DAILY DIGEST, holiday weekend edition: Runoff this year much improved over 2021; Could Delta island become more than cow pastures?; In CA, water wars threaten local food systems; Ninth Circuit upholds dismissal of lawsuit over tainted water; and more …

In California water news this weekend …

California’s drought is dire. But there’s a surprising bright spot that may make this year better than last

“The outlook for California’s drought is grim.  The first five months of the year have been the driest on record. Snowpack in the mountains, at its usual April 1 peak, was the smallest it’s been in seven years. Reservoirs are hovering near historic lows for the season, including Lake Shasta, the state’s largest.  But there’s one, albeit small, bright spot: spring runoff. The water that pours from the mountains to rivers and streams, one of the most important barometers of state water supplies, is up substantially from over a year ago — though still far below normal. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: California’s drought is dire. But there’s a surprising bright spot that may make this year better than last

60% of California in ‘extreme’ drought or worse to start July, federal monitor says

“The first nine months of the 2022 water year are now in the books, and California remains mired in extreme drought conditions. More than 97% of the state’s land area is in at least “severe” drought status, 60% in at least “extreme” drought and the driest 12% in “exceptional” drought, according to a weekly update Thursday from the U.S. Drought Monitor. Extreme drought encompasses the entire Central Valley, with exceptional drought covering wide swaths of the San Joaquin Valley, according to the federal monitor. … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: 60% of California in ‘extreme’ drought or worse to start July, federal monitor says

Could Delta island become more than cow pastures?

“A natural habitat for Delta waterfowl and wildlife, and more recently grazing cattle, Jersey Island in East Contra Costa County has remained largely undeveloped for more than a hundred years. Plans are percolating, though, that could turn it into a vacation getaway with a wave pool, sandy beaches, a wildlife refuge — and more — close to home.  That’s what one entrepreneur/developer, Montezuma Water LLC, has in mind with a preliminary concept it has presented to the island’s owner, Ironhouse Sanitary District, which has been looking for ways to reduce its responsibilities for the surrounding levees and shed some of its expenses for an island it no longer needs.  “It was costing a couple of million dollars a year in maintaining the levees and the drainage on the island and all of that,” Ironhouse Sanitary District general manager Chad Davisson said. … ”  Continue reading at the Mercury News here: Could Delta island become more than cow pastures?

In California, water wars threaten local food systems

“Marieke Furnee moved to the U.S. more than two decades ago. She emigrated from Haarlem, a city in the Netherlands, searching for a more rural life growing fruit and vegetables in the Sierra foothills of California. Ten years ago she finally began planting a small community garden on her quarter of an acre property.  Many of Furnee’s neighbors moved to the region with similar dreams — there are wineries, fruit and vegetable farmers and a few farmers raising sheep — both in the small town of Oregon House where Furnee lives as well as in Dobbins, the neighboring foothills town. She and her neighbors were hoping to build something — what Furnee calls “a community-based food system.” But now that local food system is threatened because of a vicious and personal battle over water playing out in the foothills, with little hope of a ceasefire. … ”  Read more from Sentient Media here: In California, water wars threaten local food systems 

The West’s drought could bring about a data center reckoning

“The West is parched, and getting more so by the day. Lake Mead — the country’s largest reservoir — is nearing “dead pool” levels, meaning it may soon be too low to flow downstream. The entirety of the Four Corners plus California is mired in megadrought.  Amid this desiccation, hundreds of the country’s data centers use vast amounts of water to hum along. Dozens cluster around major metro centers, including those with mandatory or voluntary water restrictions in place to curtail residential and agricultural use.  Exactly how much water, however, is an open question given that many companies don’t track it, much less report it. While their energy use and accompanying emissions have made more headlines, data centers’ water usage is coming under increasing scrutiny. And as climate change makes water more scarce, pressure could grow on hyperscale data centers to disclose their water use and factor scarcity into where and how they operate. … ”  Read more from Protocol here: The West’s drought could bring about a data center reckoning

Western cities get creative after megadrought leads some to cancel firework displays

“As severe drought persists in the Southwest, cities are making tough decisions about their traditional firework shows. Some cities have decided to cancel their pyrotechnic displays, while others have chosen to continue them.  Dry vegetation and a lack of rainfall have led to a megadrought for more than 75% of the West. Now first responders and other officials are warning the public about the risk of Fourth of July fireworks.  “Specific areas that are particularly vulnerable are all the way from Oregon to Mexico. All of California is vulnerable,” Cal Fire Battalion Chief John Heggie said, given the ongoing drought and warm temperatures. … ”  Read more from CNN here: Western cities get creative after megadrought leads some to cancel firework displays

Valuing urban park irrigation in a time of climate change

“With increasing global exposure to water scarcity, cities are exploring different strategies to conserve water. One potential way to save water is to reduce irrigation of urban parks. Before changes to park irrigation practices are considered, it is important to understand how community benefits are linked to existing irrigation levels. Here Claire Doll provides highlights of a study she led on linking the value of park irrigation levels to the value of nearby homes. Irrigated areas of parks consistently add value to homes. Non-irrigated areas of parks also add value to homes classified as high-density dwellings.”  Read the article at the Global Water Forum here: Valuing urban park irrigation in a time of climate change

Ninth Circuit reverses itself, upholds dismissal of lawsuit over tainted water

“Following an outcry by public water agencies, a panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed itself and agreed that a Northern California city can’t be held liable for transporting hazardous waste because of the presence of hexavalent chromium, commonly called chromium 6, in its drinking water.  The panel on Friday issued a superseding opinion that affirmed a judge’s ruling that the city of Vacaville can’t be held liable under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act for the alleged elevated levels of the carcinogen, but it based its decision on a different element of the statute than was at issue last year when the panel overturned the judge’s ruling. ... ”  Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: Ninth Circuit reverses itself, upholds dismissal of lawsuit over tainted water

SEE ALSO:  Vacaville can’t be held responsible for polluted tap water, court rules, from the San Francisco Chronicle

Water Blueprint hosts CDFA Secretary, State Water Resources Control Board, DWR Leaders

Geoff Vanden Heuvel, MPC Director of Regulatory and Economic Affairs, writes, “The Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley serves as the united voice to champion water resource policies and projects to maximize accessible, affordable, and reliable supplies for sustainable and productive farms and ranches, healthy communities, and thriving ecosystems in the San Joaquin Valley. MPC has been involved with the Blueprint effort since its inception and I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the Board of Directors, working with a talented group of individuals across agriculture, water agencies and government.  Our work has included identifying potential surplus water supplies, along with initial evaluations of routes for conveyance facilities that would bring water to shortage areas in such a manner to assist rural communities and support environmentally valuable lands. The effort is complex, and solutions will potentially be very expensive. However, the cost of inaction is also expensive. … ”  Continue reading at the Milk Producers Council here: Water Blueprint hosts CDFA Secretary, State Water Resources Control Board, DWR Leaders

91 percent of Butte Creek spring-run Chinook salmon died before spawning in 2021

Dan Bacher writes, “A record run of wild spring run Chinook salmon on a Sacramento River tributary turned into a disaster when the majority of fish perished before spawning last year.  In  May, the CDFW published a monitoring report on 2021’s spring Chinook salmon run on Butte Creek, a Sacramento River tributary, revealing that 91 percent of the adult fish died before spawning.  An estimated 19,773 out of the over 21,580 fish total that returned to spawn in the Butte County stream perished before spawning. Only an estimated 1,807 adults survived to spawn in a year with a record return of fish. … ”  Read more from the Daily Kos here:  91 percent of Butte Creek spring-run Chinook salmon died before spawning in 2021

After Supreme Court ruling, California House Democrats lead push for EPA to strengthen air, water quality rules

“As experts weigh fallout from the Supreme Court June 30 ruling that limits the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to force power plants to pivot to cleaner energy, Democrats in the House — led by Southern California Reps. Mike Levin and Katie Porter — are pushing the Biden administration to quickly adopt a slate of detailed rules aimed at improving air and water quality nationwide.  A letter dated Wednesday, June 29, signed by Levin, Porter and 28 other House Democrats, asks EPA Administrator Michael Regan to take aggressive executive action in 11 areas. That includes calls to lower the acceptable levels of harmful particulate matter in the air, to remove all lead pipes from public water systems within 10 years and to boost clean vehicle standards by 2030.  The letter also suggests a potential workaround for the EPA to still drive emissions limits on power plants without violating the Supreme Court’s latest ruling. … ”  Read more from the OC Register here: After Supreme Court ruling, California House Democrats lead push for EPA to strengthen air, water quality rules

California sets the nation’s toughest rules for the reduction of plastics

“Companies selling shampoo, food and other products wrapped in plastic have a decade to cut down on their use of the polluting material if they want their wares on California store shelves.  Major legislation passed and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday aims to significantly reduce single-use plastic packaging in the state and drastically boost recycling rates for what remains. It sets the nation’s most stringent requirements for the use of plastic packaging, with lawmakers saying they hope it sets a precedent for other states to follow.  “We’re ruining the planet and we’ve got to change it,” Sen. Bob Hertzberg, a Democrat, said before voting on the bill. … ”  Read more from NPR here: California sets the nation’s toughest rules for the reduction of plastics

Prediction issued for this summer’s wildfire potential

“The forecast for wildland fire potential issued July 1 by the National Interagency Fire Center predicts that in July it will increase to higher than “normal” this summer in Alaska, Texas, Northern California, and the eastern portions of Washington and Oregon. In August added to the list will be parts of Montana, the Black Hills, and the Northern Plains. Hawaii will be above normal for the next four months.  The fire potential text and maps from NIFC shown here represent the cumulative forecasts of the ten Geographic Area Predictive Services Units and the National Predictive Services Unit. … ” Continue reading at Wildfire Today here: Prediction issued for this summer’s wildfire potential

Land’s ‘memory’ determined scope of awful Dixie Fire

“The 2021 Dixie Fire burned over nearly 1 million acres in California and cost $637 million to suppress, making it the largest and most expensive wildfire to contain in state history.  Fire history largely determined how severely the wildfire burned, and low-severity fire treatments had the largest impact on reducing the worst effects of the fire, according to the findings.  “We’re in extreme drought conditions over most of California,” says Alan Taylor, professor of geography and ecology at Penn State and principal investigator on the project. “The Dixie Fire burned during the hottest summer in California on record and after two years with half the average precipitation and snowpack. The large amounts of fuels that had accumulated due to over a century of fire exclusion were primed to burn intensely due to these extremely dry conditions. … ”  Read more from Futurity here: Land’s ‘memory’ determined scope of awful Dixie Fire

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In commentary this weekend …

The West’s water crisis so many have been warning about is here

Matt Rice, the southwest regional director at American Rivers, writes, “June 14 was an unprecedented day for the Colorado River. Camille Touton, commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, directed the seven Colorado River Basin states to conserve an additional 2 to 4 million-acre feet of water in 2023 to protect critical infrastructure.  This directive is not just to protect hydropower generation, but also preserve the ability to distribute water, including flows through the Grand Canyon to tens of millions of people in California, Arizona and Nevada and parts of Mexico. Touton announced that the states have about eight weeks to develop a consensus plan to get it done, or else the bureau may have to step in and do it for them.  If people weren’t paying attention before, they better be now. The West’s water crisis so many have been warning about is here. ... ”  Read more from the Salt Lake Tribune here: The West’s water crisis so many have been warning about is here

In regional water news this weekend …

NORTH COAST

Chinook salmon season now open for portions of some Northstate rivers

“Sport fishing for Chinook salmon in the Klamath River Basin is set to begin July 1 and will continue through the fall.  The season begins with a shortened spring-run in response to the state listing of “upper Klamath and Trinity River spring Chinook salmon” as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act. … ” Read more from KRCR here: Chinook salmon season now open for portions of some Northstate rivers

Heavy construction, restoration work forces closure of Ocean Ranch Unit within CDFW’s Eel River Wildlife Area through the remainder of 2022

“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the closure of the Ocean Ranch Unit within the Eel River Wildlife Area as habitat restoration work intensifies there with the use of heavy equipment. The unit is being closed to all public access for safety effective Monday, July 11, 2022, through the end of the year.  Located in Humboldt County near the community of Loleta, the Ocean Ranch Unit is in the final stages of an 850-acre restoration project to benefit native plant, fish and wildlife species and greatly improve public access and enjoyment of the property by establishing a formal trail system, improving parking, building a launch for kayaks and canoes, and installing interpretive signage, among other features. … ”  Read more from the Department of Fish & Wildlife here: Heavy construction, restoration work forces closure of Ocean Ranch Unit within CDFW’s Eel River Wildlife Area through the remainder of 2022

Caltrans awards nearly $2.5 Million in Clean California funding to City of Rio Dell for river trail and gateway improvements

“Caltrans and the City of Rio Dell today are highlighting the award of two grants totaling $2.5 million to beautify the city’s gateway and create a trail along the Eel River. The projects are made possible through Governor Gavin Newsom’s Clean California Initiative, a sweeping $1.1 billion, multiyear clean-up effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and engage communities to transform often neglected public spaces.  “It will be gratifying for Caltrans to see the ideas, proposals, and hard work of our partners in Rio Dell come to fruition with these Clean California grants,” said Caltrans District 1 Director Matthew Brady. “Both of these projects will beautify the area and provide great hiking opportunities for the city’s residents and all of its visitors.” … ”  Read more from the Redheaded Blackbelt here: Caltrans awards nearly $2.5 Million in Clean California funding to City of Rio Dell for river trail and gateway improvements

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Toxic algae prompts danger warning at Indian Creek Reservoir

“One of the collateral consequences of the Tamarack Fire might be an early blue-green algal bloom at Indian Creek Reservoir generating well above dangerous levels of toxins.  Testing detected the toxin microcystin at all three sites sampled at the lake, and the highest concentrations exceeded the danger level, according to the California Resources Control Board.  Alpine County Public Health Officer Richard Johnson warned visitors to avoid touching the water or anything, like a fish, that had been in the water on Thursday. … ”  Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Toxic algae prompts danger warning at Indian Creek Reservoir

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

League of Women Voters panel talks Butte County water

“A panel at the League of Women Voters met Friday to discuss the future of water in Butte County.  “With the groundwater sustainability act beginning to be implemented and the loss of vital infrastructure in the Camp Fire … there are definitely changes that are being made,” said the league’s Natural Resources Director Toni Reid.  Five speakers at the panel covered the two sources on how Butte County gets water for municipal use and for agriculture: through surface water and groundwater fed by rain and snow from the Sierra Nevada.  “The largest reservoir in California is the Sierra Nevada mountains with the snowpack,” said Tod Kimmelshue, a Butte County supervisor and member of the Vina Groundwater Sustainability Agency. … ”  Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: League of Women Voters panel talks Butte County water

North Yuba Water District irrigation customers left dry: South Feather offers to supply water as NYWD stalls

“In a continued pattern of apparent mismanagement and what critics call a complete disregard for its customers, North Yuba Water District was presented with a plan by other water agencies to help supply water to its irrigation customers but is holding off on the deal until its demands are met.  According to emails obtained by the Appeal, South Feather Water and Power Agency (SFWPA) offered to deliver water to North Yuba Water District (NYWD) irrigation customers and to help maintain a ditch that delivers that water at no cost to the district. Yuba Water Agency (YWA) officials also have offered to assist with maintenance at no cost to NYWD.  In April, NYWD and its General Manager Jeff Maupin announced there would be no 2022 irrigation season for customers, despite several water experts claiming that Yuba County has plenty of water and is not affected by current drought conditions to such a degree as other areas of California. … ”  Read more from the Appeal Democrat here: North Yuba Water District irrigation customers left dry: South Feather offers to supply water as NYWD stalls | Read via Yahoo News

NAPA/SONOMA

State issues curtailments in the Russian River watershed

“State water regulators curtailed 331 water rights in the Russian River watershed effective Friday, ending a weekslong reprieve brought on by late-season rainfall that prevented restrictions from being imposed earlier this summer.  The long-expected order means several hundred ranchers, grape growers and other landowners are now prohibited from exercising rights to draw water from the river and some of its tributaries, because of insufficient supplies.  “We’re getting more and more efficient as time goes on, but it still hurts when you’re told you can’t irrigate any more on your property,” said Duff Bevill, a Dry Creek-area grape grower and vineyard manager, who oversees 1,200 acres. “It’s tough dry farming. If it were easy, we’d all be doing it.” … ”  Read more from the North Bay Journal here: State issues curtailments in the Russian River watershed

BAY AREA

Thousands of anchovies wash up on Bay Area shore

“Thousands of dead anchovies washed ashore on the Bolinas Lagoon shore in Marin County, California, earlier this week, according to photos and video shared with ABC San Francisco station KGO.  “This is just one of those times where we kind of get to see just the sheer number of the size of these schools of fish,” Marin County Parks director Max Korten told KGO. “So it’s kind of amazing.”  There is still uncertainty about why the fish washed up on the shore. Referencing biologists, Korten explained, “What likely happened is, you know, some kind of predator out in the ocean encountered a school of anchovy somewhere near the mouth of Bolinas Lagoon,” according to KGO. … ”  Read more from ABC News here: Thousands of anchovies wash up on Bay Area shore

Marin water supplier examines costs of new supply sources

“The Marin Municipal Water District took a first look this week at how much water it could receive from new sources such as desalination or expanding reservoirs, and how much they would cost.  On Tuesday, consultants with the Jacobs Engineering firm provided the district’s board with an overview of the preliminary cost and water production estimates for several supply options. More expensive options included desalination, dredging existing reservoirs, expanding the recycled water system and building pipelines to connect with other Bay Area water suppliers.  Other options — such as increasing water imports from Sonoma County, groundwater storage and adding adjustable gates on dam spillways to increase reservoir storage — were found to be more affordable, though some would come with other complications.  “We’re not yet at the point yet where we’re asking decisions to be made,” Paul Sellier, a district official, told the board. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin water supplier examines costs of new supply sources

Column: Grand jury’s Marin Municipal Water District critique intensifies need for clarity before election

“This November’s election for three seats on the Marin Municipal Water District’s five-member board just got a jolt. On June 13, Marin County’s well-respected Civil Grand Jury issued its blockbuster report, “A roadmap to water resiliency for MMWD.”  The jury found that the water provider to 191,000 central and southern Marin residents failed to prudently plan for adequate consumer water. Its conclusion: “Last year’s drought emergency could have been avoided, if MMWD had taken sufficient measures to provide for a resilient water supply. With the mounting challenges posed by climate change, the mistakes of the past cannot be repeated. MMWD must establish a roadmap for achieving water supply resilience without delay.”  Incumbent water directors received a direct challenge … ”  Continue reading at the Marin Independent Journal here: Column: Grand jury’s MMWD critique intensifies need for clarity before election

‘Poorly prepared’: SF Civil Grand Jury slams city for not protecting residents from toxic contamination

“Standing atop the Polk Street steps of San Francisco City Hall, Arieann Harrison chanted into a megaphone alongside other Bayview-Hunters Point residents, begging city officials to value their lives. … The rally earlier this month followed a report from the San Francisco Civil Grand Jury that confirmed what Bayview-Hunters Point residents have been saying: The city is not acting on — is barely even thinking about — how sea level rise could surface legacy toxic contamination, spreading it in neighborhoods near the World War II-era naval shipyard.  “I want to invite our mayor — who we love — to show us that she loves us back,” said Harrison. As the founder of the Marie Harrison Community Foundation, she fights for people’s health in this part of San Francisco. … ”  Read more from KQED here: ‘Poorly prepared’: SF Civil Grand Jury slams city for not protecting residents from toxic contamination

Toxic algae found in San Gregorio Creek Lagoon

“Water sampling at San Gregorio State Beach near Half Moon Bay has revealed the presence of toxic algae in San Gregorio Creek lagoon. In coordination with the San Francisco Bay Quality Control Board, San Mateo County’s Environmental Health Services has posted notices in publicly accessible areas of the state beach, warning users not to enter the creek or allow children or pets to do so. Harmful algal blooms produce toxins that are potentially fatal to people, pets and livestock. The compounds produced by bacteria in the algae can cause numerous health effects in humans and animals that range from stomach pain to nerve damage and, in some circumstances, death. … ”  Read more from the Daily Journal here:  Toxic algae found in San Gregorio Creek Lagoon

CENTRAL COAST

Forecasting our future: How the drought impacts Central Coast farmers

“This year, farmers have had to either cut out certain crops all together or produce less of each product.“

Senator secures over $60 million for Central Coast priorities

“State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) announced over $60 million will be provided to address critical needs along California’s Central Coast.  Laird’s 2022 budget priorities include funds that will benefit constituents in Senate District 17 by ensuring access to healthcare services for the communities served by Watsonville Community Hospital, support for those in need of substance abuse and mental health counseling services, in addition to much-needed investments to improve accessibility to California’s world-renowned coastal landscape. … ”  Read more from the Paso Robles Daily Press here: Senator secures over $60 million for Central Coast priorities

Cuyama Valley groundwater fight pits small farmers against world’s largest carrot growers

“In the early afternoon in the Cuyama Valley, a hot June sun bears down as a dry wind gusts through the remote area that runs along the border of San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County.  Dust devils whip up the fine, tan soil, interrupted only by a pair of two-lane highways and the few hundred buildings that make up the valley’s towns of Cuyama, New Cuyama and Ventucopa — total population roughly 660 people. It’s an arid contrast to the region’s dominating business of agriculture fed solely by a declining and far-from-infinite groundwater basin. … Some farmers fear that the massive demand on the groundwater basin, along with California’s worsening droughts, will leave the region without the resource protection it needs. … ”  Read the full story at Noozhawk here: Cuyama Valley groundwater fight pits small farmers against world’s largest carrot growers

Santa Maria enacts stage 2 of Water Shortage Contingency Plan

“The Santa Maria City Council has voted unanimously to enact stage 2 of the city’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan, adopting and enforcing increased restrictions to meet conservation needs.  On May 24, the State Water Resource Control Board adopted emergency water conservation regulations in response to California’s ongoing drought, requiring city water customers to reduce water usage. The Santa Maria City Council approved its plan on June 21. The plan prohibits using potable water on driveways or sidewalks, using free-flowing hoses and applying potable water to outdoor landscaping during or within 48 hours of rainfall, among several other restrictions. … ”  Read more from the Santa Maria Times here: Santa Maria enacts stage 2 of Water Shortage Contingency Plan

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

San Luis Reservoir algal bloom increases to danger advisory

“Today, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) urges people to avoid physical contact with water at San Luis Reservoir in Merced County until further notice due to the presence of blue-green algae. People should also avoid eating fish or shellfish from the lake.  This week’s lab results show an increase in toxin levels. A danger advisory was put in place today, and remains in effect for the entire lake until further notice. Boating is allowed, but swimming and other water-contact recreation and sporting activities are not considered safe due to potential adverse health effects. O’Neill Forebay has no advisory. For more information on a danger advisory, go to Harmful Algal Bloom website under Advisory Signs. … ”  Read more from DWR News here: San Luis Reservoir algal bloom increases to danger advisory

Hanford officials warn residents, businesses to cut back water use

“In an effort to do their part in water conservation, the City of Hanford is doubling down its warnings to residents and businesses of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s most recent drought orders along with the city’s own drought response measures.  Hitting the driest months in the last several years within the first three months of 2022, the State of California has been hit with a severe, multi-year drought reaching the worst ever recorded in state history. Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-7-22 on March 22, 2022 in order to fight the drought, mandating local water suppliers, such as the City of Hanford, to implement Level 2 water conservation measures identified in their Water Shortage Contingency Plan. ... ”  Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Hanford officials warn residents, businesses to cut back water use

EASTERN SIERRA

Appeals Court overturns Long Valley ruling

“The First District Court of Appeal for the State of California announced yesterday its decision to overturn a March 2021 ruling in favor of Mono County and the Sierra Club protecting habitat in Mono County.  That ruling had compelled the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) to continue providing water for wildlife habitat, and scenic, recreational and economic resources in the Long Valley and Little Round Valley regions of Mono County. This decision is the latest development in litigation originally filed by Mono County and the Sierra Club under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in 2018, seeking to prevent damage to the region’s valuable environmental resources. … ”  Continue reading at the Sierra Wave here: Appeals Court overturns Long Valley ruling

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Southern California residents cut water in drought of ‘epic proportions’

“Southern California areas told to cut water use by 35% finished June on track to stave off an outdoor watering ban.  The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California supplies those communities in Ventura, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties with Northern California water delivered by the State Water Project. After a record dry start to the year, the state limited its deliveries to just 5%.  In response, Metropolitan required millions of its customers to cut outdoor watering to one day a week or find other ways to conserve.  Choosing one-day-a-week watering allowed agencies to avoid financial penalties for using too much water. But they face an outdoor watering ban as soon as September if they don’t reach Metropolitan’s water-savings goal. … ”  Read more from the Ventura County Star here: Southern California residents cut water in drought of ‘epic proportions’ | Read via Yahoo News

LADWP project doubles stormwater capture capacity to increase local water supplies

“Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) marked the completion of the Tujunga Spreading Grounds Stormwater Capture expansion project and opened a new community recreation area onsite to the public.  LADWP collaborated with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) on the 150-acre project to double the annual groundwater recharge capacity of the San Fernando Groundwater Basin to 16,000 acre-foot on average, which has the potential to provide enough water to 64,000 households on an annual basis. Expansion of this stormwater capture site was accomplished by reconfiguring the 20 original smaller water basins into nine wider and deeper basins. … ”  Read more from the LADWP here: LADWP project doubles stormwater capture capacity to increase local water supplies

For some businesses, California’s drought has money flowing

“This time of year, the calls and emails pour in daily: “I just built a pool — can you come fill it?”  “I had at least seven just over the weekend,” said Amy Underwood, manager at Mel Underwood Water Trucks in Sylmar, which supplies water for special effects and fire safety to movie sets — not to thirsty homeowners. “We get calls from Inglewood, Crenshaw, El Monte, San Diego, Vernon, Bakersfield.”  It’s not just swimming pool fill-ups. Amid a Southern California water shortage emergency and strict usage restrictions, the inquiries are growing more audacious … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: For some businesses, California’s drought has money flowing | Read via Yahoo News

Learn how to kill lawns for good while saving these nuns from crushing water bills

“Once upon a time, the grounds surrounding the Maryknoll Sisters home in Monrovia were 6.5 acres of lushly green lawn and trees.  They’ll never be that way again — not with water being so rare and expensive these days — but the retired nuns of Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic, about 15 former nurses, teachers and social workers in their 80s and 90s, are working with Grow Monrovia and other conservation activists to find a better use for their land.  Their vision involves converting the mostly dead and dying lawns “to something more suitable to the environment here,” said Sister Arlene Trant, 76, coordinator of the order’s retirement facility. Their goals for the new landscape include meadows of native plants, grasses and trees, and community gardens growing food, using methods that conserve water, harvest rainfall and rebuild the soil.  There’s no budget for contractors or laborers though. Rather, they see the transformation as an ongoing series of workshops in water optimization and soil regeneration, where people can participate in the conversion while learning how it’s done. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Learn how to kill lawns for good while saving these nuns from crushing water bills | Read via Yahoo News

Claremont cancels July Fourth fireworks show due to California drought

“The city of Claremont canceled its Fourth of July fireworks show due to the risk of brush fires amid the extended California drought.  Fireworks shows are the traditional way to celebrate Independence Day, but for some communities across the southwest, including Arizona, Colorado and California, there will be no fireworks this year.  Claremont’s July Fourth fireworks typically launch from a field at Pomona College, where the area must be saturated with water for several days to reduce the risk of fires. … ”  Read more from NBC 4 here: Claremont cancels July Fourth fireworks show due to California drought

New water plant in Menifee removes salt, fights drought

“A plant that removes salt from water is now running in Menifee, giving officials another tool to reduce their reliance on imported water as California’s drought continues.  The Eastern Municipal Water District opened its third groundwater desalination plant, the Perris II Groundwater Desalination Facility, on Thursday, June 23. The plant will remove salt from underground water basins tapped by wells in Perris — nearly 5.4 million gallons of water per day, according to the water district. … ”  Read more from the Riverside Press-Enterprise here: New water plant in Menifee removes salt, fights drought

Drought leads to declaration of Level 2 water shortage in Newport Beach

“New but relatively minor restrictions went into place immediately this week with the adoption of a new water shortage declaration unanimously adopted Tuesday night by the Newport Beach City Council.  Automated sprinkler use in Newport Beach is now limited to three days a week, and residents will be asked to decrease their household water usage to where it was in 2020.  In addition, landscape watering is prohibited between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and automatic sprinklers must run for 10 minutes or less. Residents are also asked to not use potable water to wash sidewalks, driveways or hardscapes. Water leaks must be repaired within three days. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Drought leads to declaration of Level 2 water shortage in Newport Beach

IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS

Is the City of Palm Springs exempt from Desert Water Agency’s lawn-watering restrictions?

“Q: In the days following the Desert Water Agency’s mandate to cease watering lawns during daylight hours, the entire sprinkler system at Ruth Hardy Park has been spraying away every morning. Is the city exempt from the restrictions or is there some other explanation for this?  A: Desert Water Agency Director of Public Affairs & Water Planning Ashley Metzger said in an email: “Ruth Hardy Park and most city properties are not exempt from the rules on daylight watering. Demuth Park is because it uses recycled water. We are working with the city to ensure that they are on the right schedule prior to when we start issuing financial penalties on July 1.” … ”  Read more from the Desert Sun here: Is the City of Palm Springs exempt from Desert Water Agency’s lawn-watering restrictions?

Proposed La Quinta surf resort developer seeking delay in council vote on controversial project

“The developer of a proposed surf resort in La Quinta is asking for a 60-day postponement when the City Council reconvenes Tuesday for a special meeting on the project.  Attorney James Vaughn, who represents the Coral Mountain Resort developers, requested the postponement in an email sent Wednesday to city staff.  “We need 60 days to complete our evaluation and responses to the comments we heard at the City Council meeting on June 7th and our meeting today with (La Quinta residents) Lisa Castro and Alena Callimanis. Accordingly, we are requesting that the City postpone the hearing on the Coral Mountain Resort project … to the first available meeting in September,” Vaughn wrote. … ”  Read more from the Desert Sun here: Proposed La Quinta surf resort developer seeking delay in council vote on controversial project

New problem for ‘Erin Brockovich’ town: Burning poop

“On the evening of May 28, residents of the unincorporated high desert outpost of Hinkley who cranked up their swamp coolers, or stepped outside for a clear view of the stars, noticed a foul stench in the air.  And it didn’t go away. An odor reminiscent of burning plastic mixed with smoldering sewage has plagued the roughly 3,000 people who call Hinkley home for going on five weeks. Now, residents are reporting sinus issues, headaches, nausea and sick pets. One woman’s doctor, an ear, nose and throat specialist, instructed her to “get the hell out of town.”  The smell is coming from a fire at a composting facility the locals unaffectionately call the “Poop Farm.” The combustion, which started spontaneously, deep within the massive piles of biosolids and high stacks of green waste that fill the 80-acre plant, sends odor into the air some 10 miles downwind of Hinkley. ... ”  Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: New problem for ‘Erin Brockovich’ town: Burning poop

SAN DIEGO

Commentary: Committed to Conservation

SANDAG secures $300m to move train tracks off Del Mar Bluffs

“The San Diego Association of Governments’ CEO Friday thanked local elected leaders for their help securing funding for transportation projects in the county, including more than $300 million to move train tracks off the Del Mar Bluffs.  SANDAG CEO Hasan Ikhrata said the funding could advance many of the regional transportation agency’s ambitions.  “Between the state’s historic transportation investments and the new federal infrastructure funding, SANDAG has an unprecedented opportunity to move many of our priority projects — like the LOSSAN Realignment, Otay Mesa East Port of Entry and Central Mobility Hub — forward,” he said, specifically thanking Senate President Pro Tem Atkins and Sen. Ben Hueso, both Democrats from San Diego, for their work in securing the funding. … ”  Read more from NBC 7 here: SANDAG secures $300m to move train tracks off Del Mar Bluffs

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Along the Colorado River …

Colorado’s water leader thinks most of the needed Colorado River cuts should be made by Arizona, Nevada and California

“Last month, the federal government dropped a bombshell on the states that share the Colorado River.  The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation gave Colorado and the other six states in the basin just two months to come up with a plan to drastically reduce the amount of river water they use. If they don’t, the federal government has threatened to use its emergency authority to make the cuts it feels are necessary. … Becky Mitchell, the commissioner of the Colorado Water Conservation Board, represents Colorado at the planning table with other states in the basin. Right now, her work is focused on collaborating with the other states in the upper part of the river basin — Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico — to come up with a list of ways their states can cut down on how much water they use.  In a conversation on CPR’s Colorado Matters, Mitchell said most of that responsibility should be on the states in the lower part of the river basin: Arizona, Nevada and California. … ”  Read more from Colorado Public Radio here:  Colorado’s water leader thinks most of the needed Colorado River cuts should be made by Arizona, Nevada and California

How dry can the Colorado River Basin get?

“As drought conditions persist in the Colorado River Basin, managers, researchers and the public are all left wondering: Just how bad can the drought get?  At the Utah Water Research Laboratory, graduate student Homa Salehabadi and Director David Tarboton sought to answer this question by using historical drought data to project flowrates of the Colorado River as future drought scenarios. Guided by the idea that if it has happened in the past, it might happen again in the future, they found that future drought conditions could produce even lower flow rates than the present drought. This suggests a need for alternative management strategies in the Colorado River Basin.  “The hope is that this research provides easy-to-use, openly available, documented scenarios for water managers to evaluate different release and management alternatives,” Tarboton said. … ”  Read more from Utah State University here: How dry can the Colorado River Basin get? 

Back from the depths: shrinking Lake Mead reveals second world war-era boat

“A sunken boat dating back to the second world war is the latest object to emerge from a shrinking reservoir that straddles Nevada and Arizona.  The Higgins landing craft that has long been 185ft (56 meters) below the surface is now nearly halfway out of the water at Lake Mead. The boat lies less than a mile from Lake Mead Marina and Hemingway Harbor.  It was used to survey the Colorado River decades ago, was sold to the marina and then sunk, according to dive tours company Las Vegas Scuba. … ”  Read more from The Guardian here: Back from the depths: shrinking Lake Mead reveals second world war-era boat

Lake Mead water decline: 5 things to know

“The congressional testimony was stark, but not exactly a surprise to most Southern Nevadans.  Lake Mead has been part of our landscape for nearly 90 years — and its “bathtub rings” are a growing concern.  “What has been a slow motion train wreck for 20 years is accelerating, and the moment of reckoning is near,” Southern Nevada Water Authority General Manager John Entsminger testified recently to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.  As the western U.S. water situation worsens, Southern Nevadans need to know five things about the water situation … ”  Read more from the Las Vegas Review-Journal here: Lake Mead water decline: 5 things to know

Arizona and tribes could protect a wider range of species with money in a new bill

“Arizona could receive a huge boost in wildlife conservation funding if a bill that just cleared a key hurdle in the House makes it to the president’s desk.  The measure would add $1.3 billion to existing conservation funding by amending the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, a 1930s law that generates revenue through the sales of guns, ammunition and archery equipment.  The bill represents one of the largest investments in conservation work in recent years, extending a life raft to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, which oversees the most biodiverse state in the inland U.S., and, significantly, to the wildlife agencies operated by the 22 federally recognized tribes in the state. … ”  Read more from the Arizona Republic here: Arizona and tribes could protect a wider range of species with money in a new bill

City of Phoenix forgoes more water from Lake Mead in wake of declining levels

“The city of Phoenix said Friday that it will forfeit delivery of an additional 14,000 acre-feet, or 4.5 billion gallons, of Colorado River water to shore up Lake Mead.  This will bring the total amount of water the city has left in Lake Mead so far this year to 30,000 acre-feet, or 9.7 billion gallons, which would have been stored underground for later use. Forgoing Lake Mead water will not result in any water cutbacks for Phoenix, the city said.  In exchange for leaving the additional water in the river’s reservoir, which has reached 31% capacity this year and is projected to drop another 10 feet this summer, the city said it will receive about $7.8 million. … ”  Read more from the Phoenix Business Journal here: City of Phoenix forgoes more water from Lake Mead in wake of declining levels

SEE ALSO:  Phoenix agrees to leave more water in Lake Mead to keep levels from depleting, from Channel 12

New developments in Tucson may face tougher water-saving measures

“As concerns mount about dwindling Colorado River water supplies, a series of new water conservation requirements may be imposed on  residential and business development in Tucson starting next year. At the direction of the Tucson City Council, the Tucson Water utility is studying five measures, ranging from a requirement for “green infrastructure” such as designs friendly for rainwater harvesting for new subdivisions, to requirements for commercial, townhouse, condominium and apartment developers to install meters specifically designed to measure outdoor water use. Those ideas were first suggested by the utility this spring, and given the go-ahead for further study of costs and benefits in a unanimous council vote in early June. … ”  Read more from the Arizona Daily Star here: New developments in Tucson may face tougher water-saving measures

Chandler spending $45M on new water facility amidst drought concerns

“The city of Chandler has approved a deal to spend $45 million on a new water facility that should help the community adapt to Arizona’s worsening drought conditions.  The facility will supply reclaimed water for Chandler’s groundwater recharge efforts as well as supply additional water for industrial cooling at Intel’s expanded facilities. Intel, one of the city’s biggest employers, has agreed to pay about half of the facility’s cost, public records show.  Reclaimed water is wastewater that’s been treated to be reused in irrigation, lakes, industrial uses, or aquifer recharge. Chandler’s existing reclamation facilities treat about 11 billion gallons of wastewater each year. … ”  Read more from Channel 12 here: Chandler spending $45M on new water facility amidst drought concerns

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In national water news this weekend …

Can PFAS chemicals in tenths or even hundredths parts per trillion present a health risk?

“Earlier this month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) issued new lifetime health advisories for four different types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water.  USEPA’s announcement is the latest action under the agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap.  Although health advisories are not enforceable, they create a number of potential compliance issues because they are intended to provide technical information on newly regulated contaminants to other regulatory bodies.  Health advisories also act as precursors to the adoption of federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), which set minimum drinking water standards for states to meet.  By way of background, the Safe Water Drinking Act (SWDA) authorizes USEPA to issue health advisories for contaminants that are known or expected to occur in public water systems and may warrant regulation. … ”  Read more from Downey Brand here: Can PFAS chemicals in tenths or even hundredths parts per trillion present a health risk?

EPA sets wildlife protections on 3 pesticides

“EPA has set new restrictions on the use of three commonly used pesticides, including the highly controversial chemical chlorpyrifos.  In adopting new conservation measures to be required on labels, the environmental agency allows the continued use of chlorpyrifos, malathion and diazinon in various settings. The final decision follows a final biological opinion from the Fish and Wildlife Service that found potential threats to endangered species that could be addressed through additional restrictions.  “These measures will not only protect listed species but will reduce potential exposure and ecological effects in these areas whenever malathion, chlorpyrifos and diazinon are used,” the agency said in a news release yesterday. EPA takes about 18 months to approve amended labels from product registrants, the agency said. … ”  Read more from E&E News here: EPA sets wildlife protections on 3 pesticides

Massachusetts v. EPA: Where are we now?

“In a scathing dissent yesterday, Justice Elena Kagan rebuked her conservative colleagues for chipping away at a key 2007 finding that is foundational to environmental law.  Kagan rebuked her conservative colleagues who formed the six-member majority in West Virginia v. EPA, which said that the federal government exceeded its authority with the 2015 Clean Power Plan, which set systemwide requirements aimed at shifting the power sector from coal to renewable generation.  To reach its conclusion, the majority, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, applied the major questions doctrine, which says Congress must speak clearly when allowing agencies to decide matters of “vast economic and political significance” (Greenwire, June 30).  Kagan wrote in the introduction of her dissent that the causes and dangers of climate change “are no longer subject to serious doubt” and that expert agencies like EPA play a critical role in addressing it.  “Today, the Court strips the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the power Congress gave it to respond to ‘the most pressing environmental challenge of our time,’” she wrote. … ”  Read more from E&E News here: Massachusetts v. EPA: Where are we now?

How the climate crisis is forever changing our national parks

“When Garrett Dickman drove through Yosemite National Park early this week, he passed through a diverse band of large trees — conifer, red fir, lodgepole pine — and noticed a grim pattern: many of the trees were either dead or dying.  “It was really striking to see that every single tree seems to be getting hit by either climatic changes; it could be dying from drought, or it could be insect attack or fungus, but they’re certainly weakened,” Dickman, a forest ecologist with the National Park Service, told CNN. “There’s a big shift happening right now, and it’s right in front of our eyes.”  The consequences of the climate crisis — more wildfires, devastating drought, sea level rise, flooding, ecological disease — are plaguing the country’s national parks. Most recently, unprecedented flash flooding overwhelmed Yellowstone National Park and some of its surrounding areas. … ”  Read more from CNN here: How the climate crisis is forever changing our national parks

Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …

NOW AVAILABLE: 2022 California Water Data Science Symposium Recordings & Resources

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