DAILY DIGEST, 7/14: Their wells went dry in a drought, leaving no water to fight fire; SF’s power position means few local drought restrictions. But can it last?; Experts react to celebrities using excessive water amid drought restrictions; Farmers in lower basin unite to solve drought crises; and more …

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On the calendar today …

• MEETING: Delta Independent Science Board from 9am to 3:30pm. Agenda items include an update on the Delta Conveyance Project; a discussion of the work plan for the Delta Conveyance Project EIR Review; discussion on revisions to operating guidelines; and a discussion on future reviews. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.

In California water news today …

When their wells went dry in a drought, a fire ignited. There was no water to fight it

“It had been predicted and feared.  It finally happened on a brutally hot summer day: One of California’s communities with contaminated, sputtering wells and dropping water tables ran completely out of water.  There is a state mandate to consolidate such water systems with larger nearby communities by 2024. But that wasn’t soon enough for East Orosi, an unincorporated Tulare County hamlet southeast of Fresno.  The water went off Tuesday afternoon. A temporary fix allowed the water to run sporadically on Wednesday.  By then, a family had lost their home to a fire they had no water to fight. ... ”  Read more from the LA Times here: When their wells went dry in a drought, a fire ignited. There was no water to fight it

SEE ALSO: This Valley town went without water amid triple-digit heat. Here’s what happened, from the Fresno Bee via Yahoo News

California King Tides give a glimpse into the future as sea levels rise

“California King Tides currently raise the sea level about 1-2 feet during the summer and winter solstice periods. As global warming continues, sea levels are expected to rise anywhere from 1-2 feet by 2050, according to the State of California Sea Level Rise Guidance. “That makes them very helpful for planning for future sea level rise. That’s because that’s the amount of sea level rise that we will see over the next few decades,” says Annie Kohut Frankel with the California Coastal Commission.  “So today, there may be a few days of the year, when the water is high enough that it’s flooding, some roads or beaches or other infrastructure. But in the not very distant future, the water will be at least that high every single day,” says Kohut Frankel. … ”  Read more from ABC 10 here: California King Tides give a glimpse into the future as sea levels rise

DWR enters first phase of hoist replacements at Oroville Dam

“The California Department of Water Resources has begun its nine-year project to replace the spillway gate hoists at the Oroville Dam.  Workers began the process of reverse-engineering the hoists Tuesday to open the door for replacing one per year in a project expected to be complete in 2031.  Scott Turnquist, DWR’s engineering branch manager for the Oroville field division, said the project is the result of years worth of planning in an effort to have large-scale maintenance on the dam. The construction window for reverse-engineering and eventually replacing the hoists can happen between May and October when Lake Oroville is typically at a lower water level.  The project is expected to cost $5 million. … ”  Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: DWR enters first phase of hoist replacements at Oroville Dam

One year later, DWR has provided nearly half a billion in drought relief to communities

“A year after receiving funding from the Budget Act of 2021, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has successfully awarded more than $440 million to date in drought relief assistance to small and urban communities to address water supply challenges and help build local resilience.  The Budget Act of 2021 allocated $500 million in total drought-relief funds to DWR following extreme dry conditions and Governor Newsom’s statewide drought emergency declaration. Of the $500 million, $200 million was dedicated for the Small Community Drought Relief Program and $300 million for the Urban and Multibenefit Drought Relief Program. Both programs help address drought impacts in small and urban communities and have awarded funds to more than 200 projects statewide. … ”  Read more from DWR here: One year later, DWR has provided nearly half a billion in drought relief to communities

Western drought approaching catastrophic levels

“The western United States continues to suffer from a historic level of drought. Wade Crowfoot is the secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, and he spoke during the Western Food and Ag Issues Summit hosted by Agri-Pulse. He offered up a key example of just how bad the drought has been.  Crowfoot… “We are facing a worsening regional drought across most of the American West that’s unprecedented in nature. I spent the first half an hour of my day with the Western Growers talking about the Colorado River Basin. … ”  Read more from Ag Info here: Western drought approaching catastrophic levels

July 2022 La Niña update: comic timing

Emily Becker writes, “I’m in San Diego this week, gazing out across the Pacific toward La Niña’s cool tropical ocean surface. (I’m not here for Comic-Con, but there are a lot of posters around the city that keep that upcoming event in the forefront.) Just over my horizon, La Niña—the cool phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (“ENSO” for short)—remains in force, despite some warming in the sea surface temperature over the past month or so. Forecasters expect La Niña to continue through the summer and into the fall and early winter. … ”  Continue reading at the ENSO blog here: July 2022 La Niña update: comic timing

Proposed constitutional amendment threatens water service

“The proposed “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act” could prevent water providers and other public agencies from delivering essential services and building critical infrastructure projects.  Rowland Water District (RWD) opposes the proposed amendment to the California Constitution since it would severely limit the ability of the District and other public agencies to collect fees necessary to maintain infrastructure and fund ongoing operations.  The statewide ballot initiative is intended to restrict government agencies’ capacity to enact or modify fees, taxes or assessments. It limits all revenues to a vague standard of the “minimum amount necessary” to fund services. Under current law, agencies such as RWD are already required to ensure rates and fees only cover reasonable costs, meaning there are no profits or excessive charges. … ”  Read more from Rowland Water District here: Proposed constitutional amendment threatens water service

It’s a page right out of ‘Star Wars:’ Fresh drinking water made from thin air

“As students at Kelly Elementary School in Compton finish up their P.E. class, they race over to their new Skywell Water Dispenser to fill up with cold, clean water.  But it’s also water that doesn’t come from a pipe. Instead, quite literally from thin air! Through technology known as atmospheric water generation. Ron Dorfman is the founder of Skywell.  “It seemed cool, I mean, extracting water from the air seemed rather science fiction,” said Dorfman.  Just go back to the original “Star Wars” movie that came out in 1977.  “Luke Skywalker’s family, on planet, whatever it was, came from moisture farmers, so people talk about how this is fiction imitating life, whatever it may be” said Dorfman.  So, how does it work? … ”  Read more from KABC here: It’s a page right out of ‘Star Wars:’ Fresh drinking water made from thin air

Agriculture minus three basic things

“American agriculture is going to have to do without three things that it has long taken for granted, according to a recent article by Chloe Sorvino, who leads food and agriculture coverage for Forbes.  Those things are cheap energy, free water, and a reliable climate.  “The whole system does not function” without those things, says David Barber, a partner at agriculture and food investors Astanor Ventures, as quoted in the Forbes article. “It reveals some of this for the house of cards that it is.”  “Most affected are almonds, olive oil and other specialty produce from California’s Central Valley, as well as citrus, grape and salad farms elsewhere in the state,” Sorvino writes. … ”  Read more from the Produce Blue Book here: Agriculture minus three basic things

Converted cattle troughs at Carrizo Plains ER help wildlife access water

“Wildlife at the 38,900-acre Carrizo Plains Ecological Reserve in San Luis Obispo County have a little better access to water than what the land naturally offers. There are about 30 water troughs spread throughout the reserve—all fed by water storage tanks and guzzlers via miles of underground piping.  The water infrastructure hails from the heyday of cattle grazing in the 1970s. CDFW inherited the aging system when it purchased the land in the early 1990s. The system has since been converted for wildlife use by CDFW and is maintained by staff and volunteers.  “It’s such a good combination of the past, present and future,” said CDFW Habitat Specialist Joe Lambirth. “Using windmills and troughs from the past, we tweaked the system and made it better through improvements like installing solar pumps and piping that lasts longer. I’m sure in 10 or 15 years someone will find a way to make our system better. I’m kind of counting on it.” ... ”  Continue reading from the Department of Fish & Wildlife here: Converted cattle troughs at Carrizo Plains ER help wildlife access water

Winter-run salmon return to the McCloud River for first time in more than 75 years

“As part of a long-term effort to return winter-run chinook salmon to the McCloud River, 20,000 salmon eggs were placed in the river for the first time since Shasta Dam was built in the early 1940s.  The fertilized eggs were placed in a special incubator to keep them safe until the eggs hatch, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.  After they hatch, the young fish will later be trapped in the river and then released downstream of the dam so they can migrate out to the ocean.  The endangered winter-run salmon once spawned in the McCloud River, but after Shasta and Keswick dams were built, the fish could no longer reach the river. … ”  Read more from the Redding Record-Searchlight here: Winter-run salmon return to the McCloud River for first time in more than 75 years

REPORT: 2021 Drought and Dry Year Actions Report

“This joint-agency document contains the Water Year 2021 drought response actions from the State Water Project and Central Valley Project Drought Contingency Plan, including voluntary actions taken by Central Valley water users, the Drought Relief Year Team, and the subsequent Drought Action Information 2021 document. The evaluation of the implemented actions is based on staff observations of effectiveness and concludes with recommendations for addressing water supply and fish effects associated with future drought conditions. Key to understanding and improving drought response actions is evaluation of those actions. This report, which satisfies the commitment made in the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s biological assessment to assess the effectiveness of drought response measures, also satisfies the similar reporting requirement of the incidental take permit.”  Read the report from DWR here:  2021 Drought and DrY Year Actions Report

California state attorneys, scientists seek raises of 30% and more in contract talks

“California state employee unions representing scientists and attorneys are making the biggest demands for raises in contract negotiations this year. The attorneys want 30%. The scientists, citing inequities dating to 2005, are asking for up to 43% for some job classifications. The proposed increases would be among the largest in the history of organized labor in California state government. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration in recent years has signed off on annual raises of around 2% to 3%, with some bigger bumps for select positions that have encountered recruitment and retention issues. … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here:  California state attorneys, scientists seek raises of 30% and more in contract talks

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In regional water news and commentary today …

NORTH COAST

Radio: Nonprofit behind Klamath River dam removal offers plan for allocating water to fight wildfires

“Four dams in the Klamath River along the Oregon and California border are in the process of being removed. But that means reservoirs previously used as a water source for firefighting will ultimately be gone too. The Klamath River Renewal Corporation is overseeing the removal of the dams. We learn more from Mark Bransom, CEO of the organization, about what’s being done to balance dam removal and firefighting in the region.”  Listen at KLCC here: Radio: Nonprofit behind Klamath River dam removal offers plan for allocating water to fight wildfires

More than 150 environmental crimes documented during cannabis enforcement operation in Trinity County

“During the week of June 26, officers with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Trinity County Sheriff’s Office and Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office collaborated to serve 34 search warrants in the Mad River, Kettenpom and Zenia areas of southern Trinity County. The warrants were part of an investigation into environmental crimes associated with illegal cannabis cultivation.  Additional support for the operation was provided by the California National Guard, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, State Water Resources Control Board and CDFW environmental scientists.  Prior to serving the search warrants, a records check was conducted on the properties to determine what steps may have been taken to secure a state cannabis cultivation license. In all 34 cases, no county permits or state licenses to cultivate or manufacture commercial cannabis had been issued. … ”  Read more from the Department of Fish & Wildlife here: More than 150 environmental crimes documented during cannabis enforcement operation in Trinity County

SEE ALSO:  150+ Environmental crimes found in Trinity County Cannabis Enforcement Operation, from KRCR

Humboldt County releases catalogue of sea level rise concerns, stakeholders

“Humboldt County is working on a long-term plan to address sea level rise in vulnerable areas, and it’s released a report laying out the key stakeholders who will need to be involved and what their primary concerns are.  On Wednesday, the county released the 364-page Humboldt Bay Sea Level Rise Regional Planning Feasibility Study Stakeholder Catalogue, which lays out concerns related to sea level rise as well as the roles and responsibilities each of the various stakeholders, ranging from the Wiyot Tribe to Pacific Gas & Electric Co.  “This catalogue will serve as a tool in helping to identify which parties should be involved in a regional SLR planning effort and in what capacity,” the catalogue states.  … ”  Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Humboldt County releases catalogue of sea level rise concerns, stakeholders

Quantifying Impact: Environmental review for massive Samoa fish farm heads to planning commission

“In 2019, Nordic Aquafarms approached the county with a unique proposal: Using some derelict land owned by the Harbor District, the Norway-based company wanted to build a giant land-based fish farm, with Atlantic salmon raised in tanks, separated from the waters of the ocean and Humboldt Bay, and marketed all over the nation. As part of the deal, Nordic would first clean up the highly polluted site, which was last occupied by the now defunct Samoa pulp mill, saving the district and the county millions of dollars. Nordic also promises the project will bring hundreds of good-paying jobs throughout the course of site cleanup, construction and ongoing operations. … ”  Read more from the North Coast Journal here: Quantifying Impact: Environmental review for massive Samoa fish farm heads to planning commission

Mendocino County BOS looks to regulate private extraction, sale of groundwater

“After a long back-and-forth on Tuesday afternoon, all but one Mendocino County supervisor approved a draft of a water hauling ordinance created by concerned community members.  The ordinance draft will move on to the planning commission for review, despite lingering questions around how to fund it. Board Chair Ted Williams voted against the ordinance because of those concerns.  The ordinance’s purpose is to protect the county’s groundwater resources by regulating the sale and transport of groundwater from private wells. Supervisors John Haschak and Glenn McGourty, who represent the 3rd and 1st districts respectively, sponsored the document and sat on a committee of residents from Laytonville, Redwood Valley, Covelo, Albion, and other towns in the county to formulate the document. … ”  Read more from the Mendocino Voice here: Mendocino County BOS looks to regulate private extraction, sale of groundwater

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Keep Tahoe Blue hosts Tahoe Stewardship Days and Eyes on the Lake training

“The team at League to Save Lake Tahoe invites the public to take part in two traditional volunteer events in July, Tahoe Stewardship Days and Eyes on the Lake training.  July 20 – STEWARDSHIP DAY – Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are invited to this fun, hands-on restoration event from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We will maintain the recreational trails at Tahoe Mountain by clearing paths and cutting back brush.  July 30 – EYES ON THE LAKE – Join the League To Save Lake Tahoe (Keep Tahoe Blue) for a free Eyes on the Lake training!  Learn how to identify Tahoe’s various native and invasive aquatic plants, and how to report observations that allow the League and our partners to control new populations of aquatic invaders before they do lasting damage to Lake Tahoe. ... ”  Learn more and register at South Tahoe Now here: Keep Tahoe Blue hosts Tahoe Stewardship Days and Eyes on the Lake training

Are our Sierra Nevada towns destined to go down in flames?

Richard Bednarski writes, “I grew up in Quincy, California, a small, vibrant mountain community in the far north reaches of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The area is home to about 5,000 people; we caught up with each other in the bank teller line or while checking out in one of the two grocery stores or came together several times a year for events like the County Fair, the Christmas Tree Lighting, and an annual community picnic.   Quincy was the ideal place to come of age. Growing up there was carefree. I could ride my bike anywhere (the town only has two traffic lights that are less than twenty years old anyway) and outdoor adventures were plenty. The forest was my oyster and I have memories beyond the counting of being among the trees. From exploring the forest with my dog while my dad fell trees for firewood to driving the dirt roads at unsafe speeds when I first got my driver’s license. I cut my teeth in the Plumas National Forest.  Wildfires were a part of life. … ”  Read more from the Sierra Nevada Ally here: Are our Sierra Nevada towns destined to go down in flames?

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Watch these films! Floodplains reconnected

“It may seem counterintuitive in this very dry year to be thinking and talking about floodplains; yet, these years highlight the importance of the floodplain in the Sacramento Valley and the opportunities we have in all years–including critically dry years–to reactivate our floodplains as part of ridgetop to river mouth water management.  To learn more about these opportunities, we encourage you to grab some popcorn and watch several award-winning films that explore how reconnecting our landscape with our vital rivers can have a profound impact on recovery of endangered fish and wildlife populations in harmony with our cities, rural communities and farms. Reconnecting our floodplains also helps recharge groundwater, which will be essential in the Sacramento Valley this fall and winter for groundwater sustainability. … ”  Read more from the Northern California Water Association here: Watch these films! Floodplains reconnected

BAY AREA

SF’s power position in the water wars means few local drought restrictions. But can it last?

“As a severe three-year drought strains water supplies across California, Bay Area water agencies are increasingly looking to the city of San Francisco as a lifeline. Through the Hetch Hetchy dam and a network of aqueducts and reservoirs that brings water from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the coast, the city has plenty of water even now. And it’s fighting hard to protect its position, battling in court against state efforts that could reduce its supplies.  That’s good news for San Francisco residents, who have been asked to make only a token reduction in their water use even amid a drought emergency.  But the small cutback belies bigger trends that make San Francisco’s water resources look a little less bottomless. About two-thirds of the Hetch Hetchy water is sold to wholesale customers, including neighboring cities and counties, and they are being asked to make much bigger cuts in consumption. … ”  Read more from SF Standard here: SF’s power position in the water wars means few local drought restrictions. But can it last?

‘Flooding may be our only option’: Bay Area firefighters struggle against fire that’s been burning for 6 weeks

“Eager to extinguish the stubborn and smoky Marsh Fire burning in Pittsburg and Bay Point for 6½ weeks, firefighters are considering flooding the wetlands area where the blaze continues to burn in decayed vegetation.  Contra Costa County Fire Protection District authorities are working with regulatory agencies to come up with a plan to flood the area, said Steve Hill, a spokesperson for the East Bay agency.  “We are aggressively pursuing a solution that involves flooding the area,” he said, ackowledging environmental concerns and the need to win approvals from multiple regulatory agencies. “But flooding may be our only option.” … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: ‘Flooding may be our only option’: Bay Area firefighters struggle against fire that’s been burning for 6 weeks

“Plastics Piranha” autonomous rover coming to Contra Costa County

““Plastics Piranha,” an autonomous rover that collects debris from waterways, arrives this week at Point San Pablo Harbor in Richmond, the University of Cincinnati announced.  Developed by the startup Clean Earth Rovers, the autonomous rover skims waterways and can collect more than 100 pounds of waste per trip. It is 100 percent electric and uses obstacle avoidance software to stay clear of boaters and marine life.  Clean Earth Rovers was incubated at the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub and received funding through their Venture Lab program. The startup is launching its first fully autonomous rover to collect plastic debris from Richmond this summer, with the aim of cleaning up parts of California’s coast. ... ”  Read more from the Claycord News & Talk here: “Plastics Piranha” autonomous rover coming to Contra Costa County

Brentwood residents utilize city’s recycled water program as drought deepens

“According to new numbers just released, Northern California residents have cut their water use by 8.5% in May, but that’s still short of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s drought reduction goal of 15%.  One East Bay city is giving away free water to residents to help conserve. While it may seem counterintuitive, Brentwood has been giving away water since 2015, when the state was also mired in drought.  The city has an extensive recycled water program that irrigates the parks and public spaces, like grass and trees along city streets as well as landscaped medians. During the drought seven years ago, the city set up filling stations where residents could bring their own containers and get recycled water at no cost. … ”  Read more from CBS Bay Area here: Brentwood residents utilize city’s recycled water program as drought deepens

Livermore approves ballot initiative language for sewer line extension

“The Livermore City Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt a resolution certifying environmental documents and approving ballot initiative language to extend sanitary sewer service beyond the urban growth boundary to serve wine country uses.  The initiative, proposed by the Tri-Valley Conservancy, aims to improve groundwater quality and enhance the economic viability of agriculture and viticulture in the South Livermore Valley area, according to city staff. … ”  Read more from Pleasanton Weekly here: Livermore approves ballot initiative language for sewer line extension

Mountain View declares stage 2 water shortage emergency, rate hikes continue in the South Bay

“Mountain View’s City Council has declared a stage 2 water shortage emergency – releasing a list of water use restrictions.  Under the emergency declaration, residents of even addresses can irrigate on Tuesday and Fridays, while those at odd addresses can irrigate Monday and Thursdays.  The City Council also detailed some do’s and don’ts for water usage.  The do’s include: repair water leaks within 5 days, recirculate water for car washes and laundry systems and use recycled water for construction when available.  The don’ts: wash vehicles at home (except by bucket), water between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (except by bucket, hose or for system repair) and water more than 15 minutes per day (except drip irrigation). … ”  Read more from the Mountain View Voice here: Mountain View declares stage 2 water shortage emergency, rate hikes continue in the South Bay

CENTRAL COAST

Porta potties and dirty buses: Hearst Castle cuts down water use in response to drought

“Visitors to Hearst Castle can expect to see some changes as California combats its worst drought in years. California State Parks is implementing stage 3 of its drought contingency plan in an effort to cut back on water use at the former San Simeon estate of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. It’s the highest stage in State Parks’ drought contingency plan for the Castle. The agency’s efforts mirror how the entire state of California has worked to reduce water consumption during the driest megadrought in the West in 1,200 years. … ”  Read more from the San Luis Obispo Tribune here: Porta potties and dirty buses: Hearst Castle cuts down water use in response to drought

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Mayor Garcetti announces lower water use in the month of June on record

“Mayor Eric Garcetti today announced that Angelenos have achieved the all-time lowest water use for June on record in the City of Los Angeles, and urged customers to continue cutbacks in the face of worsening drought conditions.  “Just two months ago, we acknowledged an urgent need to reduce our water use, and today, it’s clear that Angelenos have heeded our call,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “As encouraging as this progress is, L.A. continues to shatter monthly heat records, and we are faced with the stark reality that this crisis is only deepening. As the hottest months of the year approach, we’re asking Angelenos to not only maintain recent reductions, but to find additional ways to cut back on their water usage by taking advantage of the nearly 20 LADWP rebates that help our ratepayers save money and have made Los Angeles one of the most water efficient cities in the country.” … ”  Read more from the City of LA here: Mayor Garcetti announces lower water use in the month of June on record

SEE ALSO: Angelenos Achieve Record Water Savings in June; LADWP Urges Customers to Keep It Up as Summer Heats Up, from the LA DWP

CBS2 Investigates: Experts react to celebrities using excessive water amid drought restrictions

“A CBS2 Investigation into some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities found many of them using more water than they should and violating water district rules in their multimillion dollar mansions. Now, some water environmentalists are concerned. “It’s unconscionable right now when you’re dealing with the drought in Southern California,” Steve Creech, who promotes clean water as the President of the Wyland Foundation, told CBS2 Investigative Reporter David Goldstein.  Reality star Kourtney Kardashian was one of many celebrities CBS2 found overusing water. … ”  Read more from CBS LA here: CBS2 Investigates: Experts react to celebrities using excessive water amid drought restrictions

Environmental groups allege L.A. River Master Plan was approved without proper review

“Two environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles County, accusing officials of violating state environmental laws when they approved the Los Angeles River Master Plan last month.  The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, seeks to bar the county from developing any new river project without first conducting a review of “all foreseeable significant impacts to the environment that the master plan will authorize.”  The suit was filed by LA Waterkeeper and the Center for Biological Diversity.  “Litigation is never our first choice,” said Bruce Reznik, LA Waterkeeper’s executive director, “but the river master plan is clearly deficient, and we see this as a crucial moment in the life of the river.” … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Environmental groups allege L.A. River Master Plan was approved without proper review

Long Beach stormwater treatment plant moves ahead with $4 million grant

“The City Council accepted nearly $4 million from the State Water Resources Control Board on Tuesday night, June 5, to push Long Beach’s new stormwater treatment plant into full production.  The plant, called LB-MUST (Municipal Urban Stormwater Treatment), has been in the design phase for a few years. It is designed to take low-flow stormwater from the Los Angeles River drainage area, treat it and use it to create a new wetlands nearby. Eventually, the plant may also provide recycled water for irrigation.  “Long Beach Water is glad to hear that the city has successfully obtained millions of dollars of additional grant funding for Phase II of Public Works’ LB MUST project,” Water Department General Manager Chris Garner said in an email. “As Long Beach continues to face the record drought in California, it is critical to explore new technologies to increase alternate water supply sources.” … ”  Read more from the Long Beach Press Telegram here: Long Beach stormwater treatment plant moves ahead with $4 million grant

Catalina Island and SoCal Edison’s desalination plants are quenching thirst

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of Southern California Edison’s (SCE) first desalination plant on Catalina Island. The desalination process strips salt out of ocean water from two underground saltwater beach wells to make it drinkable. The desalination plant was considered a developing technology in 1992. It was the first ocean water to drinking water plant on the West Coast and one of the first prototypes in the country.  SCE built the first desalination plant in response to the development of the nearby Hamilton Cove condominiums and the drought in the late 1980s. … ”  Read more from The Log here: Catalina Island and SoCal Edison’s desalination plants are quenching thirst

Does San Bernardino have reliable water supply?

“Despite 23 years of local drought, three years of drought in Northern California, and a reduction in this year’s allocation of imported water from the State Water Project, the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (Valley District) and the cities and retail water providers that it serves continue to provide a reliable water supply for the 710,000 people in its region.  Valley District is among 27 State Water Contractors who recently learned that rainfall in Northern California will only provide five percent (5%) of their supplies from the State Water Project this year. On March 28, 2022, Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order for the state to take certain actions due to the dry conditions this year.  “Thanks to our region’s significant investments in imported water from the State Water Project over the last several years, our water supply remains resilient despite the continued dry conditions; however, we continue to diversify our supplemental water supply options,” commented Valley District CEO and General Manager Heather Dyer. “To help us overcome this and future droughts, the region is investing in stormwater capture, recycled water, and water use efficiency.”  … ”  Read more from City News Group here: Does San Bernardino have reliable water supply?

IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS

In Coachella Valley, water customers still using about 3 times the state average per person

“Coachella Valley water districts once again were among California’s top water users in May, although some are making progress on conservation.   Just two of the six water agencies serving the Coachella Valley decreased their cumulative water use from July 2021-May 2022 compared to the corresponding months in 2020, according to data released by the State Water Resources Control Board last week.  Myoma Dunes Water Company, which serves Bermuda Dunes and a corner of La Quinta, was down by 5.4%, and Mission Springs Water District, which serves Desert Hot Springs, was down by 0.7%. In July 2021, Gov. Gavin Newsom called for Californians to reduce water usage by 15% compared to 2020 levels. … ”  Read more from the Desert Sun here: In Coachella Valley, water customers still using about 3 times the state average per person

Supervisor Plancarte calls for water shortage summit

“Imperial County District 2 Supervisor Luis Plancarte called for a water shortage summit for all of the water providers in Imperial County to see where they stand with plans to reduce water consumption in light of extreme drought conditions in the state.  An emergency regulation was passed on May 24 by the state Water Resources Control Board, which required urban and commercial water suppliers to implement the second stage of their respective water shortage plans.  In a separate development, the Bureau of Reclamation is calling for 2 million acre-feet to 4 million acre-feet in additional conservation in 2023 among all Colorado River Basin states, and asking for a collaborative approach to be presented by mid-August.  As the largest water rights holder for the Colorado River, the Imperial Valley is directly impacted by the drought through the Colorado River, though the majority of those rights are controlled by the Imperial Irrigation District. … ”  Read more from the Holtville Tribune here: Supervisor Plancarte calls for water shortage summit

El Centro implements new drought mandates

“The City Council voted unanimously to move into Stage 2 of the city’s water shortage contingency plan as required by the state Water Resources Control Board in response to increasing drought conditions.  The July 5 vote came in direct response to an emergency regulation passed on May 24 by the Water Resources Control Board, which required water suppliers, such as cities or the Imperial Irrigation District, to implement Stage 2 of their respective plans, according to El Centro Public Works Director Abraham Compos.  “We really want to stress that this is a statewide mandate, not a local issue … we don’t really have a choice,” Campos said. … ” Read more from the Holtville Tribune here: El Centro implements new drought mandates

SAN DIEGO

Independent investigation of Carlsbad’s Hope Elementary School water cross-contamination finished

“An independent investigation into the cross-contamination reports at Hope Elementary reported multiple times during the last year has been completed and is expected to be presented to community members Wednesday evening.  The investigation was conducted by Carl Botterud, described by the Carlsbad Unified School District (CUSD) as an independent attorney and workplace investigator, was hired in late March 2022, by an external legal firm that had been hired by CUSD.  According to a report published by CUSD, in advance of Wednesday evening’s school board meeting, it was determined that a cross-connection occurred between Hope Elementary School’s reclaimed water and potable water systems, “behind classroom 35” in August 2021. … ”  Read more from NBC 7 here: Independent investigation of Carlsbad’s Hope Elementary School water cross-contamination finished

San Diego City Council votes to set hearing for potential water rate increase

“The San Diego City Council has unanimously voted to set a public hearing to discuss the potential of a water rate hike.  In May, the San Diego County Water Authority proposed increasing its rates by about 5% for treated water and nearly 4% for untreated water, citing inflation, increased energy costs and rate hikes set by the Southern California Metropolitan Water District.  The city has said it would not pass on more than 3% of cost increases to customers. … ”  Read more from NBC San Diego here: San Diego City Council votes to set hearing for potential water rate increase

SEE ALSO: San Diegans on notice: Water rates could be rising, from KPBS

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Along the Colorado River …

Farmers in lower basin unite to solve drought crises

“The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) issued a call last June to the public for assistance in developing long-term operations on the Colorado River. This announcement came within days of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton’s message to a Senate Committee that the seven states of the Colorado River Basin must come up with an emergency deal by mid-August to conserve between 2 and 4 million acre-feet of water in the next year to protect the entire Colorado River system, according to the Family Farm Alliance (FFA) newsletter. Touton told the Committee that shortages on the Colorado River system need at least 2 million acre-feet of reduction in water use by 2023 just to keep Lake Mead functioning and physically capable of delivering drinking water, irrigation and power to millions of people. … ”  Read more from the Desert Review here: Farmers in lower basin unite to solve drought crises

Angered by climate denial, a Times photographer embarked on a watershed journey

“It was late 2020, less than a year into the pandemic, but Luis Sinco wasn’t thinking about COVID-19. He was overwhelmed by catastrophe. Fires were burning, glaciers were melting, and the West was again in drought. But from talking to his kids and friends and people around him, the award-winning Times photographer sensed little dire urgency, little connection between the climate crisis and the routines of everyday life.  “It occurred to me — people think of water as something that just comes out of your tap. They have no idea of the source of that water,” Sinco told me the other day. “Just think about that.”  So, Sinco focused his sights on a lifeline of the West — the Colorado River. ... ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Angered by climate denial, a Times photographer embarked on a watershed journey

It’s happened before: Lake Mead’s wild water level ride

“From July 13, 2021, to July 13, 2022, Lake Mead’s water level has dropped a little more than 26 feet. It’s a massive amount of lake-level movement, but not as much as what was seen at the lake between 1951 to 1964.  But first, some perspective. The reasons for the dramatic water loss and gains in these years compared to this past year are vastly different. Officially this past year’s water loss is mainly due to the 20-year drought in the west and a much thinner snow pack and snow melt in the Rockies. But 50 to 70 years ago Lake Mead’s water levels were changing in part due to new dams being built to the south and north. … ”  Read more from Channel 8 here:  It’s happened before: Lake Mead’s wild water level ride

‘A mini-Grand Canyon’: Desert opens up as aquifers decline in Cochise County

“Cities and agricultural operations across the West put intense pressure on groundwater supplies. In some rural regions, few rules govern how, when and how much water can be pumped.  That’s true in rural southern Arizona, where wells are drying up as cities grow, large farms move in and the megadrought continues. In Cochise County, some residents are pushing the state to better manage dwindling groundwater supplies, although not everyone is on board.  Near her home, Tara Morrow can walk inside a crack in the ground that’s deeper than she is tall.  “There’s a really good snake den back in there,” she said. … ”  Read more from the Gila Herald here: ‘A mini-Grand Canyon’: Desert opens up as aquifers decline in Cochise County

Podcast: Water wars in the modern Wild West

“In the mid-1990s, another oil boom was on in Calgary, Alberta, and it was literally possible to stand in the prairie and watch suburban development coming at you: bulldozers pushing out new roads, linemen installing power cable, and flatbeds full of stick lumber roiling the dust.  There’s no oil boom in the outlying desert of the Phoenix, Arizona, metro region, but there is a continuous growth push onto the fringes there, fueled by attractive winter weather, favorable tax rates for business developments creating jobs, and transplants escaping high housing prices in California. Maricopa County has been at the top of the annual population growth charts for many years.  At Strong Towns, we talk about financial challenges inherent in patterns of suburban development like those we’re seeing recently in Maricopa County. Developers take advantage of higher home sales prices supported by low interest rates to build out fringe development and leave future maintenance costs to local governments in an endless Growth Ponzi Scheme. … ”  Read more and listen at Strong Towns here: Podcast: Water wars in the modern Wild West

Invasive smallmouth bass make it through Glen Canyon Dam into mainstem Colorado River, threatening native fish

“The National Park Service says smallmouth bass have been found in the mainstem Colorado River below the Glen Canyon dam. The announcement comes as lake levels drop to unprecedented lows.  Smallmouth bass are a predatory non-native fish that have adversely impacted native and federally protected fish in the upper basin of the Colorado River over the last 20 years.  In a press release, NPS and the Department of the Interior say lower water levels at Lake Powell and rising temperatures in the Colorado River have increased concerns that non-native, warm-water predators, including smallmouth bass, could pass through the dam and begin reproducing. … ”  Read more from KNAU here: Invasive smallmouth bass make it through Glen Canyon Dam into mainstem Colorado River, threatening native fish

Blue Mesa Reservoir is half full because of aridification and downstream obligations

“Blue Mesa Reservoir, downstream of Gunnison, once resembled a deep and healthy lake. But a 22-year drought, coupled with obligations to release water to downstream users, has left the reservoir 69 feet below the normal high watermark.  Experts say it will take a lot more than one snowy winter to refill the reservoir.  The Gunnison River flows for about 25 miles before it becomes Blue Mesa Reservoir, which stores water, creates power, and provides recreation opportunities such as fishing and boating.  Erik Knight, a hydrologist with the Bureau of Reclamation, says the reservoir has seen better days. … ”  Read more from Aspen Public Radio here: Blue Mesa Reservoir is half full because of aridification and downstream obligations

Helicopters are back in the air to protect northern Colorado’s water

“Work to protect water quality on the northern Front Range resumes this week with a whir of helicopter blades in Poudre Canyon. For the second year in a row, those aircraft will drop mulch on areas burned by the Cameron Peak Fire in 2020 — an effort to stabilize burned soil and keep ashy debris out of rivers.  Colorado’s largest-ever wildfire left a charred moonscape, with soil turned into gray dust and shards of blackened trees and plants littering the ground. When it rains, ash and sediment can be swept downhill into rivers that supply water to town pipes. In 2021, that forced the City of Fort Collins to stop treating water from the river and switch to an alternate supply from Horsetooth Reservoir. ... ”  Read more from KUNC here: Helicopters are back in the air to protect northern Colorado’s water

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In national water news today …

Misconceptions about U.S. water infrastructure

“The U.S. has more 148,000 drinking water systems which distribute 39 billion gallons of potable water to homes and businesses nationwide. For those who work in the drinking water and wastewater treatment industry, the size, scope, and challenges to the country’s water infrastructure are well known. Unfortunately, the average American’s understanding of key details of water infrastructure differs from reality, as detailed by a recent survey from American Water. … ”  Read more from Water Online here: Misconceptions about U.S. water infrastructure

Deploying community water solutions with people, for people

“Water is the lifeblood of human and environmental health and thus of civilization, the global economy, and sustainable development. Yet access to water is still largely taken for granted by people at all levels, from individual water users to businesses and governments. Problems related to water accessibility, supply stability, and use—as well as inaction in tackling problems—often go unaddressed. Moreover, typical water security indicators that measure water availability and infrastructure in aggregate at state or regional levels have at times served to obscure disparities in security at local consumer levels [Young, 2021].  … ”  Read more from EOS here: Deploying community water solutions with people, for people

Chinese scientists develop robot fish that gobble up microplastics

“Robot fish that “eat” microplastics may one day help to clean up the world’s polluted oceans, says a team of Chinese scientists from Sichuan University in southwest China.  Soft to touch and just 1.3 centimetres (0.5 inch) in size, these robots already suck up microplastics in shallow water.  The team aims to enable them to collect microplastics in deeper water and provide information to analyse marine pollution in real time, said Wang Yuyan, one of the researchers who developed the robot. … ”  Read more from Reuters here: Chinese scientists develop robot fish that gobble up microplastics

Grassroots: How microplastics memes took over

“Microplastics are in your body, and you crave them. They are unionizing. You are eating them so turtles do not have to. They come in a salt shaker. The Pope found microplastics in holy water. When you grow sick of microplastics and crave something larger, worry not: You can eat a Frisbee.  Across social media, microplastics are everywhere as public concerns around pollution and health impacts mount.  The subject of all this content is tiny: Microplastics are fragments, less than 5 millimeters in length, and increasingly notorious for their role in contaminating the environment when they are shed through sources like cosmetics, industrial processes or packaging. Advocates have long emphasized the risks they pose, along with larger plastics. But widespread public awareness online has only come in the past few years. … ”  Read more from E&E News here: Grassroots: How microplastics memes took over

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