In California water news today …
California deepens water cuts to cope with drought, hitting thousands of farms
“California regulators have begun curtailing the water rights of many farms and irrigation districts along the Sacramento River, forcing growers to stop diverting water from the river and its tributaries. The order, which took effect Thursday, puts a hold on about 5,800 water rights across the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers’ watersheds, reflecting the severity of California’s extreme drought. Together with a similar order in June, the State Water Resources Control Board has now curtailed 9,842 water rights this year in the Sacramento and San Joaquin watersheds, more than half of the nearly 16,700 existing rights. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: California deepens water cuts to cope with drought, hitting thousands of farms | Read via Yahoo News
SEE ALSO: NOTICE: July 6 Weekly Update on Curtailment Status of Water Rights and Claims in the Delta Watershed
California’s prolonged drought and lost irrigation water pressure farm safety net
“California farmers remain stressed about drought conditions and limited water that is also affecting their crop insurance protections. Those were a few of the issues raised by farmers Thursday as Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, held a farm-bill listening session in his home district. Farmers talked about the prolonged impact of the drought and some of the holes in the farm safety net. Mark McKean, a farmer from Fresno County, said reductions of both state and federal water had cut water allocations to anywhere from 10% down to zero. “Productive farmland is being fallowed. We are fallowing on our own farm,” he said. … ” Read more from the Progressive Farmer here: California’s prolonged drought and lost irrigation water pressure farm safety net
Sacramento Valley farmers struggle with water cuts
“When Josh Davy bought 66 acres of irrigated pasture in Shasta County, Calif., three years ago, he thought his cattle operation would be relatively drought-proof. He was counting on the Sacramento Valley’s water supply, which for decades has been largely guaranteed, even during critically dry years. But things didn’t go as planned. His first year, Davy had all the water he needed. Last year, he got a 75% allocation. This year, for the first time ever, Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District won’t deliver any water to Davy or its approximately 800 other customers. ... ” Read more from the Capital Press here: Sacramento Valley farmers struggle with water cuts
Problems with Bay-Delta water resources modeling have been recognized for decades
Deirdre Des Jardins writes, “The drought years of 2021 and 2022 saw major errors in the Department of Water Resources’ Bulletin 120 runoff forecasts and water supply projections in the Delivery Capability Report. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee authorized an audit of DWR’s modeling and water management on June 27, 2022. But the problems are part of larger institutional issues with development and external review of modeling for water resources management, which have been recognized for decades by the Bay-Delta modeling community. On June 9, 2009 — thirteen years ago — modelers and researchers from state and federal agencies and universities sent a letter to the CALFED Director and CALFED Lead Scientist, titled, Re: Improved Modeling Capabilities Needed for the Bay-Delta Planning Effort. The letter proposed the following: … ” Read more from the California Water Research blog here: Problems with Bay-Delta water resources modeling have been recognized for decades
Conservation, working lands and loss of farmland discussed during State Board of Food and Agriculture tour
“Loss of farmland and conservation were the topics of discussion when members of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture toured ranchland and a nature preserve in the Elk Grove-area on Tuesday. Board members met at KLM Ranches and spoke with company president Ken Oneto and Charlotte Mitchell, Executive Director of California Farmland Trust. The Board also visited Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge to meet with Pat Kirby, Chair of the California Cattlemen’s Foundation Board. Speakers answered questions about their experiences confronting urban conversion and conservation of farmland as well as the hurdles, challenges, and opportunities for farmers and ranchers. … ” Read more from the Department of Food and Ag here: Conservation, working lands and loss of farmland discussed during State Board of Food and Agriculture tour
Climate in crisis: harmful algae growing in waterways
“As people look for places to cool off and enjoy the summer, there could be something lurking in the water making it dangerous to swim in local lakes and bays. Harmful algal blooms not only look and smell disgusting but can make you and your pets sick if you come in contact with it. The toxins can also become airborne and cause respiratory problems. … ” Read more from NBC Bay Area here: Climate in crisis: harmful algae growing in waterways
California lawmaker nabs Natural Resources slot
“California’s newest member of Congress will be serving on the House Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Connie Conway, a Republican who represents the 22nd District in the agriculture-heavy Central Valley, got assigned to Natural Resources by House GOP leadership, Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) the ranking member of the committee, announced today. In a statement, Conway said that she understood “the diverse water and energy challenges impacting the livelihoods of Central Valley residents and farmers.” She added that she looked forward to “working with my colleagues to address the drought and rising energy costs by modernizing outdated environmental laws and improving water storage infrastructure.” … ” Read more from E&E News here: California lawmaker nabs Natural Resources slot
Logging project in Yosemite National Park halted after environmental lawsuit
“A controversial plan to expand logging in Yosemite National Park has been temporarily halted under a recent court order from a federal judge. The National Park Service has sought to allow logging across nearly 2,000 acres of Yosemite. Federal authorities say the forest-thinning project would be aimed at removing dead trees that can provide fuel for wildfires. But the Earth Island Institute, an environmental nonprofit, filed a lawsuit in federal court last month alleging that the park service began logging for commercial purposes in Yosemite without public notice or assessing environmental risks. The lawsuit was filed against the National Park Service and Cicely Muldoon, superintendent of Yosemite National Park. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Logging project in Yosemite National Park halted after environmental lawsuit
In commentary today …
Are threatened and endangered species better off without a definition for habitat? The federal wildlife agencies think so.
Paul Weiland writes, “Last November we wrote about a regulatory proposal by the Biden Administration to rescind a Trump Administration rule that defined “habitat” for the limited purpose of informing the Services’ decisions to designate critical habitat under the ESA. This month the Administration issued its final decision striking the existing definition of habitat and refusing to set forth any single definition of the term habitat for the purpose of defining critical habitat. As we explained at the time of the regulatory proposal, this shift away from an explicit definition of habitat that provides for transparency and consistency in agency decisions is contrary to sound public policy. It will erode faith in government decision-making and is unlikely to improve conservation outcomes for animals and plants protected under the Act. It will, however, accomplish a goal articulated in the preamble to the final rule — it will not constrain the Service’s ability to designate areas as critical habitat, even if those areas do not and cannot support the species during one or more of its life stages. … ” Read more from Delta Currents here: Are threatened and endangered species better off without a definition for habitat? The federal wildlife agencies think so.
Want good infrastructure? A strong CEQA is the key
Felicia Marcus writes, “California’s infrastructure ranks 31st in the nation, earning a paltry “C-.” Thankfully, our state will receive tens of billions of dollars in investment from the federal government to address these shortcomings in addition to state and local dollars. Investment on this scale could make a huge difference in responding to climate change and environmental injustice. But dollars alone won’t ensure we build infrastructure that provides the most benefits without harming communities or the environment. Thoughtful planning and robust public participation are essential to successful infrastructure development. Our state is lucky to have the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to help us get it right. … ” Read more from Capitol Weekly here: Want good infrastructure? A strong CEQA is the key
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Four environmental groups threatening to sue federal agencies over a new forest treatment plan
“Four environmental groups are threatening to sue federal agencies over a new forest treatment plan. The activists say the Bureau of Land Management isn’t doing enough to protect two threatened species in Southern Oregon. A proposed lawsuit from Cascadia Wildlands, Center for Biological Diversity, Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center and Western Environmental Law Center seeks to protect the marbled murrelet and coastal marten, which are both threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The BLM’s Integrated Vegetation Management forest management plan outlines 150,000 acres of prescribed fires, small diameter tree thinning, and commercial thinning in late successional reserves over the next 10 years. … ” Read more from Oregon Public Broadcasting here: Four environmental groups threatening to sue federal agencies over a new forest treatment plan
For many complicated reasons, there is no dammed swimming hole at Freshwater Creek this summer, but the county hopes to bring it back next year
“Freshwater Park will go without its iconic dam-made swimming hole for the third year in a row due to a torrent of logistical issues that will prevent the County of Humboldt from reinstalling the seasonal dam for another year, and possibly indefinitely. Andrew Bundschuh, the Environmental Permitting and Compliance Manager for the county’s Public Works Department, told the Outpost that expired permits, the pandemic, drought, unfinished research for the dam’s fish ladder and modern environmental regulations have all contributed to the extended closure of the beloved Freshwater Creek pool. “There’s still a lot of stuff to work out,” Bundschuh said. … ” Read more from the Lost Coast Outpost here: For many complicated reasons, there is no dammed swimming hole at Freshwater Creek this summer, but the county hopes to bring it back next year
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Why Lake Tahoe’s famously clear water is getting cloudy
“Lake Tahoe’s famously clear water is continuing to get murkier. An annual report from UC Davis on the lake’s health released this week shows water clarity at an average depth of 61 feet last year — 2 feet shallower than in 2020 and nearly as cloudy as it’s been since measurements began. Researchers have been surveying Tahoe’s clarity the same way since 1968: by sinking a 10-inch white disc into the lake at various points year-round and observing the depth at which it disappears from view. Despite year-to-year fluctuations, the trend line is clear: Tahoe is getting cloudier. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Why Lake Tahoe’s famously clear water is getting cloudy.
Current efforts to clear up Lake Tahoe’s water aren’t working fast enough to overcome climate change
“Lake Tahoe is world famous for its crystal clear blue water. Scientists, conservationists and the millions of people who visit the lake each year want it to stay that way. Each year, researchers measure the clarity of the water as one of several ways to track the overall health of the region’s ecosystem. The measurements are made using a somewhat simple method: a 10″ white disk called a “secchi” is lowered into the water from a boat. The disk is sunk deeper and deeper until it just barely disappears from view. At that point, researchers mark the depth of the secchi disk. The deeper the reading, the clearer the water. … ” Read more from KCRA here: Current efforts to clear up Lake Tahoe’s water aren’t working fast enough to overcome climate change
SEE ALSO: Can Lake Tahoe’s clear waters rebound from storms and fires? Report shows declining clarity, from the Sacramento Bee
Inaugural drone show at Tahoe awes Incline Village, Crystal Bay communities
“Over 5,000 spectators enjoyed Lake Tahoe’s inaugural SkyShow this Independence Day as 200 drones illuminated the night sky with picturesque scenes from the Sierra and patriotic lightscapes in red, white and blue. Organizers of the event envisioned a new and innovative approach to Fourth of July festivities, one that replaced traditional pyrotechnic fireworks displays and prioritized community safety, inclusivity, and the reduction of environmental risks posed by drought and warm temperatures. Working closely with drone experts at Verge Aero, weather forecasters, and North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, it was clear that despite initial concerns about weather, the show would not be canceled. … ” Read more at the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Inaugural drone show at Tahoe awes Incline Village, Crystal Bay communities
El Dorado Irrigation District’s high country water supplies brimming
“El Dorado Irrigation District’s alpine reservoirs are chock full of water and spilling, especially after a recent thunderstorm over the Sierra. Lake levels reported by the water agency June 30 pegged Lake Aloha in Desolation Wilderness at 99% full and and nearby Echo Lake at 100%. Caples Lake in Alpine County and Silver Lake in Amador County are also at 100% capacity. Jenkinson Lake in Pollock Pines on June 30 was 78.6% full, with 7.08 cubic feet per second running into the lake and 44.2 cfs of outflow, mainly to eventually feed into the reservoir for Outingdale to avoid having to send water tankers to fill the community’s water tank. … ” Read more from the Mountain Democrat here: El Dorado Irrigation District’s high country water supplies brimming
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
New regulation considered for domestic, agricultural wells in Tehama County
“The Tehama County Groundwater Sustainability Agency held a special Wednesday meeting to discuss new well depths and screening regulations. This regulation will require screening below and sealing between the aquifer levels for agricultural and domestic wells, per the county’s staff. It further requires minimum depths only for domestic wells to be more sustainable during extended dry periods and will place a necessary access priority on wells used for potable water. Those who apply for a well permit will start with Tehama County Environmental Health. … ” Read more from the Tehama Daily News here: New regulation considered for domestic, agricultural wells in Tehama County
NAPA/SONOMA
Sonoma Co. water reservoirs near historic lows
“In the North Bay, Sonoma County held a virtual town hall to give an update on the drought situation. At last check, the county was under severe drought conditions, which means risk for wildfires. Speaking at a virtual meeting Thursday, Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins said the county is now in its third driest water year on record, and water reservoirs are near historic lows. “Lake Sonoma is at 53 percent of capacity and Lake Sonoma is at 59 percent capacity, and in other words, both are nearly half empty,” she said. … ” Read more from KRON here: Sonoma Co. water reservoirs near historic lows
Signs of blue-green algae at Villa Grand beach just one of many local drought impacts discussed in town hall
“Sonoma County health officials posted warnings at a lower Russian River beach on Thursday after finding cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, in the water off shore. Test results from samples collected by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board were not available Thursday evening, so it was unclear if any toxins were associated with the substance found off Patterson Point in Villa Grande. But anyone visiting the beach was advised to be alert to any slimy mats and practice care in recreating. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Signs of blue-green algae at Villa Grand beach just one of many local drought impacts discussed in town hall
Column: Where is the water for new homes?
Brenda Adelman, chair of the Russian River Watershed Protection Committee, writes, “In early June, gazing downstream from the newer Guerneville Bridge toward the old, you could see more of the riverbed than the Russian River, which appeared as a thin stream running through the landscape. It was sad. At the time, river flows were at 46 cubic feet per second. The two summer dams had not been installed, which would help a little, but it still seemed like there would be more wading than swimming this summer because of very low flows. Sonoma Water has asked the state Water Resources Control Board to declare a “critical dry year,” which means the lower river, as measured at Hacienda Bridge, could go down to 25 cubic feet per second. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Column: Where is the water for new homes?
BAY AREA
Valley Water refills additional percolation ponds in Santa Clara County to replenish groundwater supplies
“Many of the percolation ponds around Santa Clara County have been empty for the past few years due to the severe drought impacting the region and state. In May 2022, Valley Water received an allocation of water from the federal water project to help meet the public health and safety needs of Santa Clara County. Valley Water is using this water to fill some of the 102 percolation ponds across the county, which will help replenish our groundwater supplies. Most recently, Valley Water started filling Los Capitancillos Percolation Ponds near Coleman Road and Almaden Expressway in San José. Also, Camden Ponds in Campbell, off Los Gatos Creek, have been filled. … ” Read more from Valley Water News here: Valley Water refills additional percolation ponds in Santa Clara County to replenish groundwater supplies
CENTRAL COAST
Drought drags on and continues to impact on Central Coast
“Drought conditions are not improving in the state. With no rain in sight, the situation will only get drier. Last month, Cal Water moved into stage two of the water contingency plan. Stage 2 includes additional outdoor watering limits and increased water waste penalties. With the drought dragging on, people in King City are doing what they can to cut back on their water use. … ” Read more from KION here: Drought drags on and continues to impact on Central Coast
A tribute to the Latino legacy of the Salinas Valley
“National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the history and contributions of Latinos tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month in 2020, “Be Proud of Your Past and Embrace the Future,” invites Hispanic people to embrace their backgrounds and be proud of who they are and where they came from. It serves as a powerful reminder to all of us that by embracing others and ourselves we can have a brighter future through the inclusion of diverse cultures, backgrounds and perspectives. The history and present of the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge in California depict the Latino heritage in the region. Like many other places throughout the United States, the Salinas Valley is integral to the individual and collective experiences of the Latino diaspora. After operating as a coastal defense base by the U.S. Navy, the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge was established on July 10, 1973 for its prime location along the Pacific Flyway. … ” Read more from the US FWS here: A tribute to the Latino legacy of the Salinas Valley
City of Santa Maria provides water shortage contingency plan for community
“Santa Maria plans to deal with a water shortage. New restrictions are coming online because of our ongoing drought conditions. “The Santa Maria City Council took action to enact the city stage 2 of the water shortage contingency plan,” said the City of Santa Maria Director of Utilities Shad Springer. … ” Read more from KEYT here: City of Santa Maria provides water shortage contingency plan for community
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
City of Stockton to relieve residents of overdue wastewater bills
“The city of Stockton has announced relief for outstanding wastewater charges accumulated during the COVID pandemic will be available to residents in early August. Nearly 12,000 Stockton customers will benefit from a State Water Resources Control Board program covering past-due fees on wastewater accounts from March 4, 2020, to June 15, 2021. $985 million in funding was allocated from the state legislature to provide relief for customers experiencing financial hardships due to the COVID pandemic. ... ” Read more from Channel 10 here: City of Stockton to relieve residents of overdue wastewater bills
Will $10 million “make a dent” in Tulare County groundwater use?
“Three San Joaquin Valley water agencies are gearing up to spend $10 million each in grant funding they received from the state Department of Conservation to retire or repurpose farmland. Valley agencies that received grants so far include the Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District, Pixley Irrigation District Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) and Madera County. SJV Water will look at how each agency plans to use its $10 million in separate articles. The Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District covers about 340,000 acres in parts of Tulare and Kings counties. Three different groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) cover the Kaweah subbasin, which is being overdrafted each year by about 70,000 acre feet. ... ” Read more from SJV Water here: Will $10 million “make a dent” in Tulare County groundwater use?
EASTERN SIERRA
L.A. wins water battle with Mono County amid worsening drought
“A state appellate court has reversed a judge’s ruling that would have required the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to conduct an environmental review before making annual decisions about deliveries of water on pastureland it owns east of Yosemite. The city agency on Thursday said the previous ruling had “set an impossible standard” as it faces the complex challenges of servicing ratepayers and meeting environmental requirements in a time of drought, dwindling snowpack and changing water availability. The appellate court’s reversal ensures that the agency “will continue to have the flexibility required to balance the state’s strained water resources with the needs of people and the environment,” said Anselmo Collins, the LADWP’s senior assistant general manager of water systems. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: L.A. wins water battle with Mono County amid worsening drought
SEE ALSO: California State Court of Appeal Reverses 2021 Decision and Ensures Water Managers’ Flexibility to Effectively Deliver Water Resources, press release from LA DWP
Partnerships help the survival of agriculture and endangered species in the Mojave Desert
“Nestled in a slot canyon at the southern doorstep of Death Valley lies the China Ranch Date Farm. Those willing to journey to this oasis near the town of Tecopa, California, will be rewarded with incredible views, rows of date palm trees, an abundance of migratory birds, and a deeper respect for and understanding of conservation. Inyo County native Brian Brown, the owner and operator of the ranch, knows how difficult it is to scratch out a living in the heart of the Mojave Desert. “There is a long history here of people not being able to support themselves through agriculture and ranching, with failed vegetable, alfalfa, and ranching operations,” Brown said. “Back in 1979, I thought hard about how I could make a living off the land.” His wife Bonnie made more money from several old rows of date trees than he did growing alfalfa. So they decided to give date farming a try. … ” Read more from the US FWS here: Partnerships help the survival of agriculture and endangered species in the Mojave Desert
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
You can (and should) kayak the L.A. River
Matt Pawlik writes, “The Los Angeles River. Some Angelenos actively avoid it. Others deny its very existence. But it’s there. And it’s beautiful. I recommend experiencing it on a kayak. Of the river’s nearly 51-mile stretch from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach, two sections can be navigated by kayak during the summer: a two-mile stretch in the Sepulveda Basin and a two-and-a-half-mile passage through Elysian Valley. I opted to paddle through the latter on an expedition led by L.A. River Kayak Safari, based in Frogtown. ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: You can (and should) kayak the L.A. River
Glendale Water & Power installs drought-tolerant landscaping, offers money-saving programs
“Glendale water and power is offering new ways for customers to save on their water bill while adjusting to the ongoing drought in California. The city has moved to watering only two days a week instead of three, and its new water insight automated leak detection program helps customers determine if they have a leak — and helps them save hundreds of thousands of dollars. … ” Read more from ABC 7 here: Glendale Water & Power installs drought-tolerant landscaping, offers money-saving programs
Laguna Beach OKs expansion, water recycling plans proposed by Marine Mammal Center
“Despite being completely landlocked, Laguna Beach’s nonprofit Pacific Marine Mammal Center — which coordinates the rescue, rehabilitation and release of ill or injured seals and sea lions — is the second largest consumer of water in the city after the municipality itself. The smallish Laguna Canyon Road facility uses up to 17,000 gallons of water each day in the maintenance of seven onsite pools, not to mention furnishing the needs of the many recuperating pinnipeds in residence there. But an ambitious new expansion plan, key portions of which were unanimously approved Wednesday by members of the Laguna Beach Planning Commission, aims to cut that consumption by up to 90% with the installation of a new water reclamation facility. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Laguna Beach OKs expansion, water recycling plans proposed by Marine Mammal Center
Culver City Stormwater Capture Project celebrated as a regional model
“At a June 30, 2022 event in Culver City, the West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) and City of Culver City co-hosted an event recognizing the benefits and water savings that the Culver Boulevard Stormwater Capture Project will achieve in the months and years ahead. “In order to protect waterbodies like Ballona Creek and conserve precious rain water, Culver City continues to make significant investments to advance stormwater quality and projects,” said Culver City Mayor Dr. Daniel Lee. “Projects like ours not only captures valuable stormwater runoff for reuse, but also beautifies our community. In addition, we serve as a positive example of a multi-benefit, multi-partner stormwater capture project that increases water supply, improves water quality, and provides community enhancements.” … ” Read more from Westside Today here: Culver City Stormwater Capture Project celebrated as a regional model
Lake Elsinore: Drought guidelines look to reduce water usage
“The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, which provides most of Canyon Lake residents with its water, has been issued state mandates to monitor water usage among its customers. EVMWD consequently has moved to Level 2 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan and is asking its customers to reduce water usage by 10-to-20 percent. According to Drought.ca.gov, California’s third year of drought is marked by the driest winter months in 100 years. The period over January to March experienced the least rain and snow on record for any of these months in California, which overshadowed gains in precipitation at the end of 2021. Snow melted faster than expected, reducing snowpack to just 38 percent of average by April. This is the state’s second extreme drought in 10 years, a symptom of a warming climate. … ” Read more from Friday Flyer here: Drought guidelines look to reduce water usage
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Rancho Mirage, CVWD partner to double turf removal rebates for city’s residents
“Rancho Mirage is partnering with the Coachella Valley Water District in its turf replacement rebate program, doubling the reimbursement to $6 per square foot for residents and commercial property owners interested in changing their landscaping to save water. The City Council unanimously approved the program on Thursday. CVWD currently offers rebates of $3 per square foot up to 10,000 square feet for residential conversion and up to 25,000 square feet for homeowners’ associations and commercial property owners that convert to drought tolerant landscaping, according to Jessica Pulliam, senior management analyst for the city. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: Rancho Mirage, CVWD partner to double turf removal rebates for city’s residents
SAN DIEGO
Stinky water coming from some San Diego taps isn’t harmful, city says
“Too many San Diegans smelled something funky last week when they turned on their water faucets. Turns out there was something funky growing in nearby Lake Murray Reservoir. Biologist Peter Vroom, Ph.D. with the city’s Public Utilities Department said an algal bloom formed in the lake after the weather turned warm for a sustained period of time. “That algae produces something called 2-methylsiborneol, or MIB, which tastes horrible,” said Dr. Vroom. “It has a really earthy flavor to it.” MIB is one of the hardest things to remove during the water treatment process before it is piped to homes and businesses, according to Dr. Vroom. … ” Read more from NBC 7 here: Stinky water coming from some San Diego taps isn’t harmful, city says
Vargas, Jacobs try new route to spend $300 million on Tijuana pollution fix
“A pair of San Diego Congressional representatives are trying again to transfer money between the bank accounts of two federal agencies. Without the legislative fix, most of $300 million worth of projects to clean-up the polluted Tijuana River and Southern California beaches cannot be spent. Reps. Juan Vargas and Sara Jacobs are hopeful the full House and Senate will OK language introduced in a spending bill that’s passed a House committee, according to a Thursday press release. “In 2019, my San Diego delegation colleagues and I secured $300 million to address the ongoing cross-border pollution in my district,” read a statement from Vargas in a press release Thursday. ... ” Read more from the Voice of San Diego here: Vargas, Jacobs try new route to spend $300 million on Tijuana pollution fix
Along the Colorado River …
Critical western source water body hits scary new lows
“As historic drought grows throughout the American West, a critical source water body has now reached a shocking low. “Water levels in Lake Mead are continuing to deplete to dangerous levels — so much so that the reservoir could soon hit ‘dead pool’ levels,” ABC News reported. “The minimum surface elevation needed to generate power at the Hoover Dam is 1,050 feet… Anything below that is considered ‘inactive pool,’ and a ‘dead pool’ exists at 895 feet in elevation.” … ” Read more from Water Online here: Critical western source water body hits scary new lows
Listen: Arizona water bank has been storing water since 1996. It’s ready to make disbursements
“On July 6, Gov. Doug Ducey signed the bipartisan water measure approved by state lawmakers in the final days of their session. It sets aside more than $1 billion to find new sources of water and to conserve the supplies we already have. Some of those supplies go back to 1996, when the state established the Arizona Water Banking Authority. At the time, officials were looking at the fact that the state wasn’t using its entire allocation of Colorado River water, and there were concerns it could lose those supplies to other lower basin states. Virginia O’Connell is manager of the Arizona Water Banking Authority. The Show spoke with her to learn about what effects Arizonans could see from the new law. … ” Read more from KJZZ here (7:40): Listen: Arizona water bank has been storing water since 1996. It’s ready to make disbursements
Projects to divert more water from the Colorado River continue
“As snowpack from the Colorado River decreases, Arizona’s major reservoirs are at all-time lows. But that hasn’t stopped projects to divert more water from the river’s flow. Although estimates of the Colorado River’s flow point to a drier future, there are still a number of projects on the drawing board for new dams, diversions or pipelines in Upper Basin states. Those projects could make it difficult to keep water in Lake Powell and Lake Mead. … ” Read more from KJZZ here: Projects to divert more water from the Colorado River continue
A Colorado River leader seeks a voice in the river’s future–and freedom to profit from its waters
“As water interests in the Colorado River Basin prepare to negotiate a new set of operating guidelines for the drought-stressed river, Amelia Flores wants her Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) to be involved in the discussion. And she wants CRIT seated at the negotiating table with something invaluable to offer on a river facing steep cuts in use: its surplus water. … ” Read the full story at Western Water here: A Colorado River leader seeks a voice in the river’s future–and freedom to profit from its waters
Predator fish penetrate last precarious preserve
“A virulent and voracious species of invasive fish has penetrated the ecologically delicate waterways of the lower Colorado River, The Associated Press reported. The presence of smallmouth bass below the critical barrier of the Glen Canyon dam means an existential threat to chub, an ancient native fish, according to the AP. Wildlife biologists have long dreaded the day when the bass — a sport fish introduced into the freshwater lakes of the West — would make it through the dam to attack the threatened chub, as we reported in June. … ” Read more from The Hill here: Predator fish penetrate last precarious preserve
‘It’s not doomsday yet’ for Lake Powell, but continuing drought poses litany of challenges
“Amid the reservoir’s record-low water levels, once-hidden structures have emerged from Lake Powell as the so-called mega-drought enters its 23rd year. Just below the dam, railroad tracks run along the canyon wall — the ghostly remains of a concrete batch plant that was created to construct the dam in the early 1960s. “This is the first time they’ve been above water in 60 years,” said Gus Levy, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s deputy field division manager at Glen Canyon Dam. They may not be visible for much longer. … ” Read more from the St. George Spectrum here: ‘It’s not doomsday yet’ for Lake Powell, but continuing drought poses litany of challenges
Agriculture accounts for most of Colorado’s water use. How much water savings is possible on high-country hay meadows?
“In the middle of 300 acres of picturesque hay meadows just north of Kremmling, not far from the headwaters of the Colorado River, a metal pillar surrounded by fencing rises 10 feet from the ground. It looks something like a miniature cellphone tower with various technical instruments and antennas jutting out at the top. This tower, one of only a few scattered around the state, and the only one situated on the kind of high-altitude pasture land that’s plentiful across Colorado, counts water down to the molecule as it evaporates off the ground. The tower has been positioned in this field for the past two years as part of an ongoing study. It is providing farmers and researchers with critical information about how much water Colorado agriculture could potentially conserve in the drought-stricken West. … ” Read more from the Colorado Sun here: Agriculture accounts for most of Colorado’s water use. How much water savings is possible on high-country hay meadows?
Public invited to comment on future of Colorado River management
“The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is asking for the public’s input on the future of Colorado River management. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny reports, several key pieces of existing agreements between the seven states of the Colorado River Basin and Mexico will expire in 2026. The seven Basin States adopted “interim guidelines” in 2007 which outline the rules to declare a shortage on the Colorado River and trigger cutbacks in water use. Those guidelines expire in less than four years. So does the 2019 Drought Contingency Plan, which is meant to address declining levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell. … ” Read more from KNAU here: Public invited to comment on future of Colorado River management
Triple-digit temps forecast for the Southwest into next week
“An active start to the North American monsoon has helped to keep temperatures relatively in check in the Southwest recently, but AccuWeather forecasters say that the chance of thunderstorms will decrease in the coming days, allowing temperatures to swell across the region. Much of the monsoon’s moisture has been focused over Colorado, New Mexico and southeastern Utah as of late. Farther to the west, many locations have received very little, if any, rain. When the ground is dry, the sun’s energy is not needed to evaporate moisture. Instead, the ground is heated quickly which results in higher temperatures. … ” Read more from AccuWeather here: Triple-digit temps forecast for the Southwest into next week
AGU: Colorado River basin’s worst known megadrought was 1,800 years ago, scientists discover
“The ongoing severe drought in the Colorado River Basin has led to the river flowing at 84 percent of its historic average flow. An even more intense “megadrought” hit the region around 1,800 years ago, a new study reveals. At just 68 percent of the river’s average flow rate, the megadrought is the most severe drought discovered in the arid region yet. The new study, published in the AGU journal Geophysical Research Letters, used tree-ring data and other climate records to identify a drought period unmatched in severity by the current drought or other ancient droughts. It reveals a greater range of natural hydroclimatic variability in the Colorado River than previously recognized, highlighting a need for water managers to adjust expectations and prepare for even more intense drought. … ” Read more from the Los Alamos Daily Post here: AGU: Colorado River basin’s worst known megadrought was 1,800 years ago, scientists discover
In national water news today …
Watchdog slams Trump EPA tampering with PFAS rule
“The Trump EPA flouted transparency requirements and proper protocol when it changed a rule pertaining to “forever chemicals,” according to findings out today from the agency’s watchdog. In a report released this morning, the Office of Inspector General soundly panned EPA’s actions around a rule dealing with long-chain PFAS, chemicals that have drawn global concern due to their confirmed and possible health effects. EPA “did not follow docketing procedures,” OIG said, and failed to inform the public about changes to a rule governing notable new chemical uses. “EPA did not meet transparency expectations and risked compromising the public’s trust in the rulemaking process,” OIG said. ... ” Read more from E&E News here: Watchdog slams Trump EPA tampering with PFAS rule
Biden wanted to temporarily keep Trump rules weakening the Endangered Species Act in place. An Oakland judge tossed them
“The Biden administration plans to set aside the Trump administration’s weakening of the Endangered Species Act — changes that removed many protections for threatened species and allowed consideration of economic interests in future decisions — but wants to leave those policies in effect until it rewrites them, a potentially lengthy process. A federal judge in Oakland disagrees and has ordered the policies repealed immediately. While the government argued that abruptly changing species-protection rules while they are being revised would cause confusion, “leaving the regulations in place will cause equal or greater confusion, given the flaws in the drafting” and implementation of those rules, U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar said in his decision Tuesday. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Biden wanted to temporarily keep Trump rules weakening the Endangered Species Act in place. An Oakland judge tossed them
Why the Supreme Court’s power plant ruling isn’t ‘game over’ for the climate
“The Supreme Court’s conservative majority is pulling no punches. After eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion, limiting the separation of church and state and striking down concealed-carry gun laws in several states, the court’s Republican-appointed justices ended their term last week by chipping away at the federal government’s ability to fight the climate crisis. You’ve almost certainly already heard the news; if not, my colleague David G. Savage wrote about the case. In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled the Environmental Protection Agency lacked authority for a broad Obama-era plan to slash planet-warming pollution, handing a victory to West Virginia and 17 other fossil-fuel-friendly states that sued to block the regulation. ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: Why the Supreme Court’s power plant ruling isn’t ‘game over’ for the climate
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
YOUR INPUT WANTED on Army Corps’ Priority Policy Initiatives to Modernize Civil Works & Definition of Economically Disadvantage Community
Tools and information released to help deal with dry wells
