands updated models to better manage California’s water
“This year’s Sierra Nevada snowpack is just 39% of average. But it’s now more than the amount of snow and rainfall that determines California’s water supply. Scientists say climate change has created a cycle of drought that is increasingly hard to reverse, and new models are needed to be able to fully meet the West’s water management needs. “One of the issues that we’re always concerned about with these types of extended droughts or particularly warm periods is that the soil itself will dry out and almost lose its ability to retain water,” said Dr. Andrew Schwartz, lead Scientist and station manager at the Central Sierra Snow Laboratory at UC Berkeley. “Or in another case, depending on your soil type, can actually pull up so much of the water from any new rainfall that it doesn’t make it into streams and then our reservoirs. And so as a result, the drought is kind of, in a way, self-perpetuating.” … ” Read more from KPBS here: Ongoing drought demands updated models to better manage California’s water
Study examines financial risks of water resilience planning in California
“Partnerships between water utilities, irrigation districts and other stakeholders in California will play a critical role in funding new infrastructure under the Water Resilience Portfolio Initiative announced in 2020 by Gov. Gavin Newsom, but a new study warns that benefits might not be evenly distributed without a proper structure to the partnership agreements. California’s initiative is a multi-billion dollar effort that encourages different water utilities and irrigation districts to work together to build shared infrastructure to reduce the effects of droughts, but a number of questions remain regarding how best to structure these agreements. In a new research article published March 15 in the journal Earth’s Future, researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Cornell University explored partnership agreements in the context of the Friant-Kern Canal, which delivers water to irrigation districts and municipal utilities in the southern Central Valley of California. … ” Read more from Cornell University here: Study examines financial risks of water resilience planning in California
Scientists develop new method to monitor underground water loss in California’s Central Valley
“A team of California scientists have developed a new method for monitoring underground water levels on a month-to-month basis. Eight researchers from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena and the Berkeley Lab spent the last few years studying the Tulare Basin in California’s Central Valley, an incredibly productive area of farmland that grows roughly 40% of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts in the United States. That productivity is only possible by extensive groundwater pumping, since the region only receives five to 10 inches of rainfall every year. “After decades of pumping, underground water resources are dwindling,” JPL said in a press release. “Wells in the Tulare Basin now must be drilled as much as 3,500 feet deep to find adequate water.” … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: Scientists develop new method to monitor underground water loss in California’s Central Valley
Disappointing rain and snow mean tighter water rules ahead
“California’s wet season wrapped up as a big disappointment, setting the stage for a third year of drought. Most of the state — about 96% — was categorized as having severe drought conditions as March came to a close, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The continuing drought suggests more water restrictions are forthcoming as supplies run low. “You need no more evidence than standing here on this very dry landscape to understand the challenges we’re facing in California,” said Karla Nemeth, director of the state Department of Water Resources, at the agency’s April snow survey in the Sierra Nevada, where there was very little snow to measure. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Disappointing rain and snow mean tighter water rules ahead
Snow drought hits most of the west for the second straight year and California for the third straight year
“Snow drought conditions remain widespread across the West and have generally become more severe over the past month. A lack of precipitation was one of the main drivers, with March bringing only about 25%–50% of normal precipitation to the Sierra Nevada, northwestern California, southern and eastern Oregon, and the Great Basin. Except at the highest elevations, the start of April typically is associated with peak snowpack and the start of the snowmelt season, making recovery from snow drought difficult if not impossible at this point in the water year. … ” Read the full drought update from NIDIS here: Snow drought hits most of the west for the second straight year and California for the third straight year
‘Vast majority’ of California’s Sierra snowpack could be gone by mid-to-late April
“The heat is on. Record-breaking temperatures are expected across California Thursday and Friday with the mercury rising up to 25 to 30 degrees above normal. UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain referred to the sweltering weather as a “major early spring heat wave” and said it may be “most consequential in the Sierra Nevada” where the snowpack is already well below normal after a record-dry January, February and March, experts said. ... ” Read more from SF Gate here: ‘Vast majority’ of California’s Sierra snowpack could be gone by mid-to-late April
California’s worsening drought could disrupt hydropower electricity generation this summer
“California’s drought is getting worse — and the drying lakes and reservoirs could severely disrupt the state’s ability to generate electricity ahead of the hot summer months. California’s energy commission says the state gets 10% of its electricity from power plants at dams along lakes and reservoirs. But when there’s no water, those plants are unable to generate power. “As we have the continued drought, the availability of hydropower in California has been significantly undercut,” power grid expert Steven Weissman said. … ” Read more from CBS News here: California’s worsening drought could disrupt hydropower electricity generation this summer
$200 million is flowing to the valley to fix sinking canals
“The first releases from a two-year, $200 million state initiative are flowing to the San Joaquin Valley to repair sinking leaky canals. The 116-mile Delta-Mendota Canal, which has been damaged by land subsidence, will receive $3.3 million for fixes from the state Department of Water Resources. “Investing in water infrastructure and restoring key water conveyance systems to protect California’s water supply is crucial to climate resiliency,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth in a news release Thursday. “With California in a third year of drought, this local, federal, and state collaboration is an important step to improving California’s water system.” … ” Read more from GV Wire here: $200 million is flowing to the valley to fix sinking canals
Calif. awards $5 million for water efficiency
“The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation has selected 11 organizations to receive $5 million in funding through a new competitive grant program, the Water Efficiency Technical Assistance program. WETA was developed in response to the Budget Act of 2021, which allocated funding to support technical assistance for water efficiency and nutrient management for California farmers and ranchers. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Calif. awards $5 million for water efficiency
Feinstein secures $69 million in funding for Central Valley, Northern California projects
“Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) applauded passage of the fiscal year 2022 government funding bill, which included more than $69 million in direct funding for Central Valley and Northern California projects that the senator requested from the Appropriations Committee. “Fighting to ensure California gets its share of federal funds is a top priority for me,” Feinstein said. “The fiscal year 2022 omnibus funding bill includes more than $69 million in specific projects in the Central Valley and Northern California. “We were able to get this critical funding included in the bill for a number of project that address priorities in the region.” … ” Continue reading at Senator Feinstein’s website here:Feinstein Secures $69 Million in Funding for Central Valley, Northern California Projects
Reclamation updates CVP allocations and operations
“The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) recently announced adjustments to water operations related to the Central Valley Project (CVP). After an exceptionally dry start to 2022, Reclamation has updated CVP allocations for municipal and industrial water service contractors. Initial CVP water supply allocations called for a 25 percent allocation for municipal and industrial water service contractors south-of-delta. As of April 1, those contactors have been reduced to Public Health and Safety. Limited northern California water storage had already resulted in a Public Health and Safety allocation for north-of-Delta municipal and industrial contractors. … ” Read more from Ag Net West here: Reclamation updates CVP allocations and operations
Central Valley water canals to be covered with solar in experimental pilot project
“They crisscross the Central Valley, driving one of the most productive food producing economies in the world. But soon, irrigation canals and aqueducts could help power thousands of California homes and businesses as well, thanks to an experimental project launched by the Turlock Irrigation District to cover them with solar. “Yeah, I mean, at the most basic level, we are studying how do you span canals that go from 20 feet to 110 feet, and put solar over the top of them,” explained Josh Weimer with the district. … ” Read more from KGO here: Central Valley water canals to be covered with solar in experimental pilot project
California bracing for what could be another bad fire season. What to expect as weather warms up
“Much of California is already in wildfire season after an extremely dry winter left vegetation brittle and water levels low. With winds and hot temperatures in the forecast starting this week, and no rain or snow expected in the near future, conditions aren’t likely to improve, fire experts said. Statewide, firefighters battled 925 fires from Jan. 1 to April 1 — about the same as those dates in 2021, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. However, the acreage destroyed this year is almost double what burned during those months last year. … ” Read more from the Redding Record Searchlight here: California bracing for what could be another bad fire season. What to expect as weather warms up
How mountain streams signal climate change
“A new tool can better assess an important but overlooked indicator of global warming: the variety of bugs, worms, and snails living in high mountain streams. Water-based invertebrates are especially vulnerable when the climate swings from historic droughts to massive floods. Because they serve as food for other forms of alpine life, such as birds, bats, frogs and fish, ecologists worry about the insects’ ability to thrive. Understanding how these small creatures are affected by climate change requires understanding where we ought to find them. Yet, classic ecological theories did not account for what a team of UC Riverside ecologists and their UC collaborators found on a recent survey of aquatic life in California’s Sierra Nevada. … ” Read more from UC Riverside here: How mountain streams signal climate change
In commentary today …
Today’s world is full of uncertainties. Your food supply shouldn’t be one of them
The California Farm Water Coalition writes, “The war in Ukraine and all the global unrest it is causing has focused American’s attention on just how uncertain a world we inhabit. Inflation was already wreaking havoc on family budgets and now gas prices are also skyrocketing. Which is exactly why our government should be doing everything it can to reduce reliance on foreign sources for our basic needs, especially food. Unfortunately, that is the exact opposite of what is happening. Through out-of-balance regulatory policies and a failure to prioritize western farming, our government is putting our safe, affordable, domestic food supply at risk. … ” Read more from the California Farm Water Coaliton here: Today’s world is full of uncertainties. Your food supply shouldn’t be one of them
Don Wright with Water Wrights on Executive Order N-7-22
Don Wright with Water Wrights writes, “California’s Governor Gavin Newsom released Executive Order N-7-22 on March 28, 2022 in response to the state’s ongoing drought conditions. It is effective immediately and covers the entire state. The entire order could perhaps be viewed as part five of his four previous drought related executive orders from 2021. The order is formatted like a proclamation, it has two pages of whereas explaining the Governor’s thoughts on why the order is needed. He blames everything on climate change and doesn’t mention any other causes such as the possibility of government mismanagement of storage and supplies. However, in whereas number five he does mention farms alongside vulnerable communities and fish and wildlife, so at least agriculture wasn’t ignored. Page two yields a therefore let it be written, let it be done followed by four more pages listing 15 items or directives. … ” Read more from Water Wrights here: Don Wright with Water Wrights on Executive Order N-7-22
Smart land use planning, not courts, key to wildfire safety
Tiffany Yap, DEnv/PhD, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity, writes, “California’s startling reminder that its wildfire season is indeed year-round came at the end of January. The Colorado Fire tore through Monterey County, coming uncomfortably close to the iconic Bixby Bridge. Just weeks after parts of the state saw record snowfall, fire personnel rushed to contain the nearly 700-acre blaze. Since then, multiple fires have ignited throughout the state, including a 4,000-acre blaze in the Owens Valley. As this winter dry spell continues, we are reminded that the wildfire season has become a wildfire constant. … ” Read more from Capitol Weekly here: Smart land use planning, not courts, key to wildfire safety
Column: The only thing we should be talking about is the climate crisis
Culture Columnist and Critic Mary McNamara writes, “Why are we talking about anything but climate change? This is a question I ask myself every time scientists release one of their consistently alarming reports on the projected countdown to doomsday. Doomsday being the moment when the ability to lower the atmospheric temperature has slipped from our control. The moment when we puny humans are finally and irrevocably at the mercy of hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, drought, food shortages, rising sea levels and all the socio-political carnage that will accompany same. The moment that, by the latest estimates, is less than 10 years away. ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: Column: The only thing we should be talking about is the climate crisis
Water is the new carbon
Jay Famiglietti, Jose Ignacio Galindo, Palash Sanyal, and Li Xu write, “When it comes to acknowledging society’s impact on climate, environment, and human security, water is the next frontier for comprehensive accounting and adaptation strategies — for industry, municipalities, governments, and individuals, all of which have made impressive commitments and progress to track carbon pollution. However, our increasingly threatened global water security demands that accounting for water use and risk rapidly acquire the same urgency with which we address carbon. The paths of our water and climate journeys have led us to one abundantly clear realization. Since industry accounts for over 80 percent of water withdrawals worldwide, it will be impossible to significantly move the needle on global water security without deep engagement by the private sector. This will require new strategies by industry and investors for valuing and protecting water, the ecosystem services it provides, and its cultural importance. ... ” Continue reading at the Circle of Blue here: Water is the new carbon
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
New film celebrates Klamath Tribal communities, salmon and dam removal
“Bring the Salmon Home is a new short documentary by Swiftwater Films. The film chronicles Klamath River tribal communities’ 320-mile relay run from the redwood-shrouded mouth of the Klamath River in Northern California to the headwater springs in the high mountain desert of southeastern Oregon. Along the way, toddlers, grandmothers, and everyone in between takes their turns running along the age-old path of migrating salmon as they pray, build solidarity, and raise awareness around efforts to restore their river and protect their culture. ... ” Continue reading at the Daily Kos here: New Film Celebrates Klamath Tribal Communities, Salmon and Dam Removal
Water, weed and racism: why Asians feel targeted in this rural California county
“Law enforcement in a rural northern California county that’s seen a major conflict over water rights stopped Asian drivers at vastly disproportionate rates compared to the county’s white population last year, in what civil rights groups have characterized as a pattern of “intentional discrimination” in the region. The ACLU and the Asian Law Caucus, two civil rights groups, obtained traffic stop data from the Siskiyou county sheriff’s office as part of an investigation into the county’s treatment of its Asian community – particularly Hmong Americans. … ” Read more from The Guardian here: Water, weed and racism: why Asians feel targeted in this rural California county
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
After near record warmth, winter storm expected next week at Lake Tahoe
“Unseasonable warmth with near record high temperatures will continue through Friday at Lake Tahoe, but a change back to “winter weather” is headed our way. The thermometer reached 70 degrees on Thursday in South Lake Tahoe falling 2 degrees shy of tying the record for the date set in 1988, according to the National Weather Service. The service is calling for a high on Friday of 71, which would again come close to the record of 72 set in 1989. The service said in a special statement that an incoming storm on Monday has everything: strong, possibly damaging wind, potential for accumulating snow and travel impacts and below freezing temps with a chance of snow showers in the valley. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: After near record warmth, winter storm expected next week at Lake Tahoe
Scotch broom: challenged and destroyed
“On March 30, 2022, 11 people met to tackle one of the most pervasive enemies of the watershed: scotch broom. If you don’t know what scotch broom is, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve seen it while driving through Nevada City or the surrounding areas. It’s frequently along roads and in areas where soil has been disturbed, and while it may be pretty, it is a major nuisance. Scotch broom was first introduced to the U.S. in the 1800s when it was used as packing material for precious goods being shipped from Europe. It was then marketed as a lovely garden plant in the 1950s that you could buy at your local grocery store. From there, it spread wildly. … ” Read more from the South Yuba River Citizens League here: Scotch broom: challenged and destroyed
Nevada County commentary: Much needed in Plan for Water
Bruce Herring, a member of The Union’s editorial board, writes, “The next stage of the Plan for Water on April 19 is all about watershed. of the NID mission statement, which will be revisited in the subsequent stage, reads as follows: “The district will provide a dependable, quality water supply; continue to be good stewards of the watersheds, while conserving the available resources in our care.” The primary source of NID water is the headwaters of the Middle Yuba. That water is stored in Jackson Meadows Reservoir and then transferred across multiple basins into the South Yuba, Deer Creek, and the Bear River. Much of this area also lies within the Tahoe National Forest. And a great deal of the water usage and infrastructure is controlled by PG&E. It is thus imperative that any discussion of watershed stewardship and health of the resource include cooperation with these two entities. A collaborative effort across agency/government/NGO is essential for proper stewardship on a watershed-wide basis, and circles back to an earlier piece I wrote on integrated water management. … ” Read more from The Union here: Nevada County commentary: Much needed in Plan for Water
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
City of Redding preparing to move into stage 2 of water conservation
“The City of Redding Water Utility is preparing to ask the city council to move into stage two of water conservation in response to drought conditions. According to Water Utility Manager Josh Watkins, the city is working to add the topic to the April 19 city council agenda. … ” Read more from KRCR TV here: City of Redding preparing to move into stage 2 of water conservation
An unprecedented year: Dry year impacts in the Sacramento River watershed
“California is experiencing one of the driest years on record. The Sacramento River watershed has been especially impacted with the current storage in Lake Shasta at 1.7 million-acre-feet (maf), compared with the average 3.5 maf for this time of year. With the water suppliers on the Sacramento River (Sacramento River Settlement Contractors, SRSC) receiving approximately 15-18% of their supplies when their contract provides for 75% of supplies in critically dry years, we will see unprecedented and dire conditions, with significant impacts to every use of water. … ” Continue reading at the Northern California Water Association here: An unprecedented year: Dry year impacts in the Sacramento River watershed
BAY AREA
Early spring heat wave may prompt Bay Area water agencies to adopt stricter drought restrictions
“Following last week’s discouraging snow survey, this week’s early spring heat wave could make the snowpack situation even worse, forcing local water districts to start considering more drought restrictions. For the nearly 2 million South Bay residents served by the Santa Clara Valley Water District, they enjoy what the agency likes to call a portfolio of water resources. There is imported water from federal and state water projects. There are local reservoirs, like Lexington. And there is groundwater storage. All of those are under increasing pressure as we move into year three of drought. … ” Read more from CBS San Francisco here: Early spring heat wave may prompt Bay Area water agencies to adopt stricter drought restrictions
East Bay Municipal Utilities District concerned over supply amid historic dry spell
“East Bay Municipal Utility District, which provides water for about 1.4 million customers in Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek and the San Ramon Valley, says the water supply outlook remains “dismal.” While the end of 2021 was very promising with a major winter storm, 2022 has been far from fruitful. EBMUD officials say January, February and March have been the driest in the district’s history, with only 2.5 inches of rain. EBMUD reservoirs are 71% full, and the agency’s conservation requests of 10% aren’t being met, with customers reducing use by 7%. In a few weeks, the agency could be asking to cut back more. … ” Read more from NBC Bay Area here: East Bay Municipal Utilities District concerned over supply amid historic dry spell
Zone 7 sees reduction in water allocation from state as drought worsens
“A dry beginning to 2022 has prompted the California Department of Water Resources to restrict the State Water Project allocation to suppliers down to 5%, a sizable cutback from the previous 15%, according to the Zone 7 Water Agency. A third consecutive year of drought, with a below average snowpack and low reservoir levels, is the trigger for the mandate from the state. The State Water Project announcement and the revised allocation significantly limits the amount of new water supply available to the Tri-Valley, as Zone 7 imports approximately 70% of its total water supply from the state. The agency urged all water users in its service area to follow the 15% mandatory conservation requirement in effect locally. … ” Read more from the Livermore Independent here: Zone 7 sees reduction in water allocation from state as drought worsens
CENTRAL COAST
Ventura: Major water provider on South Coasts says drought is forcing major cuts in water use in region
“A water district which supplies water to three quarters of Ventura County’s residents says its customers need to immediately reduce water use by 30%. With limited water sources, the Calleguas Municipal Water District relies heavily on water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. MWD officials say because of the drought, it will only get about five percent of its annual State Water Project allocation of water. … ” Read more from KCLU here: Ventura: Major water provider on South Coasts says drought is forcing major cuts in water use in region
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Cal Water submits improvement plan, Visalia water rates to rise
“Improvements to Visalia’s water system will come with a slight increase to the city’s water bills starting in 2023, and officials want to hear from the public about it. California Water Service (Cal Water), which provides water to residents living in and around the city of Visalia, is required every three years to submit a multi-year Infrastructure Improvement Plan to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). If the plan is approved, residents’ water bills will be raised every year from 2023-2025 to reflect the cost of the improvements that it outlines. … ” Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: Cal Water submits improvement plan, Visalia water rates to rise
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
100-degree temps on tap as heat wave comes to SoCal
“The punishing heat wave in Southern California will deliver triple-digit temperatures, elevate fire danger and increase the chance of heat-related illnesses Thursday and Friday, officials said. A heat advisory in the Los Angeles area is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday for the coastal plains and valleys, the Santa Clarita Valley and the Santa Monica Mountains. Temperatures could soar at least 15 to 20 degrees above normal, reaching 100 degrees or higher in some areas. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: 100-degree temps on tap as heat wave comes to SoCal
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Dr. Ruiz pushes EPA to address unacceptable contaminated drinking water in the east Coachella Valley
“Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) called on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify long-term solutions to the arsenic-contaminated drinking water in mobile home parks and communities in the Eastern Coachella Valley. In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, Dr. Ruiz called the current situation “simply unacceptable” and urged the agency to help expedite consolidation projects to protect communities with contaminated drinking water. … ” Read more from NBC Palm Springs here: Dr. Ruiz pushes EPA to address unacceptable contaminated drinking water in the east Coachella Valley
Bombay Beach Wetland: How an emerging wetland at the Salton Sea offers new hope for migratory birds and local communities
“The Salton Sea’s waterline continues to rapidly recede, leaving behind exposed playa that exacerbates respiratory diseases and other issues for nearby communities. Unexpectedly, however, the shoreline’s recession has created an opportunity for nature to take its course, evident by the presence of newly emerging wetlands around the Salton Sea. There are roughly 6,000 acres of newly formed wetlands that have emerged around the Salton Sea. They are a product of agricultural outflows or from natural seeps from springs. In June of 2020, Audubon California released a report titled “Identifying Existing Areas for Habitat Protection/Enhancement and Dust Suppression Projects on the Salton Sea Exposed Playa” that assesses the amount and distribution of these wetlands. … ” Read more from Audubon here: Bombay Beach Wetland: How an emerging wetland at the Salton Sea offers new hope for migratory birds and local communities
SAN DIEGO
How San Diego breweries are offsetting craft beer’s water footprint
“It takes an average of seven gallons of water to produce one gallon of beer. That’s not an easy stat for breweries to swallow—especially in our region, which is experiencing the driest two decades in over a millennium. Although San Diego gets most of its water from other, wetter places, trying to outrun climate change and water accessibility in a desert climate will (probably) only work for so long. This is partially why craft beer businesses are prioritizing sustainability in their operations. “We have always tried to be conscious of waste in every way—recycling, composting, serving vegetarian and vegan options—that’s just part of who we are,” says Jeff Motch, co-owner of Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights and Panama 66 in Balboa Park. “It’s always on our minds, because the industry is extremely wasteful.” … ” Read more from San Diego Magazine here: How San Diego breweries are offsetting craft beer’s water footprint
Along the Colorado River …
Why desalination won’t solve Baja California’s water woes
“Severe drought in the US southwest is affecting northern Mexican states like Baja California, which depends on water it receives from the Colorado basin under a 1944 treaty. Rather than building a desalination plant, as authorities proposed, Alfonso Cortez, an environmental researcher at Colegio de la Frontera Norte in Mexicali, suggests measures to produce a surplus, including treatment plants. “[Desalination] is three or four times more expensive than using treated water or regulating extraction from aquifers. There is also an irrigation system whose water use should be optimized. Why is a desalination plant more expensive than those options? Because it consumes a lot of energy and pollutes the environment,” he told BNamericas. ... ” Read more from BN Americas here: Why desalination won’t solve Baja California’s water woes
Commentary: A proposed Arizona Water Authority is not enough to save us
Karl Flessa, emeritus professor of geosciences at the University of Arizona, writes, “Will Gov. Doug Ducey’s proposed Arizona Water Authority (AWA) save our water future? Can it compensate for the past lack of leadership? No and no. The AWA alone can’t face up to our drier future, can’t protect our groundwater, can’t do enough to promote agricultural and urban efficiency, and relies too much on the dream of augmentation. We need both short-term and long-term solutions for Arizona’s people, farms and nature. … ” Read more from the Arizona Republic here: Commentary: A proposed Arizona Water Authority is not enough to save us
The Colorado River Basin looks to be locking in another dry year
“The Colorado River Basin looks to be headed for a third straight dry year, according to the April report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Colorado Basin River Forecast Center. Although the weather in March was more active than it was in January and February, it continued a trend of either below or well-below normal precipitation across much of the Colorado River Basin, according to Brenda Alcorn, a hydrologist at the NOAA forecast center. “Thank goodness we had that good December,” Alcorn said Thursday during an online briefing reviewing the agency’s latest monthly water-supply report. … ” Read more from the Colorado Sun here: The Colorado River Basin looks to be locking in another dry year
New data says Lake Powell inflows expected to be 64% below normal this year
“The latest water supply outlook from the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center estimates Lake Powell will only receive 64% of its average water inflows this year. The report was released Thursday. Officials say the climate change-drive megadrought has shrunken water runoff in the Colorado River Basin by 20% since 2000. … ” Read more from KNAU here: New data says Lake Powell inflows expected to be 64% below normal this year
Native American tribes assert water rights on Colorado River Basin
“The Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute tribes of Southwest Colorado continue their fight for water, including an effort to reclaim rights flowing downstream to other users. Ute Mountain Chairman Manuel Heart and Southern Ute Council member Lorelei Cloud presented their perspectives and plans for water management during a session of the Southwestern Water Conservation District’s annual meeting Friday in Durango. The tribes were not invited to the discussions when the states and federal government divided water rights in the West during the early 20th century. … ” Read more from The Journal here: Native American tribes assert water rights on Colorado River Basin
In national water news today …
A warm, dry March worsened record drought conditions in the West
“March 2022 marked the third month in a row where precipitation was below average across the contiguous U.S., which led to an expanding drought and areas of record dryness throughout the West. March also brought several rounds of severe weather that pounded parts of the nation. Below are more takeaways from NOAA’s latest monthly U.S. climate report … ” Read more from NOAA here: A warm, dry March worsened record drought conditions in the West
National water and climate update …
The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces this weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S.
dmrpt-20220407Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
NOTICE: Bureau of Reclamation submits Draft 2022 Sacramento River Temperature Management Plan
