On the calendar today …
- MEETING: Delta Independent Science Board (TOUR) from 9am to 4pm. The Delta ISB will tour the State Water Project’s Harvey O. Banks Pumping Plant and John E. Skinner Delta Fish Protective Facility, the Central Valley Project’s Tracy Fish Collection Facility, and the UC Davis Fish Conservation and Culture Laboratory. Click here for the full agenda.
- WORKSHOP: Central Valley Flood Protection Plan Update Workshop from 10am to 2pm. Click here for more information.
- WORKSHOP: Making conservation a California a way of life: How forthcoming proposed water use efficiency standards may impact developed and natural parklands and urban tree health from 1pm to 4pm. The State Water Resources Control Board staff will hold an informational public workshop to solicit input on the potential effects that the Board’s proposed water use efficiency standards may have on developed and natural parklands and urban tree health. Click here for the full workshop notice.
Newsom’s water supply strategy …
Newsom unveils long-term strategy to bolster California water supply
“California Gov. Gavin Newsom today unveiled a broad strategy for bolstering the state’s water supply that includes targets to recycle more water, expand reservoir storage and collect more data on the amounts farmers use. Newsom warned that new strategies are essential because California’s water supply will shrink by 10% as climate change brings warmer, drier conditions throughout the state. The plan, however, has limited details, distant deadlines and does not include a water conservation mandate. It also does not include measures to substantially address water use by agriculture, which uses about four times more water in California than people in urban areas use. … ” Read more from the Cal Matters here: Newsom unveils long-term strategy to bolster California water supply
Newsom unveils $8 billion plan to boost water supply
““I don’t know how we’re sleeping at night,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said Thursday when he unveiled a new $8 billion water strategy plan during a visit to a desalination plant, where he talked about innovation, infrastructure and the state’s PR struggles when it comes to conservation. While drought continues to run rampant and extreme heat increases, the state could lose 10% of its water supply by 2040 unless swift action is taken. But, on par with his public rapport, Newsom didn’t hesitate to call out the Golden State’s bureaucratic red tape that impedes climate action plans. “The time to get these damn projects is ridiculous. It’s absurd. It’s reasonably comedic. In so many ways, the world we invented is, from an environmental perspective, now getting in the way of moving these projects forward so we can address the acuities of Mother Nature,” Newsom said before taking jabs at permit processes that take “years and years and years.” … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: Newsom unveils $8 billion plan to boost water supply
Newsom rolls out new water plan. What’s in it?
“As California’s drought worsens, Gov. Gavin Newsom rolled out a wide-ranging plan aiming to address the state’s long-term water issues. Newsom outlined a number of objectives, including a hope to increase recycling of resources, adding millions of acre-feet of storage capacity, and tackling the state’s complicated and contentious water rights system, among other topics. At the heart of the pitch was a warning that the Golden State will see its water supplies shrink by 10 percent due to climate change. The plan, as CalMatters notes, was exceedingly light on details, “distant deadlines and does not include a water conservation mandate.” One key provision was regarding water rights. … ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Newsom rolls out new water plan. What’s in it?
California could lose 10% of its water. Gavin Newsom offers new drought, water blueprint
“Predicting that California’s water supplies could drop 10% in the next 20 years, Gov. Gavin Newsom outlined a broad drought protection blueprint Thursday that relies on more reservoirs, recycling and other strategies. As California suffers through a third year of severe drought, the governor warned of decades of water shortages in California’s future — and said California has to do more to bridge the gap. As the climate dries out, “we have a new sense of urgency to address this issue,” he said while visiting a desalination plant under construction in Antioch. “What we’re focusing on is creating more water … moving away from a scarcity mindset to one more of abundance.” … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: California could lose 10% of its water. Gavin Newsom offers new drought, water blueprint
MORE COVERAGE:
- Governor Newsom Announces Water Strategy For a Hotter, Drier California, press release from Office of the Governor
- Newsom proposes billions to boost California water recycling, desalination, from CBS News
- California Governor Speeds Up Drought Plan, Stops Short of Restrictions, from Bloomberg
- Fearing climate-related water loss, California acts to bolster its water supplies, from the San Francisco Chronicle
- With California expected to lose 10% of its water within 20 years, Newsom calls for urgent action, from the LA Times
- Newsom calls for boosting water supply projects to curb California drought, climate change, from the San Jose Mercury News
Reactions to Newsom’s water supply strategy …
From the Association of California Water Agencies:
Cindy Tuck, Deputy Executive Director for Government Relations, released the following statement: “The Association of California Water Agencies appreciates the Governor’s commitment to securing California’s water supply future in light of sustained drought conditions. ACWA supports the Governor’s call for the development of new water supplies through increased recycled water, desalination, above- and below-ground storage capacity, and groundwater replenishment. As California continues to experience longer and drier periods due to climate change, local and regional water managers throughout California know that state investment in water infrastructure is critical to securing water supplies for people, the food supply, the economy and the environment.”
From the Bay Area Council:
Jim Wunderman, President & CEO, released the following statement: “Expanding California’s water supply is absolutely the right move. Conservation alone won’t save us, we need to manufacture more drought-resilient freshwater supplies. By setting ambitious targets for expanding water recycling, desalination, stormwater capture, and by expanding storage above and below ground, Governor Newsom’s plan is achievable and essential for ensuring water remains plentiful in the decades ahead.”
From the California Fresh Fruit Association:
Ian LeMay, President, released the following statement: “We appreciate the efforts the Newsom Administration has taken to address the critical need for water investments to guarantee the continued sustainability of California agriculture. This plan recognizes the need to expand on existing surface and groundwater infrastructure while streamlining the process to get construction started on new storage projects. Every person in our state, nation and world relies on agriculture, and the Association appreciates Governor Newsom’s action to ensure that California continues to be able have a safe and resilient food supply. Our state and industry cannot survive without a reliable water resource.”
From the California Municipal Utilities Association:
Danielle Blacet-Hyden, Deputy Executive Director, released this statement: “A robust and comprehensive approach is needed for our new climate reality, and CMUA is pleased this document formalizes the Newsom Administration’s support for increasing water supplies through recycled water, stormwater capture and both surface and groundwater storage, addressing dam safety, streamlining approval processes for infrastructure projects, and continuing to build on water systems’ water use efficiency efforts,” said Danielle Blacet-Hyden, CMUA deputy executive director. “CMUA and its members stand ready to collaborate with the Governor and state agency officials to bring the strategy to life and secure a sustainable and affordable water future for all Californians.”
From the California Stormwater Quality Association:
Karen Cowan, Executive Director, released the following statement: “We are thrilled to see stormwater recognized as a key resource. Collecting rainwater in our urban communities will lead to new supply, protect water quality, and create more livable communities. We appreciate the leadership of the Governor, his cabinet and the State Water Board to prioritize and support stormwater capture and look forward to advancing these shared goals together.”
From the Community Water Center:
“Today, community residents from across California called on the Legislature to pass SB 222 and establish the first-in-the-nation low-income water rate assistance program,” said Susana De Anda, executive director and co-founder of the Community Water Center. “Governor Newsom recognizes that people shouldn’t have to choose between drinking water and other basic needs. We are encouraged by the Newsom Administration’s commitment to solving California’s water affordability crisis.” “Low-income households and communities are increasingly struggling to pay for water and sewer as costs rise above the cost of inflation,” said Michael Claiborne, Directing Attorney for Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability. “It is a moral imperative that the Governor and Legislature pass and fund SB 222 to ensure that water is affordable and accessible to all.”
From the Delta Counties Coalition:
Today, Don Nottoli, Chair of the Delta Counties Coalition (DCC), which is comprised of Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano and Yolo Counties, responded to Governor Newsom’s new water supply strategy to adapt to hotter, drier conditions caused by climate change: “Many of the measures included in the Governor’s climate change strategy are right on point and the DCC has advocated for and supported these for more than a decade. The DCC does have serious concerns, however, with the Administration’s ongoing proposal to construct new isolated Delta conveyance. In addition, any “modernization” of water rights must respect water rights priorities in areas of origin, such as the Delta. If tunnel proponents had focused efforts on sensible water solutions rather than a massive multi‐billion dollar Delta tunnel project that would not provide a single drop of additional water, California would be better positioned to address the impacts of climate change. … ”
From Food & Water Watch:
Today, Governor Newsom is expected to release a plan purporting to prepare California for a hotter, drier future fueled by climate change. Yet the steps outlined rely heavily on desalination and controversial tunnel and dam projects. The plan makes no mention of curbing the most intensive water users of the state — Big Ag and Big Oil. Food & Water Watch research recently found California could save as much as 82 million cubic meters of water every year by switching from fossil fuels to renewables like solar and wind power — that’s a 98 percent reduction from the water currently needed to maintain the state’s fossil fuel reliance. The water used for industrial cultivation of thirsty crops like almonds and pistachios is equally stark. Between 2017 and 2021, Food & Water Watch found almond bearing acres grew by 32 percent and pistachio acres increased by 63 percent. That expansion necessitated the withdrawal of an extra 523 billion gallons of water for irrigation — enough water to supply nearly four million households with enough water for an entire year.
From the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California:
Adel Hagekhalil, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, issued the following statement: “The climate crisis is reducing every water source that California has traditionally relied upon while increasing the need for water to sustain our crops and landscapes. Climate change is accelerating aridification in California and demands urgent actions to adapt. We appreciate the administration’s support for new supplyes and infrastructure projects such as Pure Water Southern California. We will be working hand in hand with the Governor’s office and water agencies across the state, the southwest and Metropolitan’s service area to develop new supplies and infrastructure that will provide resilience to protect our health, economy and environment with no one left behind.”
From the Northern California Water Association:
The Northern California Water Association applauds Governor Newsom’s announcement today to accelerate new water supplies throughout California to serve people, farms, recreation and fish and wildlife. The dry years in California have shown that expanding and modernizing our water infrastructure in California is a must-do for California’s future. This modern infrastructure includes maximizing the use of our existing reservoirs, new water storage (such as the Sites offstream reservoir and groundwater storage), access to safe drinking water for all our communities, reactivating our floodplains, healthy farms and soils, and watershed management with forest health. We cannot meet our future water demands without modernizing our infrastructure and stretching our available water supplies. The Governor’s Water Supply Strategy is an important step forward in modernizing our water infrastructure in California and implementing ridgetop to river mouth water management in the Sacramento River Basin.
From the Regional Water Authority (Sacramento):
Jim Peifer, Executive Director of the Regional Water Authority, released the following statement: “Sacramento-area water providers appreciate the Governor’s urgency and approach to preparing for the harsh impacts of climate change on California’s water supplies. I agree when the Governor says later is too late to act. The Governor’s strategy focuses on creating a 21st-century water system that will increase our ability to store more water in our groundwater aquifer during wet times so that it is available to us during dry times. I appreciate that the strategy recognizes that climate change means not only drier dries, but also wetter wets, and lays out a clear plan to evolve water delivery to meet this weather whiplash. In particular, the plan calls for expanding water storage capacity above and below ground by 4 million acre-feet, including expanding average groundwater recharge by 500,000 acre-feet by 2040. …
From Restore the Delta:
Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, executive director of Restore the Delta, said: “The California water supply strategy document released by the Newsom administration today is a step in the right direction. We are happy to see that many issues we have expressed concern about are being addressed. The challenge in California continues to be the execution of the plans. How do we hold ourselves accountable? How do we actually meet the standards that we set? We will continue to monitor the planning and implementation of the described projects in this high-level document. We also maintain the voluntary agreements and the Delta tunnel are actually IN THE WAY of implementing many of the projects outlined in the Governor’s new plan.”
From the San Diego County Water Authority:
Sandra L. Kerl, general manager of the San Diego County Water Authority, released this statement: “Gov. Newsom has shown remarkable leadership dealing with extreme drought conditions, and his new strategy to improve California’s water resilience is another important step to protect the state’s economy and quality of life. The governor’s approach aligns closely with the Water Authority’s 30-year strategy that combines new supplies, infrastructure upgrades and conservation. “While conservation has become a way of life in San Diego County, it’s clear that we cannot conserve our way out of the more frequent severe droughts afflicting the arid West. Both here and across the state, we must continue making strategic investments in supply reliability. We support state efforts to promote long-term thinking and the development of infrastructure to increase our capacity for water storage, water production, and water distribution. Those efforts are already well underway in the San Diego region, where our member agencies are developing repurification plants that extend our supplies by treating wastewater to drinking water standards. ... ”
From Solve the Water Crisis:
The Solve the Water Crisis Coalition including more than 80 engaged water agencies supports the Governor’s leadership and steps forward in making urgently needed changes to California’s water system that secure an adequate and reliable water supply for today and the next generation. The new plan, California’s Water Supply Strategy: Adapting to a Hotter, Drier Future, underscores the significant challenges we face as a result of a changing climate, the need to transform the current water system, and the importance of significantly investing in California water systems to secure the future of California’s water supply and reliability. The plan outlines water supply strategies and includes a pledge to fast track the advancement of policies and new projects to begin addressing California’s water supply crisis. … ” Click here to continue reading at Solve the Water Crisis.
From the State Board of Food and Agriculture:
Don Cameron, Chair, issued the following statement: “As we adapt to a hotter and drier future – I applaud the Administration’s Water Supply Strategy. For the communities and farm families in the Central Valley, this strategy is a call for action to not only adapt to our changing climate but also support a more drought-resilient, equitable and vibrant agricultural economy. This wouldn’t be possible without the leadership and vision of the Governor.”
From the State Water Contractors:
“The Governor’s strategy is a direct reflection of the urgent need to modernize and repair the state’s water infrastructure to ensure a more resilient water supply,” said Jennifer Pierre, General Manager of the State Water Contractors. “As we approach a fourth consecutive dry year and ongoing aridification, we must get serious about advancing projects like the Delta Conveyance Project to accommodate our changing hydrology, investing in subsidence repair and prioritizing conservation as a California way of life. Investments in improved forecasting and data management are also critical to achieving the Governor’s water supply strategies, making way for more flexible water management rooted in science and adaptive management. We look forward to working with the Governor, our state agency partners and local water agencies to advance climate resilient projects to secure California’s water future.”
From WateReuse California:
Jennifer West, Managing Director, issued the following statement: “California urgently needs water recycling supplies to combat the current drought and the ongoing impacts of climate change. WateReuse California believes there is great potential to increase the use of recycling in California through the adoption of Direct Potable Reuse regulations (currently under development), funding the backlog of water recycling projects in the state and streamlining permit and approval processes. We look forward to working with the Water Board in all these efforts that will help us reach these new water recycling goals.”
From the West Basin Municipal Water District:
Gregory Reed, General Manager, writes, “As we seek to increase regional partnerships in Los Angeles County and beyond that allow us to build new, critically needed recycled water and potable reuse infrastructure projects that make our service area more resilient, we also welcome the Governor’s forward-looking water supply strategy.”
From Western Growers Association:
Western Growers President & CEO Dave Puglia issued the following statement: “We applaud Governor Newsom’s bold and comprehensive water infrastructure and management strategy. Our farms are in distress due to water insecurity, increasingly placing millions of Californians in our agricultural regions at great risk of economic harm. To adapt to climate realities, the Governor’s plan recognizes the urgent need to build new and improve existing infrastructure and to streamline and improve the practicality of the regulatory processes that govern them. Critically, that means new and expanded surface and groundwater storage to capture wet year flood flows that are too infrequent to be missed. While we have only seen this plan for the first time today and are certain to have many questions about it, Governor Newsom has given us reason to move forward with optimism. This is clearly not just nibbling around the edges. We echo the Governor’s sense of urgency and look forward to working with his administration in good faith to turn this plan into action.”
In other California water news today …
State, federal agencies announce new signatories to agreement to improve the health of rivers and landscapes (aka voluntary agreements)
“Five more local water agencies have signed onto an agreement to provide water flows and new habitat to help improve conditions in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta watershed, adding momentum to the state’s plan to adapt to a new climate reality. In March, leaders of state, federal and local agencies announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining terms for a transformational eight-year program to provide substantial new flows for the environment to help recover salmon and other native fish, create new and restored habitat for fish and wildlife, and provide significant funding for environmental improvements and water purchases. … ” Read more from the Natural Resources Agency here: State, federal agencies announce new signatories to agreement to improve the health of rivers and landscapes (aka voluntary agreements)
EBMUD joins State effort to enhance Bay-Delta ecosystem
“The East Bay Utility District (EBMUD) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of California to develop an agreement to improve water flows and habitat in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. EBMUD has been negotiating with the state on an approach to provide additional flows from the Mokelumne River to support the endangered Delta ecosystem while also ensuring reliable, high-quality water supplies to the East Bay community. “With decades of successful collaboration on the Mokelumne River, EBMUD looks forward to working with the state and other parties on an effective collaborative effort to help achieve the state’s goals for the Bay-Delta,” said EBMUD General Manager Clifford Chan. “This not only supports the Bay-Delta Plan, but also protects the communities and economy of the East Bay.” … ” Read more from EBMUD here: EBMUD joins State effort to enhance Bay-Delta ecosystem
Californians still want clean, safe water a decade after state declared it a human right
“Zenaida Montes calls the water at home “pure sickness.” Like many others who live in Fresno, she can’t drink it and regularly pays for bottled water instead. “All the water in Fresno, it’s really bad,” Montes said in Spanish. “[I have to] buy gallons of water to make food, for everything.” It’s so contaminated, she says, that it even leaves her clothes feeling dirty after a wash. Montes was one of the few dozen people who arrived in Sacramento on Thursday morning, rallying at the Capitol building to demand that lawmakers take action to ensure better access to clean water for all Californians. … ” Read more from Capital Public Radio here: Californians still want clean, safe water a decade after state declared it a human right
What La Niña means for fall in California
“We’ve been stuck with La Niña for a long time – and, according to the latest National Weather Service outlook, we’re not getting rid of her just yet. There’s an 80% probability La Niña conditions persist between September and November, which will have an impact on fall weather in California. La Niña usually splits California into two halves: bringing wetter conditions to the northern part of the state and drier conditions to the south. Between September and November of a La Niña year, areas north of the Bay Area tend to get more rain than usual, according to data from the Climate Prediction Center. South of the Bay Area, most parts of California tend to see normal rain levels, though some desert communities could see even less rain than average. ... ” Read more from KRON here: What La Niña means for fall in California
21,000 fish die in ‘catastrophic failure’ at UC Davis facility studying threatened species
“About 21,000 fish, including sturgeon and endangered chinook salmon, died of chlorine exposure in a “catastrophic failure” at a UC Davis research facility, university officials said Thursday. The loss was discovered Tuesday morning in an outdoor facility with multiple large tanks at the UC Davis Center for Aquatic Biology and Aquaculture, said Andy Fell, a university spokesperson. The facility is overseen by a professional staff, and the fish had been bred on-site. Rescue attempts were undertaken, but only a “handful” of fish survived, Fell said. “It’s a devastating loss for the site,” he said. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: 21,000 fish die in ‘catastrophic failure’ at UC Davis facility studying threatened species
Statement: UC Davis grieves the loss of fish
“We are devastated to report that a catastrophic failure has resulted in the loss of about 21,000 fish at the UC Davis Center for Aquatic Biology and Aquaculture, or CABA. The loss appears to be due to chlorine exposure, to which fish are especially sensitive. We are in the process of investigating where our process failed; notifying regulatory and funding agencies, and collaborators; caring for the surviving fish; reviewing processes in other similar facilities; initiating an independent external review; developing mitigation plans for research programs that were directly affected; and supporting our students, staff and faculty. … ” Read more from UC Davis here: Statement: UC Davis grieves the loss of fish
SEE ALSO: ‘Catastrophic failure’ kills 21,000 fish used for research at UC Davis, from the SF Chronicle
Meat prices could soar even more due to drought
“A California rancher noted on Thursday that the number of cattle in the United States has been reduced “quite significantly” as Americans have already been facing higher prices for meat. Diamond W Cattle Company owner Mike Williams discussed inflation and the drought’s impact on his herd and others during a live interview on “Cavuto: Coast to Coast” Thursday. Williams told FOX Business’ Kelly O’Grady he used to have 600 cattle on his ranch but now that number is down to 200 amid the drought and soaring inflation. “We’re running about a third of the cattle we normally run on this ranch,” Williams said, noting that it has been “a several-year process.” … ” Read more from Fox News here: Meat prices could soar even more due to drought
Agave: The new drought-tolerant California crop?
“Agriculture in California faces an uncertain future as drought, wildfires and other climate extremes become more commonplace in the West. But a fledgling industry focused on growing and distilling agave plants, which are used to produce tequila and mezcal in Mexico, could be California’s answer to fallowed fields and a lack of water. Earlier this year a group of growers, distillers and retailers formed the California Agave Council to foster collaboration and offer a chance to share knowledge among members who previously had no formal network. Now, the University of California, Davis, has established the Stuart & Lisa Woolf Fund for Agave Research to focus on outreach and research into the plants and their viability as a low-water crop in the state. ... ” Read more from UC Davis here: Agave: The new drought-tolerant California crop?
California senators kill measure to reduce plastic waste from online retailers, dozens of others
“A committee in the California Senate has killed a bill that would have required e-retailers to stop shipping items in some common types of plastic packaging — a move designed to combat a dramatic increase in non-recyclable waste from online shopping. The Appropriations Committee shelved the measure, which was opposed by a host of plastics companies and business groups that said eliminating packaging could result in damaged goods or spoiled food. AB2026 by Assembly Member Laura Friedman, D-Glendale (Los Angeles County), sought to require online retailers to end their use of plastic packaging meant to be used once and tossed in the trash, such as padded Amazon envelopes, bubble wrap, air pillows and polystyrene peanuts. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: California senators kill measure to reduce plastic waste from online retailers, dozens of others
More evidence that California weather is trending toward extremes
“A team led by Kristen Guirguis, a climate researcher at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, found evidence that the risk of hazardous weather is increasing in the Southwest. The researchers investigated the daily relationships among four major modes of weather affecting California. How they interact governs the formation of weather events such as atmospheric rivers capable of bringing torrential rains and Santa Ana winds that can spread devastating wildfires. “This study suggests that weather patterns are changing in a way that enhances hot, dry Santa Ana winds, while reducing precipitation frequency in the Southwest,” said Guirguis. “These changes in atmospheric circulation are raising the risk of wildfires during California winters.” … ” Read more from UC San Diego News Center here: More evidence that California weather is trending toward extremes
In commentary today …
Conservation alone won’t solve California’s water crisis. We need more infrastructure
The San Diego Union-Tribune editorial board writes, “The question persists even though it shouldn’t: Can California conserve its way out of this drought? The answer is clearly no. But then again, if water policy in California were as clear as water itself, Jake Gittes would never have been told to “forget it.” … In recognition of this and a changing climate that has implications for every Californian, Newsom has designed a plan for “a climate prone to weather whiplash,” a plan that calls for “haste” because water supply conditions are likely to both worsen and become less predictable across the West. There are many priorities at all levels of government, but expanding water infrastructure needs to stay toward the top of the list. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: Conservation alone won’t solve California’s water crisis. We need more infrastructure
State Water Board must move faster to get needed water to disadvantaged communities
Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula writes, “The Fresno Bee Editorial Board recently published a commentary critical of the California Water Resources Control Board, prompted by the State Auditor’s report that determined the board “demonstrated a lack of urgency” to fix failing water systems — two-thirds of which are in poor, disadvantaged communities. And, most of those communities are in the Central Valley. The hard-hitting report, released by acting State Auditor Michael Tilden, brought public attention to the alarming scope of the problem regarding troubling delays in the water board’s application process. As a result, these delays prolong the time people in these communities suffer from unsafe drinking water, stretching into years in the worst cases. … ” Continue reading at the Fresno Bee here: State water board must move faster to get needed water to disadvantaged communities
California’s Colorado River reckoning
Ed Osann, Director of National Water Use Efficiency and Water Initiatives with the NRDC, writes, “2023, and every year that follows, will be different for the seven Colorado River Basin States – and particularly for Southern California. In June, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, operator of the massive federal dams on the Colorado River, informed the seven states of the Colorado Basin that they needed to prepare for reductions of 2 to 4 million acre-feet of Colorado River water next year, or as much as 1/3 of the amount used in a typical year. Sharply declining water levels behind both Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam have raised alarms about the system’s ability to continue to supply water and power, forcing the states to consider what was previously unthinkable. The Commissioner is expected to announce more specifics in August. While each of the Basin states will face challenges, this blog focuses on California, which has never had to contend with a curtailment of its original apportioned share of the Colorado. … ” Continue reading at the NRDC here: California’s Colorado River reckoning
In regional water news and commentary today …
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
A year after wildfire disaster, life returns to California forests
“The flames fade away. Firefighters extinguish the last embers. A final curl of smoke uncoils in the wind. A wildfire in the California wilderness has come to an end, and what’s left behind is a blackened landscape of skeletal pines and leafless oaks, scorched meadows, and ashen stumps where saplings once stood. Then, slowly, life returns. One year after a wind-whipped wildfire charged across a craggy mountainside above Lone Pine, California, flashes of new growth are emerging in this still-charred corner of the Inyo National Forest, a hiking, camping, and fishing playground about 350 miles southeast of San Francisco. … ” Read more from the Christian Science Monitor here: A year after wildfire disaster, life returns to California forests
NAPA/SONOMA
Santa Rosa: Neighbors voice concerns over safety of proposed housing development
“Hurting for water and hurting for housing – Santa Rosa is caught in a delicate dance as the city tries to balance its need for new homes. At a virtual neighborhood meeting Monday residents in a small West Santa Rosa neighborhood aired their grievances and concerns over a proposed new housing development. Crime, vagrancy, traffic, and noise topped the list of concerns. Called Alta Santa Rosa, the proposal includes just under 800 new multi-family homes, over 1500 parking spaces, and nearly 5,000 feet of retail space. Situated between Guerneville Road, Lance Drive, and Comstock Middle School – Alta Santa Rosa would be built on top of a largely undeveloped grassy lot. ... ” Read more from Northern California Public Media here: Santa Rosa: Neighbors voice concerns over safety of proposed housing development
BAY AREA
Marin creek sees endangered salmon return after decade-long absence
“National Park Service biologists say they have counted the largest number of young coho salmon in Pine Gulch Creek in the Point Reyes National Seashore in more than 20 years — an encouraging sign that the once-thriving, but now endangered fish may be returning to their former stronghold after more than a decade-long absence. National Park Service biologists reported finding 300 juvenile salmon in the creek this summer, which they said is the largest count since it began regularly monitoring the creek in 2001. “Those that survive over the summer and through the winter will migrate out to sea next spring as smolts,” park service staff wrote in an update this month. “Hopefully several will return again as adults to keep the coho population alive on Pine Gulch.” … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin creek sees endangered salmon return after decade-long absence
Wetlands advocates work to raise Highway 37
“There’s a vocal debate over building a better Bay Area, by building a better highway. At stake is not just traffic, but potentially vast stretches of restored wetlands. When Kendall Webster gazes across the levees and farmland in southern Sonoma County, she can envision the tidal marshes that once flushed water back and forth from meandering waterways to San Pablo Bay. “And so this whole flatland here was a mosaic of tidal wetlands,” she explains. It’s a vast expanse of wetlands that the Sonoma Land Trust and their partners are working to restore. … ” Read more from Channel 7 here: Wetlands advocates work to raise Highway 37
CENTRAL COAST
Pescadero HS begins another year of relying on bottled drinking water due to nitrates
“At Pescadero High School, no one takes clean drinking water for granted. That’s because the high school itself and the district office next door has had to rely on bottled water for drinking and cooking for years. “The water fountain has never been used,” said English teacher Jennifer Freeman. Freeman pointed to the sinks in the classrooms which carry a warning not to drink from the tap. In fact, all the water for students and staff to drink must be trucked in and it’s been that way since 2015. … ” Read more from CBS News here: Pescadero HS begins another year of relying on bottled drinking water due to nitrates
Salinas: Pumping of the deep aquifer, which holds ancient water, has intensified in recent years. And it’s bad.
“What if the water coming out of your tap, or the water irrigating the produce you eat, was mined from an ancient water source from when woolly mammoths used to walk the Earth? Is that sustainable? The latter is a question facing the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency’s board on Thursday, Aug. 11, when they will be presented with the most comprehensive study of that ancient water source in at least 20 years, and maybe ever. It’s a draft, not yet finalized, but it’s fair to say it doesn’t look good. The stakes are high: Residents in Salinas, Marina, Castroville and parts of Seaside, as well as various agricultural interests, depend on it. … ” Read more from Monterey Weekly here: Pumping of the deep aquifer, which holds ancient water, has intensified in recent years. And it’s bad.
SLO City Council water conservation, and cannabis company clean-up of SLO Creek
“Local cannabis dispensary Megan’s Organic Market celebrated their two-year anniversary in San Luis Obispo by cleaning up the SLO Creek today. Megan Souza is the co-founder and owner of the dispensary. She said they started the business in response to the rise in demand for organic and sustainable cannabis. “We applied for a storefront dispensary permit, and we are celebrating our two-year anniversary with a creek cleanup of SLO Creek right here behind us.” … ” Read more from KCBX here: SLO City Council water conservation, and cannabis company clean-up of SLO Creek
Lawsuit agreement suspends Bureau of Land Management’s Central Coast oil and gas leasing
“Several California conservation groups and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management reached an agreement to suspend new oil and gas leasing across more than 1 million acres within the bureau’s Bakersfield Office—which encompasses Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Madera, Ventura, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties. The agreement came about after a 2020 lawsuit challenging the proposal because it didn’t comply with environmental law and didn’t look at impacts—particularly from fracking, said Los Padres ForestWatch Executive Director Jeff Kuyper. “All parties involved in the lawsuit—the bureau, state, and team of conservation organizations—came to an agreement that the bureau would go back and redo its [environmental] analysis and substantially add to it,” Kuyper said. “At the same time, they will also look at other parts of the management plan that will need to be updated as part of the environmental analysis. The hope is the bureau does a much more thorough job of analysis.” … ” Read more from the Santa Maria Sun here: Lawsuit agreement suspends Bureau of Land Management’s Central Coast oil and gas leasing
Commentary: Lompoc recently considered another emergency water-use proclamation, but we have no need
Ron Fink writes, “When is an “emergency” not really that emergent? Apparently, some of the “experts” in Lompoc can’t figure that one out as they tried to claim an emergency declaration was needed and then explained that none exists—at least in our city. On Tuesday, Aug. 3, the Lompoc City Council held a hearing to determine if a staff proposal to adopt an urgency ordinance to prohibit the use of potable water for the irrigation of nonfunctional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional sites. We all know that there is a shortage of water in our state, but I don’t think any of us would dive into the weeds to examine the intricate details concerning water conservation in the city, but in Lompoc we are not in a severe drought condition. The staff was reacting to an emergency declaration by Gov. Gavin Newsom “declaring a state of emergency proclamation under the California Emergency Services Act, determining that statewide drought conditions will likely continue for the foreseeable future.” Whether this is true or not is debatable, since in our area drought conditions run in cycles. ... ” Read more from the Santa Maria Sun here: Lompoc recently considered another emergency water-use proclamation, but we have no need
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Valadao, McCarthy request documents from Department of Interior amid ongoing drought
“As California grapples with a third year of drought, a new statewide survey shows water issues are top-of-mind for residents. It comes as our Congressmen in Kern are speaking out and demanding more information from the Department of Interior. On Wednesday, Kern’s Congressmen Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) and David Valadao (R-Hanford) sent a letter to the Interior Secretary requesting documents related to her review of the 2019 Biological Opinions. The opinions determined operations for the Central Valley Project and California State Water Project did not jeopardize endangered species. … ” Read more from KGET here: Valadao, McCarthy request documents from Department of Interior amid ongoing drought
California Water Board: Bakersfield used less water in June
“The California Water Board says two water utilities serving areas of Kern County saw significant drops in water use in June. California Water Service Company Bakersfield serving a population of more than 287,000 had a 16.9% decrease in water use in June. … ” Read more from Channel 23 here: California Water Board: Bakersfield used less water in June
VIDEO: Where does the water go? How the Kern River is divvied up
“Where does the water go? The Kern River’s abrupt stop, practically mid-channel, can be jarring. The full river suddenly goes dry just outside Bakersfield leaving a dusty channel snaking through the heart of town. Why? Where does all that water go? Who owns it? How does it all work? Our video project, “Law of the River,” answers those questions and more as we look at the river’s history, how it operates, who owns the water and what the future may hold. This is the first in a series of videos that will look at each stop along the way for Kern River flows.” Watch video at SJV Water here: VIDEO: Where does the water go? How the Kern River is divvied up
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Report: Santa Clara River under threat
“A new report published today called on decision-makers in Ventura and Los Angeles counties to apply sustainable water-management practices to the Santa Clara River, known as Utom to the Chumash people. Released by the Center for Biological Diversity, the State of Utom 2022 identifies the main threats to, and conservation goals for, the 116-mile river that stretches from the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County to the Pacific Ocean in Ventura County. It’s the largest watershed in Southern California and home to more than 110 special-status animals and plants. The river is under threat of development, water diversions and other harmful practices that could decimate the habitat of fish like the unarmored threespine stickleback, California red-legged frogs, and other sensitive species. … ” Read more from the Center for Biological Diversity here: Report: Southern California’s Signature River Under Threat
LA Water Board approves MOU that holds Boeing accountable for Santa Susana cleanup
“In a crucial development regarding the proposed cleanup of contaminated soil at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory in southeastern Ventura County, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board today unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that requires The Boeing Company – after soil cleanup is complete – to prove that stormwater runoff is no longer polluted and human health and the environment are protected. The MOU is part of a comprehensive framework that involves both the Los Angeles Water Board and Department of Toxic Substances Control, two agencies within the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA). The framework imposes strict protocols and timelines for Boeing’s cleanup and is made up of two principal agreements – the MOU and a DTSC Settlement Agreement that was enacted with the MOU’s passage. … ”
L.A. water board approves controversial agreement with Boeing over toxic site
“Despite the heated objections of neighbors and environmentalists, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board voted unanimously Thursday to approve an agreement with Boeing Co. that seeks to ensure polluted stormwater isn’t still flowing into local creeks and the Los Angeles River after the company cleans up the notoriously toxic Santa Susana Field Laboratory. The agreement requires Boeing to monitor stormwater draining into the Calleguas Creek watershed for 195 pollutants after the company completes its cleanup of the 2,850-acre site atop a plateau in southeastern Ventura County. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: L.A. water board approves controversial agreement with Boeing over toxic site
Request for additional water denied to Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
“As we enter some of the hottest and driest months in a historic drought, local water officials have asked the state to allocate more water to the area surrounding Malibu to help mitigate wildfire risk. Unfortunately, that request has been denied. The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) that services the Santa Monica Mountains unincorporated Malibu area, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village and Hidden Hills, in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), made the request to the State Water Project citing the area designated as “very high fire hazard severity zones.” “The situation with the drought is dire. We are facing unprecedented drought conditions and subsequently the impacts on our water supply,” said Riki Clark, LVMWD Public Affairs Associate. … ” Read more from the Malibu Times here: Request for additional water denied to Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
More flooding, humidity, mosquitos in SoCal: Blame greenhouse gases
“Rain storms have caused devastating flash floods in some of California’s deserts recently. Joshua Tree National Park was forced to close on Monday. In Death Valley, hundreds of tourists and staffers got stranded last week after record flooding damaged roads going in and out of the park. Also in Kentucky, nearly 40 people are dead after floods buried towns in mud last month. And in Seoul, South Korea, heavy rain submerged roads and homes. These rains are unusual for the summer, says Alex Hall, professor in UCLA’s Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. He explains how they’re related to climate change: “In a warmer world, the atmosphere can hold more moisture. So when you have more moisture in the air, and you have [a] convergence of moist air masses, you just get more precipitation.” … ” Read more from KCRW here: More flooding, humidity, mosquitos in SoCal: Blame greenhouse gases
Why Southern California’s tap water can taste bad in the summer
“Amid recent reports of so-called “forever chemicals” found in drinking water, it’s not hard to imagine that some people might be hypersensitive when it comes to the taste of their tap water this summer. If you do notice an odd taste, however, the reason might be more benign than you think. Complaints of an “earthy” or “musty” taste or smell might just be the result of a regular summer phenomenon for some of California’s water systems. The taste is due to the accelerated growth of some algae compounds in the warmer weather. … ” Read more from KTLA here: Why Southern California’s tap water can taste bad in the summer
$5.6 million Santa Monica breakwater restoration project on Bay Foundation wish list
“Next week, the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission (SMBRC) will meet to lay out a work plan of projects designed to protect the ocean and waterways around Los Angeles County and increase coastal access, bolstered by millions of federal dollars allocated as part of the November 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Of the eight proposed BIL work plan activities on the Aug. 18 agenda, the costliest and most time-consuming is the creation of a “Santa Monica Breakwater Rocky Intertidal Preserve” — a project that SMBRC staff hope will better protect nearshore infrastructure as well as increase rocky intertidal habitat in the Bay. It would entail rebuilding the Santa Monica Breakwater, of which now only remnants remain. … ” Read more from the Santa Monica Daily Press here: $5.6 million Santa Monica breakwater restoration project on Bay Foundation wish list
DDT dumped off Peninsula went straight into ocean, not contained in barrels, EPA says
“The hazardous materials that the long-defunct Montrose Chemical Corporation dumped off the Palos Verdes Peninsula went directly into the ocean rather than being contained in barrels as was previously thought, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found. The revelation, unveiled in a recent EPA report, means Montrose was not responsible for the thousands of barrels scientists discovered off the Peninsula shelf from 2011 to 2013. But it also means there was no barrier between the DDT and the ocean. And the revelation further deepens the mystery of what’s actually in those barrels, which scientists previously thought contained the toxic pesticide Montrose once produced. … ” Read more from the OC Register here: DDT dumped off Peninsula went straight into ocean, not contained in barrels, EPA says
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
State recommends change to New River Project bid
“A last-minute recommendation by state officials will prompt slight changes to, and potentially lower the cost of construction for, the city’s New River Improvement Project request for proposals. The recommendation by the California Department of Water Resources called for a change in the type of material to be used for the estimated $32 million project. The state’s request was submitted to the city a few hours before the City Council was scheduled to potentially approve the project going out to bid during a special meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 10. The council ultimately voted unanimously to approve the invitation for bids, pending the recommended changes. … ” Read more from the Holtville Tribune here: State recommends change to New River Project bid
Along the Colorado River …
CRS Report: Management of the Colorado River: Water allocations, drought, and the federal role
“The Colorado River Basin covers more than 246,000 square miles in seven U.S. states (Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California) and Mexico. Pursuant to federal law, the Bureau of Reclamation (part of the Department of the Interior) manages much of the basin’s water supplies. Colorado River water is used primarily for agricultural irrigation and municipal and industrial (M&I) uses; it is also important for hydropower production, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses. Apportioned Colorado River water is widely acknowledged to be in excess of the river’s natural flows, and consumptive use of these waters typically exceeds natural flows. This causes an imbalance in the basin’s available water supply and demand. Stress on basin water supplies is exacerbated by a long–term drought dating to 2000. … ” Read the full report from CRS here: Management of the Colorado River: Water allocations, drought, and the federal role
Clock ticks down on Colorado River cuts. What will feds do?
“Western states that rely on the Colorado River Basin for their water supplies face a Tuesday deadline to tell the Bureau of Reclamation how they plan to cut back during the crushing drought that has shrunk the river. But as that date nears, the consequences for failure remain a key unknown. Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton announced in June that states in the Colorado River Basin need to propose how to conserve between 2 million and 4 million acre-feet of water before a mid-August deadline, when the agency releases its 24-month projections for water levels in lakes Powell and Mead (E&E Daily, June 15). If the seven states — Arizona, California and Nevada in the Lower Basin and Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming in the Upper Basin — fail to do so, Biden administration officials have emphasized the threat of federal intervention. … ” Read more from E&E News here: Clock ticks down on Colorado River cuts. What will feds do?’
Water negotiations continue for Southern California water districts amid drought
“The drought continues to grip the west with no signs of letting up. One of the hardest hit places is the Colorado River, which serves about 40 million people, including right here in the Coachella Valley. … But, water districts in our region are already doing what they can to save the Colorado River. “I want to reiterate the fact how important that river is. It is our only source of water,” Imperial Irrigation District Public Information Officer, Robert Schettler, said. ... ” Read more from NBC Palm Springs here: Water negotiations continue for Southern California water districts amid drought
Heavy rain hammers Las Vegas, turning famed strip into a river
“Pockets of heavy rain and thunderstorms swept across the Southwest on Thursday night, prompting flash flood warnings in southern Nevada, far southeastern California and Arizona. The gusty storms knocked out power to many Las Vegas residents and flooded numerous roadways, including the famous Las Vegas Strip. Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas recorded 0.58 of an inch of rainfall from thunderstorms in just an hour, nearly double what the site typically observes for August. Surrounding neighborhoods picked up anywhere between 0.25 and 0.75 of an inch of rain from the storms. Thursday was also the wettest day at the airport since March 12, 2020. … ” Read more from AccuWeather here: Heavy rain hammers Las Vegas, turning famed strip into a river
Saudi firm has pumped Arizona groundwater for years without paying. Time to pony up
Bruce Babbitt served as governor of Arizona from 1978 to 1987. Robert Lane served as State Land commissioner from 1982 to 1987. They write, “In 1982 as the Central Arizona Project canal neared completion, Wes Steiner, the renowned director of the Department of Water Resources, proposed that the state set aside Butler Valley as a groundwater reserve for future use in connection with the CAP. Acting on his advice, we worked with the federal Bureau of Land Management to transfer the Valley into state ownership to be managed by the State Land Department. In June, The Arizona Republic uncovered the story of how the State Land Department had recently handed over thousands of acres to a Saudi corporation called Fondomonte, giving it permission to pump unlimited amounts of groundwater to grow alfalfa hay for export to Saudi Arabia. This tale of official misfeasance began in 2015 when the State Land Department began leasing land to Fondomonte at an annual rental of just $25 per acre. ... ” Read more from Arizona Central here: Saudi firm has pumped Arizona groundwater for years without paying. Time to pony up | Read via Yahoo News
The Southwest is running out of fresh water. Could the ocean provide a cure?
“It’s a picture-perfect day in Southern California. The sun is beating down on this Carlsbad beach, where volleyballs hit the sand and surfers paddle out into the waves. Just steps from here, the salty water lapping the shore is being transformed. This beach neighbors the largest desalination facility in the Western Hemisphere. The Carlsbad Desalination Plant uses a complex web of pipes, tanks and specialized filters to pull salt and impurities out of ocean water, turning it into part of the drinking supply for San Diego County. Water managers are feeling the crunch of a supply-demand imbalance along the Colorado River. … Some have proposed desalination technology as a way to augment that supply, easing the strain on a river that supplies a growing population from Wyoming to Mexico. Experts say it could be part of the solution, but likely won’t make much of a dent in the region’s water crisis. … ” Continue reading at KUNC here: The Southwest is running out of fresh water. Could the ocean provide a cure?
Sinema’s last-minute push on Democrats’ climate bill added $4 billion to combat Western drought
“When Sen. Joe Manchin III and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer landed a surprise agreement on a healthcare, climate and tax bill last month, all but one Senate Democrat accepted the deal rather than risk collapse with further negotiation. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, the inscrutable Arizona Democrat who has at times voted against her party’s demands, staked her vote on two changes. Most attention focused on her push to eliminate a proposed tax on wealthy investors. But Sinema’s last-minute efforts also added $4 billion to address the water crisis along the Colorado River as the region endures its most intense drought in centuries, a 23-year run of extreme dryness compounded by the effects of climate change. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Sinema’s last-minute push on Democrats’ climate bill added $4 billion to combat Western drought
National water and climate update …
The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces this weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S.
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