On the calendar today …
- MEETING: State Water Resources Control Board beginning at 9:30am. Agenda items include an update on drought and hydrologic conditions, a Strategy to Optimize Resource Management of Stormwater (STORMS) program update, and consideration of a proposed Resolution to amend and readopt an emergency regulation that provides curtailment authority in the Klamath River watershed and establishes minimum instream flow requirements and information order authority in the Scott River and Shasta River watersheds. Click here for the full agenda.
- GRA SoCal BRANCH: Developing a field-informed conceptual model for quantifying natural groundwater recharge variability in an upland sedimentary bedrock aquifer in Southern California from 12pm to 1:30pm. In this talk, we present the results of a multidisciplinary and multi-scaled approach that led to the development of a process-informed, conceptual model for groundwater recharge for a 1150-hectare site located on an upland ridge of sedimentary bedrock, in southern California. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
A major California reservoir has hit its peak for the year at just over half full
Andrew Innerarity / DWR
“Lake Oroville, the largest reservoir in a state system that provides water to 27 million Californians, has already reached its peak level for the year, barely surpassing half of its capacity, according to the Department of Water Resources. Officials had warned the lake — key to the roughly 700-mile State Water Project, which pumps and ferries water across the state for agricultural, business and residential use — was at “critically low” levels on May 8. Those levels, data from the Department of Water Resources now show, were the reservoir’s highest for the year. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: A major California reservoir has hit its peak for the year at just over half full
SEE ALSO: Interactive photo: This is what Lake Oroville looks like during the drought, from Fox 40
Set it back: Moving levees to benefit rivers, wildlife and communities
“In the largest restoration project on the lower Columbia River, crews spent nearly two years removing 2.2 miles of levee, reconfiguring Gibbons Creek, and realigning two new levees at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The new levees — which total 1.6 miles and serve as public trails — reconnect the river to 965 acres of floodplain. They sit perpendicular to the Columbia, rather than lining its banks, giving the river and Gibbons Creek room to flow messily across the refuge, which is located just east of Vancouver and northeast of Portland. … “It’s a big chunk of new floodplain,” says Chris Collins of the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, a nonprofit that worked on the $31 million project. “But it’s also in a part of the river that’s important to try to reestablish what we can.” … ” Read the full post at The Revelator here: Set it back: Moving levees to benefit rivers, wildlife and communities
Skies are sucking more water from the land
“Drought is typically thought of as a simple lack of rain and snow. But evaporative demand—a term describing the atmosphere’s capacity to pull moisture from the ground—is also a major factor. And the atmosphere over much of the U.S. has grown a lot thirstier over the past 40 years, a new study in the Journal of Hydrometeorology found. Evaporative demand can be thought of as a “laundry-drying quotient,” says Nevada state climatologist Stephanie McAfee, who was not involved in the study. When hanging laundry outside, she explains, “we know that it’s going to dry best and fastest if it’s warm, sunny, windy and dry.” This quotient does not simply creep upward alongside climate warming; it increases exponentially, says study lead author Christine Albano, an ecohydrologist at the Desert Research Institute in Reno. “With a one- to two-degree rise in temperature, we’re getting much larger increases in evaporative demand.” … ” Read more from Scientific American here: Skies are sucking more water from the land
What the future of almonds looks like in a dry California
“It takes about four years for an almond tree to bear fruit and closer to seven years to get a full yield from the tree. That’s seven years of planning, planting, irrigating, pruning and tending before the big payoff. It’s a lot to ask of farmers in California’s Central Valley, where nearly 80 percent of the world’s almonds are grown. In 2021 alone, the 7,600 almond farmers in the state grew nearly three billion pounds of almonds, making it the state’s most valuable crop. But now, facing extreme weather events, shrinking water resources and rising costs, some farmers are leaving almonds behind, opting to put their efforts behind in-demand crops such as canning tomatoes, garlic or onions. In fact, this year’s almond harvest is expected to drop from last year’s, with drought and frost damage two of the main reasons for the dip. ... ” Read more from Modern Farmer here: What the future of almonds looks like in a dry California
CFBF hosts WOTUS roundtable
“Roundtables continue on the topic of the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers Waters of the US (WOTUS) rule. In June of last year, the EPA and ACE announced their intention to rewrite the rule. It is a concern for farmers, ranchers, and agriculture groups around the nation. The government agencies agreed to allow ten regional roundtable discussions with stakeholders. The California Farm Bureau last week hosted the roundtable on water needs in the west. California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson was one of the key speakers. … ” Read more Ag Net West here: CFBF hosts WOTUS roundtable
SEE ALSO: Western Ag Asks EPA for WOTUS Clarity, from the Progressive Farmer
D.C. Court denies waiver of Clean Water Act for Tuolumne River hydro projects; ruling vindicates CSPA and allies
“On June 17, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit issued a ruling denying waiver of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act in the licensing of two hydropower projects on the Tuolumne River. Turlock Irrigation District and Modesto Irrigation District (Districts) had petitioned the Court to waive “water quality certification” for the relicensing of their huge Don Pedro Hydroelectric Project and for the original licensing of their smaller La Grange Hydroelectric Project, two miles downstream of Don Pedro Dam. The ruling means that the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) maintains its authority to issue mandatory conditions for the two projects, including flow requirements, which must be included by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in new licenses for the projects. The State Water Board has also said that it may rely in part on these conditions in requiring flows into the lower San Joaquin River under the Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan. … ” Read more from the CSPA here: D.C. Court denies waiver of Clean Water Act for Tuolumne River hydro projects; ruling vindicates CSPA and allies
Legal analysis: Ripple impacts may follow decision on water district rates
“The Court of Appeal, Second District, recently issued a decision in the long battle over the constitutionality of a water district charging lower fees for agricultural groundwater use than for municipal use. The court held that the higher municipal fees complied with the water district’s enabling act but violated voter-approved constitutional amendments that prevent local governments from levying taxes under the guise of regulatory “fees.” City of San Buenaventura v. United Water Conservation District, ___ Cal.Rptr.3d ___ (2022). ... ” Continue reading at Kronick here: Legal analysis: Ripple impacts may follow decision on water district rates
Californian market weighs up rice imports as historically small crop looms
“If you were to drive through the western half of the Sacramento Valley, you would see a lot of empty rice fields.You may think that you are about to encounter one as you approach a patch of green, but more likely than not it will turn out to be a weed-infested rice field. With red diesel prices well in excess of $5/gal, farmers are reluctant to maintain their fields unless they are being actively worked on.Possibly the best illustration of this is Colusa County. In a good year, the region typically farms the largest area of rice in the state at around 150,000 acres (60,703 hectares). However, farmers are estimated to have planted on only 7,500 acres (3,035 hectares) this year, hampered by what many growers view as a water allocation structure in the state which is not fit for purpose. … ” Continue reading at S&P Global Commodity Insights here: Californian market weighs up rice imports as historically small crop looms
San Luis Reservoir dam being raised 10 feet
“A $100 million project that will raise the B.F. Sisk Dam at San Luis Reservoir by 10 feet will add another 130,000 acre feet of critical off-stream water storage broke ground Friday. Increasing the dam to 392 feet will also involve seismic retrofitting. It will bring overall capacity to 2,171,000 acre feet. Even though the Bureau of Reclamation reservoir is south of the Delta, the increased storage it will provide will benefit water users elsewhere by being able to hold more excess winter runoff that is now flowing into the San Francisco Bay. ... ” Read more from the Manteca Bulletin here: San Luis Reservoir dam being raised 10 feet
Could nuclear desalination plants beat water scarcity?
“There are communities on every continent running short of water, according to the United Nations. Unfortunately, although our planet is swathed by oceans and seas, only a tiny fraction of Earth’s water – about 2.5% – is fresh, and demand for drinking water is projected to exceed supply by trillions of cubic metres by 2030. Desalination plants, which remove the salt from seawater, could help supply the fresh water needed. However, these plants are considered among the most expensive ways of creating drinking water- as they pump large volumes across membranes at high pressure, which is an extremely energy intensive process. One radical solution could be using floating vessels equipped with desalination systems. … ” Read more from the BBC via Yahoo News here: Could nuclear desalination plants beat water scarcity?
Budget negotiations could determine the future of California’s Central Valley
“Modeling by the Department of Water Resources for the 2022 Central Valley Flood Protection Plan Update shows that peak flood flows on the San Joaquin River could more than double with climate change, and peak flows on the Sacramento could increase by 40%. … The California Senate introduced a bold Climate Budget Plan in May which includes $1 billion for flood protection and dam safety. In contrast, the Governor’s May Revise budget had no major new funding for flood management. Without these investments, California’s Central Valley and the Delta will be at increased risk from catastrophic flooding due to climate change. … ” Read the full post at the California Water Research blog here: Budget negotiations could determine the future of California’s Central Valley
California bill would reduce single-use plastic products 25%
“An ambitious California proposal aims to reduce plastic production for single-use products like shampoo bottles and food wrappers by 25% starting next decade, part of an effort to rein in pollution from the ubiquitous material. A bill introduced late Thursday aims to bring environmental and business groups together to avoid a similar ballot measure slated to go before voters in November. But at least two of the ballot measure’s three proponents aren’t yet on board. Democratic Sen. Ben Allen, the bill’s author, said that if passed the proposal would make California a leader in reducing plastic waste by focusing on eliminating plastic at the source, not just recycling it once produced. “The truth is, we just need less crap out there — less plastic out there in general,” Allen said Friday. … ” Read more from Spectrum 1 here: California bill would reduce single-use plastic products 25%
Emissions from agriculture threaten health and climate
“A new study analyzes the cost of reactive nitrogen emissions from fertilized agriculture and their risks to populations and climate. The study quantifies emissions of nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and nitrous oxide from fertilized soils over three years (2011, 2012, and 2017) and compares their impacts by region on air quality, health, and climate. While seasonal and regional impacts differ across types of emission, the study found total annual damages from ammonia were much larger overall—at $72 billion—than those from nitrogen oxides ($12 billion) and nitrous oxide ($13 billion). … ” Read more from Futurity here: Emissions from agriculture threaten health and climate
Congress wants to save California’s giant sequoias from worsening wildfires. Here’s the plan
“California’s fire-ravaged sequoia groves have left scientists and forest managers scrambling to ensure a future for the world’s largest trees. Over the past two years, nearly a fifth of all giant sequoias, once considered virtually immune to wildfire, burned so badly they died. Fire experts fear more lethal blazes are imminent. This week, the effort to protect the cherished trees turns to Congress. In a rare show of bipartisanship, California’s Democratic Rep. Scott Peters of San Diego and Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield plan to introduce the Save our Sequoias Act, a bill that would provide money and support to restore and help fire-proof the venerable giants. ... ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Congress wants to save California’s giant sequoias from worsening wildfires. Here’s the plan
California towns scramble to prevent next wildfire catastrophe
“In the last four years, California has poured vastly more money into fire prevention and education. But now that 60% of the state is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought, after the driest winter in recorded history, it’s a race against time to help communities that are not only vulnerable to wildfires, but also least able to pay for efforts to mitigate the fire risk. Climate change is making fires burn hotter and spread faster and has extended wildfire season across the entire calendar year. Twelve of the largest fires in California history have happened in the past seven years, introducing harrowing phrases like “fire tornadoes” into the lexicon. About a quarter of the state’s population lives in areas known as the “wildland-urban interface,” or WUI — including Paradise, Greenville and Nevada City, where city budgets are strained and state fire prevention dollars are only starting to trickle down. … ” Read more from Capitol & Main here: California towns scramble to prevent next wildfire catastrophe
In commentary today …
State must act now to head off future floods
Mike Machado, Delta farmer, former state senator and the author of flood policy reform legislation, writes, “As a result of our warming climate, Stockton and San Joaquin Valley communities face a growing risk of disastrous flooding in coming years. California’s budget surplus gives us an important opportunity for a major investment in climate-smart flood solutions. Why make flood investments a priority during a drought? Preparing for future floods is like saving for retirement: Building flood management projects takes years. If we don’t start now, we may not be ready when the next big flood arrives. The best flood solutions, such as restoring riverside flood plains, will make our communities stronger in many ways — starting with preparing us for the effects of a warming climate. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: State must act now to head off future floods
A perfect storm: War, drought and the economy
Dan Keppen, executive director of the Family Farm Alliance, writes, “Putin’s war in Ukraine has decreased and destabilized worldwide agricultural commodity production and availability. The World Bank believes Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may drive 40 million additional people worldwide into extreme poverty and food insecurity this year. Rising input costs, combined with the ongoing energy and supply chain crises, continue to impact food supply and demand. Those Western producers who do have water have seen production costs increase by as much as 25%, because of rising fuel prices and transportation costs. The fertilizer input costs are going through the roof right now, too – in most places, at least two times more expensive than it was last year. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: A perfect storm: War, drought and the economy
It’s high time to put a lid on plastics
Betty Yee, controller of California and a member of the California Ocean Protection Council, writes, “Plastic waste is the legacy we are leaving our children. It is everywhere: In remote alpine lakes, in deep sea trenches, and even inside us. Studies show we consume up to a credit-card worth of plastic every week. The latest stunning research has found microplastics in every single sample of freshly fallen Antarctic snow. Meanwhile, the production of plastics is warming the planet. In 2019, the Center for International Environmental Law estimated the production and end-of-life management of plastics globally contributes the equivalent of 850 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually. That figure is projected to grow as production increases unabated. … ” Read more at Cal Matters here: It’s high time to put a lid on plastics
Today’s featured article …
FIVE QUESTIONS: John McManus, Golden State Salmon Association
Welcome to Five Questions, a new (hopefully) weekly series that will pose five questions to folks working on California water issues. The series kicks off with John McManus, president of the Golden State Salmon Association, which bills itself as California’s leading voice for salmon protection and restoration, particularly in the Bay-Delta ecosystem. GSSA’s board represents the entire California salmon community, including commercial and recreational fishermen, charter boat skippers, inland river guides, restaurants, fishing manufacturers and retailers, tribal members and more.In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
The tale of a distressed American town on the doorstep of a natural paradise
“A few weeks ago, my partner and I drove across the Golden Gate Bridge and headed up Highway 101 for about six hours to visit a spectacular sliver of America. Nestled along roughly 40 miles of Northern California coastline, Redwood National and State Parks is a sprawling park system — three state parks and one national park — housing 133,000 acres of natural wonders. It boasts stunning lagoons, rivers, and beaches, eye-popping hiking and biking trails, a rich array of wildlife, and some of the oldest and tallest trees on the planet. … However, the doorstep to this natural treasure — a treasure so valuable that the United Nations has declared it a World Heritage Site — is bleak. It’s a town called Orick. Driving through the town on Highway 101 to get to the park, you pass boarded-up motels, ramshackle houses, rusted-out cars, and properties that look like junkyards. Parts of Orick look like the setting for a zombie movie. … ” Read the full story at Iowa Public Radio here: The tale of a distressed American town on the doorstep of a natural paradise
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Water sale gets preliminary OK
“The El Dorado Irrigation District is preparing to sell 2,550 acre-feet of water to Westland Water District at $800 an acre-foot for a potential total income of $2 million. The first source is 750 acre-feet of water stored in Weber Reservoir the district doesn’t need this year. This water source has been used in the past to sell to Westland, an agricultural water district in Fresno County trying to save its fruit and almond trees. Weber Reservoir is a post-1914 water right and thus the sale requires approval from the State Water Resources Control Board as well as the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which operates Folsom Dam. … ” Read more from the Mountain Democrat here: Water sale gets preliminary OK
$15.8 million invested in Tahoe National Forest Projects
“The Tahoe National Forest is the benefactor $11.2 million in funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) and $4.6 million from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC)’s Wildfire Recovery and Forest Resilience Directed Grant Program, for a total of $15.8 million. “Together, this funding will help us to strengthen forest and community resilience,” said Matt Jedra, acting Forest Supervisor of the Tahoe National Forest. “We are excited to have the opportunity to attend to maintenance challenges associated with increased visitation, conserve forested land, and mitigate the risks of high-intensity wildfires.” … ” Read more from YubaNet here: $15.8 million invested in Tahoe National Forest Projects
BAY AREA
Portions of the Bay Area deemed extreme fire hazard risk in new CAL FIRE mapping
“Many parts of northern California have been experiencing a higher fire hazard level than in the past, and CAL FIRE is working to update its mapping for the state based on these changes. Large stretches of the East Bay, as well as Marin and Napa, have been singled out as extreme fire risk hotspots in early versions of the agency’s latest mapping. The wildfire severity picture is shifting around California because of climate change and severe drought. … ” Read more from KCBS Radio here: Portions of the Bay Area deemed extreme fire hazard risk in new CAL FIRE mapping
Salmon release brings students to Richmond shore
“The Golden State Salmon Association completed the first release of 200,000 juvenile salmon in the City of Richmond on Sunday evening, according to a press release from the the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The GSSA worked with the CDFW, the City of Richmond, and the Richmond Police Activities League (PAL) to conduct the release. PAL even brought along a group of students from Richmond to watch the release. … ” Read more from KRON here: Salmon release brings students to Richmond shore
Gilroy: City declares water safe to drink
“Gilroy’s drinking water supply is now safe for consumption again, according to the city’s public works department. Public Works Director Daryl Jordan said June 17 the state’s Division of Drinking Water has determined that previous restrictions may now be rescinded and claimed an “all clear” for the Gilroy community. … ” Read more from the Gilroy Dispatch here: Gilroy: City declares water safe to drink
CENTRAL COAST
Santa Barbara City Council to consider drought-related water restrictions
“Santa Barbara residents will only be able to water between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., according to new water restrictions going before the City Council on Tuesday. The city staff is recommending a implementing a “Stage Two Water Shortage Alert” to help conserve water. “Statewide, over 95 percent of the state is classified as experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions,” wrote Joshua Haggmark, the city’s water resources manager, in staff report for the meeting. “In response, Governor Newsom has issued a series of proclamations and executive orders, and is asking California residents to voluntarily reduce water use by 15%.” … ” Read more from Noozhawk here: Santa Barbara City Council to consider drought-related water restrictions
Drought takes toll on cemeteries
“The ongoing drought has taken a toll on the look of cemeteries. The shades of the grass surrounding headstones depend on water supply and access to recycled water. Most are only allowed to water for twenty minutes, twice a week. Santa Barbara Cemetery visitors have noticed the grass getting brown since the governor called for more conservation in May. When the cemetery cut back on water usage, workers said it was nothing new. They cut back during the last drought, too. A recycled water study has yet to funnel more water to the site. … ” Read more from KEYT here: Drought takes toll on cemeteries
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Manteca leaders address too much water during drought
“It’s expected to reach 103 degrees today. The worsening drought — now deep in its third year — is forcing the Manteca City Council to declare a water emergency when they meet tonight at 7 p.m. That will trigger a mandatory 20 percent reduction in water use citywide in a bid to weather the drought. The first to go will be ornamental grass/turf at commercial, industrial and institutional facilities (churches, schools, hospitals, government buildings) that will not be allowed to be irrigated using portable water. On the same agenda the City Council is expected to sign off on Manteca’s portion of a property tax diversion plan to improve protection against “200-year floods” — a shorthand referencing devastating flooding events that have a 1-in-200 chance of occurring in any given year. … ” Continue reading at the Manteca Bulletin here: Manteca leaders address too much water during drought
Exeter requests six week extension on Tooleville connection plan
“Negotiations for Tooleville’s consolidation with Exeter’s water system may be set back another six weeks as Exeter pushes for more state funding. The Exeter City Council continued the discussion of the joint Tooleville Mutual Non-Profit Water Association/City of Exeter Voluntary Consolidation Negotiation at their June 8 meeting during which they voted to make a request for a six week extension to the State Water Resources Control Board. … ” Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: Exeter requests six week extension on Tooleville connection plan
Kern County officials, growers concerned about Lake Isabella water levels
“Bakersfield and Kern County have been in drought mode since the end of last year with restrictions and cutbacks in place to try and save as much water as possible as we head into the hot summer months. But water officials and growers are concerned as the flow from the Upper Kern into Lake Isabella now reduces to a trickle in the coming weeks and months. The driest year on record happened in 2015, a 12% water year, as the lake fell to minimum capacity: 30,000 acre feet. Right now it sits at about 75,000. … ” Continue reading at KERO here: Kern County officials, growers concerned about Lake Isabella water levels
EASTERN SIERRA
CDFW to supplement fish stocks for anglers as bacterial outbreak leads to further losses at two Eastern Sierra trout hatcheries
“Two California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) trout hatcheries in the Eastern Sierra are continuing to fight an outbreak of Lactococcus petauri, a naturally occurring bacteria that sickens fish. The current outbreak was first detected in April 2022. CDFW fishery managers announced this week that approximately 350,000 infected catchable rainbow trout are now showing signs of disease and must be humanely euthanized. The affected facilities – Black Rock and Fish Springs hatcheries – usually provide fish for stocking waterways in CDFW’s Inland Deserts Region. Because this is a significant loss of fish that would normally be stocked for anglers in the 2022 season, CDFW is working to contract with an external vendor to provide catchable rainbow trout for planting in Mono County. … ” Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife here: CDFW to supplement fish stocks for anglers as bacterial outbreak leads to further losses at two Eastern Sierra trout hatcheries
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
These LA neighborhoods have the most water waste complaints
“In the month of May alone, the city of LA received 314 reports of water waste – the highest monthly total ever. In May, MyLA311 received 86 reports about water waste in Mid-Wilshire, more than any other neighborhood in Los Angeles. The neighborhood with the second-highest number of complaints was Brentwood, with 53 reports. Sherman Oaks rounded out the top three with 10 reports. … ” Read more from Fox 11 here: These LA neighborhoods have the most water waste complaints
Tear out your lawn, check. Drought-tolerant plants, check. Next up: recycled water
“Tearing out our lawns is a good start toward wiser water use in Southern California, but it’s not enough. To do the job properly, we must also be ready to collect the rain that will someday fall out of the sky, advocates say. And these people have a vision that not only stores increasingly precious rainwater, but puts it to use for everything from drip irrigation to aquaculture to waterfalls surrounded by lush plantings and the soothing music of running (albeit recycled) water. Yes, we’re in a drought, but this is about being ready for the next downpour. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Tear out your lawn, check. Drought-tolerant plants, check. Next up: recycled water
L.A. needs 90,000 trees to battle extreme heat. Will residents step up to plant them?
“In 2019, Mayor Eric Garcetti unveiled an ambitious plan to plant 90,000 trees in Los Angeles by 2021 as part of L.A.’s Green New Deal. To accomplish this, he appointed the city’s first forest officer, Rachel Malarich, to head the Urban Forestry Division. The city also authorized a network of non-profits and “community ambassadors” to aid and encourage residents in planting much-needed trees. But more than a year after Garcetti’s deadline, it turns out that planting trees in Los Angeles is a lot more difficult than it sounds — particularly when it comes to targeting those neighborhoods most in need of the temperature-reducing and air- cleaning benefits trees provide. To date, just over 65,000 trees have been planted. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: L.A. needs 90,000 trees to battle extreme heat. Will residents step up to plant them?
Riverside County water district files lawsuit against 3M, DuPont, others over PFAS
“SL Environmental Law Group has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Rubidoux Community Services District against 3M Company, E.I. DuPont de Nemours, Inc., and other manufacturers of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for their involvement in the manufacture and sale of per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) that have contaminated groundwater supplies within Rubidoux’s service area, which includes much of Jurupa Valley in Riverside County, California. Jeff Sims, Rubidoux’s general manager, said “Rubidoux has worked to identify and treat wells that have been contaminated with PFAS to ensure the safety of these crucial water supplies. Through this lawsuit, Rubidoux is seeking to protect the ratepayers in our service area and ensure that the costs of cleaning up these contaminants are borne by 3M, DuPont, and the other companies that sold and profited from their products containing PFAS.” … ” Continue reading at Water Finance & Management here: Riverside County water district files lawsuit against 3M, DuPont, others over PFAS
Orange County cities wrestling with southwest drought look to conservation policies
“In the face of a regional drought, many Orange County cities are trying to cut back on water consumption by rolling out conservation policies – echoing efforts from the previous drought that ended a few years back. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in October 2021 based on the state’s drought condition. In May, the State Water Board adopted regulations that require all local water suppliers to heighten water conservation policies. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, 2022 is the third driest year for OC over the past 128 years, affecting 100% of the county’s residents. In response, city officials across the county are implementing mandatory water conservation policies restricting outdoor irrigation and other methods of addressing the water shortage crisis that spans the state — with a goal of cutting down water consumption by 20%. ... ” Read more from the Voice of the OC here: Orange County cities wrestling with southwest drought look to conservation policies
SAN DIEGO
Oceanside gets $5.2 million for long-awaited flood control project
“Oceanside will get $5.2 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to renew the long-stalled San Luis Rey River Flood Protection Project, which will protect homes and businesses along the river, reduce insurance costs, and provide sand for the city’s starving beaches. The money will help pay for sediment removal, vegetation management and levee improvements along the lower 5 miles of the river to safeguard against the level of flooding likely to occur at least once every 250 years, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union Tribune here: Oceanside gets $5.2 million for long-awaited flood control project
Along the Colorado River …
7 states must figure out how to conserve an unprecedented amount of water
“Water managers in the western U.S. are facing a monumental task. Federal officials have given seven states an August deadline to figure out a plan to conserve an unprecedented amount of water. Without major cutbacks in water use, the nation’s two largest reservoirs are in danger of reaching critically low levels. We’re joined now by Alex Hager, who covers water for member station KUNC in Colorado. … ” Listen to radio show or read transcript from NPR here: 7 states must figure out how to conserve an unprecedented amount of water
In national water news today …
What are PFAS, and why is the EPA warning about them in drinking water? An environmental health scientist explains
““PFAS? What’s PFAS?” You may be hearing that term in the news as the federal government considers new rules and guidelines for the chemicals. Even if the acronym is new to you, you’re probably already familiar with what PFAS do. That’s because they’re found in everything from nonstick cookware to carpets to ski wax. … At first glance, PFAS sound pretty useful, so you might be wondering “what’s the big deal?” The short answer is that PFAS are harmful to human health and the environment. ... ” Read more from The Conversation here: What are PFAS, and why is the EPA warning about them in drinking water? An environmental health scientist explains
Attorney General Bonta urges Supreme Court to uphold federal protections for wetlands
“California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined a multistate coalition in an amicus brief before the U.S. Supreme Court in defense of federal protections for wetlands. In Sacketts v. U.S. EPA, the Supreme Court will consider the scope of “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act and whether a narrower definition of protected waterways should be adopted. In the brief, the coalition argues that denying wetlands federal protection would undermine the Clean Water Act’s goal of improving water quality and protecting states like California from upstream pollution. “California relies on our waterways to sustain our communities, our economy, and our biodiversity,” said Attorney General Bonta.“As California confronts a once in a century drought, it is essential that our ability to protect our waterways remains intact. Wetlands have a critical and long acknowledged role in maintaining the integrity of downstream waterways from upstate polluters. I urge the Supreme Court to uphold the longstanding and commonsense reading of the Clean Water Act’s text and purpose that has been adopted by the EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and federal courts. Wetlands deserve federal protection.” ... ” Read more from Attorney General Rob Bonta here: Attorney General Bonta urges Supreme Court to uphold federal protections for wetlands
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
NOTICE of Proposed Emergency Rulemaking and Informative Digest Released for the Klamath River Basin – Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds
