In California water news this weekend …
More heat, more drought: new analyses offer grim outlook for the U.S. West.
“The ongoing drought in the U.S. West is expected to persist through this summer, raising the risk of water shortages and wildfires. While California, Arizona, and New Mexico are now facing the brunt of the drought, new research suggests that Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming will increasingly come to look like the Southwest as temperatures continue to rise. In its latest seasonal outlook, the National Weather Service projects the drought, which began in early 2020, will continue across virtually the entire American West. Cooler waters in the Pacific are giving rise to fewer storms in the Southwest, while higher temperatures on land are drying out soil. In the last two years, average temperatures have been upward of 2 degrees F (1.1 degrees C) warmer across the West and more than 3 degrees F (1.7 degrees C) warmer in much of the Southwest. ... ” Read more from Yale e360 here: More heat, more drought: new analyses offer grim outlook for the U.S. West.
California water officials urge conservation amid dim outlook for improvement in drought conditions
“Outdoor watering restrictions area set to take effect in Los Angeles at the end of the month, and the prospect of an improvement in drought conditions appears dim. Just how bad is the drought? According to state figures, the first three months of the year were the driest in the state’s recorded history. California is currently in the third year of a drought. Wade Crowfoot is the state secretary for natural resources. The one resource he oversees that we all use is water. According to his agency, the drought is getting worse, not better. … ” Read more from KABC here: California water officials urge conservation amid dim outlook for improvement in drought conditions
The rancher who is a scientist: Carmel Valley man uses his lab discoveries to help his ranch fight climate change
“Luke Gardner spends workdays surrounded by bubbling vats of seaweed and tanks of abalone at Moss Landing Marine Lab but trades his lab coat for work boots on weekends to head to his cattle ranch. Although cows and aquaculture might seem like two utterly distinct interests, Gardner has found a clever way to combine them to tackle one of humanity’s most pressing problems: climate change. … The key to solving one of those impacts – the heat-trapping, gaseous burps of cattle – might just lie in Gardner’s soupy vats of seaweed growing at his lab. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: The rancher who is a scientist: Carmel Valley man uses his lab discoveries to help his ranch fight climate change
History of water in California a tale of grand projects, drought and disaster
“Eastern Australia is awash with water — for many, far too much — but on the other side of the Pacific, it is a very different story. Parts of California are facing unprecedented calls to preserve water. After three years of failed rains, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has declared a storage emergency, requiring “drastic water-use reductions” for six million residents. This looming disaster comes only a few years after California’s previous crippling drought broke in 2017. It is the latest saga in the Golden State’s long and murky history when it comes to water, including miraculous feats of engineering, ingenuity, deception, sabotage and death. While we sit with full dams, the following is a reminder of the lengths people will go to when the water runs dry. … ” Read more from the Australian Broadcasting Company here: History of water in California a tale of grand projects, drought and disaster
‘Water is not going to magically appear,’ says Interior’s Tanya Trujillo
“Communities across the West and elsewhere in the country are tapping more than 660 million reasons to boost the integrity of water supply and delivery systems, especially during this time of unrelenting drought. It’s not enough to get Mother Nature to cooperate in an era of low snowpack, dwindling stream flows and shrinking reservoirs, but the dams, aqueducts, water treatment plants and canals all need to be able to do their job to supply available water, and many of them are getting so old they are compromised. “Funding really helps us expand our capabilities in a wide variety of ways and they do all track back to helping us directly address the drought, as an example,” Interior Department’s Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Tanya Trujillo told the Deseret News in an exclusive interview this week. … ” Read more from Deseret News here: ‘Water is not going to magically appear,’ says Interior’s Tanya Trujillo
‘Extremely active’ jumping worms that can leap a foot raise alarm in California
“An invasive worm species known for its “voracious appetite” and ability to jump a foot in the air is raising alarm in California, where scientists have expressed concerns about the threat the worms pose to forest ecosystems. The Amynthas agrestis, also known as the Asian jumping worm, Alabama jumper or crazy snake worm, have been spotted in California in recent months. The earthworm is native to east Asia, particularly to Japan and the Korean peninsula. However, in recent years the worms made their way to North America via various landscape plants that have been imported from the region. … ” Read more from The Guardian here: ‘Extremely active’ jumping worms that can leap a foot raise alarm in California
Why scientists believe this summer will be warmer than usual
“National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration experts predict this summer will be hotter than usual for most of the United States. In its seasonal projections released this week, NOAA said most of the United States has a high probability of an above-average summer, especially in the western United States. Johnna Infanti, a meteorologist with the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, said a La Nina pattern will be largely responsible for the expected warmth in the west. While in the northeast, warmer sea surface temperatures will likely help warm up the region, she said. … ” Read more from KSBY here: Why scientists believe this summer will be warmer than usual
In commentary this weekend …
Commentary: A drought of common sense and reasonable priorities
Andy Caldwell, the COLAB executive director, writes, “One of the key failures of government in the modern age is the principle of treating everyone the same, because that is the easiest and most effective means of control. Blanket prohibitions and mandates applied to one and all makes the bureaucrats’ and regulators’ job easy because they don’t have to use discretion and common sense to do their job — attributes that don’t come easy in that line of work to begin with. The latest example of this failure comes in the form of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-7-22 which is a shoot-first/ask-questions-later mandate having to do with conditions, provisions and regulations concerning new water wells on agricultural lands. Whereas water systems serving the public are being regulated by other executive orders that include severe fines and penalties for not reducing water usage, this order is aimed at agriculture. … ” Read more from the Santa Barbara News-Press here: Commentary: A drought of common sense and reasonable priorities
On the Public Record: What it would have meant to take action in 2015.
On the Public Record writes, “I spent much of 2015 urging the State Board to issue a moratorium on planting new almonds (although I myself was too timid. I said to only restrict them in gw basins with declining water levels, although that is all of them so maybe that argues against my timidity). Yesterday I wrote that had they done that, they’d look prescient now. But in that counterfactual, I do not think we could have estimated the policy success. In 2015, CA almond acreage was 1,110,000 acres. (3.3MAF/year) In 2021, CA almond acreage was 1,640,000 acres. (4.9MAF/year. This is a low estimate, btw. I’ve seen ETAW up near 5af/acreyear for almonds in the south Valley.) … ” Read more from On the Public Record here: What it would have meant to take action in 2015.
ACWA commentary: An exciting spring conference looks toward the future
ACWA President Pamela Tobin, writes, “ACWA’s 2022 Spring Conference & Exhibition stood out as memorable and rewarding for many reasons. ACWA staff organized a diverse collection of programs with expert speakers exploring the latest developments on state and federal water policy with recurring themes of drought response, climate change and innovation. We also highlighted diversity, equity and inclusion and informed members about critical funding opportunities, among other topics. All of this took place within a newly formatted conference that expanded time for networking and provided more opportunities for attendees to connect with one another. If you attended the Women in Water reception than you know the popularity of that event has outgrown its format. Stay tuned for a new set-up next conference. ... ” Read more from ACWA’s Water News here: ACWA commentary: An exciting spring conference looks toward the future
In people news this weekend …
Meet Heal the Bay’s new CEO: Q&A with Tracy Quinn
“Q: What does “Heal the Bay” mean to you? Tracy Quinn: To me, Heal the Bay is about protecting what you love. I find it inspiring that Dorothy Green chose the name Heal the Bay because it conveys hope. Fighting to change policies that don’t adequately protect people and wildlife is challenging—at times heartbreaking—and I love that this group was founded on the optimistic idea that we can make things better and that this organization has made things better for the Santa Monica Bay over the last three decades. I’m grateful for Dorothy and Heal the Bay every time I feel that cold, crisp water of the Pacific Ocean on my toes, and I am honored to continue her legacy by leading Heal the Bay in its next chapter. … ” Read more from Heal the Bay here: Meet Heal the Bay’s new CEO: Q&A with Tracy Quinn
San Francisco Bay Water Board names Eileen White as new executive officer
“The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board today announced the appointment of Eileen White as its executive officer, succeeding Michael Montgomery. Her first day is July 11. White most recently served as director of East Bay Municipal Utility District’s Wastewater Department, where she recently led the development of EBMUD’s Integrated Master Plan for its main wastewater treatment plant, along with EBMUD’s Climate Action Plan, to guide operations, investments and priorities for decades to come. White managed a workforce of 280 people. “The board is delighted to welcome Eileen White, known throughout the region for her years of leadership at the East Bay Municipal Utility District in both wastewater and drinking water, areas of critical importance to us all,“ said Jim McGrath, chair of the San Francisco Bay Water Board. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Board here: San Francisco Bay Water Board names Eileen White as new executive officer
Maria Herrera appointed USDA State Director, Rural Development, California
From the White House: “Maria Gallegos Herrera is a proud daughter of farmworker parents who grew up in the rural agricultural communities in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley. She joined the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019 as the Central California Deputy Regional Director of External Affairs and in July of 2021 was promoted to Central California Regional Director. Herrera previously served as a Community Development Manager at Self-Help Enterprises, a nationally recognized community development organization dedicated to working with low-income families to build and sustain healthy communities. She previously held positions at the Community Water Center and the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Throughout her career, Herrera has tackled water contamination and shortages, improved access to government, and worked to create resilient and sustainable communities through relationship building, community organizing, advocacy, legislation, and technical assistance. Herrera also served on the California Water Commission from 2015 to 2019 and was the recipient of the 2019 Rachel’s Network Inaugural Catalyst Award.”
Podcasts …
INGRAINED PODCAST: A year like no other
California farmers are no strangers to drought, although the magnitude of this, a third straight dry year, has widespread and significant impacts in Sacramento Valley rice country and nearby communities. A lack of adequate rain above Shasta Dam has brought historic water cutbacks to growers on the west side of the Sacramento Valley, with a major reduction in rice plantings. This contrasts the east side of the valley, where rice acreage is expected to be normal to potentially above normal. Full rice acreage won’t be known until later this spring. “We’re down to 25 percent of normal rice acreage,” said grower Kurt Richter, who farms in Colusa County. “For a westside operation, that figure is actually very high this year. I’m the only person I know who is on the west side who is even planting rice at all.”
KNEE DEEP TIMES: Sea level rise: Graceful Withdrawal
Public buyouts of private property in harm’s way are one option already well-developed in some Atlantic and Gulf coast states, but less evolved in California. KneeDeep Times asked several California leaders for their perspective on planned withdrawal from sea level rise and the crumbling coast.
CAL OES PODCAST: Massive wildfire recovery operation in Greenville, California, is nearing the finish line
This episode (#95) takes us to Greenville, California, where efforts to recover from the Dixie and Beckwourth Complex fires are accelerating as the finish lines comes into view. We talk with Cole Glenwright, Cal OES Recovery Operations Section Chief, who gives us some hopeful news about the final stretch in the marathon that is recovery in Plumas and Lassen Counties. The Dixie Fire erupted near Dixie Road in Butte County. It grew to an enormous wildfire that also burned in Plumas, Lassen, Shasta, and Tehama Counties, The fire began in the Feather River Canyon near Cresta Dam on July 13, 2021, and burned 963,309 acres before being 100% contained on October 25, 2021. It was the largest single (i.e. non-complex) wildfire in California history, and the second-largest wildfire overall (after the August Complex fire of 2020.)
THE FUTURE OF EVERYTHING PODCAST: How to fight climate change
The consequences of climate change have already been devastating: wildfires, drought, coastal flooding, and increased temperatures, among them. And there are massive economic, societal, and geopolitical and security costs as well. It’s no wonder that many people may feel the situation at this point is hopeless. But in this episode of the Future of Everything, Stanford’s Chris Field tells host and bioengineer Russ Altman that the world has made more progress than we might have expected a decade ago, and that we can still pave a way to a sustainable future, both by reducing emissions and by adapting to the impact of increasing temperatures through such things as technological innovation and improved infrastructure and land and resource management.
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING PODCAST: RSS Discovery
Captain Albert Scott wanted to overwinter in the Antarctica for the first time so the strongest ship of its time, The Discovery, was built in Dundee, Scotland. How did the discoveries of Captain Scott and the Discovery exemplify the value of water? Water is a Many Splendor’ed Thing brings you another water relationship that has a personally significant impact to your life. Podcasts here Produced by Steven Baker, Bringing People Together to Solve Water Problems; Operation Unite®; stevebaker@operationunite.co; 530-263-1007
Sunday video …
Schoolhouse Rock – Earth – You oughta be saving water
In regional water news this weekend …
NORTH COAST
California is about to begin the nation’s largest dam removal project. Here’s what it means for wildlife
“After decades of negotiation, the largest dam-removal project in U.S. history is expected to begin in California’s far north next year. The first of four aging dams on the Klamath River, the 250-mile waterway that originates in southern Oregon’s towering Cascades and empties along the rugged Northern California coast, is on track to come down in fall 2023. Two others nearby and one across the state line will follow. The nearly half-billion dollars needed for the joint state, tribal and corporate undertaking has been secured. The demolition plans are drafted. The contractor is in place. Final approval could come by December. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: California is about to begin the nation’s largest dam removal project. Here’s what it means for wildlife
Fishermen threaten to sue Bureau of Reclamation over Trinity River diversions
“A Trump era decision has further imperiled endangered fish species in the Trinity River, and commercial fishermen and local tribes are demanding the federal government take action. This week, the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations and its sister organization Institute for Fisheries Research sent the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation a 60-day notice of their intention to sue the federal agency for violating the Endangered Species Act. The amount of water the bureau is diverting from the Trinity River to the Central Valley Project has decimated the river’s salmon populations and the fishermen are demanding a new biological opinion on the conservation methods and measures that should be required to protect them. … ” Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Fishermen threaten to sue Bureau of Reclamation over Trinity River diversions | Read via Mercury News
It’s time to start planning for sea level rise, says Humboldt County grand jury
“Three feet of sea-level rise would have significant impacts to communities surrounding Humboldt Bay, but that’s exactly what’s expected to happen in the coming decades. That’s why the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury’s second report “The Sea Also Rises,” issued Thursday, states that Humboldt County, the cities of Arcata and Eureka, the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District, and state legislators need to start collaborating on planning for sea-level rise. “A regional voice speaks louder than multiple local voices,” the report states. … ” Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: It’s time to start planning for sea level rise, says Humboldt County grand jury
Lady of the Lake: All about amazing aquatic plants, part one
“We have a retirement home right on the lake and now that the water is warmer, we are seeing lots of growth of water weeds, and my grandchildren don’t like to swim as the weeds tickle their ankles. What are these plants and what should we tell our grandkids? Thanks, – The Johnsons Dear Johnsons,Thank you for writing this very timely question! It’s now officially spring and lake users might start to see more abundant plant life within the lake from now on through summer. You may not know it, but writing about aquatic plants is one of my very favorite things. … ” Read more from the Lake County News here: Lady of the Lake: All about amazing aquatic plants, part one
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Tuolumne Utilities District again in crosshairs of Grand Jury probe
“Tuolumne Utilities District is once again the subject of an investigation by the Tuolumne County Civil Grand Jury in a new report released last week. Titled “Water is Life,” the 31-page document details the citizen-watchdog group’s examination of TUD’s finances, management and operations; personnel and leadership changes; and the proposed acquisition of water rights and infrastructure from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. It’s the second consecutive Grand Jury to look into TUD, the area’s largest provider of water and sewer services. The findings from the previous report released in July 2020 were largely disputed by the district’s leadership at the time, which factored into the reasons for the follow-up investigation. … ” Read more from the Union Democrat here: Tuolumne Utilities District again in crosshairs of Grand Jury probe
NAPA/SONOMA
New signs near Napa Creek celebrate Napa’s urban beavers
“Those who regularly cross the Napa Creek footbridge from Clinton Street to Coombs Street in downtown Napa might be unaware of the beavers that live below. The thick-furred, aqueous mammals are nocturnal, after all, and tend to go about their wood-gnawing, dam-building business when people aren’t around to watch them. They also haven’t been in the Downtown Napa area for all that long, though the increasing presence of them around the city of Napa in recent years has often been heralded as a sign of environmental success connected to the millions spent on flood control projects over the past few decades. Now, three new signs near the bridge give information about beavers and make it clear beavers are a major — and positive — part of Napa’s ecosystem. ... ” Read more from the Napa Register here: New signs near Napa Creek celebrate Napa’s urban beavers
BAY AREA
Under threat from climate change, Berkeley’s family camps adapt to survive
“As the Caldor Fire roared toward Berkeley’s Echo Lake Camp last summer, Liza McNulty was furiously refreshing her phone, hoping for good news. Like many parents, McNulty and her family had made carefree days at the city camp above the Lake Tahoe Basin one of their summer traditions. … “If this burns down, we’re just starting over again,” she remembered thinking about Echo Lake Camp last August. “Can I do that? Do I have the bandwidth to do this again?” The camp survived, thanks in large part to the work of Berkeley firefighters who had been sent to protect it. Still, the near-loss became the latest reminder that Berkeley’s beloved family camps — Tuolumne, Echo Lake and Cazadero — are becoming more vulnerable as Northern California’s climate changes. … ” Read the full story at Berkeleyside here: Under threat from climate change, Berkeley’s family camps adapt to survive
San Mateo’s Coyote Point rejuvenated
“San Mateo County officials celebrated the unveiling of waterfront upgrades to the eastern end of the Coyote Point Recreation Area, a multiyear effort meant to improve the public’s experience while addressing threats of sea level rise. “A project like this really takes a strong commitment from all partners to collaborate and communicate and when you have that strong partnership this is the end result. I’m really proud of this project,” Parks Department Director Nicholas Calderon said. “Having the opportunity to provide this type of facility and this type of experience is something that we’re very proud of.” … ” Read more from the San Mateo Daily Journal here: San Mateo’s Coyote Point rejuvenated
CENTRAL COAST
Pajaro Valley Water awarded $7.6 million for supplemental water resource
“Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (PV Water) received $7.6 million to support its College Lake Project, which will supply a supplemental source of water for the Pajaro Valley. The grant was awarded May 4 through the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program. … ” Read more from the Daily Pajarnoian here: Pajaro Valley Water awarded $7.6 million for supplemental water resource
High fire season for all areas of Santa Barbara County has begun
“On Friday, Santa Barbara County fire departments came together to form a united front and declare the beginning of high fire season for all areas of Santa Barbara County. “Yeah, we’re looking at a potentially really strong fire season, unfortunately,” said Chief Greg Fish, Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District. Firefighters say the combination of drought and windy conditions is setting California up for a lethal fire season. ... ” Read more from KSBY here: High fire season for all areas of Santa Barbara County has begun
Oxnard limits outdoor watering as city, state grapple with drought
“Oxnard has limited outdoor watering to one night each weekend in an effort to conserve water. The City Council declared a local emergency Tuesday in response to the state’s drought and inadequate water supply. Oxnard’s resolution implements several restrictions. “We’re taking a very focused look at everywhere we’re using water and we’re going to try to do everything we can to conserve,” said Joe Marcinko, the city’s assistant public works director, on Friday. Effective immediately, outdoor watering is limited to once a week, currently between 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. on a specified day. … ” Read more from the Ventura County Star here: Oxnard limits outdoor watering as city, state grapple with drought
Guest column: Ventura and its phantom water
Robert Chianese, Ph. D., Professor Emeritus, CSU Northridge, writes, “We have a spooky unnatural phenomenon here in Ventura — an invisible supply of water that the civic powers can barter with, even in its ghostly immaterial form. That’s what our City Council has just negotiated with a municipality not too far away. We will lease a partial allotment of our state water supply, which does not actually exist, to San Gorgonio, so we do not have to pay full price for a yearly promise of water, and we keep our place in line to get it, someday. In order to receive those valuable Sierra waters, we would have to connect to the state water project with a long pipe from Camarillo, which we learn could take two or three years to build. But even more importantly, the state would actually have to have that water for us, which it clearly does not. ... ” Read more from the Ventura County Star here: Guest column: Ventura and its phantom water | Read via Yahoo News
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Manteca: Move to cut water use 20%
“The San Joaquin Irrigation District board on Tuesday is expected to activate the second step in its state-mandated water shortage response plan. It means the three cities will be asked to voluntarily reduce water obtained from the SSJID surface water treatment plant by 20 percent. The exception will be Tracy. That’s because the state’s emergency order carved out exceptions for water suppliers such as SSJID if they have an urban customer that is already facing a sustainable cutback on water deliveries from other sources. In Tracy’s case it also obtains water from the Central Valley Project that has already imposed mandatory cutbacks on contracted water delivery. ... ” Read more from the Manteca Bulletin here: Manteca: Move to cut water use 20%
Rural communities in Fresno County plead for water debt help from local supervisors
“Residents of a high-poverty, rural Fresno County town want county leaders to pay off their water debt using federal pandemic stimulus funds. On Tuesday, three residents of Cantua Creek, and Grecia Elenes, regional policy manager of Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, asked the Fresno County Board of Supervisors to waive the community’s water debt and pay off any remaining debt with the American Rescue Plan Act funds. “I think we’re all trying to come to the table to come up with a comprehensive solution that works for everyone,” Elenes said during the meeting. ... ” Read more from the Fresno Bee here: Rural communities in Fresno County plead for water debt help from local supervisors
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Triunfo taps ideas for help in drought
“As area water agencies weigh in on the drought, the Triunfo Water and Sanitation District is providing details of how its potable water customers should comply with the one-day-per-week watering restriction ordered by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, effective June 1. Triunfo provides drinking water to all residences and businesses in Oak Park, among other areas. “With multiple water suppliers in the Conejo Valley, we felt it was important to reach out to our Oak Park customers with specific guidelines for them to follow,” Triunfo general manager Mark Norris said. … ” Read more from The Acorn here: Triunfo taps ideas for help in drought
Why trees are not part of LA’s two-day outdoor watering restrictions
“Two-day-per-week outdoor watering restrictions are set to begin June 1 in Los Angeles. But there’s an important exception to the rule in place to reduce water use during the region’s dry spell. Mayor Eric Garcetti said Friday that the water restrictions do not apply to tree watering. The mayor said the region needs its trees to keep things from getting worse. Trees can capture stormwater, improve water quality and reduce flood risk, along with helping air quality and the impacts of heat waves. … ” Continue reading at NBC LA here: Why trees are not part of LA’s two-day outdoor watering restrictions
Why swimming pools are getting a break despite unprecedented water restrictions
“As millions of Southern Californians brace for new drought restrictions coming June 1, one big, blue question mark remains: How will the rules apply to swimming pools? As with nearly every other facet of the rollout, the agencies affected by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s urgent call for conservation are each taking a slightly different tack as they implement water conservation plans. While most are limiting outdoor watering to one or two days a week, many said the rules governing pools will remain largely unchanged — at least for the time being. That’s left some residents scratching their heads and others complaining of mixed messaging during a time of worsening drought. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Why swimming pools are getting a break despite unprecedented water restrictions | Read via Yahoo News
SAN DIEGO
East County water recycling project is a go after final cost approved
“The governing body overseeing a proposed water recycling project in East County has unanimously voted to begin construction, a major milestone for a system projected to provide nearly a third of the water for part of the region. The three members of the Joint Powers Authority also locked down a $950,370,000 cost for the East County Advanced Water Purification project during a public meeting Thursday in Santee. The room erupted in applause after the “yes” votes from San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson, El Cajon Councilmember Steve Goble and August Caires, from the Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s board of directors. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: East County water recycling project is a go after final cost approved
San Diegans show love for bighorn sheep after park accused of neglecting ‘guzzler’ system
“The long-term fate of the Peninsular bighorn sheep is largely unknown given climate change, a lack of state monitoring and recent allegations of negligence at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Several members of the community, who have followed the San Diego Union-Tribune’s coverage of this issue, have in recent weeks responded with an outpouring of financial support for the animals. Park leaders have also reportedly agreed to work with the Anza-Borrego Foundation to set up a dedicated account to fund projects benefiting the sheep. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: San Diegans show love for bighorn sheep after park accused of neglecting ‘guzzler’ system
Along the Colorado River …
Listen: Arizona Edition: Civic engagement as a water conservation strategy
“When you think about ways to conserve water in our drought-beleaguered state civic engagement may not be the first thing that comes to mind. This week’s guest says sustainable yards and shorter showers collectively make a difference in how much water the state consumes, but boning up on your water policy knowledge and talking to your leaders makes a difference too. Chris Kuzdaz is with the Environmental Defense Fund and the Water for Arizona Coalition. We’ll hear about efforts to protect groundwater in rural Arizona and important state legislation that could give local communities a larger voice in how water is managed in the state.” Listen at KAWC (22:23): Listen: Arizona Edition: Civic engagement as a water conservation strategy
ADWR and CAP host shortage briefing on unstable conditions at Lake Powell
“In a May 6 joint presentation, officials of three agencies laid out publicly the serious challenges facing the Colorado River system, especially at Lake Powell, which currently sits at 24 percent of capacity, its lowest level since the reservoir was first filled. The Joint Colorado River Shortage Briefing was prepared by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, the Central Arizona Project and the federal Bureau of Reclamation to provide the public with a comprehensive update of the hydrology conditions on the vital river system and an outline of the actions being taken to help stabilize it. ... ” Read more from the Arizona Department of Water Resources here: ADWR and CAP host shortage briefing on unstable conditions at Lake Powell
‘More important than ever’: Arizona lawmakers address growing concerns over water shortages in the west
“Once again Arizona is under severe drought conditions. It’s a problem faced by many western states struggling to manage water resources. As part of an ongoing effort to combat water shortages Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, along with Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, introduced a new bill aimed at modernizing our water supply. The Support to Rehydrate the Environment, Agriculture and Municipalities Act, or STREAM Act, would build on previous spending initiatives to support state efforts in water conservation. “As Arizona continues to navigate this historic drought, it’s more important than ever to build infrastructure that promotes a secure water future,” said Senator Kelly in a press release on Friday. ... ” Read more from Channel 12 here: ‘More important than ever’: Arizona lawmakers address growing concerns over water shortages in the west
Commentary: Lake Mead could still tank in 2023, despite all we’ve done to save it
Opinion columnist Joanna Allhands writes, “Whatever buffer we may have had (or thought we had) at Lake Mead, it is quickly disappearing. The May 24-month study makes that plain. The monthly, two-year forecast from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has once again been revised down, with lake levels hitting a new potential low of 1,007 feet of elevation in November 2023. That’s 18 feet past the deepest level of shortage for which we’ve planned and 13 feet below its last major defense point before the lake completely tanks. It’s dangerously low territory. … ” Read more from the Arizona Republic here: Commentary: Lake Mead could still tank in 2023, despite all we’ve done to save it
Commentary: Water everywhere, but not where it’s needed
Chris Udall, executive director of the Agribusiness and Water Council of Arizona, writes, “You have probably heard before that “Whiskey’s for drinking and water is for fighting,” or that “there’s nothing drier than a speech on water,” or that “the subject of water is not sexy.” Well, there is truth to all three and more, but in Arizona in 2022, the topic du jour every day is “water!” Our current conditions in Arizona and the desert Southwest following two decades of drought are reminding us all of the fact that “Water is Life!” and the management of our water resources is critical to us all. Choose your county and you will find a great example of a water matter being discussed and needing to be addressed. … ” Read more from the Arizona Capital Times here: Commentary: Water everywhere, but not where it’s needed
Only 25 years ago, draining Lake Powell was dismissed as ‘looney’ — then the megadrought started
“David Brower sat back in his chair during the first board meetings of the Glen Canyon Institute in 1996 — white-haired, distinguished and almost entirely silent. Three decades earlier, when Brower was head of the Sierra Club, he had been instrumental in preventing the Grand Canyon from turning into a series of back-to-back reservoirs, and he had forged the modern American environmental movement in the process. But Brower never stopped regretting his decision to not fight against the Glen Canyon Dam, which is why the 84-year-old activist had agreed to join the board of the newly formed Glen Canyon Institute. … ” Read more from the Salt Lake Tribune here: Only 25 years ago, draining Lake Powell was dismissed as ‘looney’ — then the megadrought started
Colorado blasted with late-spring snowfall
“It’s been two days since AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures were in the 90-degree range in many parts of Colorado, including the Denver metro area, but the late-spring surge of warmth now seems like a distant memory in the state. As of Saturday morning, locales across the state were covered in snow, receiving more than a foot of snow amid plummeting temperatures that sent the clock backwards to winter for the state’s residents. High snowfall totals, according to the National Weather Service, were found in Cripple Creek, Colorado, (20 inches of snow through 6:45 a.m. MDT Saturday) as well as Woodland Park, Colorado, (16 inches as of 7 a.m. MDT) and Whiskey Park, Colorado, (15 inches as of 7 p.m. MDT Friday evening). … ” Read more from AccuWeather here: Colorado blasted with late-spring snowfall
