On the calendar today …
- PUBLIC WORKSHOP: Riverine Stewardship Program Final Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package – Calabasas from 1:30 to 3:30pm. DWR will host three hybrid public workshops on the Riverine Stewardship Program: San Joaquin Fish Population Enhancement Program (SJFPEP) & Urban Streams Restoration Program (USRP) Grants Final Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP). Attend in person at the King Gillette Ranch, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority, 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas or register for Zoom meeting.
In California water news today …
Gavin Newsom’s drought strategy is a major departure from Jerry Brown’s mandatory water cuts. It’s not working
“If Gov. Jerry Brown’s drought strategy was defined by the “we’re-all-in-this-together” mantra of collective sacrifice, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s approach has been guided by the more individualistic notion of “it’s not one size fits all.” Newsom, despite the state facing a third year of exceptional drought conditions, has refused to follow in Brown’s footsteps by mandating that all residents cut their water use. The governor has instead repeatedly called on Californians to voluntarily conserve, and has allowed the state’s 436 local water agencies to create their own plans to prepare for impending water shortages. But that approach has raised alarm bells among some water policy experts, environmentalists and legislators, who said the emphasis on local control and voluntary conservation simply isn’t working. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Gavin Newsom’s drought strategy is a major departure from Jerry Brown’s mandatory water cuts. It’s not working
The new ways California is working to change where and how we store water
“California is a state of extremes with two distinct periods of wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, water must be stored to prepare for months without any precipitation. With a changing climate, water storage is becoming one of the biggest challenges facing California. The system set up throughout the state is a complex myriad of above and below-ground storage, but what worked decades ago is no longer serving our water needs. This has many water managers rethinking how, when, and where we can store water. In some cases, it’s developing new oversight and in others, it’s adjusting long-standing rules to try and keep up with water needs. Two programs come to the forefront of this challenge: Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) and Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). These address the growing water issue through better forecasting and innovative technology, moving us forward to try to help secure our water future. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: The new ways California is working to change where and how we store water
Interior Dept. invests $100 million in first Dam Safety Project at San Luis Reservoir as part of federal infrastructure law
“The Department of the Interior announced in March that the Bureau of Reclamation is providing project-specific funding of $100 million for the modification of B.F. Sisk Dam at the San Luis Reservoir, west of Los Banos. The funding, authorized by the federal infrastructure package, was highlighted in an addendum to the Bureau’s initial spend plan for fiscal year 2022 funding allocations. The infrastructure law provides $500 million to Reclamation over the next five years to support critical dam safety projects, streamline construction management, maintain the operational capacity of Reclamation’s dams and minimize risk to the downstream public. These investments underscore the administration’s commitment to developing longer-term measures to mitigate drought. … ” Read more from the Los Banos Enterprise here: Interior Dept. invests $100 million in first Dam Safety Project at San Luis Reservoir as part of federal infrastructure law
How putting floating solar panels over reservoirs could help us fight climate change
“Solar power is evolving to suit the needs of our increasingly climactic times. Two tugboats hauled an enormous array of 12,000 solar panels to its mooring on Portugal’s Alqueva reservoir in early May, according to a recent Reuters report. That’s the equivalent of four soccer fields, and when it officially kicks into operation in July, it will be Europe’s largest floating solar farm. This is a seriously large engineering endeavor, but it and many others globally raise the question: how can floating solar panels help us fight climate change? ... ” Read more from Interesting Engineering here: How putting floating solar panels over reservoirs could help us fight climate change
A plea to Gov. Newsom for a water policy
“Leading California business associations, including the Western Growers Association BB #:144734, the California Farm Bureau Federation, the California Fresh Fruit Association, and California Pear Growers, have sent a letter to governor Gavin Newsom urging him to “establish a clear target to increase its surface water supply to meet current and future needs for human consumption and a growing economy.” “Our state has set goals for carbon emission reductions, renewable power, waste diversion, land conservation and other climate-related objectives,” the letter continues. “However, we still do not have a goal to grow the water supply. In fact, our current strategy is precisely the opposite: To keep shrinking surface water supplies available for human consumption and expect homes and businesses to do more with less. . . . ” Read more from Produce Blue Book here: A plea to Gov. Newsom for a water policy
The State Water Project Delivery Reliability Report may have created systemic drought vulnerability
“On June 7, 2022, Adel Hagekhalil, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, issued the following statement: ‘We are in an unprecedented situation, where our water supplies from the State Water Project are so limited by drought and climate change that they do not meet demands. Southern Californians must decrease their water use. … MWD’s water supply crisis can be traced to the Department of Water Resources’ State Water Project Delivery Capability Reports (DCRs.) In the Draft 2021 Delivery Capability Report, the Department of Water Resources characterized Water Year 2021 (WY 2021) runoff as “atypical” and stated that DWR would consider climate change driven shifts in hydrologic conditions in future DCRs, if their analysis determined that hydrologic conditions had shifted outside the long-term historical distribution. … ” Read more from the California Water Research blog here: The State Water Project Delivery Reliability Report may have created systemic drought vulnerability
Algal bloom potentially sickening hikers on California trail
“An algal bloom may have poisoned the only available drinking water along part of a popular hiking trail on the West Coast, sickening hikers who have consumed it. Groups of hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a 2,650-mile-long trail from Mexico to Canada which runs through California, Oregon and Washington, are skipping a section of the Californian desert to avoid areas with an algal bloom in the only available drinking water. ... ” Read more from Newsweek here: Algal bloom potentially sickening hikers on California trail
La Niña may return for a third year in a row. That’s not great news for the drought
“La Niña is poised to make its third appearance in a row this year, a first since 1950, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). La Niña — the colder counterpart to the warmer El Niño — is part of what’s called the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) that happens annually. We’ve had Niña for the last two years — and, unusually, NOAA is projecting it to appear again this year, from December through March. Eric Boldt, the warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, said that’s reflected by colder water temperatures over the tropics in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean. … ” Read more from the LAist here: La Niña may return for a third year in a row. That’s not great news for the drought
California environmentalists reach deal on sweeping anti-plastic waste bill
“Environmentalists say they have reached a deal on major legislation to reduce the amount of plastic that Californians use once and toss in the trash — a compromise that could keep an anti-plastic waste initiative off the November ballot. The deal signifies a major breakthrough after bills targeting pollution from single-use plastics have repeatedly died at the state Capitol in recent years because of heavy opposition from industry groups. Under the deal, environmental groups would potentially pull their ballot measure if the Legislature approves the bill before a June 30 deadline to remove initiatives from the fall ballot. The deal is the culmination of months of negotiations between environmentalists, legislators and some business groups. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: California environmentalists reach deal on sweeping anti-plastic waste bill | Read via MSN News
California Fish and Game Commission holds hybrid meeting
“At its June meeting the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. The following are just a few items of interest from this week’s meeting held in Los Angeles, Saint Helena and Trinidad, with an option for the public to join via Zoom. Regarding whether to list western Joshua tree as threatened or endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), after extensive deliberation — including two motions that did not pass due to 2-2 votes — the Commission continued the agenda item to its October meeting. In the meantime, the Commission reopened the public record for the specific purpose of further tribal consultation. … ” Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife here: California Fish and Game Commission holds hybrid meeting
EPA awards over $2.7 million to support wetlands restoration across California
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a total of $ 2,765,854 to boost programs that restore habitat, protect tribal water quality and preserve wetlands across California. The funding was awarded through EPA’s Wetland Program Development Grants. “We are very pleased to support our partners in their efforts to improve water quality and restore California’s wetlands,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman “Healthy wetlands provide numerous benefits to ecosystems and communities across California, and these grants will allow our state, local and tribal partners to make significant progress protecting these vital resources where it’s needed most.” Wetland Program Development Grants assist state, tribal, and local government agencies and interstate/intertribal entities in developing or refining programs which protect, manage, and restore wetlands. … ” Read more from the EPA here: EPA awards over $2.7 million to support wetlands restoration across California
California considers ‘carbon farming’ as a potential climate solution. Ardent proponents, and skeptics, abound
“On a windy July day in 2017, temperatures started climbing early in Pauma Valley, California, an unincorporated community about 50 miles northeast of San Diego. Staff at Solidarity Farms, a 10-acre cooperative, were busy that morning, preparing for a 30-degree spike in temperature. Nearly all the chickens died. Huddled under the coop, some hens seemed to have been overwhelmed by body heat from the birds that surrounded them. A few days later, Igoe could see the impact on the crops. Vine plants, like pumpkins and cucumbers, particularly suffered, she said, because they struggled to pump water through their spindly stems and out to their leaves. After that day, the farm changed course. Today, Solidarity Farms, which sits on a plot of land leased from the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians, farms not only fruit and vegetables, but also carbon. … ” Read more from Inside Climate News here: California considers ‘carbon farming’ as a potential climate solution. Ardent proponents, and skeptics, abound
DWR inducted into the Climate Leadership Awards Hall of Fame in recognition of work to address climate impacts
“The Department of Water Resources (DWR) was one of two public agencies to be inducted into the first-ever Climate Leadership Awards Hall of Fame at the national Climate Leadership Conference for its ongoing work to address California’s changing climate and evolving water management challenges. DWR joined 28 organizations in the Hall of Fame including Fortune 500 companies like Bank of America, UPS, Ford Motor Company, and Microsoft. Since the 1980s, DWR has worked to understand and adapt to climate change impacts and adopted a three-part Climate Action Plan that includes a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan, guidance for analyzing climate change impacts, and a vulnerability assessment of DWR’s assets. The plan also includes an adaptation process to help prioritize resiliency efforts such as infrastructure improvements, enhanced maintenance and operation procedures, revised health and safety procedures, and improved habitat management. … ” Read more from DWR News here: DWR inducted into the Climate Leadership Awards Hall of Fame in recognition of work to address climate impacts
Indirect effects of climate change adaptations on alpine and pre‐alpine freshwater systems
“When thermometers in California recorded scorching temperatures in the summer of 2000, even the salmon in Klamath River felt the effects. The temperature of the water drove them to gather in unusually large numbers in confined spaces, creating the perfect food source for pathogens. At the same time, farmers redirected increasing amounts of water to their arid fields, which reduced the streamflow. As a result, 70,000 fish died. It transpired later that this devastating salmon-kill could have been avoided if the farmers had not diverted so much water to irrigate their land. In a study recently published in Ecological Solutions and Evidence, researchers at Eawag clearly demonstrated that climate change is not the only cause of such devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems. Based on extensive literature research and expert interviews, the researchers concluded that the way humans respond to climate change is just as crucial, as exemplified in the case in California: by intensifying the irrigation of crops or switching to more drought-resistant varieties. … ” Read more from PhysOrg here: Indirect effects of climate change adaptations on alpine and pre‐alpine freshwater systems
The West just experienced an aspect of the climate crisis that scientists have warned of for years
“The West saw an aspect of the climate crisis play out this week that scientists have warned of for years. In the middle of a prolonged, water shortage-inducing megadrought, one area, Yellowstone, was overwhelmed by drenching rainfall and rapid snowmelt that — instead of replenishing the ground over a matter of weeks or months — created a torrent of flash flooding that ripped out roads and bridges and caused severe damage to one of the country’s most cherished national parks. In the meantime, drought conditions persisted in the Southwest, where water is desperately needed to replenish the country’s largest reservoirs, and provide relief to regions tormented by record-setting wildfires. ... ” Read more from CNN here: The West just experienced an aspect of the climate crisis that scientists have warned of for years
Microplastic meets oil: ‘Plastitar’ may be new category of ocean pollutant
“For years, Bay Area environmental groups have warned of the dangers from microplastics reaching San Francisco Bay, microscopic fragments that often break off from the kinds of plastic trash we often find washing up on our beaches. Dr. Peter Roopnerine is with the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. He says, taken together, plastics and microplastics present a growing threat to marine life and the coastal environment. “We’re finding them everywhere, we’re finding them in high concentrations in the open ocean, they’ve been working their way into living organisms, because of their small size, through incorporation in cells or direct ingestion,” explains Dr. Roopnerine. .… ” Read more from ABC 7 here: Microplastic meets oil: ‘Plastitar’ may be new category of ocean pollutant
In commentary today …
Destroying Lake Pillsbury is an expensive gamble with our water supply
Eddie “E.J.” Crandell, chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors, writes, “The current narrative that dam removal in Lake County is the only viable solution is being pushed forward without proper scrutiny. No real weight is being given to the true potential financial costs and the very real threat to our regional water security. This narrative effectively ignores that the Eel River water diverted from Lake Pillsbury ultimately flows into the Russian River, where it is then routed into pipelines supplying it throughout Sonoma County and Marin County, into the taps of cities like Sonoma, Petaluma, and Novato. The North Marin Water District has stated the “Russian River, which provides approximately 70% of Novato’s water, originates in Mendocino County and derives supply from both the Eel River and the Russian River watershed.” Without understanding the history behind this, it is likely that many do not know what a gamble special interests are attempting to make with the water needs of 600,000 people as they urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to order the destruction of Lake Pillsbury. … ” Continue reading at the Lake County News here: Destroying Lake Pillsbury is an expensive gamble with our water supply
Fixing what isn’t broken
Greg Walcher, president of the Natural Resources Group and author of “Smoking Them Out: The Theft of the Environment and How to Take it Back,” writes, “President Jimmy Carter’s Office of Management and Budget Director Bert Lance is best remembered for a corruption scandal involving Calhoun National Bank. But he is also the one who popularized the corny phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” “That’s the trouble with government,” he wrote, “Fixing things that aren’t broken, and not fixing things that are.” Another name from the past, former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, is still trying to tinker with the Colorado River system, which “ain’t broke.” Some people are confused about that, because of the growing alarm about historically low water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead. … ” Continue reading at the Grand Junction Sentinel here: Fixing what isn’t broken
Move to limit pesticide use would be a mistake
Renee Pinel, president and CEO of the Western Plant Health Association, writes, “Earlier this year, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation initiated the first step in making new rules to further restrict the agricultural use of neonicotinoids, the most widely used pesticides to control agricultural and household pests. Readers should consider the consequences when asked to support efforts to ban neonicotinoid pesticides such as Imidacloprid. Pest control tools are highly regulated to protect human health and environmental safety. California has the most restrictive pesticide laws in the country. … ” Read more from the Hanford Sentinel here: Move to limit pesticide use would be a mistake
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Spring winds added to Klamath Basin’s woes
“Growers in the Klamath Basin straddling the California-Oregon state line had to grapple with high winds this spring that further complicated their operations amid the historic drought, an organization is reporting. Cold and windy conditions further dried up fields at planting time and blew clouds of dust throughout the region, the California Farm Bureau reports. Only about 50,000 acre-feet of water was allocated to farmers in the basin this year — a small fraction of the roughly 350,000 acre-feet the reclamation project normally receives when there isn’t a drought. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Spring winds added to Klamath Basin’s woes
Arcata’s EPIC, other enviromental groups sue NOAA over Shasta River irrigation rules
“Several groups filed a lawsuit in federal court against the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service, accusing it of violating the Endangered Species Act, on Wednesday. The plaintiffs, which include Friends of the Shasta River, the Western Environmental Law Center and Arcata-based Environmental Protection Information Center, accuse the fisheries service’s safe harbor program of allowing the destruction of coho salmon populations by dam owners and water diverters. “Our lawsuit is to ensure that the salmon don’t go extinct in the Shasta River, which we do not believe that the operation of the safe harbor program will prevent that extinction. Secondly, we are also interested in what we believe is a misapplication of the safe harbor program. … ” Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Arcata’s EPIC, other enviromental groups sue NOAA over Shasta River irrigation rules
Humboldt County supervisors give a preliminary thumbs up to funding cannabis water quality projects
“The county has more than $1 million to help finance road repairs and culvert replacements for cannabis farmers in the Redwood Creek and Sprowel Creek watersheds, but farmers are saying they’re having a hard time meeting the criteria to get the funds. “I’m just asking you to reconsider,” cannabis farmer Jennifer Markman said. ” … These funds are here. They’re going to better the environment, they’re going to make us breathe easier, have less stress and they’re going to help our roads.” On Tuesday, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved $138,395 in funding for two of the 10 cannabis farms that applied for the roughly $1 million set aside by the county as a result of a October 2019 settlement agreement with Friends of the Eel River. ... ” Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Humboldt County supervisors give a preliminary thumbs up to funding cannabis water quality projects
Supervisors approve letter to federal energy regulator, public statement on Lake Pillsbury and Scott Dam
“The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and a public statement on its opposition to the removal of the Scott Dam and the destruction of Lake Pillsbury. County Counsel Anita Grant and Tax Administrator Patrick Sullivan, also the county’s treasurer-tax collector-elect, presented the documents to the supervisors for their approval. The letter is addressed to the chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, while the public statement was issued to media outlets, with particular emphasis on targeting publications in the Bay Area and North Coast communities that would be impacted by the loss of the Lake Pillsbury water source. … ” Read more from the Lake County News here: Supervisors approve letter to federal energy regulator, public statement on Lake Pillsbury and Scott Dam
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
‘Third most deadly body of water’: Lake Tahoe officials stress water safety after record deadly summer
“After a record number of deaths on Lake Tahoe last year, authorities are hoping people who head to the lake this year will be better informed of the dangers the water poses. “It is the third most deadly body of water in the state of California,” said Marine Safety Officer Heather Carlquist with the South Lake Tahoe Police Department. “It’s a big lake, it’s a deep lake and it’s also really cold.” Carlquist said cold water immersion is a factor in many tragedies that happen on Lake Tahoe and can impact even the strongest swimmers. She strongly recommends that anyone heading onto the water – even if they don’t intend to get in it, wear a life vest. ... ” Read more from KCRA Channel 3 here: ‘Third most deadly body of water’: Lake Tahoe officials stress water safety after record deadly summer
Tahoe agency fines boat rental company $30,000 for mooring at illegal buoys
“Lake Tahoe authorities are cracking down on illegal buoys. In April, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) settled with a boat rental company in South Lake Tahoe for $30,000. The company, Specialty Boat Rentals, was found in violation of TRPA code for leaving several boats attached to illegal buoys overnight and for operating without a concession permit. And last year, in May, the TRPA settled with Action Water Sports, another boat rental company, and the Hyatt Regency for $90,000 over 10 illegal buoys on the water in Incline Village. Why are illicit, unpermitted buoys such a big deal in Lake Tahoe? It’s a long story that starts more than three decades ago, in 1987. … ” Read more from SF Gate here: Tahoe agency fines boat rental company $30,000 for mooring at illegal buoys
South Yuba River Citizens League impact report: People can save a river
“Each year, SYRCL releases an Impact Report that details the work we have done over the course of the previous year: “People Can Save a River.” This founding premise inspires, empowers, and emboldens the South Yuba River Citizens League to take collective action against threats to the Yuba River’s waters and ecosystems. We do this thanks to the incredibly generous financial donations from and volunteer hours pledged by individuals and organizations throughout the watershed and beyond. As stewards of the Yuba, SYRCL wants to make sure that all the contributions of funds and time it receives are used to maximize our impact restoring, reviving, and safeguarding the river ecosystem. But just how are we doing this? ... ” Read more from the South Yuba River Citizens League here: South Yuba River Citizens League impact report: People can save a river
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
DWR identifies 150 homes to be connected to Orland water system
“Around 150 homes have been identified by the California Department of Water Resources to qualify for a major construction project linking households in Glenn County’s jurisdiction to the Orland water system. In an effort to provide aid against the worsening California drought, DWR began working with different communities to figure out how and where to funnel grant money. Late last year, workshops were held in Orland, where the surrounding community has faced water insecurity in the form of dry wells, to come up with a plan and drum up interest in the project. … ” Read more from the Oroville Mercury-Register here: DWR identifies 150 homes to be connected to Orland water system
Here’s why your Sacramento tap water might taste and smell funky this summer
“After spending the day outside in the sun, you run the kitchen faucet to rehydrate, only to find the water to have a questionable taste and odor. This is normal, if your water runs from the city of Sacramento’s service line. It’s common for the drinking water — essentially any water that comes from the sink, hose or faucet — to have an “earthy or musty taste and odor” during the summer, according to the city’s website. And it’s not harmful. Carlos Eliason, media and communications specialist at the city’s Department of Utilities, said that reports of the water tasting and smelling unusually typically come in around August through October. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Here’s why your Sacramento tap water might taste and smell funky this summer
BAY AREA
Contra Costa Water District imposes drought surcharge to encourage conservation
“In response to California’s third straight year of drought, the Contra Costa Water District board approved a 15 percent drought surcharge Wednesday. In April, the board adopted its Stage 2 Water Shortage Contingency Plan, the goal of which is to reduce water consumption by 15 percent compared to 2020. The temporary surcharge, which kicks in July 1, is 79 cents per 748 gallons for treated water customers and will add an additional 28 cents per day to the average customer’s bill, Contra Costa Water District officials said in a news release Thursday. … ” Read more from KTVU Channel 2 here: Contra Costa Water District imposes drought surcharge to encourage conservation
Opinion: Palo Alto’s water use is not what it should be
Julianne Frizzell, a landscape architect, and Dave Warner, an advocate for sustainable water practices, writes, “Palo Alto has a strong sustainability focus. So, it was a surprise to learn that Palo Alto is ranked 22 out of 26 water agencies for per person water use, measured against other agencies that get water from the San Francisco Regional Water System. Shouldn’t we be among the best of this group? Our actions matter. Our water use comes with a significant environmental cost. Eighty-five percent of our water is imported from the Tuolumne River in the central Sierra. Because of the excessive drawdown of water from the Tuolumne, salmon are on the verge of extinction, with only 578 salmon counted last year, where counts once measured in the tens of thousands. … ” Read more from Palo Alto Online here: Opinion: Palo Alto’s water use is not what it should be
Water well in Gilroy shut down after high nitrate levels found, officials say
“The City of Gilroy announced that one of their water wells on Gilman Road and Camino Arroyo had to be shut down after city staff found high levels of nitrate in the water. Officials say the high levels were detected during routine testing for water quality. The nitrate level results were 12 milligrams per liter, which is higher than the 10 milligrams per liter contaminant maximum. … ” Read more from KMPH here: Water well in Gilroy shut down after high nitrate levels found, officials say
CENTRAL COAST
FEMA updates flood maps in Monterey County
“Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for parts of Monterey County, including the Salinas Valley. The maps identify revised flood hazards along the Salinas River, Gonzales Slough, Natividad Creek and unnamed tributaries. These new maps will help building officials, floodplain administrators, developers and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities. Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from May 12 to Aug. 10. During that time, public agencies, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata. … ” Read more from the King City Rustler here: FEMA updates flood maps in Monterey County
Cal Water sets irrigation restrictions for Salinas and King City districts
“As part of its drought management and response plan, California Water Service (Cal Water) officially entered Stage 2 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan on June 10 in its Salinas and King City districts. Stage 2 includes additional outdoor watering limits and increased water waste penalties. Cal Water filed its application to move into Stage 2 with the California Public Utilities Commission on May 9 and held a public meeting on May 31 to help educate residents and businesses about new irrigation restrictions, water waste penalties and programs to help reduce water use. … ” Read more from the King City Rustler here: Cal Water sets irrigation restrictions for Salinas and King City districts
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Additional water restrictions placed into effect as California drought continues to worsen
“As the record-breaking drought continues to worsen in California, water districts across the state have issued a series of restrictions in an effort to curb water waste. Joining the throngs of regions already impacted by these water conservation efforts are Kagel Canyon, Acton, Val Verde, the Antelope Valley and Malibu, which are all provided retail water service by Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts. The mandatory restrictions placed into effect requests that all homeowners cut back on water usage by 30%, while restricting lawn watering using a similar method already in place with customers provided water by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. … ” Read more from CBS News here: Additional water restrictions placed into effect as California drought continues to worsen
Santa Monica: Water restrictions coming in July
“Starting in July, Santa Monicans will be limited to using sprinklers twice a week for outdoor irrigation due to a statewide water emergency. Council approved an Emergency Water Conservation Ordinance to implement Phase 2 Outdoor Watering Restrictions at its June 14 meeting. The new rule will limit outdoor watering to two days per week and prohibit watering between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in response to ongoing drought conditions across the State of California starting on July 5. … ” Read more from the Santa Monica Daily Press here: Santa Monica: Water restrictions coming in July
SAN DIEGO
Poseidon desal plant in Carlsbad needs $159M upgrade. Ratepayers will foot the bill
“The Poseidon desalination plant in Carlsbad — by far the San Diego region’s most expensive supply of water — is about to get even more costly. Under pressure from state environmental regulators, the company is now scrambling to complete an estimated $159-million overhaul of its system for pulling ocean water from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon up to its $1-billion reverse-osmosis facility perched atop a nearby hill. Poseidon thought it had settled on a blueprint to meet California’s strict standards for protecting fish and other marine life, envisioning four new 900-foot pipelines from the shore to the middle of the lagoon. Then came the mussels and gooseneck barnacles. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: Poseidon desal plant in Carlsbad needs $159M upgrade. Ratepayers will foot the bill
Love your lagoon: Discover restored San Elijo Lagoon with new trail connections
“Caltrans and SANDAG, with their community partner The Nature Collective, hosted a ribbon cutting and community exploration day on June 4 celebrating the San Elijo Lagoon’s completed restoration and new trail connections. Trail connections include the new pedestrian suspension bridge under the freeway at Manchester Avenue, over the enhanced lagoon. The bridge is part of the seven-mile North Coast Bike Trail from Solana Hills in Solana Beach, which continues onto new paths along Manchester and Birmingham Drives in Encinitas. With the suspension bridge now open, visitors can now take on a three-mile loop from the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center on Manchester, a trail that connects Cardiff to Solana Beach with possibilities to get to the beach, wander the Harbaugh Seaside Trails, adventure into Annie’s Canyon Trail and experience flourishing lagoon life up close. … ” Read more from the Solana Beach Sun here: Love your lagoon: Discover restored San Elijo Lagoon with new trail connections
East County water officials reach tentative agreement with San Diego in pipeline dispute, officials say
“Regional leaders have reached a broad agreement to resolve a dispute threatening a massive East County water recycling plant, but many details still need to be worked out. The conflict between the city of San Diego and the Advanced Water Purification Project emerged publicly earlier this year, just weeks before officials broke ground on the $950 million plant. We have “operational solutions” that meet both parties’ needs, Jay Goldstone, San Diego’s chief operating officer, said in a recent phone interview. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: East County water officials reach tentative agreement with San Diego in pipeline dispute, officials say
SEE ALSO: East vs West Wastewater Wars Move Closer to Resolution, from the Voice of San Diego
Tightening water restrictions lead more San Diegans to replace their lawns
“They’ve been part of the American Dream, Southern California style for decades. But verdant lawns are disappearing more and more thanks to shrinking water supplies. The Golden State is now in its third year of drought. A study published by the journal Nature Climate Change in February found this is the worst drought in what is now the western United States in 1,200 years. So, water conservation is vital, but that doesn’t necessarily mean getting rid of lawns. “We can reduce irrigation use on almost any property by 50 to 70% with proper irrigation tools,” said Scott Lawn, the owner of Greenway Irrigation Lawn and Landscape. (And yes, that’s his real name.) ... ” Read more from KPBS here: Tightening water restrictions lead more San Diegans to replace their lawns
Along the Colorado River …
More extraordinary cuts to Colorado River water is weeks away
“The situation on the Colorado River is getting more dire by the day. On Tuesday, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced the seven states that have rights to the river — Arizona, Nevada, California, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico — will need to come up with a plan to conserve 2- to 4-million-acre feet of additional water in 2023. The Republic of Mexico, which is entitled to a portion of water, will also be involved in negotiations. This amount is addition to the already agreed upon cuts that will likely take effect next year as a result of the anticipated Tier 2 drought declaration for the river and the 500+ Plan that Arizona, Nevada and California agreed to in December 2021. … ” Read more from Channel 15 here: More extraordinary cuts to Colorado River water is weeks away
Radio show: Arizona cities are cutting back on water. This water law expert says it could make a difference
“The extreme drought we’ve experienced in Arizona doesn’t show any signs of going away, and its effects have caused dramatic changes to the Colorado River, where our largest cities and counties derive a large percentage of the water we use. Individuals and households are being asked to conserve more, though that request could turn into a requirement before too long. Valley cities including Phoenix, Mesa and Buckeye have moved toward updating their water policies while also touting the innovation and plans they’ve already been practicing. To learn about whether the moves by cities can have much of an effect — and the reality of what’s next — The Show spoke with attorney and water law expert Rita Maguire.” Listen at KJZZ here (8:31): Arizona cities are cutting back on water. This water law expert says it could make a difference
Arizona farmers stretched thin as drought plagues the Southwest
“Major water cutbacks loom as Colorado River levels continue to decline in the Southwest. For the Arizona Farm Bureau, the idea of cutting more water for farmers here in the state is a big concern. Many that rely on the Colorado River for their crops have already been cutting down on their water usage, lowered the amount of acreage they’re using and have found more efficient irrigation methods. But now that the situation is worsening as the river reaches historically low levels, officials say more needs to be done to conserve. ... ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Arizona farmers stretched thin as drought plagues the Southwest
Radio show: In the face of climate change, beavers are engineering a resistance
“In the foothills of Boulder County, Colorado, there’s a kind of secret water park. It’s a sprawling network of pools, channels and waterfalls. Neck-deep ponds, rushing streams and cascades twice the height of a person are a stark contrast to the dry, brushy terrain on the canyon slopes above. But these features weren’t built by humans. This marshy mosaic is a paradise for beavers, and one of hundreds of thousands just like it across the American West. The animals create messy wetlands as safe places to live, and a new paper explains how their handiwork is also a powerful tool in fending off the harms of climate change. … ” Read more from KUNC here: Radio show: In the face of climate change, beavers are engineering a resistance
