On the calendar today …
- OFFICE HOURS: Tribal Engagement with Anecita Augstinez from 12pm to 1pm. Join Maven’s Notebook and Civic Well as we discuss how best to engage with tribes, including how to find tribes in your area, government-to-government relations, tribal consultations, and more. Click here to register.
- PUBLIC MEETING: SAFER Program: Funding Partner Application Q&A from 12:00pm – 12:45pm. We will provide a brief overview of the role and responsibilities of SAFER drinking water program Funding Partners (a new type of program partner) and answer questions. Click here for the meeting notice.
In California water news today …
Winnemem Wintu uses legal brief to argue for more just and equitable water stewardship
“State-sponsored violence and discriminatory laws have caused California Indian tribes and other minorities to be excluded from the state’s water rights system in ways that contribute to their ongoing harm, argues a legal brief filed this month on behalf of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe and others. Because this system has allowed a powerful few to lay claim to California’s waters, they say a state appeals court must consider how an important water rights case currently under appeal could worsen the environmental injustices they’re experiencing and cripple the state’s ability to sustainably care for its waters during severe drought. … ” Read more from the Shasta Scout here: Winnemem Wintu uses legal brief to argue for more just and equitable water stewardship
Simplified salmon: The reduced resilience of the California salmon fishery
““Keep it simple” is a commonly applied principle of design, but when it comes to ecosystems “keep it complicated” may be the better approach. Ecologists have long hypothesized that simplification of ecosystems reduces the climate resiliency of those ecosystems and the species that live in them. This process has proved challenging to document, but the extensive development, simplification, and degradation of California’s ecosystems over the past 170 years coupled with extensive monitoring data on the state’s salmon fishery provides an ideal opportunity to investigate this hypothesis. Researchers from the National Marine Fisheries Service recently leveraged this opportunity to search for empirical evidence of decreasing climate resilience in the California salmon fishery over the industrial era (Munsch et al. 2022). Their findings suggest that salmon populations of the past could weather unfavorable years by diffusing the impacts across diverse habitats, life histories, and time; however, human-driven homogenization of habitats and life histories has made the fishery of today far less resilient to an increasingly erratic climate. … ” Continue reading at FishBio here: Simplified Salmon: The Reduced Resilience of the California Salmon Fishery
Snowstorm and rain showers fall on Northern California, days after spring heat wave
“Just days after parts of the valley reached 90 degrees, and less than a day removed from the earliest fire weather warning ever issued in spring, rain and snow fell Monday across Northern California amid a 30-degree cooldown expected to last most of this week. Chain controls were in place on several mountain highways Monday morning, Caltrans said, as the National Weather Service predicts about a foot of snow could fall at the pass level in the central Sierra Nevada range by the end of the day. Snow will fall as low as about 4,000 feet. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Snowstorm and rain showers fall on Northern California, days after spring heat wave
SEE ALSO: Changes on the way – Snow in the Sierra, some rain in the Valley, from KCRA
Crushing California drought could spell trouble for crops and wildfires
“Winter started out with a glimmer of hope in the Golden State as prolific snowfall across the Sierra Nevada rocketed the region to more than 400 per cent of its normal snowfall for the month of December. The region’s fortunes abruptly reversed as the winter progressed, though, and the mountains endured a tremendous snowless streak. The Sierra Nevada saw less than 10 per cent of its normal snowfall from January through March. … Another long stretch of worsening drought will have far-reaching effects on agricultural interests across the state. Farmers throughout the Central Valley face the prospect of a significant burden from the ongoing drought and lack of winter snowfall in the mountains. California is a major grower of produce like almonds, lettuce, and strawberries. … ” Read the full story at the Weather Channel here: Crushing California drought could spell trouble for crops and wildfires
Lawsuit filed to protect redwood forest in California from logging, Center For Biological Diversity reports
“Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit to stop the Mendocino Redwood Company from logging nearly 1,000 acres of redwood forest in a California watershed that provides habitat for threatened northern spotted owls and fish. The lawsuit, filed on April 1, in Mendocino County Superior Court, says the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection approved the logging project even though it violates a voter-approved county ordinance intended to reduce fire danger and ignores spotted owl protections required by the California Environmental Quality Act. “Cal Fire blatantly ignored state and local laws to approve this destructive logging project, so we’re hopeful the court will put an end to it,” said Justin Augustine, an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The last thing we should be doing in the midst of a climate emergency and an extinction crisis is whacking down magnificent old redwoods, killing tanoaks and jeopardizing the coastal redwood ecosystem.” … ” Read more from the Sierra Sun Times here: Lawsuit filed to protect redwood forest in California from logging, Center For Biological Diversity reports
In commentary today …
Why give away fish flows for free during a drought?
Jay Lund, Ellen Hanak, Barton “Buzz” Thompson, Brian Gray, Jeffrey Mount and Katrina Jessoe write, “With California in a major drought, state and federal regulators will be under pressure to loosen environmental flow standards that protect native fish. This happened in the 1976-77 and 1987-92 droughts, and today’s drought could become much worse. These standards demonstrate the high value society places on the survival of native fish and wildlife. In past droughts, we have given away some of these protections because of pressure to make more water available for other uses. But this time, California can do better. We can create a special water market that better meets the state’s goals of both ensuring a reliable water supply and protecting the environment. In this market, growers and cities would pay for the additional water made available from relaxed environmental standards, and the revenues would help support fish and wildlife recovery. ... ” Read more from the California Water Blog here: Why give away fish flows for free during a drought?
Newsom’s drought order poses a big question on water well permits for Valley farmers
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. … ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Newsom’s drought order poses a big question on water well permits for Valley farmers
Drought, overpopulation and the magical thinking enabling it all
Columnist Randy Alcorn writes, “Magical thinking is the willingness to accept as true things for which there is no valid evidence, and continuing to do so even in the face of conflicting or contradictory realities. Mankind has engaged in magical thinking since the dawn of human consciousness to conveniently explain life’s mysteries and provide comfort and conjure protection against harsh existential realities. Magical thinking allows unlimited possibilities for fantasy and self-delusion — as is evident in the politics of climate change and population. California, along with most of the Southwest, is being ravaged by climate change — notably, persistent droughts and massive wildfires. Climate change has made drought more the norm than the exception. … ” Continue reading at Noozhawk here: Drought, overpopulation and the magical thinking enabling it all
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Klamath National Forest snowpack at 16% of historic average as drought conditions persist
“Record low snowpack levels continue to plaque the state of California as dry and unseasonably warm temperatures continue to persist. According to measurements taken by the U.S. Forest Service for the April survey, in the Klamath National Forest, the snowpack is at 16% of the historic average snow height (snow depth) and at 18% of the historic Snow Water Equivalent (“SWE”, measure of water content) across all survey points. Weather continued to be relatively dry through March and although several small storms did pop up across the area during the month, unseasonably warm temperatures kept the local snowpack below normal level. … ” Read more from Channel 12 here: Klamath National Forest snowpack at 16% of historic average as drought conditions persist
There’s only one week left to let the feds know what you think about Klamath Dam removal
“The public has just one week left to weigh in on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed removal of the lower four Klamath River dams – the largest river restoration project in American history. The 990-page document, which was released by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in February, contains the evaluation of the environmental, cultural and economic impacts associated with dam removal, as well the potential consequences of a “no-action alternative.” ... ” Read more from the Lost Coast Outpost here: There’s only one week left to let the feds know what you think about Klamath Dam removal
Reclamation announces 2022 spring flow releases on the Trinity River as part of restoration program
“The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that this year’s restoration flow schedule for the Trinity River will begin on April 15. Each year, the Trinity Management Council advances a flow schedule based on the expected amount of water available to support salmon restoration efforts on the Trinity River. Due to lack of precipitation and snowpack in the Trinity Mountains this winter, the flow schedule for 2022 is scaled to a critically dry water year. Critically dry is one of five water year types used by the Trinity River Restoration Program to determine how much reservoir water will be released in support of the program’s goals to improve habitat for anadromous fish—fish that migrate to fresh water from salt water to spawn—like salmon and steelhead. … ” Read more from the Bureau of Reclamation here: Reclamation announces 2022 spring flow releases on the Trinity River as part of restoration program
Lake County Supervisors to consider temporary moratorium on new ag and cannabis projects
“With drought conditions deepening, the Board of Supervisors this week will discuss implementing an urgency ordinance that would place a temporary moratorium on the approval of new agriculture and cannabis cultivation projects in an effort to protect the county’s water supply. … At 3:30 p.m., the board will consider an interim urgency ordinance proposed by Supervisor Bruno Sabatier that would place a temporary, 45-day moratorium on new agricultural and cannabis cultivation projects. In his written report, Sabatier quotes a recent study that said the current drought “represents the largest Southwestern North American area to experience a top-five 22 year drought-severity ranking in at least 1,200 years.” … ” Read the full article at the Lake County News here: Supervisors to consider temporary moratorium on new ag and cannabis projects
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Divers collect 13,000lbs trash from Nevada shore of Lake Tahoe
“As an early kickoff to Earth Day 2022, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak will be joined today by officials from the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – along with staff and volunteers from Clean Up the Lake (CUTL) and project sponsors Tahoe Fund and Tahoe Blue Vodka – to celebrate the success of a historic initiative to remove underwater trash and other debris from the nearshore areas across the full Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Funded by multiple public and private entities, this unique partnership project perfectly captures the spirit of this year’s Earth Day theme, Invest in Our Planet. … ” Read more at Snow Brains here: Divers collect 13,000lbs trash from Nevada shore of Lake Tahoe
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Feather River Fish Hatchery reopens to public
“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced 21 of its 22 hatcheries have reopened across the state Thursday including the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville. After 2 years being closed because of COVID restrictions, the Feather River Fish Hatchery is now open for visitors for self guided tours and guided tours by appointment only. The hatchery, completed in 1967 after the construction of the Oroville Dam, is responsible for managing the life cycle of chinook salmon and steelhead trout that spawn upstream the Feather River. … ” Read more from the Oroville Mercury Register here: Feather River Fish Hatchery reopens to public
Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District customers to receive little water allocation this year
“In the last seven to eight years California has experienced a little more than four critical drought years, impacting everyone from residents to farmers. While some areas have put restrictions on residential water usage, irrigation districts across the Northstate are also making significant cuts. In Glenn County, landowners can expect to see some water allocation this year, though not nearly as much as in past years. … ” Read more from KRCR here: Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District customers to receive little water allocation this year
BAY AREA
Editorial: Point Reyes needs forward-thinking plan for elk
“The National Park Service is right to take another look at its policies concerning the growth of the tule elk population at Point Reyes National Seashore. The elk, which were re-established to the park in 1978, have been the subject of a lot of debate and political skirmishes, the latest being before the California Coastal Commission. Coming up with a plan where the elk can co-exist with the ranchland leases in the park and the park’s recreational uses has been difficult due to the die-off of hundreds of elk as a result of the drought and opposition to the park service allowing limited hunting to cull the population. Of course, there are also problems the roaming elk cause for the historic cattle and dairy ranches – a dilemma that many say is a reason it is time to end those leases. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Editorial: Point Reyes needs forward-thinking plan for elk
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
42 million gallons of sewage entered L.A. waterways in past 15 years
“Roughly two-thirds of the 70 million gallons of sewage spilled in Los Angeles County since 2007 ended up in a storm drain or a river connected to the Pacific Ocean, according to analysis of 15 years of data maintained by the county Public Health Department. Of that total, the vast majority of the sewage that entered a waterway was inadvertently released in a single year: 2021. A nearly catastrophic disaster at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant and the sudden collapse of a sewer system in Carson last year combined to make it the worst since the beginning of the data set in April 2007. The two spills, roughly six months and 15 miles apart, led to the total release of 25 million gallons of raw sewage either directly into the ocean or into waterways that empty into it. … ” Read more from the Pasadena Star News here: 42 million gallons of sewage entered L.A. waterways in past 15 years
Orange County Water District is first public lab in California to achieve PFAS detection certification
“Orange County Water District’s (OCWD; the District) Philip L. Anthony Water Quality Laboratory is the first public agency laboratory in California to achieve state certification to analyze for per- and polyfluoralkly substances (PFAS) in drinking water by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 533. Certification was granted by the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) administered by the State Water Resources Control Board. The lab previously became the first public agency lab to receive ELAP certification for PFAS analysis via EPA Method 537. Together, these certifications enable the lab to analyze 29 PFAS targets in drinking water. … ” Read more from Water Finance & Management here: Orange County Water District is first public lab in California to achieve PFAS detection certification
Along the Colorado River …
Crippled water supply problems still lingering weeks later for Havasu Lake residents
“Paul Rivera and his wife, Melissa, bought a doublewide at Havasu Lake in 2004, planning to eventually retire to the community on the eastern edge of California. When the Kimberly-Clark manufacturing plant in Fullerton — where Paul had worked for 42 years and Melissa for 38 — closed permanently in 2019, the Riveras found themselves retiring early. In October 2021, the couple sold their Orange County home and moved to Havasu Lake permanently to enjoy a relaxing life along the Colorado River. But only six months later, they found their idyllic retired life disrupted by a crisis that left them and 300 other residents without water. … ” Read more from the San Bernardino Sun here: Crippled water supply problems still lingering weeks later for Havasu Lake residents
Powell’s looming power problem
“Thirty-nine years ago, due to record-breaking snowfall in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Lake Powell rose substantially, catching river managers off-guard. By late June, the reservoir was nearly overflowing, forcing operators — for the first time ever — to rely on the spillways. Instead of giving relief, that precipitated a new crisis, as a phenomenon called cavitation sent shockwaves through the spillways’ innards, tearing through the concrete and then the sandstone, putting the colossal Glen Canyon Dam in peril. The spillways were repaired, and the dam survived. But now it is threatened yet again, only this time for the opposite reason. … ” Continue reading at High Country News here: Powell’s looming power problem
In national water news today …
High tech, high stakes: How vulnerable to cyberattacks is US Water infrastructure?
“According to government officials, security experts and persistent media reports, all signs indicate that cybersecurity is an issue that is here to stay and puts U.S. infrastructure squarely in the crosshairs of hackers and foreign governments. Recently the issue has been heightened by the war in Ukraine and has increased concerns about a potential Russian retaliation to U.S. sanctions that may come in the form of a cyberattack. But whether it’s Russia, China, another foreign government or an independent hacker, concerns about how cyberattacks could impact infrastructure in the United States have been elevated – and a look at how they could affect the water industry is fascinating. … ” Read more from Water Finance & Management here: High Tech, High Stakes: How Vulnerable to Cyberattacks Is U.S. Water Infrastructure?
EPA to collaborate with ag on reducing nutrient pollution
“In a new policy memorandum on Accelerating Nutrient Pollution Reductions in the Nation’s Waters issued April 5, the Environmental Protection Agency commits to deepening existing partnerships and fostering new collaboratives with USDA, states, tribes, territories, agriculture, industry and the broader water sector. But the agency’s suggestions aren’t completely welcomed. In the agency’s memo, EPA commits to supporting innovation and pursuing science-based and data-driven strategies to reduce excess nutrients in our nation’s waters, along with technical assistance and other support to help scale effective nutrient loss reduction strategies. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: EPA to collaborate with ag on reducing nutrient pollution
Examining the pros and cons of hydroelectric energy
“Before we dive into the pros and cons of hydroelectric energy, it’s important to first understand what it is and how it works. Hydroelectric energy is generated by converting kinetic energy of the falling water through the rotation of turbines. Generators then convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy that is used by the public. The most common hydropower comes from water in dams, where water is released from reservoirs to drive the turbines. It can also utilise the natural running of a river or tide to generate electricity. The countries with the highest growth of hydropower generation are China and Brazil, with Turkey joining the ranks in recent years. … ” Read more from Earth.org here: Examining the pros and cons of hydroelectric energy
More news and commentary in the weekend edition …
- Pattern flip to bring a cooldown to the Southwest
- Winter advisory: More than a foot of snow possible for Tahoe
- Few strong landfalling atmospheric rivers reach California
- DWR making investments in much-needed canal repairs
- A California water board assured the public that oil wastewater is safe for irrigation. Experts say evidence is flimsy.
- California-Nevada drought status update
- No return to normal: Low mountain snowpack reflects the West’s grim climate outlook
- Column: La Niña — the ‘diva of drought’ — remains doggedly in place
- Photos: As drought puts growing strains on fish, hatcheries serve as lifelines for California salmon
- Expert says California fire season could start early as May due to heatwaves, drought
- ‘History the correct way’: Yurok Tribe cuts ribbon on renovated Stone Lagoon center
- Could Berryessa provide Napa water in a pinch?
- How rising sea levels could push up a ‘toxic soup’ into bay area neighborhoods
- Port, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center launch living seawall pilot project along Embarcadero
- And more …
Click here for the weekend digest.
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
BULLETIN 120 and Water Supply Index Forecast – April 1, 2022
CDFW GRANTS: Draft 2022 Cannabis Restoration Grant Program Public Land Cleanup and Remediation Solicitation and Watershed Enhancement Solicitation Released for Public Review
NOTICE: Draft Research proposals deadline for the Tracy Fish Facility Improvement Program FY23 projects
