On the calendar today …
- LEG HEARING: Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water beginning at 10am. Complete agenda and remote access link available here.
In California water news today …
Thousands of baby salmon get a big lift on trip to the San Francisco Bay
“About 200,000 baby salmon were released into San Francisco Bay on Sunday night in an effort to save them from drought conditions that threaten their life-cycle swims to the ocean. The fish came in two tanker trucks from the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville, and the assist with their migration is part of a larger effort by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to help its hatchery salmon survive by trucking them to the San Francisco and San Pablo bays. The release took place at 9 p.m. and was done within moments. The timing was calibrated so that the tide would be receding fast and the sky would be dark enough that birds wouldn’t see they had to feast on a buffet of smolts no more than five inches long. … ” Red more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Thousands of baby salmon get a big lift on trip to the San Francisco Bay
What La Niña means for California’s summer
“While the lingering La Niña climate pattern is expected to bring soaking storms and strong hurricanes to parts of the U.S., it’s a different story here in California. La Niña is favored to stick around through the end of the year, according to the latest outlook from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. While La Niña – and its opposite, El Niño – are characterized by the temperature of the Pacific Ocean, they have major impacts on the weather we experience on land. Before we can understand how it’s set to impact our summer, it’s important to note it has already had an impact on our winter. La Niña typically brings drier conditions to the southern half of the country and wetter conditions to the northern half, but where that dividing line falls varies from year to year. … ” Read more from KTLA here: What La Niña means for California’s summer
SEE ALSO: Rare ‘triple dip’ La Nina appears more likely – what that could mean for you, from Fox 40
California’s continued drought
“As California’s drought deepens, it is worth checking in on the status of water supplies and what might be in store for the rest of the summer, and beyond. What started with the promise of a wet water year, ended up dry, again. In January, the 8-Station Index showed precipitation totals keeping pace with the wettest year on record. Then it got dry and accumulated totals flat-lined. The final result is a below average water year, although not one of the driest years on record. To be precise, we are 13.3 cumulative inches below the long-term average for the northern Sierras. Current conditions in reservoirs are a mixed bag. … ” Read more from the California Water Blog here: California’s continued drought
Drip-irrigation study sees ‘huge’ water reduction
“A new study suggests that drip irrigation for sweet corn can significantly conserve water, reduce fertilizer use and boost crop yield in the low desert of California – and likely in other areas of California with similar conditions. Although Imperial County is California’s top sweet corn-producing county, with about 8,000 acres planted on average each year, irrigation methods for this crop have been rarely studied in this region (or anywhere else in the state), according to Ali Montazar, UC Cooperative Extension irrigation and water management advisor for Imperial, Riverside and San Diego counties. Montazar conducted a study in the Imperial Valley over two crop seasons, 2020-21 and 2021-22, to demonstrate and quantify the potential benefits of switching to drip irrigation from the more common furrow irrigation method. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Drip-irrigation study sees ‘huge’ water reduction
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Spot Check: Upper Klamath River
Michael Weir writes, “Soon the upper Klamath River will change forever, again. As you probably already know, the four mainstem dams on the Klamath River are slated to be removed. This will be the largest river restoration project in history. No one knows exactly how the river will respond in the short term, but I think just about everybody can agree that the long-term benefits will be numerous. One thing is for sure, the area that is most well-known on the Klamath is the area that will also most likely experience the greatest amount of change right away. This stretch is what I consider the upper Klamath even though it’s really the middle of the Klamath river system. I’m talking from Happy Camp to Iron Gate dam. I call this the upper Klamath because it’s the upper most reach that salmon and steelhead can currently reach. … ” Read more from Cal Trout here: Spot Check: Upper Klamath River
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Kiva Beach, Taylor Creek areas may have toxic algae, Forest Service says
“The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the U. S. Forest Service is warning visitors to Kiva Beach and Taylor Creek to be on the look out for toxic algae growths in shallow pools or slow-moving water. The Center for Disease Control said that algae bloom can look like “foam, scum, mats, or paint on the surface of the water.” ... ” Read more from KTXL here: Kiva Beach, Taylor Creek areas may have toxic algae, Forest Service says
BAY AREA
Scientists are mapping the riskiest areas for disastrous wildfire. These are the Bay Area hot spots
“There’s no way to predict exactly when and where the next wildfire will ignite, but fire officials and residents across the Bay Area know the hot spots especially vulnerable to any spark. In these places, the roads are narrow, the vegetation is dense, and homes are intermixed with forests. Ham said that’s every community nestled into the hills along the Napa Valley. “For me, there’s no one area to worry about — I’m on high alert for every fire in every place,” Ham said. The ongoing drought, minimal snowpack, parched vegetation and hot, dry weather are all conditions that put California on track for another “very, very challenging wildfire year,” said Mark Ghilarducci, director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Scientists are mapping the riskiest areas for disastrous wildfire. These are the Bay Area hot spots
Column: MMWD hopefuls Smith, Nelson, Khush address water supply question
Columnist Dick Spotswood writes, “In November’s general election, voters in Central and Southern Marin will elect three directors on the five-member Marin Municipal Water District Board. Cynthia Koehler, the board’s leading advocate for water conservation as its prime strategy, opted not to run for a fifth term. Depending on the election’s outcome, seriously increasing water supply becomes far more likely. Given long-term drought, the water board election debate will focus on the following question: What specific actions should MMWD take to satisfy its customers’ water supply and water demand needs? … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Column: MMWD hopefuls Smith, Nelson, Khush address water supply question
Sustaining steelhead populations in the Bay Area’s backyard
“The sun is shining —a rare fog free day on the coast of San Mateo County, California. Patrick Samuel, CalTrout’s Bay Area Region Director, leads a group of CalTrout members and some staff, imparting us with his wealth of knowledge of this area. We are standing on ancestral Ohlone Tribal land in the parking lot of Pescadero State Beach with the wind rushing towards us from across the ocean. To our east, Pescadero Marsh lies resting in the sun. To our west, its water flows lazily out to sea via the mouths of Pescadero Creek and Butano Creek converging. This place is special for a number of reasons: it is one of the best remaining habitats for coastal steelhead in the Bay Area, it offers unparalleled opportunity for anglers, and is also beautiful enough to steal your breath. … ” Read more from Cal Trout here: Sustaining steelhead populations in the Bay Area’s backyard
Working together to clean up Santa Clara County creeks
“Walking along our many Santa Clara County creek trails is a local favorite summer activity. However, it’s not always easy to enjoy our beautiful waterways due to the pollution issues generated by illegal dumping and encampments. Even worse is the impact of trash on our fragile ecosystems, wildlife and water quality. This is why pollution prevention is one of Valley Water’s top priorities. We partner with the community year-round on strategies and initiatives to protect the health of Santa Clara County’s creeks by addressing the trash and debris in our streams. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Working together to clean up Santa Clara County creeks
CENTRAL COAST
Transforming water: Pure Water Soquel embraces one water approach
“Water management strategies tend to evolve gradually with slowly changing community needs. That’s rare in California, where continued population growth and prolonged drought exacerbated by climate change have sparked dramatic change, through initiatives such as the Pure Water San Diego program and Orange County’s Groundwater Replenishment System, now undergoing final expansion. Further north along the Pacific Coast, Pure Water Soquel is another example of timely, transformative action for a more resilient and reliable water supply. … To meet that mandate and ensure an adequate, clean, sustainable water supply for the future-where reliance on only rainfall for groundwater replenishment is not a viable option-the Soquel Creek Water District Board launched the Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment and Seawater Contamination Prevention (Pure Water Soquel) Project in 2015. … ” Read more from Water Finance & Management here: Transforming Water: Pure Water Soquel Embraces One Water Approach
Los Osos groundwater report shows ‘positive signs.’ Could that one day lead to growth?
“The Los Osos groundwater basin appears to be inching closer to providing a sustainable drinking source for its current population, according to a new report recently approved by the basin’s management committee. And that, in turn, could one day allow the town to grow after decades in limbo. “There are positive signs, but there is still work to do,” said Dan Heimel, the executive director of the Los Osos Basin Management Committee. … ‘ Read more from the San Luis Obispo Tribune here: Los Osos groundwater report shows ‘positive signs.’ Could that one day lead to growth? | Read via Yahoo News
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Tehachapi: Water conflict is between existing users and future M&I demand
“Allocation of imported water between agricultural versus M&I (municipal and industrial) users is not the main conflict to be resolved by Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District and its customers. Instead, the tension is between existing and future M&I demand, water district General Manager Tom Neisler said during a water supply presentation at the district board’s meeting June 15. And Joe Hughes, the attorney who has represented two M&I water customers in multiple presentations made to the water board in recent months, seemed to agree. … ” Read more from the Tehachapi News here: Tehachapi: Water conflict is between existing users and future M&I demand
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
May brings record water waste complaints in Los Angeles
“On his walk to work each morning, Brentwood resident Reagan McClymonds passes a sprinkler watering the sidewalk and lawn in front of an apartment building on Mayfield Avenue. There’s one problem—the lawn has no grass. It is made of artificial turf. “I’ve reported that at least 15, 20, 25 times on MyLA311,” McClymonds said. He isn’t the only person making these kinds of calls to MyLA311, the city’s communication line (and website) to request services and report issues. In May, MyLA311 received 314 reports of water waste, the highest monthly total ever. … ” Read more from Crosstown here: May brings record water waste complaints in Los Angeles
Summer-like heat to take hold in inland Southern California; monsoonal moisture on the horizon
“After an unseasonably cool June weekend across much of Southern California, high summer temperatures are expected to return to the region along with the chance of some of the first monsoonal activity of the year throughout the deserts and mountains, meteorologists predicted Sunday. The heat increase will become apparent as soon as Monday, June 20, as many inland areas will see temperatures rise 10 to 15 degrees higher than they were Sunday, said Brian Adams, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. In Los Angeles County, valley areas will be some of the hardest-hit regions Monday as Santa Ana winds are projected to warm and dry the air, said David Gomberg, meteorologist with the NWS. ... ” Read more from the OC Register here: Summer-like heat to take hold in inland Southern California; monsoonal moisture on the horizon
Torres includes two multi-million-dollar Fontana projects in proposed water legislation
“Representative Norma J. Torres (D-35th District) announced on June 9 that she included two major Fontana projects as part of H.R. 7776, the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, that was approved by the House. The proposed legislation authorizes water development and infrastructure projects that are later funded by the House Committee on Appropriations. Torres is seeking $12 million for the Cypress Storm Drain System and $4 million for the Sierra Avenue Storm Water Protection Diversion System in Fontana. … ” Read more from the Highland News here: Torres includes two multi-million-dollar Fontana projects in proposed water legislation
How Southern California golf courses are adjusting to new water restrictions
“Water restrictions in the West are becoming commonplace as the megadrought intensifies and reservoir levels continue to recede — including in recreational facilities that require ample amounts of irrigation. In Southern California, golf courses are altering the way they tend to the green in the wake of new state mandates and forecasts that climate change will cause drought conditions to persist. Last month, California Gov. Gavin Newsom implored the state’s largest water suppliers to combat drought and better engage customers to ensure all residents are doing their part to save water. But California law distinguishes between ornamental and functional turf, with parks, sports fields, cemeteries and golf courses falling under the functional turf category, allowing them to practice “alternative means” of complying with the rules and restrictions, Craig Kessler, director of public affairs for the Southern California Golf Association, told ABC News. … ” Read more from AOL News here: How Southern California golf courses are adjusting to new water restrictions
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Commentary: Coachella Valley water: Regional cooperation delivers improved quality and supply
Arden Wallum, General Manager at Mission Springs Water District, and Beverli Marshall, General Manager at Valley Sanitary District, write, “Every day, nearly 400,000 people across the Coachella Valley depend on clean, safe water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Regardless of the city you call home, we all rely on the same groundwater for that vital supply. Since the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin serves as a shared resource, we must act now to protect it for current and future generations. All of us must unite to meet this lofty but achievable goal. Two projects on opposite sides of the Coachella Valley offer solutions to enhance supplies and improve the overall quality of every glass of water we drink. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: Commentary: Coachella Valley water: Regional cooperation delivers improved quality and supply
Desert Water: How secure is our water supply? Better off than you might think
“An I-team investigation reveals that despite the statewide drought declaration and additional water restrictions, the Coachella Valley’s water supply is dramatically better off than most other areas of California right now. It’s not the message you’re hearing from state leaders, but experts say our local water supplies are plentiful and well-managed as they have been for decades. Nobody’s saying you should waste good water. In fact, you should do whatever you can to conserve because the drought is very real statewide. But there’s a disconnect right now between the state’s water supply dependent on the Sierra snowpack, which is below average, and our own which is not dependent on the Sierras. … ” Read more from KESQ here: Desert Water: How secure is our water supply? Better off than you might think
SAN DIEGO
Work begins on $950M water plant
“Construction has started on a $950 million water purification plant in Santee that will provide enough drinking water to serve an estimated 500,000 people and businesses in East County. The East County Advanced Water Purification Program will daily produce up to 11.5 million gallons of potable water which amounts to about 30% of the drinking water used by East County residents and businesses. Scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026, the water purification project is being built and is owned and operated by the East County AWP Joint Powers Authority – a partnership among the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, the City of El Cajon, San Diego County and Helix Water District. … ” Read more from the San Diego Business Journal here: Work begins on $950M water plant
Along the Colorado River …
As Colorado River reservoirs drop, Western states urged to ‘act now’
“With the Colorado River’s depleted reservoirs continuing to drop to new lows, the federal government has taken the unprecedented step of telling the seven Western states that rely on the river to find ways of drastically cutting the amount of water they take in the next two months. The Interior Department is seeking the emergency cuts to reduce the risks of Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the country’s two largest reservoirs, declining to dangerously low levels next year. “We have urgent needs to act now,” Tanya Trujillo, the Interior Department’s assistant secretary for water and science, said during a speech on Thursday. “We need to be taking action in all states, in all sectors, and in all available ways.” ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: As Colorado River reservoirs drop, Western states urged to ‘act now’ | Read via Yahoo News
Colorado has been spreading biosolids with “forever chemicals” on farms, records show. How dangerous is it?
“Metro Denver’s wastewater treatment system is spreading sewage biosolids laced with toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” at its farm in eastern Arapahoe County and on private farms that buy the material as fertilizer, according to test records obtained by the Colorado Sun. The likely presence of the ubiquitous and dangerous chemicals on Colorado farmland, placed there through biosolids spread by Metro Water Recovery and more than 100 other municipal waste agencies, adds to a growing list of potential health threats and underscores the need for widespread testing, researchers and watchdog groups said. … ” Read more from the Colorado Sun here: Colorado has been spreading biosolids with “forever chemicals” on farms, records show. How dangerous is it?
In national water news today …
Despite white house efforts, U.S. EPA is losing staff and budget
“Almost immediately upon taking office, the Biden administration has made it clear that it will prioritize solving the environmental problems faced by the nation’s underserved communities, underscored by a $2.9 billion investment in lead pipe replacement and stricter drinking water contamination limits. But now it appears that, despite the administration’s hopes for forging stronger federal safeguards around this type of contamination, the costs remain prohibitive. “After years of neglect, President Biden promised to reinvigorate the EPA as part of his push to tackle climate change and ease the pollution burden placed on poor and minority communities,” The Washington Post reported. “But the agency’s budgetary woes are preventing the nation’s top pollution regulator from doing its job, in ways large and small.”… ” Read more from Water Online here: Despite white house efforts, U.S. EPA is losing staff and budget
Inflation taking bite out of new infrastructure projects
“The price of a foot of water pipe in Tucson, Arizona: up 19%. The cost of a ton of asphalt in a small Massachusetts town: up 37%. The estimate to build a new airport terminal in Des Moines, Iowa: 69% higher, with a several year delay. Inflation is taking a toll on infrastructure projects across the U.S., driving up costs so much that state and local officials are postponing projects, scaling back others and reprioritizing their needs. The price hikes already are diminishing the value of a $1 trillion infrastructure plan President Joe Biden signed into law just seven months ago. That law had included, among other things, a roughly 25% increase in regular highway program funding for states. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Inflation taking bite out of new infrastructure projects
A closer look at P&G’s ‘water positive’ pledge
“Consumer products powerhouse Procter & Gamble stepped forward in mid-June as the latest company — alongside the likes of Google, Meta, Microsoft and PepsiCo — to embrace a “water positive” future by 2030. Like the commitments announced previously by the other companies, P&G’s water-positive goal will be measured strictly on volumetric considerations — that is, the amount of water its operations and products consume from specific watersheds. To reach that state, the $76 billion company behind brands ranging from Bounty and Head & Shoulders to Pampers and Tide is building on its existing water-related conservation and reduction commitments with two new water restoration pledges. ... ” Read more from Green Biz here: A closer look at P&G’s ‘water positive’ pledge
In California water news this weekend …
-
Wild Purple Chinese House Flowers in East Bay. Photo by Jay Huang B.F. Sisk dam safety project breaks ground
- California has a drought and 4 million acres of lawns. Should state ban grass to save water?
- CDFW trucks salmon smolts around adverse river conditions
- Lake Oroville reaches peak for the year
- Costa’s newest bill would help the Valley’s water supply
- U.S. Court of federal claims rules for Bureau of Reclamation in City of Fresno case challenging 2014 deliveries to San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors
- How the almond industry is trying to become more sustainable
- Project diverting exhaust into orchard looks to improve farming efficiencies
- Delta Protection Commission announces new Executive Director
- Ukiah enrolls in first-of-its-kind California water sharing program following landmark drought, curtailments
- Solano groundwater agency looks to charge $2.79 per acre for long-term management
- Dirty water: Beach closures have Coronado, Imperial Beach cities bracing for bummer summer
- The Southwest’s unchecked thirst for Colorado River water could prove devastating upstream
- Reclamation, which tamed rivers, marks a dry 120th birthday
- And more …
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
REVISED NOTICE on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Funding
NOTICE: Update on CWSRF and DWSRF 2022/23 Intended Use Plans
OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT: Lower San Joaquin River – Draft USBR 2023 Annual Work Plan
