On the calendar today …
- MEETING: State Water Resources Control Board meets beginning at 9:30am. Agenda items include an update on monthly water production and conservation data reported by urban retail water suppliers, a Public Hearing to consider a Proposed Water Quality Order regarding the Petition of AES Redondo Beach, LLC, for review of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Failure to adopt a Time Schedule Order for the Redondo Beach Generating Station, Summary of results from the 2021 Volumetric Annual Report of Wastewater and Recycled Water in California, and Report from the Presiding Hearing Officer on the Second and Third Years of the Water Board’s Administrative Hearings Office. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.
- MEETING: Department of Food and Agriculture from 10am to 2pm. Agenda items include legislative update, and presentations on Draft 2022 Scoping Plan for Natural and Working Lands, Biodivesity and pathways to 30×30, and carbon mapper/satellite partnership. Attend in person or via zoom. Click here for the full agenda and zoom link.
In California water news today …
Worsening drought drives California water prices to all-time high
“California water prices are at all-time high as a severe drought chokes off supplies to cities and farms across the Golden State. The price of water on the Nasdaq Veles California Water Index touched $1,144.14 an acre-foot on June 27 — up 56% since the start of the year. The index tracks the average price of water-rights transactions in five markets in the state. In some pockets of California, water is even more costly — hovering around $2,000 an acre-foot in the Westlands region, according to Sarah Woolf, president of Water Wise, a water brokerage and consultancy based in Fresno. Comprising more than 1,000 square miles of farmland in Central Valley, the Westlands is the largest agricultural water district in the US. … ” Read more from Bloomberg here: Worsening drought drives California water prices to all-time high
State can seek environmental safeguards for Oroville Dam beyond federal regulations, California Supreme Court rules
“The state Supreme Court allowed local governments and conservation groups Monday to ask the state for further safety measures and environmental safeguards at the Oroville Dam despite federal authority to license the facility, where a breach and spill forced 188,000 people to evacuate their homes in 2017. The ruling will not interrupt operations at the nation’s tallest dam, a 770-foot structure on the Feather River in Butte County. But the 5-2 decision enables California water officials to conduct additional review, under state environmental laws, of the dam and other federally regulated water projects. “This has far-reaching consequences,” said E. Robert Wright, a Sierra Club attorney whose clients in the case also included the Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the River. ... ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: State can seek environmental safeguards for Oroville Dam beyond federal regulations, California Supreme Court rules
California, environmental challenges can coexist
“California counties can’t seek to unwind a state-federal settlement of a lawsuit over hydroelectric licensing at the US’s largest earthen dam, but they can challenge the adequacy of a report a state agency uses without running afoul of federal law preemption, a divided California Supreme Court ruled Monday. In so doing, the justices in part reversed an appellate ruling that the Federal Power Act preempts state court challenges to an environmental impact report conducted to comply with the federal Clean Water Act. The report was prepared under the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, the state law that predates the National Environmental Policy Act and, like NEPA, requires environmental assessments of proposed actions. … ” Read more from Bloomberg Law here: California, environmental challenges can coexist
California’s megadrought is worse than you think
“When Maria Regalado Garcia tried to wash the dishes in her California home one recent morning, only a trickle of water emerged from the kitchen faucet. Other taps in her Tooleville house in rural Tulare County ran similarly dry. The lack of water meant Garcia, 85, couldn’t brush her teeth properly or fill a swamp cooler that pumps out chilled air — a necessity with temperatures topping 100 degrees in her central California town. So Garcia fled to her granddaughter‘s home in Exeter, a few minutes away, to have a place cool enough to sleep. Garcia and her neighbors, who intermittently lose tap water at home, are among those most affected by a historic drought that’s blanketed the West, scorched California and caused a growing list of water troubles for residents and farmers. Nearly three-quarters of California is in either extreme or exceptional drought, considered worse than severe, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. It’s so bad that scientists say the ongoing drought in the western United States marks the region’s driest 22-year stretch in more than 1,200 years. … ” Read more from E&E News here: California’s megadrought is worse than you think
Mudslides, rainfall, trapped motorists as intense monsoonal storm hits California
“August is off to a sticky, wet start as a monsoon flow dogs California. Some parts of the state saw heavy rainfall over the last few days, while others endured flash floods and debris flows. Other areas saw little of either, but endured a hot, sticky mess of high humidity, which is expected to break off over the next few days but will stubbornly return by the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Approximately 30 drivers were stranded in their cars Sunday as heavy rain sent mud and debris onto Highway 38 leading to Big Bear. The Angelus Oaks area in San Bernardino saw a little more than an inch of rain, according to the National Weather Service, which was just enough to send mud flowing down from the 2020 burn scar left by the El Dorado fire. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Mudslides, rainfall, trapped motorists as intense monsoonal storm hits California
Public comment period opens for additional resubmitted groundwater sustainability plans with ‘incomplete’ determinations
“On January 28, 2022, the Department released eight Incomplete determinations on groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs) developed by local agencies to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). These basins were given 180 days to address deficiencies and resubmit their revised GSPs to the Department for review. The revised GSPs in response to the Incomplete determination have been resubmitted to the Department and are now posted on the DWR SGMA Portal. These plans are open to public comment for 60 days after the posted date. Below in the table are links to the submitted plans, counties they cover, and the public comment period end date. More information about how to comment on a GSP can be found in the public comment factsheet, available in English and Spanish. Please note that a SGMA Portal account is not required to submit a public comment. … ” Read more from the Department of Water Resources via Maven’s Notebook here: Public comment period opens for additional resubmitted groundwater sustainability plans with ‘incomplete’ determinations
Feds back-pedal on California fracking leases
“A last-ditch effort by the Trump administration to open federal lands for oil and gas exploration in California led to a lawsuit by conservationists against the Bureau of Land Management — a fight that ended in settlement over the weekend. Seven parcels of federal land were auctioned off to energy companies, ranging from California’s Central Coast to the agricultural heart of the state- the Central Valley. The first leases for oil and gas drilling were sold in Kern County, an area already littered with active and abandoned wells. The conservation groups claimed the Bureau of Land Management ignored 35,000 written complaints, underestimated the number of wells to be fracked and blew past environmental impact surveys to seal the leases. They also touted the potential for contamination of groundwater in the area. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News here: Feds back-pedal on California fracking leases
SEE ALSO: Federal government suspends new drilling and fracking leases on public lands in Central California, from the LA Times
California cities introduce rules and fines on water use during the drought
“As California enters yet another year of a continued drought, cities and counties across the state implemented water restrictions in the hopes of reducing strain on the states water sources. According to the state, banning the watering of non-functional lawns will save hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of water a year. … ” Article looks at local water restrictions throughout the state. Read more from Fox 40 here: California cities introduce rules and fines on water use during the drought
In exit, Calif. water official calls for “permanently reducing agriculture”
“A top climate strategist with the State of California resigned last month due to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration not steering the state on the necessary path to deal with continual drought. Max Gomberg, a former water conservation and climate change manager for the State Water Resources Control Board, posted his resignation letter online last month detailing his issues with Newsom. Newsom’s climate goals have been clear. Last month, the governor outlined new targets and actions to accelerate progress on the state’s 2030 climate goals and to get to carbon neutrality by 2045. … ” Read more from the San Bernardino Sun here: In exit, Calif. water official calls for “permanently reducing agriculture”
San Francisco Estuary Partnership releases 2022 Estuary Blueprint
“The San Francisco Estuary Partnership is proud to share with you the 2022 Estuary Blueprint! The Estuary Blueprint is a collaborative, consensus-driven five-year roadmap to achieving a healthy, resilient San Francisco Estuary. This updated plan identifies the top actions needed for increased climate resilience, improved water quality for animals and people, healthier habitats and wildlife, and thriving human communities. The 2022 Estuary Blueprint aligns priority actions with Plan Bay Area, Bay Adapt, the Delta Plan, the Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin, the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture’s Implementation Plan, and many other regional plans.” From the San Francisco Estuary Partnership: Estuary Blueprint 2022
EPA announces $13.5 million for the San Francisco Bay, Morro Bay, and Santa Monica Bay National Estuary Programs from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced an unprecedented investment of $132 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) over the next five years for important work to protect and restore estuaries of national significance, including three in California. This influx will fund projects to address climate resilience, prioritize equity, and manage other key water quality and habitat challenges across 28 estuaries along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts and in Puerto Rico. In California, the San Francisco Bay-Delta, Morro Bay, and Santa Monica Bay National Estuary Programs will each receive up to $4.5 million over five years to protect and restore water quality and habitat. “Protecting the water quality of these three incredibly important California estuaries – the San Francisco Bay-Delta, Morro Bay and Santa Monica Bay – not only defends critical habitats, but protects the quality of life and economic foundations of our communities,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. … ” Read more from the EPA here: EPA announces $13.5 million for the San Francisco Bay, Morro Bay, and Santa Monica Bay National Estuary Programs from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
As the climate dries the American west faces power and water shortages, experts warn
“Two of the largest reservoirs in America, which provide water and electricity to millions, are in danger of reaching ‘dead pool status.’ A result of the climate crisis and overconsumption of water, experts say. Lake Mead, in Nevada and Arizona, and Lake Powell, in Utah and Arizona, are currently at their lowest levels ever. ‘Dead pool’ status would mean the water level in the dams was so low it could no longer flow downstream and power the hydroelectric power stations. The Lake Mead reservoir, which is the largest artificial body of water in America, was created in the 1930s by the construction of the Hoover Dam, an engineering masterpiece. Lake Powell, the second largest, was created in the 1960s, with the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam. “The conditions in the American west, which we’re seeing around the Colorado River basin, have been so dry for more than 20 years that we’re no longer speaking of a drought,” said Lis Mullin Bernhardt, an ecosystems expert at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), “We refer to it as “aridification” – a new very dry normal.” … ” Read more from the UN Environment Programme here: As the climate dries the American west faces power and water shortages, experts warn
In commentary today …
Calif.’s great water experiments have failed. It’s time for real solutions.
William Bourdeau, executive vice president of Harris Farms, director of the Westlands Water District, and chairman of the Valley Future Foundation, writes, “As California’s prolonged drought continues, the State is at a crossroads. Recent headlines have been dominated by devastating wildfires and a growing number of the State’s poorest communities without water. These catastrophic conditions demand answers and solutions from our leaders. A recent report from the Public Policy Institute of California sheds light on the fact that, despite good intentions, efforts to balance California’s needs for water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and protection of at-risk native fish species, our efforts have entirely failed. Both water supplies and species abundance have continued to decline at rates that are unacceptable. … ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Calif.’s great water experiments have failed. It’s time for real solutions.
Delta tunnel — Inconvenient truths about sea level rise and salinity intrusion
Deirdre Des Jardins writes, “The Delta tunnel Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) has a new Sea Level Rise Study in Technical Appendix 5A-F. The study was done with Bay-Delta SCHISM, a 3-D hydrodynamic model of the San Francisco Bay and Delta. The new SCHISM study has limitations, in that it assumes that Delta levees are raised to keep up with sea level rise. However, the study is useful in showing how salinity will increases with sea level rise, and how much additional outflow would be needed to repel salinity. ... ” Read more from the California Water Research blog here: Delta tunnel — Inconvenient truths about sea level rise and salinity intrusion
New poll cleverly conflates climate change, drought, wildfires, oil and gas industry
Katy Grimes, the Editor of the California Globe, writes, “A new poll by the Public Policy Institute of California cleverly conflates climate change, drought, wildfires and the oil and gas industry through dextrous questions and weighted demographics. Here’s the PPIC’s opening salvo: “With California facing a severe drought and wildfire season, public awareness has risen of the impact of climate change as well as state policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A sharp increase in petroleum prices has led to discussions about expanding oil production and renewable energy sources.” In one sentence, the PPIC asserts that because of the severe drought and current wildfires, climate change awareness is more prevalent. And just the placement of the second sentence, makes it appear to imply costly oil and gas prices are causing the state to turn to renewable energy. Very clever. ... ” Read more from the California Globe here: New poll cleverly conflates climate change, drought, wildfires, oil and gas industry
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Merkley, Wyden: Smith River National Recreation Area expansion into Oregon clears key hurdle
“Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden recently announced the Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act (Smith River NRA), legislation to expand the Smith River NRA, cleared a key hurdle by passing out of a Senate committee on a bipartisan vote. Expanding the Smith River NRA by 58,000 acres into Oregon would protect the diverse ecosystems of the rivers, streams, and adjacent lands of the North Fork Smith River watershed, and help boost the local fishing and recreation industries that many Oregonians rely on. …In 1990, Congress enacted legislation to establish the Smith River NRA to protect the watershed, but the boundary stopped at the Oregon border, leaving the North Fork of the Smith River and its tributaries unprotected. The Smith River NRA expansion would permanently withdraw the land from new mining claims, helping to protect this sensitive area from proposed nickel strip mines, and protect 75 miles of scenic rivers, including Baldface Creek, Chrome Creek, and nearby streams. … ” Read more from the Del Norte Triplicate here: Merkley, Wyden: Smith River National Recreation Area expansion into Oregon clears key hurdle
Clear Lake residents near massive blue-green algae blooms offered access to treated drinking water
“Clear Lake residents with private water treatment systems have been put on notice for the second successive year that their household water may not be safe to drink or use for brushing their teeth. Expansive blue-green algae blooms around the lower portions of the lake this year have raised toxin concentrations to some of the highest levels ever seen this early in the season. That has prompted the county to invite folks who derive their water directly from the lake to use water filling stations opened last year by two community suppliers. Public water treatment plants are robust enough to remove harmful algae and the toxins they produce from the water, officials said. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Clear Lake residents near massive blue-green algae blooms offered access to treated drinking water
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Lake Tahoe report suggests historic rise in algae and surging microplastics are reasons to take action
“UC Davis’ annual State of the Lake report on the health of Lake Tahoe has found massive changes since last year. Among them include a “collapse” of zooplankton, a dramatic rise in algae, which zooplankton eat; and a corresponding decline in the lake’s clarity. Murkier lake waters make it harder for ultraviolet rays to reach life below the surface that thrives on it. These issues also affect Lake Tahoe’s renowned blue hue. Tahoe Environmental Research Center Director Geoffrey Schladow “any one of these changes would be a big deal in a single year.” “All three occurring at once is particularly alarming and a huge opportunity to learn lessons that can be used to inform future management,” he wrote in the report. The report also indicates there’s a major human-caused problem: microplastic contamination. ... ” Read more from Capital Public Radio here: Lake Tahoe report suggests historic rise in algae and surging microplastics are reasons to take action
Could Lake Tahoe get even clearer? Scientists say there’s a way
“Lake Tahoe, the world’s clearest large lake, could become even clearer over the next few years due to changes in its plankton population, scientists said in a new report. Researchers at UC Davis last week released their annual “State of the Lake” report, detailing several significant changes in Tahoe’s water, including the plunging level of Mysis shrimp, a type of zooplankton, which could increase clarity. The team of scientists predicted that the drop in the population of Mysis shrimp will have a cascading effect on the lake. The zooplankton, about the size of the width of a fingernail, is known to feast on the lake’s native Daphnia, a tiny crustacean that spends much of its time devouring algae that would otherwise dilute the lake’s limpidness, the report says. … ” Continue reading from the LA Times here: Could Lake Tahoe get even clearer? Scientists say there’s a way
Undoing a legacy of destruction: Conservancy works to restore Upper Truckee Marsh
“Tucked between Tahoe Keys and Regan Beach in South Lake Tahoe, sits the Upper Truckee Marsh and its primary water source, the Upper Truckee River, the largest stream flowing into Lake Tahoe. The marsh once included more than 1,600 acres of wetland, which was an effective water filter that helped maintain Lake Tahoe’s water clarity by removing nutrients that cause algae growth. But the construction of the human-made Tahoe Keys in the 1950s and 60s destroyed more than 500 acres of that important resource. Now, the California Tahoe Conservancy is in the process of restoring and enhancing 250 acres of the marsh by replacing bare fill dirt with vegetation and by providing the opportunity for more water from the Upper Truckee River to enter the remaining marsh area increasing its filtering capability and enhancing the area for wildlife. … ” Read more from Tahoe Weekly here: Undoing a legacy of destruction: Conservancy works to restore Upper Truckee Marsh
No filter: Grand Jury’s Nevada Irrigation District report on rates, redistricting, Brown Act and more
“The Nevada County Grand Jury released their report on the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) titled “Troubled Waters.” Two complaints were received by the Grand Jury, one regarding the special district’s rates for both untreated and treated water, the other regarding actions by the Board failing to follow the requirements outlined in both the Government Code and NID’s own policies and procedures. During their investigations, the Grand Jury also found fault with the process and vote drawing new district boundaries between the five NID divisions. … ” Read more from YubaNet here: No filter: Grand Jury’s Nevada Irrigation District report on rates, redistricting, Brown Act and more
NAPA/SONOMA
‘Welcome black to the land’: Inside Sonoma County’s first Afro-Indigenous permaculture farm
“One of the first things you see when you approach the driveway of EARTHseed Farm in Sebastopol is a yellow, hand-painted sign that reads “Welcome Black to the Land.” It’s an intentional message that speaks to the vision held by EARTHseed’s founder Pandora Thomas: a farm that serves as a place of refuge and healing for the Afro-Indigenous community. “With everything that’s happening in the world, there’s such a need for people of Afro-Indigenous ancestry to understand our stories and our legacy, stewarding ourselves and our earth,” Thomas said, of her inspiration for the space. … Thomas, an environmental educator and permaculture designer, purchased the historic 14-acre farm known for its organic apple and Asian pear orchards last year. She and her team are now in the midst of a multi-year process that will turn the farm into the first Afro-Indigenous permaculture farm in Sonoma County. … ” Read more from KQED here: ‘Welcome black to the land’: Inside Sonoma County’s first Afro-Indigenous permaculture farm
Steelhead Beach deemed environmental ‘hot spot’ by national sustainability organization, public cleanup set for Aug. 4
“A national organization dedicated to sustainable outdoor exploration has designated Steelhead Beach Regional Park in Forestville a 2022 “hot spot,” a designation used for places that are “being loved to death.” “People bring their inflatable floats and they just leave them on the beach,” said Sonoma County Regional Parks Marketing Specialist Sarah Phelps. “So, a lot of trash and traffic impacts is really what we see at Steelhead, and that’s primarily in the summer.” The Russian River’s popularity is not new, but its use skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the summers of 2020 and 2021. And along with more people came more trash. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Steelhead Beach deemed environmental ‘hot spot’ by national sustainability organization, public cleanup set for Aug. 4
Southern California storm triggers rare North Bay rainfall
“Rainfall in August is a rare occurrence in Sonoma County, according to Sean Miller, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Monterey. “This is typically the drier time of the year,” he said. The small amount of rain that fell across the North Bay region on Monday was the result of monsoonal weather conditions hundreds of miles to the south. According to the National Weather Service, about 0.10 of an inch was expected in the North Bay and other parts of the Bay Area by nighttime. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Southern California storm triggers rare North Bay rainfall
BAY AREA
Mugginess. Rain. Lightning. How monsoonal moisture could impact Bay Area weather this week
“The humid weather in the Bay Area during the past few days may have felt like being transported to Hawaii. A few factors are combining forces to bring muggy weather to California: monsoonal moisture, remnants of a weakening tropical storm and a low-pressure system over the Pacific Ocean. “We’ve been getting a little bit over the Bay Area — nothing like they have over southeast California, where they’ve had a lot of flash flood warnings [and] road washouts,” said Brian Garcia, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Bay Area office. California and the southwestern United States are in the midst of monsoon season. But the effects of monsoons can range from light drizzles to lightning-packed thunderstorms. ... ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Mugginess. Rain. Lightning. How monsoonal moisture could impact Bay Area weather this week
Talks on Highway 37’s future underway as sea-level threat looms
“For generations, the 21-mile route linking Marin County and Vallejo has been essential for commuters and travelers. Now Highway 37 has become something more — a centerpiece in a growing debate on how the Bay Area and California should respond to climate change and when politicians should bite the bullet to spend the billions of dollars needed to deal with it. Caltrans is studying a plan to widen a traffic-prone, 10-mile stretch of the highway at a cost of nearly half a billion dollars while it comes up with a longer-term fix. But some advocates say they should skip that step while significant funding is available and do what all parties agree will eventually need to be done by elevating the road. ... ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Talks on Highway 37’s future underway as sea-level threat looms
Drought-friendly lawn makeovers take root among Santa Clara County homeowners
“As the drought drags on, there is surging demand in Santa Clara County for rebates that pay you back for removing a water-thirsty lawn. “I have so much more appreciation for the California native plants now,” said Julie Garrett, who re-landscaped her front yard in San Jose. She used drought tolerant plants, and a patch of UC Verde buffalograss — a new alternative turf grass that can go long periods without water. “It’s very drought resistant. We only water it once every two weeks in the summer and not at all the rest of the year,” Garrett said. … ” Read more from CBS News here: Drought-friendly lawn makeovers take root among Santa Clara County homeowners
CENTRAL COAST
Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District addressing Palo Corona track concerns
“In the wake of recent criticism about the newly built cross-country running trail in Palo Corona Regional Park, the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, state officials, restoration experts and other parties continue to meet to advance habitat restoration and trail network plans for the park. “In fact, we have met twice within the last week to address concerns that may have recently been voiced,” said Rafael Payan, Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District general manager. “This team has identified viable measures to ensure the trail alignment is compatible with the site’s anticipated use by the public while also converting the former golf course into an area that will be accessible by the public, recreate vital wildlife habitat, and serve as a national model.” … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District addressing Palo Corona track concerns
Carmel to consider climate adaptation, action plans
“As the world heats, the city of Carmel is looking to do its part in mitigating the effects. At its regular meeting Tuesday night, the Carmel City Council will consider a pair of Climate Adaptation and Action Plans that, if adopted, would establish a roadmap to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for anticipated impacts of climate change in the community. Together, the outlining document totals 285 pages, offering an exhaustive blueprint for ensuring resilience amidst a now uncertain environment. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Carmel to consider climate adaptation, action plans
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Flood irrigation has positive water impacts: SSJID farmers, delivery system major source for groundwater recharging
“Drive by a flooded almond orchard in the countryside surrounding Manteca, Ripon and Escalon and your first thought might be outrage. After all, California is slipping deeper into a third year of a devastating drought. Looks, however, can be deceiving. What looks like a waste of water is actually helping keep water flowing to your home to wash clothes, drink, flush toilets, shower or bathe, and wash dishes and such if you live in Manteca, Ripon, and Lathrop. … ” Read more from the Manteca Bulletin here: Flood irrigation has positive water impacts: SSJID farmers, delivery system major source for groundwater recharging
Three Rivers on high alert as toxins may be in water systems connected to Kaweah River
“Potential toxic water near Three Rivers could force residents to shut down their taps and stock up on bottled water. Residents who rely on getting water directly from the Kaweah River are urged to use caution, county officials said. Potential toxic algae in the river has been found on more than one occasion this summer. Tulare County Public Health officials recommend that community members not use tap water for drinking, cooking, showering, or brushing teeth until more information is available. A timeline was unknown as of Monday. … ” Read more from the Visalia Times-Delta here: Three Rivers on high alert as toxins may be in water systems connected to Kaweah River
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
AVEK develops another water bank
“As the ongoing drought has shown, storing water during wet, rainy years is crucial to ensure supplies during the inevitable dry years. To that end, the Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency is developing another water bank, in which surplus water imported from Northern California, through the State Water Project, is stored underground, to be retrieved as needed, through wells. The High Desert Water Bank is on a 1,500-acre site on the Valley’s western side, roughly between 280th Street West and 300th Street West and between the California Aqueduct and Avenue A. Water to be stored in the bank will be collected from the adjacent aqueduct and the aqueduct can be used to distribute stored water that has been recovered. … ” Read more from the AV Press here: AVEK develops another water bank
What you need to know about water restrictions and fines in Southern California
“As California endures another year of drought, cities and counties across the state have implemented water restrictions in the hopes of reducing the strain on the state’s water sources. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is asking homeowners to immediately reduce water use by 20 to 30 percent, with some residents expected to make even deeper cuts. Below is a list of restrictions by region. … ” Read more from KTLA here: What you need to know about water restrictions and fines in Southern California
Riverside: Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, Inland water managers emphasize need for long-term approach to managing state water resources
“The statewide drought, made worse this time by climate change, emphasizes the need for a long-term approach to managing the state’s water resources, Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson and a group of local water managers said Monday in a roundtable discussion with Wade Crowfoot, Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency. “As we are all aware, our state faces a historic drought,” Lock Dawson said. “Water conservation efforts are critical to maintaining our sustainability as a region and as a state. One thing is clear — we need collaboration and education to save our water together.” The issue is especially critical because Riverside County is only about 50 percent built-out and already is the fastest-growing county in the state, local leaders said. That potential for additional growth in the face of drought will require additional measures, such as the reduction of non-functioning turf, i.e., grass that only gets walked on when it is being mowed, water managers said. ... ” Read more from the City of Riverside here: Riverside: Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, Inland water managers emphasize need for long-term approach to managing state water resources
SAN DIEGO
Once again, Tijuana runs out of water
“The National Water Commission declared a state of emergency due to a drought that has hurt five states in Mexico. Baja California is on the list. One month ago an outage in the El Carrizo Damn, which stores water extracted from the Colorado affected its pumping machines. Tijuana’s local government deployed cut-offs in the residential water system to manage the reduction in the damn water. The rationing of water is taking place all around the city, including the outskirts, downtown, and Playas de Tijuana. For Oscar Alvarado who lives about 12 miles east of Tijuana’s downtown in the Estadio Toros neighborhood, these cut-offs increased during the pandemic and haven’t stopped since. … ” Read more from the San Diego Reader here: Once again, Tijuana runs out of water
Feinstein, Padilla, Vargas, colleagues urge EPA, IBWC to address pollution in the Tijuana River Valley
“Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) joined Representative Juan Vargas (D-Calif.) and the San Diego congressional delegation to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to consider funding projects that would address the transboundary water pollution in the Tijuana River Valley. “Southern Californians have suffered too long from sewage and toxic waste from Mexico polluting our beaches and communities,” said Senator Feinstein. “Together, we were able to secure more than $300 million to address the problem. It’s imperative that the federal government expedite approval of these projects to stop the pollution and protect the health of San Diegans and other Southern California residents.” … ” Read more from Senator Feinstein’s office here: Feinstein, Padilla, Vargas, Colleagues Urge EPA, IBWC to Address Pollution in the Tijuana River Valley
Along the Colorado River …
Depleting water supplies from the Colorado River could wreak havoc on western states
“In the midst of the worst drought in 1,200 years, Western U.S. states face an unprecedented reduction in shares of Colorado River water. … This dire and uncharted territory could throw the seven Colorado River Basin states into legal limbo, as the Bureau of Reclamation has set an ultimatum for the states to agree to severe reductions of 2 to 4 million acre-feet, out of the 15 million acre-feet first allocated in a hundred-year-old compact that is the foundation of rights to use water from the river. At the high end, the proposed reductions total eight times Los Angeles’s annual water usage and more than Arizona’s entire share. The Bureau has given the states until mid-August 2022 to come up with a reduction plan. If they do not, the Bureau has threatened that it will implement its own plan. If no voluntary compromise is reached, and the Bureau imposes mandatory reductions, the agreements that govern the assumption of shortages among the states may be tested. … ” Read the full alert at the O’Melveny Law Firm here: Depleting water supplies from the Colorado River could wreak havoc on western states
Rain helps Lake Mead rise — 3 inches
“With monsoon rains four out of the last five days in the Las Vegas area, there is at least one plus — Lake Mead has risen 3 inches. At 7 p.m. Sunday the top of the lake was 1,040.99 feet above sea level at Hoover Dam. Five days ago, July 26, the lake measured at 1,040.75 feet. The rainfall certainly helped place at least a bit of water back in the resource that supplies 90 percent of Southern Nevada’s water. … ” Read more from the Las Vegas Review-Journal here: Rain helps Lake Mead rise — 3 inches
Water manager: Arizona cities may get 50% less Colorado River water in 2023
“This month will be a moment of truth for Arizona cities. The Federal Bureau of Reclamation is scheduled to release its “24-month study” that announces how much water Lake Powell and Lake Mead will release in 2023. Meanwhile, seven western states must also present a plan to dramatically cut 2-4 million acre-feet of water. According to federal records, that amounts to as much as 25% of water allocated to the states. “That is a huge amount of water,” said Drew Swieczkowski, Water Resource Manager for the City of Glendale. Swieczkowski said he expects the cutbacks will result in Valley cities getting about half as much Colorado River water next year. … ” Read more from Channel 12 here: Water manager: Arizona cities may get 50% less Colorado River water in 2023
Report outlines emerging technologies to improve Colorado water management
“A new report from the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University outlines how a variety of emerging technologies can help water managers, landowners and policymakers improve western water management in the face of severe, ongoing drought. From blockchain and satellite telemetry to improved sensors and advanced aerial observation platforms, the report finds that many emerging technologies have the capability to enhance the monitoring, management, conservation and allocation of water with great benefit to Colorado and beyond. The release of “Emerging Technologies to Improve Water Resource Management in Colorado” comes amidst a growing water crisis in the West: the worst drought in 1,200 years and a crackdown from the federal government on annual allocation of water in the Colorado River, from Colorado to California. … ” Read more from Colorado University here: Report outlines emerging technologies to improve Colorado water management
Can Copper Mountain do something about climate change using its own slopes?
“Ski area officials in the West know they will lose up to 25% more of their snowpack between now and 2050, after suffering through 20% losses already in a decadeslong drought. Through snowmaking from local river water and isolated geographic luck, Colorado ski areas have managed so far to avoid devastating impacts from climate change and drought. But their margin to keep doing so is thinning. Copper Mountain believes the industry needs to push back on climate change, one seed at a time. The Summit County resort has committed to an academic study of its slopeside reseeding efforts using hardy local plants, hoping to put solid numbers to assumptions that ski trails denuded of carbon-eating trees can still contribute to carbon sequestration by growing the right flowers and grasses. … ” Read more from the Colorado Sun here: Can Copper Mountain do something about climate change using its own slopes?
Is draining human-made Lake Powell a practical solution to drought in the West?
“Though the idea to drain Lake Powell has gained traction among activist groups, the reality is protections are in place, and the lake’s water level will only drop if the drought brings it down naturally. Trujillo explained the need to leave water in Lake Powell in a letter sent to all seven Colorado River Basin states: Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona and California. The dam produces power for more than 3 million people, and draining water from Powell would impact those people in many ways, according to Trujillo. “In such circumstances, Glen Canyon Dam facilities face unprecedented operational reliability challenges, water users in the Basin face increased uncertainty, downstream resources could be impacted, the western electrical grid would experience uncertain risk and instability, and water and power supplies to the West and Southwestern United States would be subject to increased operational uncertainty,” Trujillo wrote. … ” Read more from Deseret News here: Is draining human-made Lake Powell a practical solution to drought in the West?
In national water news today …
Harris cites climate ‘crisis,’ pushes $1B for floods, storms
“Vice President Kamala Harris called climate change an “immediate” and “urgent” crisis Monday as she detailed more than $1 billion in federal spending to respond to disasters such as deadly flooding in Kentucky and wildfires ravaging her home state of California. On a visit to Miami, Harris announced a series of grants being made available to states to help communities across the nation prepare for and respond to climate-related disasters. Touring the National Hurricane Center before the grant announcement, Harris said disasters such as the Kentucky floods and California wildfires show “how immediate, how current and how urgent″ it is to address extreme weather being experienced in the United States and around the world. … ” Read more from the Associated Press here: Harris cites climate ‘crisis,’ pushes $1B for floods, storms
SEE ALSO: As West burns, House passes major drought and wildfire resilience package, from the Grist
EPA faces new lawsuit over ‘forever chemicals’
“Efforts by industry groups to challenge EPA advisories for “forever chemicals” are ramping up even as experts sound the alarm over a wide range of health risks posed by the toxic substances. The powerful American Chemistry Council announced over the weekend that it had filed suit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit over EPA’s interim lifetime health advisories for two PFAS. Those advisories, for the notorious cancer-linked chemicals PFOA and PFOS, list dramatically low levels in drinking water as being safe for human consumption. Announced last month, the advisories are nonbinding and it is unusual for such moves to generate legal pushback. EPA has stated that the advisories will likely change based on expert feedback and are only interim thresholds meant to safeguard the public in the meantime. But ACC asserted that the levels will have “sweeping implications for policies at the state and federal levels,” presenting a major threat for industry members. … ” Read more from E&E News here: EPA faces new lawsuit over ‘forever chemicals’
Beyond PFAS to plastics: The emerging contaminant that lies ahead
“For food and agriculture, the problem of plastics in food and the environment pose special challenges. Research into what effects these food contaminants might have on human health is just getting underway. This research will lead to cases filed by the plaintiffs’ bar, as well as increasing the attention of state and federal environmental and food safety regulators. The steady increase in microplastics detection and their ever-present levels in the world’s oceans, biota, and drinking water means that people everywhere will have to address these risks. The parallels, in terms of ubiquity and uncertainty of health safety, are striking with the emerging per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) debacle that has triggered headlines and increasing litigation and regulation. … ” Continue reading at the American Bar Association here: Beyond PFAS to plastics: The emerging contaminant that lies ahead
