DAILY DIGEST, weekend edition: Direct Potable Reuse coming soon; Exploring water, drought and La Nina for 2022; Feds cut water off to Klamath farmers for remainder of season; The Colorado River drought is coming for your winter veggies; and more …

In California water news this weekend …

What’s in your drinking water? If you live in one of these states, it might soon be recycled sewage

“The idea of drinking water that was recently sewage swirling down your toilet bowl, shower drain, or kitchen sink may sound pretty icky. But experts say it’s actually nothing to be squeamish about — and it might be coming to your state and city soon.  It’s a water recycling method known as direct potable reuse, or DPR, which sends highly treated sewage water almost directly to a drinking water system for distribution to communities. It’s legal in Texas, and legal on a case-by-case basis in Arizona. Multiple other states are in the process of formulating regulations to legalize it too, including California, Colorado, and Florida. … ”  Read more from CNBC here: What’s in your drinking water? If you live in one of these states, it might soon be recycled sewage

California Drought: Exploring water, drought and La Nina for 2022

“ABC10’s Brenden Mincheff talks about the latest update in drought conditions. While little has changed in drought conditions, people’s concerns toward the problem are increasing. Looking at water supply woes, Brenden talks about the next time we could see more water.”

Drought and grid unreliability force three major changes in California energy policy

“Governor Gavin Newsom and Democrats have undertaken three major changes and reversals this summer to protect California’s grid and stave off drought.  One – Diablo Canyon: Most notable, of course, is Newsom’s proposal to extend the life of Diablo Canyon, the state’s last remaining nuclear power plant, through 2035.  Newsom as lieutenant governor had backed an effort to shutter the facility, but now seeks a reprieve for it in acknowledgement of the perilous situation California is currently facing as it struggles to keep lights on and protect against future blackouts.  … Two – The Revised Delta Conveyance Project … ”  Read more from the Washington Examiner here: Drought and grid unreliability force three major changes in California energy policy

Would you rip up your lawn for $6 a square foot? Welcome to drought-stricken California

“Doreen Jansen looked at the brown hills from her Thousand Oaks home.  “My plants are suffering,” Jansen said. “The animals, coyotes, rattlesnakes; they are all out in droves. It’s dry and unusually hot.”  The signs of drought are everywhere here, from the shrinking lakes to the deathly drained color of trees and earth. Jansen decided to rip out her grass and put in arid plants.  She’s not alone. The megadrought affecting the American West has been record-breaking, with no tangible relief in sight. It’s forcing cities to crack down on lawn-watering, and paying residents to replace their lawns with drought-resistant plants. … ”  Read more from CNN here: Would you rip up your lawn for $6 a square foot? Welcome to drought-stricken California

Alex Padilla says drought help is on the way at almond plant

“Sen. Alex Padilla didn’t bring extra water with him when he toured the Superior Almond Hulling facility on Wednesday, but he did point out that the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act provides $4 billion for drought resiliency. “California’s agricultural sector produces over one-third of the country’s vegetables and two-thirds of the country’s fruits and nuts, but the climate crisis – including rising temperatures and historic drought – are compounding the challenges caused by supply chain disruptions and record consumer demand,” said Padilla following the tour of the facility that operates 24 hours a daily for five months during the almond harvest season. … ”  Read more from the Fresno Bee here: Alex Padilla says drought help is on the way at almond plant

California-Nevada Drought Status Update

“Monsoonal rains and moisture have improved drought conditions and reduced fire risk in areas of California and Nevada. Yet more than 98% of the region remains in severe drought (D2) or worse.  Through the end of August, enhanced rainfall across the monsoon regions of the Southwest is strongly favored to continue, while drought persistence is favored for the West ahead of the core wet season. La Nina is expected to continue into the fall and winter.  The Bureau of Reclamation released its Colorado River Basin 24-Month Study and announced shortage declarations. ... ”  Read more from NIDIS here: California-Nevada Drought Status Update

San Joaquin Valley’s most vulnerable communities are hit hardest by climate change

“Since July 10, the temperatures have stayed in the triple-digit zone. There have been 41 days over 100 degrees this year. Fresno proclaimed a local emergency as a result of drought. And wildfires have burned through nearly 20,000 acres of Yosemite National Park this summer.In 2021, Fresno’s temperature surpassed 100 degrees 69 times, a record-breaking number of days for the city. These extreme temperatures, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, could lead to heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke and exhaustion. But that extreme weather disproportionately hits residents like Fox, according to interviews conducted by Fresnoland and the Central Valley News Collaborative. Vulnerable communities in the central San Joaquin Valley bear the brunt of extreme weather conditions, suffering damage to their health as well as loss in income and work opportunities. … ”  Read more from the Fresno Bee here: San Joaquin Valley’s most vulnerable communities are hit hardest by climate change

Carbon farming tackles California’s belching bovines

“When it comes to climate change, cows have taken a reputational hit. These belching bovines have been villainized for releasing methane, a greenhouse gas with more than 25 times the heat-trapping power of carbon dioxide. But now, a growing number of Bay Area farmers are working to repolish the image of the humble dairy cow, recasting their role from gaseous emitters to carbon-capturing machines and powering farmers’ ability to fight the impacts of climate change. Chief among them is Albert Straus, founder and owner of Straus Family Creamery and Dairy in Marshall, an unincorporated town on the northeast shore of Tomales Bay. One of the first in the nation to take his farm organic in the early ’90s, Straus has garnered attention for feeding his cows seaweed, which cut down their methane output by more than 80%, according to research from UC Davis. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Examiner here: Carbon farming tackles California’s belching bovines

Democrats launch major effort to sell Inflation Reduction Act to voters

“Democratic lawmakers, members of President Biden’s Cabinet, and allied organizers and activists are kicking off a multipronged public relations campaign aimed at ensuring voters understand — and appreciate the benefits of — the $700-billion climate-change and drug-prices bill that Biden signed Tuesday.  Top Democrats believe that popular, long-sought policy changes in the so-called Inflation Reduction Act will help their party retain congressional majorities in November’s midterm elections. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Democrats launch major effort to sell Inflation Reduction Act to voters

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In commentary this weekend …

Editorial: Give L.A. a little more money to help it take a lot less water

The LA Times editorial board writes, “California has $1.5 billion to distribute to cities and local water agencies to help the state cope with increasing aridity and less predictable rainfall. Should at least a third of it go to Los Angeles to boost a historic water recycling project?  That’s an easy “yes.” $500 million in state funding would be a smart investment not just for residents of L.A. but for the entire state. .. Large-scale recycling would help the state immensely by reducing the need for water from the Sierras or the Rockies, more of which could be left in place for local use and to sustain and restore struggling creeks and rivers and the migrating fish and other wildlife they support. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Editorial: Give L.A. a little more money to help it take a lot less water

In regional water news this weekend …

NORTH COAST

Feds cut water off to Klamath farmers for remainder of season

“Federal officials announced on Thursday that water will be cut off to farmers in the Klamath Basin for the rest of the irrigation season.  The announcement from the federal Bureau of Reclamation was addressed to three irrigation districts in the farming communities along the Oregon-California border. It marks the end of available water that can be diverted from Upper Klamath Lake, the large body of water that feeds farms and several National Wildlife Refuges along the state line.  According to Paul Simmons, executive director of the Klamath Water Users Association, residents are frustrated because of mixed messages about how much water they would get this year. … ”  Read more from Oregon Public Broadcasting here: Feds cut water off to Klamath farmers for remainder of season

Bureau of Reclamation announces end to Klamath Project for 2022

“The Bureau of Reclamation sent a letter Thursday, Aug. 18 to drainage and irrigation districts in Klamath Falls and Tulelake announcing an end to the Klamath Project for 2022, halting the water diversions from Upper Klamath Lake that are used in irrigation. The letter states that the total allocated Project Supply was calculated to be 82,253 acre-feet as of Aug. 1. The available supply was exceeded, according to an Aug. 17 analysis, which resulted in the stoppage. In part, the Bureau’s letter states, “Unless other sources of supply are made available and are explicitly communicated in a subsequent written correspondence from Reclamation, all currently available Project Supply is exhausted. … ”  Read more from the Herald & News here: Bureau of Reclamation announces end to Klamath Project for 2022

Future megafloods could cut Humboldt County off from rest of state

“Almost 60 years ago, a thousand-year flood hit the North Coast killing 29, causing millions in damages and leaving communities isolated for months on end. The chances of that type of flood hitting the area again are increasing as the climate continues to warm as a result of continuing to burn fossil fuels.  The research paper “Climate change is increasing the risk of a California megaflood,” published a little over a week ago, is projecting an increase in extremely severe storm events, with weekslong downpours, capable of causing catastrophic megafloods across the state. Researchers Xingying Huang and Daniel Swain focused on the interior Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, where the Great Flood of 1861 to 1862 transformed the valleys into a “temporary but vast inland sea nearly 300 miles in length.” … ”  Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Future megafloods could cut Humboldt County off from rest of state

Fishermen and conservation groups appeal Nordic Aquafarms’ environmental report certification to environmental report certification to Humboldt County Supervisors

“Two weeks after the Humboldt County Planning Commission certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for Nordic Aquafarms’ planned land-based fish factory on the Samoa Peninsula, the decision is being appealed to the Board of Supervisors.  On Thursday, leaders of three local nonprofits — the Redwood Region Audubon Society Chapter, the Humboldt Fishermen’s Marketing Association and 350 Humboldt — submitted a letter to the supervisors and to John Ford, the county’s director of planning and building, initiating the appeal.  The letter alleges that the environmental report, which was prepared for the county by local engineering firm GHD, violates the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by understating several of the project’s impacts, including its greenhouse gas emissions, its energy use and the threats it poses to commercial fisheries and coastal and bay ecosystems. … ”  Read more from the Lost Coast Outpost here: Fishermen and conservation groups appeal Nordic Aquafarms’ environmental report certification to environmental report certification to Humboldt County Supervisors

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Tahoe Summit explores highs, lows of progress on the lake

“The 26th annual Tahoe Summit brought together local government, public agencies, activism groups and local residents to discuss the progress and challenges that are happening in the Lake Tahoe Basin and the surrounding forests.  The event was hosted Tuesday, Aug. 16, at Sand Harbor by Nevada Sen.Jackie Rosen. The event was put together by a multitude of agencies and featured booths throughout the Sand Harbor parking lot with representatives ready to share their knowledge and promote their organizations, providing informational handouts and freebies aimed at reducing waste in the basin.  “I just want to take a moment to thank the many organizations, agencies, and advocates who work tirelessly to make sure that Lake Tahoe remains the beautiful and spectacular place that it is,” Rosen said. … ”  Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Tahoe Summit explores highs, lows of progress on the lake

Dr. Charles Goldman honored at Tahoe Summit, addresses threats to the lake

“A group of leaders and stakeholders convened at the Lake Tahoe Summit on Tuesday to discuss ways to protect the basin. At the event, a renowned local scientist was honored for his work to maintain the health of the lake.  Charles Goldman is known as the “Godfather of Limnology” — or the study of lakes. He was presented with the Dianne Feinstein Tahoe Award for his four decades of work to improve the health of Lake Tahoe. Since his arrival in 1958, he’s witnessed alarming changes to the lake.  “The lakes of the world are all warming,” said Goldman. “And Tahoe has increased a whole degree down the water column and 4 degrees at the surface in recent years.” … ”  Read more from KUNR here: Dr. Charles Goldman honored at Tahoe Summit, addresses threats to the lake

Plastic Free Yuba River starts now

Shirley Freriks, representing the WasteNOT committee of Nevada County Climate Action Now, writes, “Love going to the Yuba River to cool off? And take your visitors? Want to be kind to the river? And the environment? Then leave the plastic bottles and containers at home. Can’t take glass either – so grab your metal reusables for drink and food!  Besides the locals, an estimated 800,000 visitors come to enjoy our beautiful river each year. Unfortunately, they leave a lot of trash behind…and we may, too. Since the cleanup began 25 years ago, SYRCL has picked up over 130 tons of garbage from our watershed. In 2021 alone, the cleanup crews picked up 863 take away (mostly plastic) containers – 1,767 bottles (mostly plastic) and 3,271 cigarette butts (the filters are made of microplastic fibers). Bless those volunteers! … ”  Continue reading at The Union here: Plastic Free Yuba River starts now

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Paradise Irrigation District accepts water study; district in ‘good shape’

“A Sacramento State study accepted by the Paradise Irrigation District on Wednesday night rates as its top option to remain solvent is to use its PG&E settlement money and any federal grants or reimbursements to maintain its solvency.  The Paradise Irrigation District board of directors on Wednesday accepted the options study conducted by Sacramento State University that has concluded that the district’s best option is to use its Pacific Gas and Electric settlement money, continue to pursue all reasonably available claims and reimbursements with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, along with insurance claims and other grants and funding from the state in order to remain financially viable. … ”  Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Paradise Irrigation District accepts water study; district in ‘good shape’

Conservation incentive programs available to provide habitat values on California ricelands

“Last week the California Rice Commission hosted a workshop in Yuba City to answer questions about conservation programs that are available this year to incentivize land and water management activities to provide habitat benefits.  With the current drought and limited rice planting occurring in the Sacramento Valley this year, these programs are providing an essential role in supplying much needed habitat and food for birds, fish and other species.  The flyer below provides an overview of the available programs this year. … ”  Read more from the Northern California Water Association here: Conservation incentive programs available to provide habitat values on California ricelands

Folsom Lake levels dropping fast

“As the temperatures rise, the water level at Folsom Lake is on the rapid decline, which has slip renters at Brown’s Ravine getting ready to remove their boats in the coming weeks or even days.  Routinely, boaters are required to remove their boats from the docks at Folsom Lake Marina when levels dip below 412 above sea level. As of Tuesday afternoon, Folsom Lake wasn’t far from the mark at 418 feet. … ”  Read more from Gold Country Media here: Folsom Lake levels dropping fast

NAPA/SONOMA

‘Megaflood’ warnings resonate in Sonoma County, where historic floods have hit home

“There are images from the record 1986 Russian River flood that those who lived through it recall.  Navigating the chest-high, milk chocolate water that invaded neighborhoods along the lower river corridor.  The low-flying choppers that spent days plucking stranded residents to safety.  The sheer breadth of the river as it spread across the land, filling homes and buildings, and wrenching free stairways, hot tubs, cabins and propane tanks — some of which were aflame as they rushed downstream.  Roads were cut off. The power was out. Access to drinking water was, for many, limited to emergency supplies hauled in. … ”  Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: ‘Megaflood’ warnings resonate in Sonoma County, where historic floods have hit home

BAY AREA

Editorial: Preservation, protection of baylands clearly a priority

The Marin Independent Journal editorial board writes, “A $53 million infusion of federal funds for the restoration of the expansive San Francisco Bay Estuary has local officials taking a new look at its plan.  That’s prudent, since the funding recently approved by Congress and President Joe Biden has been increased from about $5 million yearly to $24 million this year and grants programs that total another $29 million.  That significant upward shift in funding deserves a fresh look and weighing of priorities among the 12 counties that have stakes in the new revenue.  Included in the new look is a recognition to include equity issues in the equation for picking projects. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Editorial: Preservation, protection of baylands clearly a priority

Commentary: Marin Voice: It’s time for Southern Marin to embrace recycled water

Michael McLennan, a Terra Linda resident and a retired building contractor, writes, “Sonoma County has reduced its draw of Russian River water through large-scale recycling of water. Southern Marin County, with limited local fresh water sources, has done next to nothing in this regard – despite having a history of repeated water crises.  The Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District and North Marin Sanitary District have taken their Sonoma neighbor’s lead during the last 10 years. The same tertiary recycled water plant improvements and “purple pipe” distribution networks now cover many parks, the Marin Civic Center, schools, golf courses, grazing areas adjacent to Highway 37 and the new Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Park Medical Offices facility. They are saving millions of gallons of fresh water. These agencies elected to go forward through bond issuances, a small rate increase and additional federal funding during Barack Obama’s presidency. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Commentary: Marin Voice: It’s time for Southern Marin to embrace recycled water

A swimming pool gives way to a dry creek look in San Rafael

“Dan and Diane Farthing both grew up south of Marin — Dan in Burlingame and Hillsborough, and Diane in San Francisco — with garden-loving elders.  Her grandmother was an avid gardener and assigned each of her grandchildren a small patch to tend.  “My father had grown up on a farm and was a good gardener,” Dan Farthing says. “We had a large vegetable garden and a front yard with a lawn and trees, plus a pool in back.”  Fast forward to 1986. The Farthings move to a home with a quarter-acre garden in the Los Ranchitos neighborhood of San Rafael. The landscape had no trees and few plants, but there was a small lawn and a swimming pool with a deck. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: A swimming pool gives way to a dry creek look in San Rafael

Pleasanton pulls plug on Parkside recycled water station after neighbors complain

“Dozens of Parkside residents packed inside the City Council chamber on Tuesday celebrated as council members voted against constructing a recycled water fill station in their neighborhood.  There were 21 people who spoke out during the council meeting against the proposed agreement to build 16 to 17 filling stalls at the corner of Parkside Drive and Hopyard Road in Pleasanton where the former Zone 7 headquarters is located.  “We are not opposed to recycled water projects. We support recycled water usage,” said Larry Kriegbaum, a 38-year Parkside resident. “We do not support moving water from such a facility that’s a viable commercial site to a residential neighborhood.” … ”  Read more from Pleasanton Weekly here: Pleasanton pulls plug on Parkside recycled water station after neighbors complain

CENTRAL COAST

Over $31 million secured for Central Coast water infrastructure

“Representative Jimmy Panetta announced Friday that water infrastructure on the Central Coast has secured a combined $31,241,822 boost.  Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, WaterSMART Water Recycling and Reuse will receive grants totaling $10,316,822 for Monterey One Water and $20,925,000 for Soquel Creek Water District.  The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has set aside $350 billion over the next five years to help with highway programs. … ”  Read more from KION here: Over $31 million secured for Central Coast water infrastructure

State officials visit Moss Landing site of contaminated water

“Off an unmarked dead-end road surrounded by farmworkers harvesting strawberries just north of Moss Landing on Thursday, Ignacio Garcia stood on his cement driveway near a dozen or so five-gallon plastic bottles of water. The water is needed, he explained, because his own well is contaminated.  “Everyone should have clean water,” Garcia said through a Spanish interpreter. “Water is a right. We all need clean water.”  Garcia, who has become an advocate for his community, is far from alone. When the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board began testing wells in the area in 2018, groundwater contamination was bad enough to warrant periodic testing of 44,000 wells in the region. Back in 2014, of 1,627 domestic wells tested in some areas, more than 40% exceeded public health drinking water standards for one particular contaminant – nitrate. As more wells are tested today, that percentage continues to trouble water officials. … ”  Read more from the Monterey Herald here: State officials visit Moss Landing site of contaminated water

California Army post hasn’t had clean tap water for a week

“Troops and families at remote Fort Hunter Liggett on California’s rugged Central Coast have been without clean drinking water in their taps since the evening of Aug. 11, when a routine water system maintenance check went wrong, cracking a valve and rupturing a 12-inch water main.  Officials initially shut off water to the entire post, which is also currently battling a wildfire in a training area, to prevent a catastrophic failure, the garrison’s top enlisted soldier, Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Rupp, said in a Friday phone interview with Army Times. ... ”  Read more from the Army Times here: California Army post hasn’t had clean tap water for a week

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Central Valley residents rally for clean drinking water in Sacramento. ‘This is your fight’

“Araceli Sanabria migrated to the United States 16 years ago from Michoacan, Mexico. She says the water in Fresno is worse than that of her hometown. Here, her hair falls out when she washes it in the shower. But, she continues to pay a high price for it.  “We are paying more than $120 a month for our water bill even though we can’t drink from our taps,” she says in Spanish. Sanabria has no choice but to continuously purchase water bottles, which is an added cost that her family can barely afford. “Honestly, we don’t keep track of how many [water] bottles we buy. But 40 gallons of water goes quickly, especially in the summer.”  California enshrined the right to clean and affordable water a decade ago, but Sanabria is just one in a million Californians who don’t have access to clean water in their homes. ... ”  Read more from KVPR here: Central Valley residents rally for clean drinking water in Sacramento. ‘This is your fight’

New recharge basin increases Fresno Irrigation District’s storage capacity

“We may be dealing with a third year of drought, but at some point, we will experience a wet year again.  When that happens, the Fresno Irrigation District will be in a better position to collect flood runoff.  The state is urging water agencies to develop more groundwater basins to capture floodwater when heavy rains finally return.  The Fresno Irrigation District’s newest one has been put to immediate use.  The Savory Groundwater Recharge Basin at Chestnut and Lincoln is already storing water. … ”  Read more from Channel 30 here: New recharge basin increases Fresno Irrigation District’s storage capacity

Bakersfield: Local residents without water after well ran dry

“Dozens of people in Southwest Bakersfield are without water, after the well ran dry at their mobile home park.  People living in the Del Rancho Mobile Home Village in Southwest Bakersfield have been living without water for days and are desperate for a bit of relief.  People in the community on Wible Road near Panama Lane say their water went out on Tuesday. … ”  Read more from KGET here: Bakersfield: Local residents without water after well ran dry

SEE ALSO:  Mobile homes in Kern County were left without running water, from Bakersfield Now

Water board looks at options for electrification of importation system

“Bringing water from the California Aqueduct to Tehachapi takes a lot of energy.  The Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District operates massive natural gas-powered engines at two pumping plants on the Tejon Ranch to bring State Water Project water up the hill from near the Edmonston Pumping Plant at the foot of the Grapevine to Cummings Valley. A third pumping plant in Stallion Springs moves the water across the valley to a fourth plant near the California Correctional Institution. Some water is delivered to customers in the Cummings Valley area and some makes its way east to Jacobsen Reservoir (Brite Lake) in the Brite Valley. It’s a constant challenge for the district to keep costs down and meet regulatory requirements, particularly those related to air quality. Which is why the district decided in June 2021 to examine its energy options … ”  Read more from the Tehachapi News here:  Water board looks at options for electrification of importation system

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

California American Water to begin water waste patrols in its Los Angeles and Ventura County districts

“As drought conditions continue to affect communities across the state, California American Water announced it will be stepping enforcement of its water shortage rules by implementing water waste patrols. The increased monitoring reflects ongoing drought conditions and a need to further curtail water consumption during the dry summer months.  Patrols will begin on Monday, August 8, 2022, throughout the company’s Los Angeles County and Ventura County Districts. California American Water is partnering with Green Media Creations, Inc., and their employees will be in co-branded vehicles and will carry their company identification. The patrols will monitor for prohibited irrigation such as watering on non-designated days, overwatering, overspray and hosing down hard surfaces like driveways. … ”  Read more from the Bakersfield Californian here: California American Water to begin water waste patrols in its Los Angeles and Ventura County districts

L.A. artists take on drought crisis in new show. One solution? Embrace impermanence

“In many ways, the L.A. River altered the lives of gallerist Sean Meredith and artist Debra Scacco — though at different times and under different circumstances.  Meredith, director of Track 16 gallery downtown, didn’t care much for Los Angeles the entire first decade of living here after he relocated from New Jersey in 1992 — he saw the city as an inaccessible, concrete sprawl. Then he moved to Atwater Village in 2002 and began biking and taking long dog walks along the banks of the L.A. River, which he found surprisingly brimming with wildlife.  “It opened my eyes to a place whose infrastructure can be aesthetically a turnoff,” he says, “and I fell in love with L.A. the way you would a flower growing through a crack in the concrete.” … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: L.A. artists take on drought crisis in new show. One solution? Embrace impermanence

L.A. County will experience triple the number of hot days by 2053, study says

“Los Angeles County will experience triple the number of hot days per year by 2053, according to a new study.  The county, where a typical hot day is just under 94 degrees, gets about seven days that exceed that per year, according to the report released this week by the First Street Foundation, a nonprofit, climate-focused research organization based in New York. By 2053, that number will jump to 21, the study found.  Los Angeles County is up there with Del Norte and Orange counties as the areas in California that will see the most severe jump in hot days. The increase will result in freak infrastructure accidents and cost the state more than half a billion dollars in air conditioning consumption. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: L.A. County will experience triple the number of hot days by 2053, study says

Big Bear Lake still well below capacity after rare summer storms

“Rare summer rainstorms offered some relief this month from the dry spell that has gripped Southern California and the mountain community of Big Bear Lake.  But that rain, courtesy of monsoonal storms, only served to keep the lake level steady. Big Bear Lake remains 16.5 feet below capacity — a dramatic example of the effects of California’s most recent drought.  The last time Big Bear Lake was full was 2011, according to the Big Bear Municipal Water District. There have been some brief highs since then, but mostly lows caused by years of below-normal precipitation in the mountains east of Los Angeles and throughout California. … ”  Read more from NBC LA here:  Big Bear Lake still well below capacity after rare summer storms

Malibu Planning Commission receives brief update on Coastal Commission meeting

“To start off the Planning Commission meeting on Monday, Malibu Coastal Engineer Reviewer Lauren Doyel provided a brief update on the Coastal Commission meeting that occured on Friday, Aug. 12, at King Gillette Ranch.  The California Coastal Commission (CCC) denied certification of the Land Use Plan Amendment No. LCP as submitted by the City of Malibu, stating it does not meet the requirements of and is not in conformity with the policies of Chapter 3 of the Coastal Act.  “It’s all about updating the LCP to incorporate Sea Level Rise all communities that are supposed to update their LCP’s and the new guidance,” Doyel said. “It was a presentation by some of the local cities about their experience and an education and recording of the local working group on the sea level rise issue to the Coastal Commission about their findings and some recommended policies.” ... ”  Read more from the Malibu Times here: Malibu Planning Commission receives brief update on Coastal Commission meeting

Lake Elsinore closes for recreation as algal bloom prompts ‘danger’ alert

“An algal bloom in Lake Elsinore prompted the state Friday, Aug. 19, to issue a “danger alert,” applying to all recreational activity, which officials said should be discontinued until further notice.  According to the California Water Resources Control Board, the bloom that appeared last week was confirmed to contain cyanobacteria, posing a potential health threat to people and pets.  “Cyanobacteria, a group of organisms that form harmful algal blooms, can produce potent toxins,” according to a Water Resources Control Board statement. “Health risks include skin inflammation, gastrointestinal distress, headaches, agitation and weakness or abnormal breathing if … material is swallowed while swimming.” ... ”  Read more from the Riverside Press-Enterprise here: Lake Elsinore closes for recreation as algal bloom prompts ‘danger’ alert

Southern California has a plan to ease the Colorado River crisis. And it starts right under  your feet

“The Colorado River is the backbone of the West’s water supply. The river provides water to hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland and 40 million people in seven U.S. states (California, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada) and northern Mexico. But overuse, a 23-year “megadrought” and aridification fueled by the climate crisis has left the river stretched far too thin.  The situation is reaching unprecedented crisis levels. Last summer, the federal government declared a water shortage for the first time and slashed water deliveries to Arizona and Nevada. But that hasn’t been enough–Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the river’s largest reservoirs, are at historically low levels.  Due to a complicated set of legal agreements (that many water managers and experts say aren’t keeping up with the pace of the climate crisis), California has yet to face further cuts to its share of the river. Arizona and Nevada, however, will see their shares slashed again next year. ... ” Read more from the LAist here:  Southern California has a plan to ease the Colorado River crisis. And it starts right under your feet

IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS

Progress made on state Salton Sea project as water conservation mandate poses new troubles

“A new mandate on water conservation could have some major impacts on the already struggling Salton Sea.  State officials have been busy in 2022, fulfilling a promise made long ago to create wetland habitat at the southern end of the lake.  “It’s extremely encouraging to see that it’s already working, and we’re not even done with it,” said Vivien Maisonneuve, who works on the Salton Sea Program within the California Department of Water Resources. … Frank Ruiz tracks the Salton Sea for California Audubon. He worries that the water conservation mandate — while responsible — will only fast forward the catastrophe at the sea. … ”  Read more from KESQ here: Progress made on state Salton Sea project as water conservation mandate poses new troubles

As the Salton Sea dies, $4.12M contract approved to give it life

“Riverside County supervisors Tuesday approved a $4.12 million contract with an Encinitas-based firm to provide engineering and design services for a project to revitalize a portion of the dying Salton Sea. “We’ve been working on this project for several years now,” Salton Sea Authority Executive Director Patrick O’Dowd told the Board of Supervisors. “It’s a big day for the community of North Shore and a big day for Riverside County.” … ”  Read more from The Patch here: As the Salton Sea dies, $4.12M contract approved to give it life

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Along the Colorado River …

The Colorado River drought is coming for your winter veggies

“It’s a classic Italian-American meal: a crispy Caesar salad with a plate of marinara pasta.  You can find it in restaurants across the country, but depending on the time of year, many of the ingredients come from just one region. Yuma, Arizona, along with California’s Imperial Valley, produces more than 90 percent of the country’s winter leafy greens and much of its vegetables. Arizona is also a major grower of wheat, which the state exports to Italy for making pasta.  Historically, this made a lot of sense. The region has nutritious soil and a warm climate for growing food year-round, even when the rest of the country is frozen over.  There’s just one problem: The water that farmers use to grow these crops comes from the Colorado River, and the Colorado River is drying up. … ”  Read more from Vox here: The Colorado River drought is coming for your winter veggies

Colorado River water cuts in 2023 having impact on Pinal County farmers

“For the second year in a row, water cuts are coming to Arizona as water levels along the Colorado River continue dropping. The state is set to lose 592,000 acre-feet of water in 2023, which is 21% of Arizona’s annual water allotment from the Colorado River.  Like the previous round of cuts, Pinal County will face the brunt of the water reductions. The loss will nearly wipe out the allotment for agricultural users, including Jace Miller of Triple M Farms near Casa Grande.  His farm grows alfalfa and Bermuda grass among other crops and has been for decades. ... ”  Read more from Channel 15 here:  Colorado River water cuts in 2023 having impact on Pinal County farmers

States dependent on Colorado River wonder if desalination could help the water supply

“The Colorado River is shrinking. That prompted federal managers this week to issue mandatory cutbacks for some who use its water. And more are needed. As states that rely on the Colorado River look for other ways to bolster their supply, some are asking if a process called desalination could help. But as Alex Hager of member station KUNC reports, that technology comes with big tradeoffs.  It’s a picture-perfect afternoon in Southern California. The sun is beating down on a volleyball game in the sand, and a surfer is paddling out into the waves. And just across the road from the beach, this salty seawater is getting a new life at the largest desalination plant on the continent. … ”  Read more from Texas Public Radio here: States dependent on Colorado River wonder if desalination could help the water supply

Southern Nevada has eight years of water reserves as Nevada faces water shortage cuts from Colorado River

“Gloom and doom is what we’re all used to hearing when it comes to our ongoing drought. You typically don’t hear leaders talking about having extra water.  “If you kind of think of it as your own financial situation. You’ve got generally a checking account and you have a savings account. Our savings account, when it comes to water, has the equivalent of eight years of water stored in reserve for our future use,” said Southern Nevada Water Authority Spokesperson Bronson Mack.  Mack says some of that water is stored in a ground water aquifer after being injected there. He says some of the reserve water is stored in Lake Mead.  “We have not been using any of our banked resources in any significant manner. And a lot of that is testament to the water conservation efforts and the policies associated with water efficiency that Southern Nevada has put into place,” said Mack. … ”  Read more from Channel 5 here: Southern Nevada has eight years of water reserves as Nevada faces water shortage cuts from Colorado River

Two new Colorado River reservoirs are rising on the Front Range, are they the last of their kind?

“As two major new water storage projects designed to capture the flows of the drought-strapped Colorado River are rising on Colorado’s urban Front Range, observers say they represent the end of an era on the river.  The projects, Northern Water’s Chimney Hollow Reservoir west of Berthoud, and Denver Water’s Gross Reservoir Expansion, in Western Boulder County, both more than 20 years in the making, will store an additional 167,000 acre-feet of water, the majority from the Colorado River. That’s enough water for more than 320,000 new homes.  The projects come during a period of crisis on the river, with the federal government in June ordering Western states to find radical new ways of cutting water use by next month to stabilize the deteriorating river system. … ”  Read more from the Water Desk here: Two new Colorado River reservoirs are rising on the Front Range, are they the last of their kind?

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In national water news this weekend …

‘Forever chemicals’ destroyed by simple new method

“PFAS, a group of manufactured chemicals commonly used since the 1940s, are called “forever chemicals” for a reason. Bacteria can’t eat them; fire can’t incinerate them; and water can’t dilute them. And, if these toxic chemicals are buried, they leach into surrounding soil, becoming a persistent problem for generations to come.  Now, Northwestern University chemists have done the seemingly impossible. Using low temperatures and inexpensive, common reagents, the research team developed a process that causes two major classes of PFAS compounds to fall apart, leaving behind only benign end products.  The simple technique potentially could be a powerful solution for finally disposing of these harmful chemicals, which are linked to many dangerous health effects in humans, livestock and the environment. … ”  Read more from PhysOrg here: ‘Forever chemicals’ destroyed by simple new method

Commentary: Permitting reform push should include forest restoration

Brian Yablonski, CEO of the Property and Environment Research Center, writes, “With President Biden’s signing Tuesday of the Inflation Reduction Act, attention will quickly turn to an energy permitting reform bill requested by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) as a condition for his support of the climate, health care and tax bill’s passage.  Rather than treating permitting reform as a “hold your nose” trade-off to attain sweeping spending intended to address climate change, environmentalists and climate advocates should embrace this opportunity to secure urgently needed permitting relief for conservation projects that help the environment. … ”  Read more from The Hill here: Commentary: Permitting reform push should include forest restoration