In California water news this weekend …
Water wars in a drying California: New money vs. old power in San Joaquin Valley
“Water is the lifeblood in the parched San Joaquin Valley, sustaining endless acres of trees, seeds and pastures that feed a hungry nation. But a controversial pipeline sits empty, as dry as dust, caught in an angry feud between two of California’s largest land barons, Silicon Valley developer and farmer John Vidovich and Pasadena-based longtime cotton king J.G. Boswell Company. Vidovich needs the pipe to move water. The Boswell Company wants it blocked, saying it threatens the company’s own water supplies, which run through a canal over the pipeline’s underground route. What started as a dispute about a tube of plastic under a muddy ditch is escalating into a bitter legal fight between the two multimillion-dollar businesses, pitting old power against new money and ambition. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Water wars in a drying California: New money vs. old power in San Joaquin Valley | Read via United News
Will a rare ‘triple dip’ La Niña yield another dry winter?
“Although we’re currently mired in the dog days of summer, it’s time to look ahead to the rainy season. The state thirsts for a wet winter, with extreme drought existing in just under 60% of California. Below-average rain and snow have plagued the state the last couple of years, coinciding with La Niña conditions and expanding drought conditions. The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) currently puts the odds of a third straight La Nina year at 62-66%. With an exceedingly rare “triple dip” La Niña expected, what can we expect for our water year that begins in October? … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Will a rare ‘triple dip’ La Niña yield another dry winter?
A battle for safe drinking water grows heated amid drought in California’s Central Valley
“Thousands of acres of crops, from corn to nectarines, surround Melynda Metheney’s community in West Goshen, California — one of the key battlegrounds where residents say irrigation and overpumping have depleted drinkable water. … In 2012, Community Water Center (CWC) told the Goshen community of about 3,300 that its water was contaminated with nitrates. Residents spent two years fighting to connect to Cal Water — the third largest regulated utility in the nation — and only some did. Some of Metheney’s West Goshen neighbors still don’t have well water. “It’s like saying, you’re not worth the money to finish it,” Metheney said. Metheney has been at the forefront of her neighborhood’s effort with CWC to negotiate another agreement with Cal Water. But people feel intimidated in agriculture-dominated Tulare County asking to be prioritized when wells run dry or get contaminated. The San Joaquin Valley is ground zero in the struggle between agriculture and communities where low-income people struggle to pay for water. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: A battle for safe drinking water grows heated amid drought in California’s Central Valley
Congressman John Garamendi discusses opposition to Delta tunnel project
“At least four democratic lawmakers have asked Governor Gavin Newsom to cancel the Delta tunnel project. Sonseeahray Tonsall spoke with Congressman John Garamendi about why he opposes the project and about Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent trip to Taiwan.” Watch video segment from Fox 40 here (7:32): Congressman John Garamendi discusses opposition to Delta tunnel project
Delta-area representatives back delta communities as California pursues Delta tunnel
Dan Bacher writes, “Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-03), Josh Harder (D-CA-10), Jerry McNerney (D-CA-09), and Mike Thompson (D-CA-05) today issued a statement urging Governor Gavin Newsom to cancel the planned construction of the tunnel under the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in response to the release of a Draft Environmental Impact Report by the State Department of Water Resources (DWR) for the Delta Conveyance Project: “When Governor Newsom announced on May 2, 2019, that the Delta Tunnel Project would be downsized from two tunnels to one our message was clear: one down, one to go,” the Representatives said. … ” Read more from the Daily Kos here: Delta-area representatives back delta communities as California pursues Delta tunnel
Former California Water officials discuss resignation, criticism of Governor Newsom
“Max Gomberg, the former climate and conservation manager for the California State Water Resources Control Board, joined Inside California Politics co-host Frank Buckley to discuss his resignation from that board, and the criticism he has for both Governor Newsom and his administration.”
This Northern California cruise costs at least $6K with stops in Sacramento and Stockton
“A new cruise line starting in San Francisco will guide passengers on a Northern California excursion, with stops in Sacramento, Napa, Vallejo and Stockton. American Cruise Lines, announced its first California cruise last week, which features a two-day stop in Sacramento and a guided tour of Old Sacramento’s waterfront and underground city, according to the news release. The cruise is set to take off in winter 2023. Here’s what you need to know about the California cruise, including how long it is, how much it costs and when it departs … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: This Northern California cruise costs at least $6K with stops in Sacramento and Stockton
Why ‘water walks’ are becoming a trend for California hikers
“The last leg of Nina Gordon-Kirsch’s month-long hiking journey was a 10-mile ascent up the western flank of the Sierra Nevada to a pair of gleaming alpine lakes near Ebbetts Pass, about equidistant between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. … The moment capped a 33-day sojourn along the length of the Mokelumne — a river used for hydropower and agriculture as well as drinking — that Gordon-Kirsch had long planned to gain a greater understanding of the water flowing to her tap. She’s not alone: California’s complicated relationship with water, strained by historic drought, is driving all kinds of people to embark on “water walks.” The practice involves tracing a river or waterway “from sea to source,” or in reverse direction, under one’s own power, in an effort to gain perspective on our complex water supply. ... ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Why ‘water walks’ are becoming a trend for California hikers
Winnemem Wintu Tribe keeps its culture of conservation strong through release of winter Chinook salmon eggs into the McCloud River
“For eight decades, winter-run Chinook salmon were absent from the Winnemem Waywaket, or McCloud River, since Shasta Dam was completed in the 1940s. The dam inundated the cultural sites of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe and prevented the salmon from reaching their headwaters to spawn as they’ve done since time immemorial. But on July 11, the Tribe, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service celebrated the return of endangered winter-run Chinook salmon eggs to the cold, glacial-fed waters of the McCloud River for the first time in 80 years. The events took place upstream from Shasta Dam. … ” Read more from the Sacramento News & Review here: Winnemem Wintu Tribe keeps its culture of conservation strong through release of winter Chinook salmon eggs into the McCloud River
Experts still stumped by event that killed, sickened hundreds of California pelicans
“When the 2-year-old California brown pelican wound up at the International Bird Rescue’s Fairfield center in June, her prognosis was not good. Discovered in San Francisco, the pelican was dehydrated and emaciated with a fishing hook lodged in her right wing. She wasn’t the only one. Hundreds of the native water birds have been found sick or dead along the California coastline in recent months and subsequently admitted to wildlife rehabilitation centers with similar symptoms. Some were found in “unusual” places like freeways and residential backyards, and most were unable to move or fly, the Santa Barbara Independent reported in May. … ” Read more from SF Gate here: Experts still stumped by event that killed, sickened hundreds of California pelicans
NASA scientists study California plant ‘sweat’ to predict wildfire severity
“What makes a plant dangerously flammable? Amid a megadrought in California, the answers could provide crucial insight on how to tackle a wildfire season that stretches longer and burns hotter by the year. With the help of a thermal radiometer from space, a team of NASA researchers found that the rate at which a plant “sweats” when it gets too hot is a key predictor of how severely an area will burn if it catches fire. Like humans, plants release water to cool themselves down, said Christine Lee, a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. “But when they don’t have enough water, they actually close their pores to conserve that water and then they’ll start heating up,” Lee said. “They don’t have the benefit of that cooling any longer.” … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: NASA scientists study California plant ‘sweat’ to predict wildfire severity
In red California, a deadly fire ignites political rage at liberal government
“In this conservative corner of California, a monster fire that killed four people and destroyed more than 100 structures is being framed by many in political terms. Some residents acknowledge the role of climate change in California’s increasingly destructive firestorms, but their true ire is often focused on decades of government policies they believe have worsened the fire risk and made fighting the destructive McKinney fire inside the Klamath National Forest more difficult. Yreka, which sits in the shadow of that national forest, was once a “timber town” known for its logging industry. Some residents here this week said the slow death of that industry coincided with the increased frequency of wildfire in the area as vegetation became more and more overgrown. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: In red California, a deadly fire ignites political rage at liberal government | Read via Yahoo News
There’s a lot for Californians in the federal climate bill. Here are the details
“The sprawling climate bill that the U.S. Congress could pass in the coming days contains numerous provisions that could aid the efforts of ordinary Californians to reduce emissions. The bill, called the Inflation Reduction Act because it includes deficit reduction as well as climate and health provisions, “contains the strongest climate action we’ve ever taken in American history,” said Sheryl Carter, an expert on electric power with the Natural Resources Defense Council. Passage is going down to the wire, with Congress’ August recess imminent. Democrats appear to have just succeeded in getting the endorsements of Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz. — key votes given the essentially even partisan split in the Senate. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: There’s a lot for Californians in the federal climate bill. Here are the details
In commentary this weekend …
Stop playing politics with water
Congressman David Valadao writes, “Water is the lifeblood of the Central Valley. With less than 1 percent of our nation’s farmland, the Central Valley supplies a quarter of our nation’s food and the majority of our nation’s fruits, nuts and vegetables. Our well-deserved reputation as America’s breadbasket comes from the help of nature and a whole lot of hard work and skill from our farmers, ranchers and producers. But without water, we can’t grow our nation’s food at all. As a result of California’s ongoing severe drought, insufficient storage of water from wet years, and unnecessary burdensome overregulation, communities throughout the Central Valley are running out of water for our daily use in homes, businesses, and agricultural production. Farmers have been left with no other choice but to fallow their fields and dry out valuable orchards due to access to little or no water. … ” Continue reading at the Bakersfield Californian here: Stop playing politics with water
In people news this weekend …
O’Melveny counsel Heather Welles named to Daily Journal’s 2022 “Top Forty Under 40” list
“O’Melveny counsel Heather Welles has been recognized by the Daily Journal as one of the forty top lawyers under the age of 40 in California. The Daily Journal lauded Welles for being part of a small group of lawyers in the country with a deep expertise in water law. “Water is at the nexus of human life and it involves fascinating science, too. Water law combines old English doctrines developed as common law with layers of complex contemporary regulations,” Welles said. In her award profile, the publication highlighted her role on the O’Melveny team that is representing landowners in a “first-of-its-kind multi-stage adjudication” regarding California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. “We’re gearing up for trial in September,” Welles said. “I’m doing the briefing and expert work. The case involves more than 200 parties, and we’re figuring out the witness list.” … ” Read more from O’Melveny here: O’Melveny counsel Heather Welles named to Daily Journal’s 2022 “Top Forty Under 40” list
Podcasts …
THE ECONEWS REPORT: Big doings on the beautiful Eel River
On this weeks EcoNews Report, Scott and Alicia from Friends of the Eel River join Gang Green to talk about dam removal and FERC relicensing. Also, the coal train is officially dead! Let’s take a moment to celebrate that big victory. Click here to listen at the Lost Coast Outpost.
ENGINEERING WITH NATURE: The San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge: A natural landscape revived
In this epsiode, Todd Bridges talks about his visit to the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge where he observed the effects of restoration efforts and ongoing management of the area by the US Fish and Wildlife Service; the California Department of Water Resources; the US Army Corps of Engineers; and River Partners, a nonprofit engaged in river and riparian restoration in the region. Over the last 15 years, 600,000 native trees have been planted as a part of the restorations. As Todd describes it, “The landscape that is emerging from these efforts is getting close to what I imagine Pedro Fages and his companions saw as they became the first Europeans to venture into the San Joaquin Valley in 1772.” Aligning natural and engineering processes produces a host of environmental, social, and economic benefits for flood risk management.
WHAT MATTERS PODCAST: What’s next for Metropolitan?
Metropolitan has taken significant steps over the past three decades to reduce the region’s reliance on imported water – investing more than $1.5 billion in conservation and local resources. But climate change and the state’s ongoing record drought are reminders that more needs to be done. The individuals heading up three of Metropolitan’s big initiatives to further the One Water concept while improving the agency’s culture are here with us today to discuss what they see on the horizon. Guests on this episode are: Water Resources Manager Brad Coffey, who is the lead on Metropolitan’s Pure Water Initiative; Liz Crosson, who is MWD’s Chief Sustainability, Resiliency and Innovation Officer, and Liji Thomas, who is MWD Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING PODCAST: Impacts to a Community
Nobody thought it would happen. Food lines stretched across city blocks in 2009 because loss of work in the Central Valley of California prevented buying food at the store. Water limitation certainly has an effect on our social, economic systems. Water is a Many Splendor’ed Thing brings you another water relationship that has a personally significant impact to your life. Podcasts produced by Steven Baker, Operation Unite®; water@operationunite.co; 530-205-6388
GOLDEN STATE NATURALIST: Beavers (Drought and wildfire superheroes!) with Emily Fairfax
Scale a beaver dam with me and Dr. Emily Fairfax, beaver researcher, ecohydrologist, assistant professor at CSU Channel Islands, and science communicator extraordinaire who has been featured on NPR’s Science Friday and All Things Considered. In this episode, you’ll hear us discuss ecosystem engineers, what beavers eat, the best time of year to look for beaver dams, the North American Fur Trade, how beavers can permanently change landscapes, rodents of unusual size, what it means to be a keystone species, dam building, the fish that live in beaver ponds, what beavers do with those flat tails, natural infinity pools, the difference between a dam and a lodge, and why beavers are drought and wildfire superheroes.
CALIFORNIA SUN PODCAST: Erica Gies explains why water always wins
Erica Gies is a Bay Area native, a National Geographic Explorer, an independent environmental journalist, and the author, most recently, of “Water Always Wins: Thriving in an Age of Drought and Deluge.” Gies details how we have over-engineered and mechanized water delivery in California. She explains how both our agriculture and our built environment have done almost irreparable damage to the future of our water supply. Based on her observations around the world, she tells us about “slow water” and offers some solutions and limited hope for the future.
In regional water news this weekend …
NORTH COAST
McKinney Fire debris flows are causing fish kills in the Klamath River
“The McKinney Fire, burning in Siskiyou County near the Oregon-California border, is causing new problems. On Friday, biologists with the Karuk Tribe identified thousands of dead fish of all species in areas where muddy debris flows had entered the river. The mud flows started because of an intense rain event in the footprint of the wildfire. One-to-three inches of rain fell on parts of the McKinney Fire on Tuesday, according to the Klamath National Forest, which resulted in debris flows on multiple drainages in the area. … ” Read more from Jefferson Public Radio here: McKinney Fire debris flows are causing fish kills in the Klamath River
SEE ALSO:
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- Karuk Tribe: Fires Lead to Klamath River Fish Kill, from Dan Bacher at the Daily Kos
- Karuk Tribe: McKinney Fire Causing Klamath Fish Kill, from the North Coast Journal
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Lake Tahoe likely to fall below natural rim by mid-October
“Chief Deputy Water Master Dave Wathen provided an update on the state of the region’s water supplies during this week’s First Tuesday Breakfast Club forum hosted by the North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce. The amount of water in Lake Tahoe will likely drop below the natural rim sometime in mid October, according to Wathen. The lake’s elevation on Thursday was 6,224.01, which is similar to this time last year before a historic amount of precipitation fell in October. The lake’s natural rim elevation is 6,223 feet. A record 9.86 inches of precipitation, most of which was rain, was recorded in Tahoe City last October. The region was then hit with a December that was 226% of the average amount of precipitation with Tahoe City recording 12.69 inches. April brought another above average month with 4.36 inches of precipitation. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Lake Tahoe likely to fall below natural rim by mid-October
Beyond Big Blue: Other alpine lakes worth exploring near Tahoe
“The Sierra Nevada is dotted with hundreds of lakes that even the most intrepid hiker could spend a lifetime discovering. For the nature enthusiast, seeking out the varied blue hues of their waters, unique surrounding rock structures and diverse fauna is the ultimate treasure hunt. Whether you’re up for a strenuous hike or a short drive, there are lakes to be explored beyond Tahoe’s shores — just take your pick. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Beyond Big Blue: Other alpine lakes worth exploring near Tahoe
Lake Tahoe: Toxic algal mat alert signage posted at General Creek trailhead on west shore
“A toxic algae mat alert sign has been posted at General Creek on the west shore after an algal mat sample collected by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) triggered a recommendation to post the signage. The level of toxins measured in the dry weight of the algal mat material collected was enough for CDFW to post signage at the General Creek trailhead and other access points to alert recreators and dog walkers about the potential health risks. Sample tests showed the presence of the cyanotoxin microcystin at levels that trigger the posting of warnings. … ” Read more from South Tahoe Now here: Lake Tahoe: Toxic algal mat alert signage posted at General Creek trailhead on west shore
‘It’s counterintuitive’: State Parks, local fire district policies still not aligned
“While many look forward to the warmer months of the year, a lot of Lake Tahoe residents feel scorned by the past few summers. For the past several years, smoke has engulfed Tahoe’s fresh, alpine air — a telltale sign that another significant wildfire season is here. Fire districts throughout the Tahoe Basin are on the same page, consistently raising awareness and concern for fire safety to both locals and visitors, as well as keeping up with fire conditions to determine safety. However, California State Parks’ policies do not align with Tahoe’s local fire districts’ regulations. “All the fire districts around Lake Tahoe, including Northstar, Truckee, and Olympic Valley, have a solid fuel burn ban, meaning that you cannot burn firewood or charcoal outdoors,” said Board President of the Meeks Bay Fire Protection District Ed Miller. “When there are red flag conditions in place, there is no burning outdoors, not even propane. Currently, state parks are allowing campfires to registered guests at their campgrounds.” … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: ‘It’s counterintuitive’: State Parks, local fire district policies still not aligned
NAPA/SONOMA
New Russian River curtailments imposed as Sonoma County officials warn of worsening drought
“Several hundred ranchers, grape growers, tribes, landowners and community water suppliers, including the city of Healdsburg, were barred Friday from exercising some of their rights to water from the Russian River amid tightening supplies in an unrelenting drought officials say is likely to get worse. The third round of curtailments imposed by the State Water Resource Control Board was prompted by drastic reductions in Eel River water diversions, which are critical to boosting diminishing storage in Lake Mendocino, which in turn feeds the Russian River. The water board also formally suspended a new voluntary sharing arrangement that allowed some of those with older, “senior” water rights to share water with those whose rights have been curtailed. According to state water officials, there is no longer enough water available to make the system work. ... ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: New Russian River curtailments imposed as Sonoma County officials warn of worsening drought
Officials urgent appeal: conserve water now
“Water supplies are running low across Sonoma County, while long range forecasts and a recent federal decision are likely to intensify local shortages. “We’re in a significant drought. Conserve water. Every drop counts,” County Supervisor James Gore told a drought town hall Thursday. Long range forecasts suggest La Nina type conditions continuing into the rainy season. The atmospheric condition typically shifts the jet stream northward, according to Christopher Godley with the Sonoma County Office of Emergency Services. “Next year we could have more significant impacts than those we are currently facing. Saving water now while it’s easy is going to be easier than trying to save water when it’s harder.” … ” Read more from Northern California Public Media here: Officials urgent appeal: conserve water now
American Canyon facing water squeeze amid drought
“American Canyon is making urgent calls for water conservation and suing Vallejo over a water disagreement as it tries to eke out every drop amid a historic drought. The city’s water supplies are on the edge. Demand in recent years is about 2,800-acre feet of water annually. City officials estimate a potential 470 acre-foot deficit this year if demand remains the same. While a city report contemplates filling the hole with additional supplies, it says there is “little margin for error.” The city is calling on residents to cut water use by 20% compared to 2020. … ” Read more from the Napa Register here: American Canyon facing water squeeze amid drought
BAY AREA
Marin Municipal Water District weighs conservation costs
“The Marin Municipal Water District isn’t just considering water supply options such as enlarging reservoirs or building desalination plants, but how to use less water as well. The district’s board and staff met Tuesday to review the estimated cost of expanding its conservation programs, such as installing more wireless water meters and incentivizing turf replacement and other water-saving upgrades at homes, businesses and local governments. The review is part of a larger ongoing study into the costs and benefits of new water supplies that the district launched this year. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin Municipal Water District weighs conservation costs
Marin Municipal Water District director details response to county water supply crisis
Larry Bragman, representing District 3 on the Marin Municipal Water District Board of Directors, writes, “While 95% of the rest of the state remains in severe drought, Marin’s seven reservoirs are now at more than 100% of normal storage. In spite of our temporary reprieve, Marin needs to continue to brace for climate change. Here is what the Marin Municipal Water District is doing to bolster the water supply, build climate resilience and meet the Marin Civil Grand Jury’s recommendation to increase supplies by 10,000 to 15,000 acre-feet. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin Municipal Water District director details response to county water supply crisis
San Francisco Bay restoration plan updated amid funding surge
“Proponents of a new plan to rehabilitate San Francisco Bay say they hope to make significant gains in the coming years because of millions of dollars in new federal funds. … As part of a decades-old effort to address environmental damage and habitat loss caused by development in the past two centuries, the San Francisco Estuary Partnership — a federal-state agency created in 1988 — released an updated blueprint on Tuesday to guide restoration projects for the next five years. The blueprint, last updated in 2016, now includes a greater focus on climate adaptation projects, such as sea-level rise defenses, and equity issues affecting underserved communities. ... ” Read the full story at the Marin Independent Journal here: San Francisco Bay restoration plan updated amid funding surge
Lake Merritt water discoloration near Lakeshore Avenue
“In May 2022, Oakland Public Works (OPW) posted warning signs along Lake Merritt near the 1200 to 1400 blocks of Lakeshore Avenue, after testing determined low levels of contaminants associated with harmful algal bloom. This week, OPW received a resident’s report of brownish red water in the same area. The reddish color of the material in the water indicates it could be a Cyanobacteria bloom (also known as a harmful algal bloom, which can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals). OPW staff are conducting additional inspection of the area this morning and will submit a report to the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. The City anticipates ongoing testing and will continue coordinating to provide appropriate notification and warnings to the public. … ” Read more from the City of Oakland here: Lake Merritt water discoloration near Lakeshore Avenue
SEE ALSO: Oakland residents advised to avoid Lake Merritt water due to possible harmful algae bloom, from the San Francisco Chronicle
Brentwood residents are asked to use 15% less water
“City of Brentwood is asking residents to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by 15% as part of an effort to promote water conservation in response to the statewide drought. The Brentwood City Council voted unanimously during its July 26 meeting to adopt a resolution “requesting that potable (drinkable) water service customers reduce consumption from the amounts used in 2020 by 15 percent,” according to the agenda packet for the meeting. The vote was made following a presentation by Miki Tsubota, the city’s director of public works. … ” Read more from The Press here: Brentwood residents are asked to use 15% less water
CENTRAL COAST
Cal Am asks community for input on Monterey Peninsula water project
“Monterey Peninsula residents will have the opportunity to share their perspectives and give feedback on local water issues next week. California American Water will host a community forum from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9 at CSU Monterey Bay. Cal Am staff, engineers, consultants and customer service representatives will be in attendance to discuss water resources. One of the main topics up for discussion at next week’s forum will be the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project — a proposed solution to the water crisis on the Peninsula. The project aims to reduce existing water use on the Peninsula by replacing reliance on the Carmel River. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Cal Am asks community for input on Monterey Peninsula water project
Groundwater helps Oxnard with drought challenges
“The City Council, Thursday, July 28, reconsidered and ratified the Director’s orders pertaining to the water shortage emergency and mandatory conservation measures. The measure commits the City Council to confirm the need for the emergency declared on May 17, 2022, due to water shortage and emergency conditions. It also ratifies the Director’s orders, if any, that modify mandatory water conservation measures and authorizes the Mayor or Chairman of the Public Works & Transportation Committee to sign a letter to the Regional Water Agency regarding drought-related issues on the City’s behalf. Public Works Director Michael Wolfe said the item continued the drought recommendation every 60 days and noted that things are happening and changing a lot. … ” Read more from the Tri-County Sentinel here: Groundwater helps Oxnard with drought challenges
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
State rejects Las Virgenes request for more water
“A request by the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District to obtain additional water supply for customers living in the area’s so-called high-risk fire zone has been rejected by the California Department of Water Resources, officials said. The local water district made the request because its 122-square-mile customer service area is considered to be in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, a technical classification that comprises most of the densely population communities of the Santa Monica Mountains. Approval of the request would have boosted the water supply available to LVMWD customers to keep their outdoor landscape greener during the drought and less prone to catching fire. It also would have made more supply available to firefighters. … ” Continue reading at the Acorn here: State rejects Las Virgenes request for more water
Long Beach Water Department may extend program that helped low-income homes ditch their lawns
“The Long Beach Water Department could soon extend a pilot program that provided free installation of drought-tolerant gardens for households willing to rip out their lawns. The Direct Install Gardens (DIG) program targeted lower-income households in a census block near Jackson Park in North Long Beach for its pilot program, which converted front yards into gardens for 17 homes starting in 2020. The $473,000 program was largely subsidized by the California Coastal Conservancy and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which also helps fund the department’s regular Lawn-to-Garden program. ... ” Read more from the Long Beach Post here: Long Beach Water Department may extend program that helped low-income homes ditch their lawns
Catalina Island: Edison to help enforce local drought rules
“The City Council this week discussed water conservation. Essentially, council directed staff to work with Southern California Edison, which owns the local water utility, to enforce Catalina drought regulations. Luke Schaner, of Southern California Edison, said the California Public Utilities Commission had authorized State 1 water conservation. (An Aug. 2 staff report said the same thing, using a slightly different term.) Mayor Anni Marshall said the city met with Edison on Monday, Aug. 1. She said Edison favored taking over enforcement of the restrictions. … ” Read more from The Catalina Islander here: Catalina Island: Edison to help enforce local drought rules
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Drought: Most Coachella Valley water agencies decreased usage in June
“Four of the six water agencies serving the Coachella Valley used less water in June 2022 than in June 2020, a marked improvement from May, when just one of the six agencies had decreased usage compared to two years prior. Myoma Dunes, Coachella Valley Water District, Mission Springs Water District and Desert Water Agency all decreased their June water use compared to 2020, according to data released by the State Water Resources Control Board last week. … ” Read more from The Desert Sun here: Drought: Most Coachella Valley water agencies decreased usage in June
Coachella Valley date farmers try to chart a future amid inflation and historic drought
“George Tudor’s farm, which grows grapes and dates in the Coachella Valley, managed to avoid major disruptions when the global supply chain crisis struck in 2021, thanks in part to buying early. Not this year. “It’s been wild,” said Tudor, whose family has been farming in the east valley for decades. “I would estimate that some things have gone up 50%, 60%, and some have gone up 100% … A fertilizer I use went from $25 to $56, something like that.” Tudor, who specializes in grapes but also grows dates and lemons, is quick to note these prices are as much a result of supply chain issues, amplified by Russia’s war against Ukraine, as the country’s spiking inflation rates. ... ” Read more from The Desert Sun here: Coachella Valley date farmers try to chart a future amid inflation and historic drought
SAN DIEGO
Water access closed off in Imperial Beach as Tijuana sewage floats north
“Ocean access in Imperial Beach and Coronado closed Friday, after a pipeline rupture in Tijuana caused a sewage water leak. As of Saturday evening, the Coronado Shoreline reopened and a warning was issued for the Silver Strand Shoreline. Imperial Beach’s shoreline remained closed. The International Boundary and Water Commission said millions of gallons of wastewater have floated north to our beaches due to the pipe rupture. The broken pipeline normally would have transferred the sewage water much further south of San Diego, diluting it before it floated back up north to San Diego’s beaches. In addition, a Tijuana-based pump station, responsible for treating the water before its released into the ocean, was shutdown as a result of the pipeline break. ... ” Read more from NBC San Diego here: Water access closed off in Imperial Beach as Tijuana sewage floats north
Along the Colorado River …
Southern Calif. water districts look at Colorado River cuts
“California residents who rely on Colorado River water could see significant cutbacks on the resource next year, as state officials negotiate a reduction plan that could cost billions to save up to 500,000 acre-feet of water. The Imperial Irrigation District and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California are expected to put forth a plan on Aug. 16 detailing the reductions, the Desert Sun newspaper in Palm Springs reported. The agencies, which supply water to Southern California farmers and the greater Los Angeles area, are planning the cutbacks in response to demands from the Bureau of Reclamation. In June, Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton announced that the seven states that draw water from the Colorado River Basin would need to cut as much as 4 million acre-feet of water in 2023 in order to maintain water levels in Lake Powell and prevent a shutdown of hydropower facilities (E&E Daily, June 15). …” Read more from E&E News here: Southern Calif. water districts look at Colorado River cuts
At this point, a voluntary “2 to 4 million acre feet of additional conservation” Colorado River deal by Aug. 16 seems out of reach
“Janet Wilson had a helpful story yesterday in the Desert Sun about California’s negotiations over its piece of the looming Colorado River cutbacks. Its bottom line is that California – the state with the largest Colorado River allocation – is talking about kicking in 500,000 acre feet of water. Or maybe it’s really just 400,000 acre feet of water – as the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Bill Hasencamp told her, paraphrased, the negotiations are fluid and numbers could change. A reminder of what Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton told senators just seven weeks ago ... ” Continue reading at the Inkstain blog here: At this point, a voluntary “2 to 4 million acre feet of additional conservation” Colorado River deal by Aug. 16 seems out of reach
Senators add $4 billion for Colorado River drought relief into Inflation Reduction Act
“Senators from the interior West announced an agreement Friday afternoon to include $4 billion in funding in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to shore up the rapidly dwindling Colorado River and its massive reservoirs. If passed, the funds, to be administered by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation over the next four years, could be used to pay farmers, rural districts and others to fallow crops and install efficient watering technology, or to pay for other voluntary water reductions in the Lower and Upper Basins, which combined provide drinking water and irrigation to nearly 40 million people across seven states and Mexico. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: Senators add $4 billion for Colorado River drought relief into Inflation Reduction Act | Read via Yahoo News
Tribes in the Colorado River basin say they’re ‘in the dark’ as states discuss water conservation
“A group of 14 tribes in the Colorado River basin is asking for a greater voice in ongoing negotiations about water conservation. In a letter to the Department of the Interior, those tribes write that they are not being adequately consulted as states ponder a plan to save an unprecedented amount of water amid this historic drought. “We should not have to remind you — but we will again — that as our trustee, you must protect our rights, our assets, and people in addition to any action you take on behalf of the system,” the letter reads. … ” Continue reading at KUNC here: Tribes in the Colorado River basin say they’re ‘in the dark’ as states discuss water conservation
Monsoon rainfall set to continue next week in the Southwest
“Rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms have brought intense flooding to portions of the Southwest in recent days and weeks due to the North American monsoon in full gear across the region. Many cities in the area have received significantly more rainfall than normal for the month of July and AccuWeather forecasters say that the pattern isn’t set to break anytime soon as another surge of moisture is expected to push into the region to start the upcoming week. The Southwest has been no stranger to heavy rain recently. In Las Vegas, streets seemingly turned into rivers with several casinos experiencing water leaks as Sin City has almost recorded twice the amount of rain than was observed in July. Major flooding also occurred across much of Arizona, leading to a large number of water rescues in the state. … ” Read more from AccuWeather here: Monsoon rainfall set to continue next week in the Southwest
SEE ALSO: Monsoon 2022: Rainfall totals across much of northern Arizona far exceed normal, from the Arizona Republic via Yahoo News
Colorado’s Compact water will define its future
“Colorado water is also Colorado history. From the first decreed water right in 1852, to the prior appropriation doctrine in 1876, to the apportionment of the Colorado River in 1922, to drought in 2022, Colorado water has never been more precious nor more important to protect. On June 15, the commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation ordered the Colorado River Basin States to come up with a plan to cut water use or the federal government would do it for them. Though the federal government has special standing for such edicts in the Lower Basin (Arizona, California and Nevada), history tells us it has no such power over Colorado or the Upper Basin. … ” Read more from Colorado Politics here: Colorado’s Compact water will define its future
Microplastics increasingly found in Colorado’s snowpack
“As the focus on the electron microscope resolved, Richard Reynolds found himself feeling more resigned than surprised. The slide before him was a snowpack sample collected from pristine Colorado high country. The sample revealed, at intense magnification, the snowpack’s expected sprinkling of rock fragments and spikey grains of sand. It also revealed what shouldn’t have been there at all: long, straight, human-made fibers of plastic. The sight confirmed what Reynolds, a retired U.S. Geological Survey researcher, and his colleagues had suspected after seeing snowpack studies from far away places: An invisible layer of microplastic blankets the Rocky Mountains, polluting our snowpack and our water in yet undefined ways. … ” Read more from the AP here: Microplastics increasingly found in Colorado’s snowpack
In national water news this weekend …
Multistate project focused on protecting one of nation’s largest aquifers
“Rapidly dropping reservoir levels in the West are capturing national media attention, but the nation’s underground aquifers are also under threat. The Ogallala aquifer is one of the world’s largest fresh water resources. Communities and agriculture in eight states in the High Plains region of the country rely on it. Ogallala Aquifer States: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, South Dakota and Wyoming. Most water pumped from the Ogallala aquifer is used by agriculture, the chief driver of the region’s economy. Decades of pumping from the Ogallala aquifer continue to reduce the groundwater table faster than it can be recharged from precipitation. … ” Read more from Fence Post here: Multistate project focused on protecting one of nation’s largest aquifers
Nebraska and Colorado are sparring over water rights. It could be the new norm as rivers dry up
“The Colorado-Nebraska border: Residents on this state line have built their industry, economy and lives around the South Platte River. But as an intense and widespread drought digs into the High Plains, flows have decreased. Unwilling to leave things to chance, Nebraska has taken action by invoking the fine print of a century-old water compact between the two states — and sparking new tension in the process. Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts in April signed legislation that, within the terms of the compact, would allow Nebraska to build a canal in Colorado to siphon water off the South Platte River.In response, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis described the plan as a “costly and misguided political stunt.” … ” Read more from CNN here: Nebraska and Colorado are sparring over water rights. It could be the new norm as rivers dry up
Water and electric quarrels test the limits of tribal power
“Native American tribes have a patchwork of rights over utilities on tribal land. These rights flow from the original treaties that tribes negotiated with Congress as well as modern contracts between tribal members and non-members. This week, we highlight cert petitions that ask the court to consider, among other things, the claims of two tribes concerning the right to regulate water and power on their land. The Colorado River flows through seven southwestern states and the reservations of several indigenous tribes, including the Navajo Nation. Use of the river’s water has prompted over a century of negotiations and lawsuits, not only between those states and tribes, but also involving the federal government. ... ” Read more from the SCOTUS blog here: Water and electric quarrels test the limits of tribal power
Western Senators secure $4 billion for drought in spending bill
“A group of US senators from western states said Friday they have secured $4 billion in drought-relief funding as part of the Democrats’ climate spending and tax bill slated for the Senate floor this weekend. Funding for the assistance through the Interior Department’s Bureau of Reclamation was one of the demands made by Senator Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona Democrat, who was a key holdout on the $433 billion spending package. The funding deal was announced by Democratic Senators Mark Kelly, also of Arizona, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Michael Bennet of Colorado. All three are up for re-election in November in states where water politics loom large. … ” Read more from Bloomberg here: Western Senators secure $4 billion for drought in spending bill
