DAILY DIGEST, 8/17: Feds order Colorado River cutbacks; When will this megadrought end?; How CA can strategically use every drop of water; What megafires can teach us about megafloods; and more …

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On the calendar today …

Department of Interior announces Colorado River cutbacks …

Feds order Arizona and Nevada to cut water use as Colorado River levels drop to historic lows

“As the historic drought in the U.S. West continues to push reservoir levels down to new lows, the federal government on Tuesday ordered Arizona and Nevada to cut the amount of water they draw from the Colorado River.  The West is currently experiencing its driest 23-year period on record. Lake Powell on the Utah-Arizona border stands at 26% capacity. Lake Mead, a reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the Nevada-Arizona border, stands at 27% capacity. Those levels are expected to drop even further by the end of the year.  “The prolonged drought afflicting the West is one of the most significant challenges facing our communities and our country,” said Tommy Beaudreau, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, during an online press conference Tuesday. “The critically low reservoir conditions in the Colorado River Basin are driven primarily by climate change, including extreme heat and low precipitation.” … ”  Read more from the Courthouse News Service here:  Feds order Arizona and Nevada to cut water use as Colorado River levels drop to historic lows

As talks on Colorado River water falter, U.S. government imposes new restrictions

“After Colorado River Basin states failed to meet a deadline for emergency drought reductions Tuesday, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced new emergency water cuts for Arizona, Nevada and Mexico as the nation’s two largest reservoirs decline to perilously low levels.  The seven states that rely on Colorado River water were told two months ago to develop plans to drastically reduce water use by 2 million to 4 million acre-feet, but those talks have grown acrimonious. At a news conference Tuesday, federal officials said that an agreement was urgently needed and that it was declaring a Tier 2 shortage for next year — a historic first for the shrinking river. Under Tier 2 shortage conditions, Arizona’s annual water apportionment will be reduced by 21%, Nevada’s by 8% and Mexico’s by 7%. There is no required water savings contribution for California. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: As talks on Colorado River water falter, U.S. government imposes new restrictions

Deadline passes with no deal on Southern CA drought crisis. What’s next for rest of the state?

“With drought conditions in the West nearing a crisis point, the Biden administration was poised to bring the hammer down Tuesday on California, six neighboring states and Mexico, imposing draconian cutbacks in water supplies from the Colorado River. Instead, the feds decided to give the states more time to figure out how to share the misery. … Given its huge population and considerable clout in the Legislature, Southern California’s problems could affect the entire state. Metropolitan has made deals to buy water this year from several Sacramento-area water agencies, including the city of Sacramento, and Northern California water officials acknowledge that pressure could build to make additional deals if Southern California can’t solve its problems on its own. … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Deadline passes with no deal on Southern CA drought crisis. What’s next for rest of the state?

Four things to know about Colorado River water in California

“Arizona and Nevada will face steeper cuts to Colorado River water in 2023 as drought continues to deepen, but California will once again be spared — at least for now.   The US Bureau of Reclamation today announced the first-ever Level 2a shortage condition for Lake Mead, the massive reservoir that supplies water to about 25 million people. That designation triggers more curtailments for Arizona, Nevada and Mexico, while California, which holds more senior rights, is not affected.  But there’s been no deal among the Colorado River basin states to further cut their water use by 2 to 4 million acre feet in 2023. It’s a massive amount — at least seven times more than Nevada is entitled to in a year.  As of today, no agreement had been struck. But the deadline has come and gone with no plan and no concrete consequences from the Bureau of Reclamation. … ”  Read more from Cal Matters here: Four things to know about Colorado River water in California

‘Aggressive’ Arizona-Nevada water plan rejected, officials say

“Water officials said Tuesday a joint Arizona-Nevada proposal that identified 2 million acre-feet in water savings was rejected.  A statement from two top officials in Arizona appeared to be more evidence that neighboring states are frustrated with California and other states in finding solutions to the continuing water shortage in the Southwest. Details of the proposal were not released.  “Arizona and Nevada put forward an aggressive proposal that would achieve 2 (million acre-feet) of reductions among the Lower Basin and Mexico in 2023 and beyond. That proposal was rejected,” according to the statement on behalf of Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke and Central Arizona Project (CAP) General Manager Ted Cooke.  “It is unacceptable for Arizona to continue to carry a disproportionate burden of reductions for the benefit of others who have not contributed,” the statement said. … ”  Read more from Channel 8 here: ‘Aggressive’ Arizona-Nevada water plan rejected, officials say

Dan Walters:  California dodges Colorado River water cutbacks

“One cannot overstate the importance of Colorado River water in the evolution of Southern California from a collection of small cities and villages into a megaregion of 20-plus million people — more than the population of all but three states.  In the early years of the 20^th century, Los Angeles imported water from the eastern slope of the Sierra to fuel its growth, but the semi-arid region still needed more and in the 1920s looked to the Colorado River, California’s eastern border with Arizona, which at the time was only lightly tapped.  Imperial Valley farmers had been drawing water from the Colorado for several decades but most of the river’s water, originating in runoff from the Rocky Mountains hundreds of miles away, ran freely into what was then called the Gulf of California. … ”  Read more from Cal Matters here: Dan Walters:  California dodges Colorado River water cutbacks

SEE ALSO:

• San Diego avoids water cuts as federal deadline passes for deal on Colorado River, from the San Diego Union-Tribune
• What do Colorado River announcements mean for California’s Imperial and Coachella valleys?, from The Desert Sun
• Here are 5 takeaways from the new drought guidelines on the Colorado River, from the Arizona Republic
• EXPLAINER: Winners, losers in water cuts for Western states, from the AP via the Star Tribune
• Drought punishes west anew as US cuts Colorado River water, from Bloomberg Law
• Feds cut Colorado River water allocations. What does it mean for Nevada?, from the Nevada Independent
• Southern Nevada Water Authority chief criticizes inaction on Lake Mead water, from the Las Vegas Review Journal
• Arizona loses one-fifth of its Colorado River allocation under new federal drought plan, from the Arizona Republic
• U.S. announces more water cuts as Colorado River hits dire lows, from the Washington Post
• Colorado River states fail to meet federal deadline on restricting water use, from KUNC
• As the Colorado River dries, tribes see indigenous water management as essential, from KUNC
• Commentary:  Apparently, the plan to save a tanking Lake Mead and Lake Powell is ‘stay tuned’, from opinion columnist Joanna Allhands at the Arizona Republic

Reactions …

From the Arizona Department of Water Resources

ADWR Director Tom Buschatzke and CAP General Manager Ted Cooke released the following statement:  “Since Commissioner Touton’s Senate testimony in June, Arizona has been working hard with the Basin States and Reclamation to identify actions that would take the necessary critical steps to conserve an additional 2-4 million acre-feet (MAF) to protect the Colorado River system.  The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) and the Central Arizona Project (CAP) came to the table prepared to take significant additional reductions beyond those required under the 2007 Guidelines and the Drought Contingency Plan with the expectation that others would need to do likewise, as no one state can do it alone.  Arizona and Nevada put forward an aggressive proposal that would achieve 2 MAF of reductions
among the Lower Basin and Mexico in 2023 and beyond. That proposal was rejected. …

From the California Farm Water Coalition

Mike Wade, Executive Director of the California Farm Water Coalition, released the following statement: “With the entire Western United States in the grip of unprecedented drought, this is an incredibly difficult time for people, farms, and the environment. Shortages on the Colorado River have created enormous stress for all seven states served by the river and its reservoirs.  “While not involved in the negotiations, we are aware of the tremendous effort underway on the part of all California water agencies, and in particular those irrigation districts working to protect agriculture and this nation’s food supply. We applaud the collaborative efforts among partners that will continue to be vitally important to addressing water supply and environmental issues in the long-term. …

From Food & Water Watch

Research Director Amanda Starbuck released the following statement:  “The massive cuts Arizona is facing to its water allotments could easily be a foreshadowing for California. We must stop treating water like it’s a commodity to be traded, sold or squeezed from everyday people for the highest bidder. Governor Newsom has pinned California’s hopes on desalination, but ignored the elephant in the room: the massive water use of Big Ag and Big Oil. By switching to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, California could save 98 percent of the water currently needed for its fossil fuel production. And by transitioning away from industrial mega-dairies, thirsty crops like almonds and pistachios, and engaging in regenerative farming, California will gain enormous water savings that could serve small farmers and domestic households. Today’s Colorado River projections are undoubtedly a dire warning for the American West to eliminate rampant corporate water abuse before it’s too late. …

From the Imperial Irrigation District

James C. Hanks, President, IID Board of Directors, released the following statement:  “Imperial Irrigation District appreciates Reclamation’s work and that of our partners as we collectively attempt to reach an accord that addresses the severe drought on the Colorado River.  The actions announced by the Commissioner will impact both the Upper and Lower Basins. IID looks forward to learning more details about the support for investing in system conservation and voluntary agreements in the Lower Basin and the administrative actions needed to further define reservoir operations at Lake Mead, including shortage operations.  The district continues to be a willing partner in finding collaborative solutions and is strongly encouraged by the Inflation Reduction Act for its forward-thinking investments in water conservation projects and environmental restoration at the Salton Sea. …

From the Metropolitan Water District

Adel Hagekhalil, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, released the following statement: “The dire situation on the Colorado River requires an unprecedented response. Reducing water demands by 2 to 4 million acre-feet as Commissioner Touton requested is challenging, but further declines in Lake Mead’s elevation put all Lower Basin states in danger. We have worked earnestly with our colleagues in the basin to develop an aggressive but realistic plan to reduce demands. We’re not there yet, but we are committed to working with our partners to develop a viable plan. We have no choice. Building on our history of partnerships, with federal funding and Reclamation’s support, we will build reliability back into our Colorado River supplies with a workable and inclusive plan. …

From the San Diego County Water Authority

Sandra L. Kerl, general manager of the San Diego County Water Authority, issued the following statement:  “Today’s announcement by the Bureau of Reclamation is a reminder of just how important it is to increase water conservation across San Diego County and the rest of the arid West. An increasingly hot and dry climate is creating unprecedented challenges for water supplies that will impact life in the Southwest for the foreseeable future.  The San Diego County Water Authority continues to participate in discussions about the future of the Colorado River. We also continue to highlight the value of the conserved water transfer agreement between the Water Authority and the Imperial Irrigation District, the cornerstone of the landmark Quantification Settlement Agreement, or QSA, negotiated in 2003, as well as our investments in concrete lining sections of the All-American and Coachella Canals to conserve water previously lost to seepage. …

In other California water news today …

Newsom warns of water woes as Delta debate roils

“Gov. Gavin Newsom sounded an alarm last week as he announced a strategy to capture and store more water while investing in infrastructure to avert catastrophic impacts of an anticipated loss of another 10% in California water supplies by 2040.  Newsom’s water plan seeks to create storage space for up to 4 million acre-feet of water, in hopes of capturing more water in wet years. He also called for increased water recycling and conservation and building desalination plants for ocean water and salty water in groundwater basins. … Just a day before Newsom’s water message, the State Water Resources Control Board was hearing concerns about environmental documents for a proposed regulation to direct more river flows away from irrigators and down the lower San Joaquin River tributaries to benefit fish. The plan could make water for irrigation even more scarce. ... ”  Read more from Ag Alert here: Newsom warns of water woes as Delta debate roils

California has been in a megadrought for more than a decade, scientists say. When it will end?

“Once it was an almond orchard, planted at the beginning of a boom time in California agriculture. Now it’s just scattered clumps of dead limbs and branches, the remains of trees brought down by California’s drought. Zach Dennis ripped up 527 acres of almond trees in May, laying waste to a portion of his farm near Maxwell in the utterly parched west side of the Sacramento Valley. … The drought is just three years old, by official reckoning. But the reality is likely worse. Scientists believe California is suffering through a megadrought of a decade or longer — an extended crisis, interrupted by the occasional rainy winter, that ranks with the worst dry spells of the past 1,200 years. It’s anyone’s guess when it will end. … ”  Read more at the Sacramento Bee here: California has been in a megadrought for more than a decade, scientists say. When it will end?

How can CA strategically use every drop of water in its system?

“For more than a century, Californians have lived in a relatively wet period. Now the drought is prompted by naturally occurring dry periods, plus climate change-induced higher temperatures, says Felicia Marcus, a fellow at Stanford University’s Water in West program and the former chair of the State Water Resources Control Board.  “The geophysical record shows we’ve had 40-[year] and 400-year drought. … We need to accelerate everything we can do to retrofit ourselves to use water more wisely — because we use it pretty wastefully right now,” Marcus explains.  One big change would be to transition away from lawns, she says, because ornamental landscaping uses more than 50% of water in urban areas. … ”  Read more from KCRW here: How can CA strategically use every drop of water in its system?

California Congressional Republicans urge Gov. Newsom to raise Shasta Dam

“In a letter sent to Governor Newsom on Tuesday, California Congressional Republicans urged him to reverse his position on the enlargement of the Shasta Dam due to numerous water use, electric, and environmental reasons.  The subject of raising Shasta Dam, located on the Northern end of the Sacramento Valley in Shasta County, has been heated for years. Opponents have said that an enlargement would have few water benefits while at the same time would destroy Native American sites, harm fish and wildlife, and would significantly increase the chance for loss of life should a dam failure occur. However, proponents, backed by findings from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, have pointed out that a larger dam would allow more water to be collected, would give the state more water resources to work with in the future, reduce flood damage, and would benefit fish species in the area. … ”  Read more from the California Globe here: California Congressional Republicans urge Gov. Newsom to raise Shasta Dam

Largest tidal restoration project in California will make way for wildlife & mitigate floods

“Two landscapes stand divided by the hundred-year-old Yolo Bypass West Levee in Solano County.  To the south of the levee’s U shape, canals tangle toward the sprawling Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta, which teems with wildlife. North of the levee, former farmland slowly sinks, exhausted by generations of human intervention. … But this divided landscape is poised to change dramatically. Lookout Slough, 3,000 acres of former farmland, ranchland, and duck hunting grounds north and west of the Yolo Bypass West Levee, is slated to become the largest tidal wetland restoration project in the history of California.  The restoration of Lookout Slough will involve digging over 20 miles of new tidal channels, landscaping and revegetation, and constructing a new setback levee along the northern edge of the property. … ”  Read more from Bay Nature here: Largest tidal restoration project in California will make way for wildlife & mitigate floods

Facing drought and climate change, recycled water is key to survival

“In 2019, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti unveiled what the city calls “The Green New Deal.” This ambitious sustainability plan stipulates many policy and infrastructural changes to prepare the four-million-person city for climate change. To name a few, the Deal includes: transitioning the power grid to 100% renewable energy by 2045; modifying 100% of buildings to be net zero carbon by 2050; increasing zero emission vehicles, and electrifying all Metro and LADOT buses, to reach zero carbon transportation by 2050. … One solution is to reduce the city’s dependence on imported water by recycling 100% of its wastewater by 2035. Water recycling is neither a new idea nor the savior of arid California, but increasing water recycling to drink, landscape, and recharge aquifers is a smart and practical move that modern technology now allows arid cities to do so. ... ”  Read more from Capitol Weekly here: Facing drought, climate change recycled water is key to survival

Delta striper population to be helped by proposed regulation change

“Striped bass fishing has been surprisingly productive all summer in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Savvy anglers willing to endure the wind have been catching good numbers of stripers while trolling on both the Sacramento and San Joaquin River sides of the Delta.  For example, Clyde Wands of Sacramento reported top-notch action while fishing with Mike Steer and Mark Wilson on the Delta on Thursday, Aug. 11.  “We caught a total of 29 keepers to 8 pounds,” he reported. … ”  Read more from The Record here: Delta striper population to be helped by proposed regulation change

Algal blooms: When good algae go bad

“Summers in the Bay Area are an invitation to water. Kayaks floating along the shoreline at Big Break, vacationers lounging at Niles Beach, adventurers tubing the Russian River, and fishers hanging lines off the pier at Lake Temescal. … But all of these recreational spots have had advisories for harmful algal blooms (HABs) or toxic algal mats in July this year. HABs are increasing in incidence, duration, and toxicity statewide and so are their health impacts on humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Many reservoirs that store drinking water have also been impacted. Harmful algal blooms are most common from late May through October in parts of California, and the warnings range from staying away from algae or scum if swimming to staying out of the water entirely.  Not all blooms are toxic, however, and there is no way to tell whether it is just by looking: We don’t yet fully understand the conditions that lead cyanobacteria to produce toxins. … ”  Read more from Bay Nature here: Algal blooms: When good algae go bad

Assembly panel urged to keep farmers in California

“It used to be that a California farmer couldn’t just put the farm on a truck and hit the road for another state. Advances in plant science and crop protection may be changing that, which worries Jamie Johansson to no end.  “We’re seeing that technology carry over to where farms now can grow these berry varieties, say, in the Southeast, or carrots in Georgia,” Johansson, president of the California Farm Bureau, said after testifying at an Assembly hearing in Sacramento.  “The old notions that California farms and ranches are stuck here is slowly changing, because the technology is allowing more opportunities,” he added. “We want to keep our farmers and ranchers in California, and we want to continue to be the leading producer of foods, fresh fruits and vegetables in America.” … ”  Read more from Ag Alert here: Assembly panel urged to keep farmers in California

What megafires can teach us about California megafloods

“A blockbuster new study has inspired days of dire headlines about the rising risk of catastrophic “megafloods” in California. Published Friday, it warns of events that could pummel the state with weeks of heavy rain and snow, flood vast tracts of land and cause at least $1 trillion in damages.  According to the researchers, the last megaflood — which struck the state in 1862 — temporarily turned the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys into a “vast inland sea, nearly 300 miles in length.”  Such disasters happen periodically in California, historical records show. But they were formerly uncommon, occurring only about 5 to 7 times each millennium, or once every 100 to 200 years on average.  But those odds are changing as the planet heats up. Climate change has already doubled the risk of such a disaster occurring, the study finds. And every degree of additional warming increases the odds even more. … ”  Read more from Scientific American here: What megafires can teach us about California megafloods

‘Letting beavers be beavers’ | Here is how beavers are helping in California’s firefight

“California’s drought is a multi-billion dollar issue that we’ve dumped a lot of resources into, but climate scientists are finding that working with what nature provides could be more effective than our synthetic solutions. They say sometimes, you just gotta leave it to the beavers.  “A lot of people, they just want us to try anything that has a chance of making this better…and the data is pretty clear letting beavers be beavers and getting our rivers back to healthier state is part of firefighting problem,” said Emily Fairfax, associate professor California State University Channel Islands. … ”  Read more from Channel 10 here: ‘Letting beavers be beavers’ | Here is how beavers are helping in California’s firefight

Study: Restoring overstocked forests yields benefits

“Mechanical thinning of overstocked forests, prescribed burning and managed wildfire now being carried out to enhance fire protection of California’s forests provide many benefits, or ecosystem services, that people depend on.  In a paper published in Restoration Ecology, researchers at UC Merced, UC ANR and UC Irvine reported that stakeholders perceived fire protection as central to forest restoration, with multiple other ecosystem services also depending on wildfire severity. Researcher Max Eriksson, lead author on the paper, noted that “forest restoration involves multiple fuels-reduction actions that were perceived as benefiting fire protection, with some also offering strong benefits to other ecosystem services such as air quality, wildlife habitat, soil retention and water supply.” … ”  Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Study: Restoring overstocked forests yields benefits

Governor Newsom asks legislature to deliver 3,200ft setbacks on new and existing wells

“Environmental justice groups today applauded California Governor Gavin Newsom’s action on health and safety buffer zones for oil and gas wells while warning that the Governor’s overreliance on carbon capture will lock in fossil fuel infrastructure.  “Governor Newsom has asked the state legislature to end neighborhood oil drilling as part of a climate package he’s aiming to pass before the end of the year’s legislative session on August 31,” according to a press statement from VISION, a coalition of climate and environmental justice groups. “In language sent to the legislature on August 11th, one proposal would mandate a 3,200 foot health and safety buffer separating communities from both new and existing oil and gas extraction sites.” … ” Read more from the Daily Kos here: Governor Newsom asks legislature to deliver 3,200ft setbacks on new and existing wells

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In commentary today …

Sites Reservoir: As California’s drought worsens, this project could help — if only it stops being delayed

Gary Evans, a Colusa County Supervisor, writes, “California is experiencing its third consecutive year of drought with no end in sight. The effects on water supply, particularly for farming operations, are immense. Initial projections estimate 800,000 acres of California farmland will be fallowed this year, including about 370,000 acres in the Sacramento Valley, threatening critical food supplies and local economies. State officials’ attempts to mitigate the damage have been ineffective. Calls on the public to reduce water usage by 15% have fallen far short, and curtailments on landowners with water rights in the Sacramento and San Joaquin watersheds are creating significant challenges for farmers. These measures are only short-term solutions to a long-term problem that seems to be getting worse with each passing year.  With the frequency and extremes of such weather events expected to continue, developing new large-scale water storage like the Sites Reservoir project in the Sacramento Valley is crucial to improving water resiliency in California. … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: As California’s drought worsens, this project could help — if only it stops being delayed

Investing in water projects benefits all Californians

Assemblymember Robert Rivas writes, “We need to be honest with ourselves: Extreme heat and drought are not going to disappear any time soon. And while I believe we should be doing everything possible to slow and reverse climate change, I also believe the state needs to better implement resiliency measures to ensure our residents, agriculture and economy overall continue to thrive.  One of the most important areas to enhance our resiliency efforts is water.  Water is life. It powers the human body, our agriculture and production industries. Without it, there would be no life on Earth. As demand for fresh water for drinking, agriculture and other sectors of society increases our water supply becomes ever more strained. Extreme heat and drought only worsen this problem. ... ”  Read more from Ag Alert here: Investing in water projects benefits all Californians

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In regional water news and commentary today …

NORTH COAST

The spring salmon run on the Klamath rebounded a bit this year, says Karuk tribe, but mudslides put the fish in peril

“Press release from the Karuk Tribe: This year, 290 wild spring Chinook salmon made the 85-mile trek up the Klamath to find cool mountain waters for spawning. While this is still far below average, it is more positive than last year’s dismal count of 90 fish. Celebrations were short-lived, however. Soon after the numbers were finalized, torrential rains hit the area. This led to flash floods in burn scars from last year’s wildfires, filling the South Fork Salmon River with silt, wood, and other debris, dropping the dissolved oxygen in the water to dangerous levels, and threatening all species of fish in the river. This turn of events is particularly painful to a community struggling to keep a positive attitude about this year’s numbers. … ”  Read more from the Lost Coast Outpost here: The spring salmon run on the Klamath rebounded a bit this year, says Karuk tribe, but mudslides put the fish in peril

Flooding raises new concerns for spring chinook

“Nearly 300 wild spring Chinook salmon made the 85-mile trip to cool mountain waters for spawning this year, up from a mere 90 last year.  While still far below, according to the Karuk Tribe and Salmon River Restoration Council, the numbers were at least moving in a positive direction.  But soon after the count was complete, disaster struck in the form of flash floods that sent torrents of “silt, wood and other debris” into the South Fork of the Salmon River in early August, “dropping the dissolved oxygen in the water to dangerous levels, and threatening all species of fish in the river,” a news release from the tribe and council states.  “I have watched the numbers of these fish steadily decline in my lifetime, and it feels like we are at a breaking point,” said Karuna Greenberg, SRRC’s restoration director. … ”  Read more from the North Coast Journal here: Flooding raises new concerns for spring chinook 

North Coast conservation groups file lawsuit against federal energy regulators to protect threatened Eel River fish species

“North Coast conservation groups are suing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) over alleged violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that have allegedly harmed federally protected salmon and steelhead species in the Eel River Basin. The suit claims native fish populations have been adversely impacted by PG&E’s Potter Valley Project, a hydroelectric facility that diverts water from the Eel to the Russian River.  The five groups – Friends of the Eel River, California Trout, Trout Unlimited, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, and the Institute for Fisheries Resources – filed a notice of intent to sue FERC and PG&E last month. The FERC suit was filed today; as of this writing, the groups have not announced litigation against PG&E. … ”  Read more from the Lost Coast Outpost here: North Coast conservation groups file lawsuit against federal energy regulators to protect threatened Eel River fish species

SEE ALSO:  Fishing and conservation groups sue FERC over “fish-killing” Potter Valley Project, from the Mendocino Voice

Lake Pillsbury could be drained – advocates see it as indispensable

“Another lawsuit was filed this week in the continuing saga of the Potter Valley Project, a hydroelectric plant affecting the Russian and Eel Rivers.  PG&E is in the early stages of surrendering control of the Project – a pair of dams, a diversion tunnel, and a hydro-electric station along the Eel River – and some groups are hoping the surrender will result in California’s next dam removal project.  Others, not so much.  “This is a regional water issue and multiple counties are involved and it has everything to do with the drinking water in Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin counties.” Carol Cinquini, a local advocate said. “It has everything to do with fire protection in, in those counties.” … ”  Read more from Northern California Public Media here: Lake Pillsbury could be drained – advocates see it as indispensable

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

2022 Lake Tahoe Summit: Protecting Lake Tahoe’s future

“The theme of the 26th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit, which was held Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at Sand Harbor, was titled “Protecting Lake Tahoe’s Future.”  Organizers stated that the annual summit provides a chance to address the progress made to restore the Tahoe Basin over the past two decades, discuss current challenges the nearby communities continue to face, and look to future preservation possibilities.  Dr. Charles R. Goldman was honored with the Dianne Feinstein Lake Tahoe Award, the second awarded of its kind.  The award, which was presented to Senator Feinstein during last year’s summit, honors “exemplary leaders with a proven track record of several decades of work to improve Lake Tahoe’s clarity, natural beauty, and overall environmental health.” … ”  Read more from Sierra Nevada Ally here: 2022 Lake Tahoe Summit: Protecting Lake Tahoe’s future

Climate change dominates discussion at Lake Tahoe Summit

“A bipartisan group of California and Nevada lawmakers and community members gathered Tuesday for the 26^th annual Lake Tahoe Summit, an event dedicated to protecting the future of the region.  The event fell on the same day President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, which promises hundreds of billions of dollars in clean energy investments and action plans to reduce emissions.  “We’re right now at another remarkable turning point not just for Lake Tahoe, but all of the cherished places and for all of our people that we care about,” said White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy, the summit’s keynote speaker this year. … ”  Read more from KCRA here: Climate change dominates discussion at Lake Tahoe Summit

Pollution from sediment in Lake Tahoe was reduced by 600,000 pounds in 2021, according to joint NV-CA report

“Efforts to reduce pollution and restore Lake Tahoe’s world-famous water clarity remain on track, despite impacts from climate change and other factors, according to a bi-state report released today by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, part of the California Environmental Protection Agency.  Notably, the bi-state Lake Tahoe Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program’s 10-year Performance Report shows that pollution from fine sediment, which significantly impairs lake clarity, was reduced by nearly 600,000 pounds in 2021, or the mass equivalent of about 206 cars. This is an increase over last year’s reduction of 523,000 pounds. … ”  Continue reading this press release from Cal EPA here: Pollution from sediment in Lake Tahoe was reduced by 600,000 pounds in 2021, according to joint NV-CA report

BAY AREA

100-degree temps and haze headed to the Bay Area. When will the heat break?

“While the Bay Area has seen a relatively cool and mild summer, over the next couple days the region is in for some of the smoggiest and hottest weather yet.  A combination of two weather systems is helping drive this quick shot of hot and hazy air into the wider Bay Area. A ridge of high pressure in the Southwest is drawing heat from the Mojave into parts of the Bay Area that neighbor the Sacramento Valley.  Meanwhile, northerly winds blowing around 2,000 feet (that’s about two Sutro Towers) above the Earth’s surface are bringing smoke from the Six Rivers lightning complex fire, burning in Humboldt and Trinity counties, into Central California and the Bay Area. ... ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: 100-degree temps and haze headed to the Bay Area. When will the heat break?

SEE ALSO:  Searing heat wave scorches S.F. Bay Area. Next up? Dry lightning, from the San Francisco Chronicle

Century-old Tomales Bay oyster farm sanctioned by coastal commission

“After more than a century of farming shellfish in Tomales Bay, California’s oldest oyster farm has been brought into the fold of the state’s coastal protections for the first time.  The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously this month to approve an after-the-fact coastal development permit for the Tomales Bay Oyster Co.’s oyster and mussel cultivation in the bay.  First founded in 1909, the company was established several decades before California passed its coastal development protections under the California Coastal Act and formed the California Coastal Commission in 1976.  The company’s past and current owners had never sought a coastal development permit — or approvals from other state and federal regulatory agencies — for its operations up until the mid-2010s, according to the commission. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Century-old Tomales Bay oyster farm sanctioned by coastal commission

CENTRAL COAST

Monterey Peninsula water officials unanimously move toward Cal Am buyout

“From the beginning of Monday night’s discussion about whether to begin the process of appraising the value of California American Water Co. to acquire the investor-owned utility, there was little doubt about what the end result would be.  The board of directors of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District unanimously approved spending roughly $315,000 to hire a set of appraisers to determine the value of Cal Am’s water system so the district would be able to make a legitimate offer to acquire those assets, as it was mandated to do by the passage of Measure J in 2018.  But battle lines have been drawn. No local water expert believes any offer, regardless of amount, would be accepted by Cal Am, which has previously stated it has no interest in selling to the public water district. … ”  Read more from the Monterey Herald here:  Monterey Peninsula water officials unanimously move toward Cal Am buyout

San Luis Obispo expected to pass new water use restrictions

“The San Luis Obispo City Council is expected to pass new water restrictions at Tuesday night’s meeting.  City leaders say that SLO has plenty of water for the foreseeable future, but they are being required by the state to adopt stage two drought restrictions.  “For us, we’re in a much better position than a lot of places in California. We otherwise would not have entered into our water shortage contingency plan,” said Mychal Boerman, deputy director for the city’s utility department. ... ”  Read more from KSBY here: San Luis Obispo expected to pass new water use restrictions

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Reversing the RO flow in California

“Boasting some of California’s most stunning stretches of shoreline and world-famous pier, Santa Monica has embarked on an ambitious journey of water self-sufficiency.  Forget 2050 ambitions set for decades into the future. Instead, the city plans to become water resilient and self-sufficient by 2023. For the record, that’s in several months’ time.  Using a “one water” approach, Santa Monica is reducing its reliance on imported water supplies.  The water ambitions include restoring the Olympic Well Field and upgrading the Arcadia water treatment plant – the beating heart of the city’s water supply. And the innovations to take the facility into the future are reminiscent of innovations from the past. A case of history repeating itself? … ”  Read more from Water World here: Reversing the RO flow in California

4 million LA County residents asked not to water outdoors for 2 weeks — and many San Gabriel Valley communities are included

“More than 4 million residents in Los Angeles County will be asked to suspend outdoor watering for 15 days next month while the Metropolitan Water District repairs a leak in a water pipeline.  The repairs will take place from Sept. 6 to 20, and will impact the cities of Beverly Hills, Burbank, Glendale, Long Beach, Pasadena, San Fernando and Torrance.  Residents in the Central Basin Municipal Water District, Foothill Municipal Water District, Three Valleys Municipal Water District and West Basin Municipal Water District will also be impacted. … ”  Read more from the San Garbriel Valley Tribune here: 4 million LA County residents asked not to water outdoors for 2 weeks — and many San Gabriel Valley communities are included

Long Beach keeps pace, leads efforts to become water independent

“California’s mega-drought continues worsening and now officials say it’s time to prepare for a drier, hotter future here.  Earlier this month, Gov. Gavin Newsom released his updated water supply plan for the state, concentrating on recycling, conservation, more storage and the once-too-expensive desalination process as sources for more water. Gone is the emphasis on capturing snow runoff and shipping it to Southern California with a more efficient State Water Project.  But Long Beach’s Water Department hasn’t been waiting for state leadership:  Even before a Fiscal 2023 budget is approved, new wells are being poked into the groundwater aquifer. ... ”  Read more from the Long Beach Press Telegram here: Long Beach keeps pace, leads efforts to become water independent

Long Beach City Council approves sweeping climate action plan

“The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved its long-awaited plan to drastically reduce local greenhouse gas emissions in the hopes of lessening the worst effects of climate change, including extreme heat and sea level rise, on Long Beach. Years in the making, the Long Beach Climate Action and Adaptation Plan is a nearly 900-page document that lays out a path for the city to meet the state’s emissions benchmarks, which were first laid out in 2016 with Senate Bill 32. The CAAP is “the most significant” climate action that this city council will take, possibly since the city’s founding, Mayor Robert Garcia said.  “We are in a worldwide climate emergency that’s happening every single day,” said Garcia. “This is not a perfect plan … But it is an enormous step forward.” … ”  Read more from the Long Beach Post here: Long Beach City Council approves sweeping climate action plan

Surfside-Sunset and Newport Beach sand replenishment project design about 95% complete

“As trucks rumbled back and forth ferrying loads of sand on the shore behind them, officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said during a public update Tuesday the project design for the Surfside-Sunset and Newport Beach sand replenishment project is about 95% complete.  “The design and environmental reviews are concurrent. We’re waiting for some final environmental approvals, but I think construction will be the end of 2024 to the beginning of 2025, but we’re still waiting on some final approvals,” said Chris Hayward, a coastal engineer for the corps’ Los Angeles district. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Surfside-Sunset and Newport Beach sand replenishment project design about 95% complete

Toxic algae found in Lake Elsinore and Big Bear Lake

“Parts of Big Bear Lake and Lake Elsinore may contain toxic bacteria algae and state water officials on Tuesday, Aug.16, urged people and pets to stay out of the water.  Swimmers, those who are fishing, people on boats and other visitors are encouraged to stay out of the water at both lakes “until further notice,” news releases from the California Water Resources Control Board and Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board state.  Test results in parts of both Lake Elsinore and Big Bear Lake confirmed the presence of harmful algal blooms, made from a group organisms called cyanobacteria, officials said. The bluish-green-brown colored bacteria can produce potent toxins and are a health threat to humans and pets, officials said. … ”  Read more from the San Bernardino Sun here: Toxic algae found in Lake Elsinore and Big Bear Lake

SEE ALSO:  Algae blooms prompt warnings at Lake Elsinore, Big Bear Lake, from KTLA

SAN DIEGO

Lake Hodges Dam repair continues

“The lower water levels people might be seeing at Lake Hodges are not drought-related but instead are due to the ongoing work repairing the 100-year-old Lake Hodges Dam. The emergency work on the dam began in May and is expected to be completed by October.  During an inspection earlier this year, the city of San Diego identified areas in the dam wall that needed to be repaired and sealed. To complete the work, the water level of the reservoir had to be lowered by about 18 feet, to an elevation of 275 feet. According to the city, by starting the repairs during the dry season, the water level can more easily be lowered and maintained at a lower level so that the repairs can be made. … ”  Read more from the Rancho Santa Fe Review here: Lake Hodges Dam repair continues

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In national water news today …

An ‘extreme heat belt’ will impact over 100 million Americans in the next 30 years, study finds

“Worsening heat and humidity as a result of climate change will bring extremely dangerous heat indices to much of the United States in the next 30 years, increasing both the intensity and frequency of the hottest days of the year, according to a new study published Monday.  Temperatures above the threshold of the National Weather Service’s “extreme danger” category, when the heat index is more than 125 degrees Fahrenheit, is expected to affect about 8 million people in the US this year. But by 2053, 13 times that many people — 107 million — will experience that extremely dangerous heat, according to the study by the climate research group First Street Foundation.  “The results indicate that the incidence of extreme heat is growing across the country, both in absolute and relative terms,” the study states. ... ”  Read more from CNN here: An ‘extreme heat belt’ will impact over 100 million Americans in the next 30 years, study finds

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Also on Maven’s Notebook today …

UPDATE: August 16 Weekly Update on Curtailment Status of Water Rights and Claims in the Delta Watershed

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