On the calendar today …
- MEETING: Delta Independent Science Board from 9am to 11am. The main topic of discussion will be the Delta Conveyance Project Environmental Impact Report. View the complete agenda and remote access instructions by clicking here.
- MEETING: Fisheries Grant Restoration Program Peer Review Committee from 9am to 12pm. Update and status of implementation of past peer review committee advice, inlcuding tribal engagement; Discussion of issues in 2023 PSN (currently in development), and Projects in the South & Central Coast Region. For the complete agenda and Microsoft Teams link, click here.
- WEBINAR: Protecting Critical Water Infrastructure from 10am to 11am. There are approximately 155,000 public drinking water systems in the U.S. Many of these serve smaller communities with limited budgets, staff, and resources available for cybersecurity initiatives. Today, several systems have begun automating previously closed infrastructure to improve efficiencies, which can open these utilities up to cyber threats – which have become more common in recent years. In order to protect critical water infrastructure, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has developed a framework that can improve security posture for utilities of all sizes and budgets, safeguarding resources for years to come. Click here to register.
- MEETING: Delta Protection Commission from 4pm to 6pm at the Jean Harvie Community Center, 14273 River Rd. in Walnut Grove. Agenda items include a Delta Protection Advisory Committee report, Delta Flood Preparedness Week resoltuion; report on the Delta National Heritage Area, and an update on the Delta Conveyance Project environmental review. Click here for the complete agenda.
In California water news today …
The mad rush for groundwater in the Central Valley
“Most Californians are feeling the effects of the drought. But in areas of the state where people rely on groundwater, such as the San Joaquin Valley, the pain of this drought is especially severe. Wells are going dry and there’s intense competition to find and pull more water from underground. In a rural area about 30 miles north of Fresno, a drill pipe rotated as it burrowed deeper and deeper into the earth in a search for untapped reservoirs of groundwater. If this well finds water, nearby homeowners whose first well has gone dry will use it. If the drill pipe doesn’t hit water, people here, like many in this part of California who aren’t hooked up to municipal water systems, won’t have water without buying it. And the drill has to go down pretty deep just to find out if any water is there. … ” Read more from KQED here: The mad rush for groundwater in the Central Valley
Cooler weather, rain and mountain snow possible as weather pattern shifts this weekend
“Following the record heat wave that shattered all-time high temperatures, California residents and firefighters have welcomed the arrival of cooler temperatures. The cooler temperatures, increased relative humidity and even a few raindrops have aided firefighters in the fight against the Mosquito Fire. While the weather conditions Monday were optimal for fighting the flames, fire activity increased on Tuesday as the Mosquito Fire pushed toward Foresthill. A weak, dry cold front is promoting stronger onshore flow, blowing smoke to the east and supplying more oxygen to the fire. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Cooler weather, rain and mountain snow possible as weather pattern shifts this weekend
SEE ALSO: A rare September storm is heading straight for California. Here’s a timeline of its impacts, from the San Francisco Chronicle
Turlock Irrigation District moves closer to a voluntary agreement with Water Board
“Turlock Irrigation District’s board of directors voted unanimously Sept. 6 to move toward a voluntary agreement that would supersede flow requirements within the Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan. That plan was first adopted in 2018, but the flow requirements never have been implemented. But since then, the plan has been the flashpoint for a debate — in simplest terms, think of it as fish vs. farms — that pits the environmental groups, such as the Tuolumne River Trust, against public utilities, such as the Turlock Irrigation District, Modesto Irrigation District and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Those three agencies share the Tuolumne River’s water rights. The 5-0 vote gives TID general manager Michelle Reimers and staff the green light to sign a memorandum of understanding, which very likely will lead to the voluntary agreement with the state’s Water Resources Control Board. … ” Read more from the Ceres Courier here: Turlock Irrigation District moves closer to a voluntary agreement with Water Board
NASA helping decision-makers improve water management
“A new study from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Western States Water Council (WSWC) and Airborne Snow Observatories, Inc. points the way to accelerating how knowledge and technology are transferred to and from public agencies and environmental organizations. The team’s publication, “Paths to Research-Driven Decision Making in the Realms of Environment and Water”, sets out a roadmap for how environmental research and stewardship can come together. “NASA has extensive data sets from state-of-the-art satellites,” explained Indrani Graczyk, Director of NASA’s Western Water Applications Office (WWAO). “These resources are needed more than ever before. At WWAO we’re working to transfer NASA’s knowledge and technology to decision makers on the ground.” In this latest paper, the team outlines a path for how to protect environmental resources by not only offering technical solutions, but by developing strategic relationships and fostering a culture of organizational support. … ” Read more from NASA JPL here: Helping decision-makers improve water management
Surprise hydrological shifts imperil water resources
“From 1997 to 2010, southeastern Australia experienced its worst drought on record. The “Millennium” drought severely strained municipal and agricultural water supplies—and despite a return to near-predrought rainfall levels, some of the region’s watersheds have not yet recovered. The extended dry spell delivered two surprises: streamflows that were surprisingly low during the drought, even considering the low rainfall, and a lack of postdrought recovery in streamflows back to predrought norms. In recent years, similar hydrological shifts have occurred in watersheds across multiple continents, including in California, Chile, and China. Fowler et al. address these unexpected shifts and discuss the implications for future water management and hydrological research. … ” Read more from EOS here: Surprise hydrological shifts imperil water resources
State Water Board issues statement on ruling by Sixth District Court of Appeal regarding its curtailment authority
Statement from the State Water Resources Control Board regarding the ruling by the Court of Appeal (see here and here): Water scarcity is one of the most important challenges facing Californians. Ensuring that water districts and others divert and use water consistent with the state’s water right priority system is critical to protecting public health and the delivery system for farms, communities and the environment. The Sixth District Court of Appeal’s Sept. 12 decision takes a narrow view of the State Water Resources Control Board’s customary enforcement authorities. In doing so, it shields the most senior water right holders (those with appropriative rights developed before 1914) from certain enforcement actions. ... ” Continue reading this statement from the Water Board via Maven’s Notebook here: State Water Board issues statement on ruling by Sixth District Court of Appeal regarding its curtailment authority
What’s in your waterway? Imidacloprid water contamination map of urban areas in California
“Neonicotinoids, “neonics” for short, are a class of insecticides linked to bee die-offs. These pesticides disrupt the nervous system of bees and other insects and can cause paralysis and death. Research also shows that neonics can harm the development of baby bee brains. In 1991, imidacloprid became the first neonicotinoid registered for use. In this map, we look at water contamination from imidacloprid. According to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), there are 253 pesticide products registered for use in California that contain imidacloprid. This insecticide can remain in the soil for long periods of time and be transported by rain or irrigation systems, which leads to contamination in California’s water. Explore the map and graph below to see your community’s imidacloprid contamination levels in waterways. … ” Find out more and check out the map at Environment America here: What’s in your waterway? Imidacloprid water contamination map of urban areas in California
Did recent California rains help with wildfires or the drought?
“The light overnight showers that drizzled over Northern California did not seem to help firefighting efforts as the Mosquito Fire continued to grow, weather officials said. Monsoonal moisture dropped one hundredth of an inch of rain overnight in areas around the fire in El Dorado County, said Emily Heller, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento. “They got … very light sprinkling around the Mosquito Fire. I wouldn’t say it significantly helped (firefighting efforts),” said Heller. Meteorologist Scott Rowe said monsoonal moisture over California mountains was common in the summer months, which could trigger light showers. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Did recent California rains help with wildfires or the drought?
California drought: On patrol with the celebrity ‘water police’
“In a blistering third year of drought, Californians have been asked to limit their indoor water usage to 55 gallons (208 litres) per person per day. It takes about 30 gallons to fill a bathtub, so forget about a deep Jacuzzi experience. Yet in the gated communities of Calabasas and Hidden Hills – exclusive enclaves in the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu – lush lawns and filled swimming pools and koi ponds make it clear that some are ignoring the rules. So officials have created a device to take power showers away from rich and famous water hogs. A small metal disc with a pinhole drilled through the middle, it has seriously reduced the flow of water into some multimillion dollar homes. People here call Derek Krauss the ‘water police’. … ” Read more from the BBC here: California drought: On patrol with the celebrity ‘water police’
Stanislaus-area river diverters were central to ruling against state drought cutbacks’
“Water suppliers in and near Stanislaus County had a leading role in a ruling Monday limiting state cutbacks during drought. The 6th Appellate District Court found that the State Water Resources Control Board lacks the power to interfere with so-called “senior” water rights holders and curtail their diversions of water from rivers. The case stems from orders imposed by the state board in 2015, during the previous drought, when it halted farms and cities throughout the Central Valley from taking water from the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. … ” Read more from the Modesto Bee here: Stanislaus-area water suppliers are at center of court ruling
Freeze, drought diminish California almond yields
“California’s almond production is expected to drop to 2.6 billion pounds this year due to drought and a bloom-time freeze in February that severely impacted almond-producing counties. While almond production is forecast at 11% lower than 2021, some growers suffered significant losses. “Area-wide, the freeze has been very impactful. Almond crops are off 30-40%. Some areas in the county are a complete loss,” said Colusa County almond farmer Nathan Peterson, who also works for Chico Nut Co., a grower-processor of almonds and walnuts. “As a processor, we are running shorter weeks and really trying to minimize overtime due to the uncertainty of what remains in the fields. It is a really challenging year.” ... ” Read more from the Riverbank News here: Freeze, drought diminish California almond yields
Radio: Amid CA drought, what’s the future of water-loving crops like tomatoes?
“Tomatoes grown in greenhouses use 90% less water than ones grown outdoors. Why isn’t it catching on in drought-stricken California? … ” Listen at KCRW here: Amid CA drought, what’s the future of water-loving crops like tomatoes?
California utility set to test whether covering canals with solar panels can save water
“A California utility is set to test out whether covering canals with solar panels can save water by preventing evaporation, among other benefits. Project Nexus is being run on a small stretch of canals operated by the Turlock Irrigation District in central California. The idea is based on an academic paper, which suggested doing this could also generate solar energy on land that wouldn’t have to be disturbed. Last year, The Show spoke with Brandi McKuin, one of the authors of that paper. “Across the West, this makes sense, especially in areas that are having water shortages, and we really need to think about strategies like the solar canals to adapt to these stresses and prepare for the future to make our water infrastructure more resilient to climate change,” McKuin said. … ” Read more from KJZZ here: California utility set to test whether covering canals with solar panels can save water
Watershed groups receive $3.8 million to collaboratively address water management issues
“The Bureau of Reclamation is providing $3.8 million to 21 groups to create or expand watershed groups. WaterSMART’s Cooperative Watershed Management Program brings diverse stakeholders together to develop local solutions for their water management needs. “The only way we will be able to meet the many water challenges in the future is if we all work together,” said Deputy Commissioner Michael Brain. “The Cooperative Watershed Management Program brings together local stakeholders to collaboratively develop sustainable water solutions.” Ten groups will share $1.7 million to establish a new watershed group. … ” Read more from the Bureau of Reclamation here: Watershed groups receive $3.8 million to collaboratively address water management issues
California’s epic heat wave is over. Here’s what we learned
“The heat wave is over. Now it’s time to learn some lessons. First off, those of us who live, work and commute in air-conditioned homes and cars are the lucky ones. For the half-million Los Angeles County residents who take the bus each day, waiting at a bus stop with no shade structure can be brutal. Unfortunately, the vast majority of bus stops in L.A. County don’t have any shade — and only half have benches, which can be searing hot, my colleague Rachel Uranga reports. As the region expands public transit, this badly needs to be fixed. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: California’s epic heat wave is over. Here’s what we learned
The chemistry of fires at the wildland-urban interface
“Wildfires in America are becoming larger, more frequent, and more destructive, driven by climate change and existing land management practices. Many of these fires occur at the wildland-urban interface (WUI), areas where development and wildland areas overlap and which are increasingly at risk of devastating fires as communities continue to expand into previously undeveloped areas. Unlike conventional wildfires, WUI fires are driven in part by burning of homes, cars, and other human-made structures, and in part by burning vegetation. The interaction of these two types of fires can lead to public health effects that are unique to WUI fires.” Read report from the National Academies here: The chemistry of fires at the wildland-urban interface
In commentary today …
Personal responsibility & not hair-brained ideas key to weathering prolonged drought
Dennis Wyatt, editor of the Manteca Bulletin, writes, “The West — California, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico — is in the throes of a megadrought that climatologists said started 20 years ago. Forests are tinder dry. Reservoir levels are plunging. Water for every thing from fish flows and farming to urban users is in jeopardy. So, what are the loudest voices on social media doing? They’re slamming the government for failing to do what they believe is the obvious. … ” Read more from the Manteca Bulletin here: Personal responsibility & not hair-brained ideas key to weathering prolonged drought
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Fresh salmon habitat built along Mad River
“After years of planning, construction is underway on project to create off-channel salmonid habitat and improve public access along the banks of the Mad River in McKinleyville. The nearly $2 million project is being built on McKinleyville Community Services District property south of School Road across from the Mad River boat ramp. “We are actively in construction. It’s really exciting and the landscape changes day to day,” Mary Burke, North Coast regional manager of California Trout, told the MCSD board at its Sept. 7 meeting. California Trout is leading the effort to create the salmonid habitat. … ” Read more from the Mad River Union here: Fresh salmon habitat built along Mad River
Mendocino Board of Supervisors responds to report on ‘critical’ issues in Redwood Valley County Water District
“The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (BOS) approved a mandated response to the Mendocino County Grand Jury’s 2021-2022 report entitled “Redwood Valley County Water District: 48 Years of Water Insecurity” during Tuesday’s meeting. The report, published in June, found that Redwood Valley County Water District (RVCWD) has struggled to provide adequate water to its residential and agricultural customers for decades and is inhibited in seeking relief by its considerable debt — around $6.85 million — owed to the federal government. “The Grand Jury report does give a pretty good synopsis of what we’re currently going through, as well as some of the historical events that have gotten Redwood Valley County Water District in the position that they’re in,” Jared Walker, general manager of the Willow County Water District (which includes RVCWD), told The Mendocino Voice by phone on Wednesday. … ” Read more from the Mendocino Voice here: Mendocino Board of Supervisors responds to report on ‘critical’ issues in Redwood Valley County Water District
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Weather service forecasts haze, smoke Thursday; High elevation snow possible on weekend
“For the third consecutive morning Lake Tahoe has been spared from poor air quality, but the Mosquito Fire west of the basin continues to chew up acreage, destroy structures and pump out smoke. The National Weather Service in Reno is forecasting widespread haze and areas of smoke on Thursday and Friday in the basin with 5-10 mph winds and highs in the low 70s. “The latest air quality observations indicate the worst conditions to be concentrated near Truckee and extending into Reno, Sparks, and the North Valleys,” the service said in a statement. “The next wave of smoke is projected to push into the region this afternoon and evening with the latest smoke simulations spreading smoke across much of western Nevada, the Tahoe Basin, and portions of the eastern Sierra by late tonight into early Friday. Expect additional reductions to air quality and visibility.” … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Weather service forecasts haze, smoke Thursday; High elevation snow possible on weekend
Sierra-at-Tahoe expected to fully open this winter
“Sierra-at-Tahoe is on track to fully open this winter, the resort announced this week. Remediation of trees in West Bowl, the area hardest hit by the Caldor Fire, is complete and officials expect tree falling operations to move swiftly across the rest of the resort that was largely spared from the flames. The West Bowl being completed means the area has been assessed, hazardous trees have been cut, decked, and are being hauled to Tahoe Forest Products sawmill near Carson City with few scattered log truck loads remaining. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Sierra-at-Tahoe expected to fully open this winter
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Evaluating drought relief in Shasta County
“Severe drought continues to impact California, and many residents need immediate relief. As summer winds down, Northstate communities are battling the lowest water levels of the year as is typically the case in September, and 2022 being the driest year on record, in the 139 year history of data keeping in Redding, has only exacerbated the problem. The Shasta County Department of Resource Management received a grant of over $2.4 million in July from the state Water Resources Control Board to be used through 2024. … ” Read more from KRCR here: Evaluating drought relief in Shasta County
2022 was a bad year for rice harvesting in California, producing only half the usual amount
“The Sacramento River Valley is one of the top producers of rice. Half of the crop is exported to Japan and Korea and much of the sushi rice eaten in the United States is grown here. But according to the California Rice Commission, of the 500,000 acres normally produced, only 250,000 will be harvested this year. “I stretched every drop as far as I could,” said Kurt Richter with Richter Farms. His crop is ready for harvest in a couple of weeks. The California rice grower managed to squeak out about a quarter of what he normally yields. … ” Read more from KCRA here: 2022 a bad year for rice harvest in California; drought concerns
Nearly 300 fish die around North Natomas Regional Park
“The City of Sacramento’s Department of Utilities said that about 300 fish died at North Natomas Regional Park on Sept. 12. The fish, a majority of which were carp as well as other species, died in a storm water retention basin at North Natomas Regional Park, also known as Basin 1. Crews cleaned up and removed the fish from the basin Monday night and all-day Tuesday. ... ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Nearly 300 fish die around North Natomas Regional Park
NAPA/SONOMA
Napa industry groups are spending nearly $100,000 to get through wildfire season
“As California enters the height of fire season, Napa wine and hospitality groups have joined forces in an effort to stop blazes from getting out of control. With government resources spread thin and a wildfire prevention initiative failing to pass in Napa in June, private organizations are stepping in. Together, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, Napa Valley Vintners and Visit Napa Valley are spending $33,000 per month for around-the-clock monitoring of artificial intelligence-powered cameras that can detect a fire within seconds of starting. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Napa industry groups are spending nearly $100,000 to get through wildfire season
BAY AREA
SF Bay Fish Kill Update: Recovery of long-lived species like sturgeon could take decades
Dan Bacher writes, “Starting in late August of this year, the San Francisco Baykeeper and state and regional authorities began receiving increasingly frequent reports of unprecedented numbers of dead fish in the path of a massive “red tide” algae bloom on San Francisco Bay. The fish included large sturgeon, sharks, bat rays, and striped bass, as well as big quantities of smaller fish such as gobies and anchovies, in the water and along the shoreline of the bay. As a investigative reporter who has focused on fish, water, environmental justice and regulatory capture issues for 40 years, the images of the dead fish and other marine organisms were particularly devastating, since I’ve spent thousands of hours fishing on and reporting on the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary. ... ” Continue reading from the Daily Kos here: SF Bay Fish Kill Update: Recovery of long-lived species like sturgeon could take decades
The elusive future of San Francisco’s fog
“Every summer, fog breathes life into the Bay Area. But people who pay attention to its finer points, from scientists to sailors, city residents to real estate agents, gardeners to bridge painters, debate whether there is less fog than there used to be, as both science and general sentiment suggest. The ecological, economic and social effects of fog are profound, perhaps no more than in Northern California. Changes would be life-altering. But understanding fog is one of science’s toughest tricks. Quantifying the changes and determining possible causes, including global warming, is climatology’s version of chasing ghosts. … ” Read more from the New York Times here: The elusive future of San Francisco’s fog
Marin commentary: Search for firm supply starts with recycled water infrastructure
Chris Morrison, a water engineer who served on the MMWD Board of Directors from 1984 to 1992, and Peter Hess, an environmental policy consultant, engineer and retired executive director of the Bay Area Air Board, write, “It is encouraging to read about the interest from Marin residents in examining the need for the Marin Municipal Water District to expand our water supply. The gravity of the Western states’ 22-year drought has been reinforced by Gov. Gavin Newsom. “Water conservation is no longer going to cut it,” Newsom told the media recently. We agree, because Marin needs a reliable and firm source of water that will be always available. … Right now, MMWD is holding public hearings on alternatives to strengthen water supply, focused upon three general areas: desalination, creating new supplies and expanded water recycling use. All of these possibilities should be considered, but we would add caution when considering the first two and offer support for the latter. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin commentary: Search for firm supply starts with recycled water infrastructure
Half Moon Bay: While Pescadero school waits for water, nitrate problem worsens nationwide
“For more than 25 years, Pescaderans have relied on bottled water instead of their own nitrate-polluted well water. Now, research is revealing more adverse health effects of nitrate contamination, and that contamination is worsening across the state and country. A project is in the works to connect Pescadero Middle and High School to clean water. As part of the Fire Station 59 relocation project, San Mateo County plans to extend County Service Area No. 11 to provide clean drinking water to the school. The county has been discussing the plan since 2020. Sophie Mintier, the county’s interim assistant director of planning and building, said construction for the waterline extension is estimated to begin in 2024 and be completed in 2025. … ” Read more from the Half Moon Bay Review here: Half Moon Bay: While Pescadero school waits for water, nitrate problem worsens nationwide
CENTRAL COAST
The debate over Cal Am’s desalination plant returns to center stage.
“Although the debate over desalination as a water supply has been an ongoing fight across the Monterey Peninsula for the better part of the 21st century, the issue was pushed to the collective backburner over the last two years as other water-related issues began to heat up. There’s a pending agreement for the expansion of the Pure Water Monterey recycled water project; tightened restrictions on pumping from the Carmel River, putting the region’s supply and demand on the razor’s edge; and the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District’s effort to make a buyout offer to Cal Am by January 2023. However, on Sept. 2, the desalination debate turned up to a boil. The California Coastal Commission deemed Cal Am’s project ready for a vote, nearly two years after Cal Am withdrew its application for a desal plant in November 2020 and a year after the Coastal Commission ruled that the utility’s follow-up application was incomplete. … ” Read more from Monterey Weekly here: The debate over Cal Am’s desalination plant returns to center stage.
Commentary: SGMA tightrope: How well does the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin groundwater sustainability plan stand up to scrutiny?
David Chipping, an environment-at-large member of the county Water Resources Advisory Committee, writes, “The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act is designed to force an end to groundwater depletion but does not actually “kick in” until 2040. A requirement to create a sustainability plan for the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin was submitted by the county, rejected, and then resubmitted. The plan had to select a target for conservation and chose the 2017 water storage levels, probably because that was when the memorandum of agreement was signed by parties to the plan. It also had to choose a representative 20-year period (1991 to 2011) that would ostensibly record past conditions that could be applied to future planning. Taking apart the data from 1991 to 2011 shows a generally consistent trend. … ” Read more from the New Times SLO here: SGMA tightrope: How well does the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin groundwater sustainability plan stand up to scrutiny?
Solvang to consider construction moratorium due to drought conditions
“Solvang City Council members Monday requested a construction moratorium in the face of drought conditions. The issue will be placed on their agenda for the Oct. 10 meeting for public input and council action. “You’ve heard already here, and if you’ve been listening to the planning commission you’ve probably been getting e-mails, that maybe we should consider a construction moratorium until we get out of this drought. We are forcing everybody to take rather large cutbacks in water, and then you want to add in a hotel or apartments or whatever else,” Council Member Mark Infanti said. City Council members on July 11 unanimously adopted a drought ordinance update that clarifies rate tier penalties in relation to declared drought stages. The city has been in Stage 2 since August 2021. ... ” Read more from the Santa Ynez Valley News here: Solvang to consider construction moratorium due to drought conditions
Property owners in this SLO County town can’t build homes due to lack of water, judge rules
“A group of property owners in one San Luis Obispo County community can’t build homes on their lots due to a severe lack of water, a federal judge ruled recently. U.S. Central California District Court Judge Dale S. Fischer made her ruling on Sept. 6 — dismissing a 2019 lawsuit filed by five landowners who claimed the Cambria Community Services District and San Luis Obispo County ruined any economic benefits from their Cambria properties by effectively refusing to allow them to develop homes. The landowners — none of whom reside in California — alleged that the community services district and county wrongly deprived them access to water and sewer services, therefore denying their right to build on their properties. … ” Read more from the San Luis Obispo Tribune here: Property owners in this SLO County town can’t build homes due to lack of water, judge rules
Water war breaks out over cannabis cultivation in Santa Barbara County
“The Coalition for Responsible Cannabis filed an administrative action that if successful could wreak havoc on 22 major cannabis cultivation sites that are now drawing water from wells that draw from the Santa Ynez River. According to legal papers attorney filed Tuesday, attorney Marc Chytilo is demanding the state’s Water Resources Control Board issue a cease-and-desist order to each of cannabis cultivators improperly drawing water from the river. He also requested the state water board join with Fish and Wildlife to initiate a comprehensive investigation of cannabis cultivation along the Santa Ynez River. Chytilo took exception with the use of river water for cannabis cultivation during times of prolonged drought. According to state water laws relating to cannabis cultivation, no surface waters can be extracted from Santa Ynez River between the months of April and October. (Had growers been cultivating any other crop, such restrictions would not apply.) ... ” Read more from the Santa Barbara Independent here: Water war breaks out over cannabis cultivation in Santa Barbara County
SEE ALSO: Complaint filed with state alleging illegal Santa Ynez River water use by cannabis cultivators, from the Santa Ynez Valley News
Innovative SeaWell desalination buoys proposed for Vandenberg Space Force Base
“SeaWell LLC, a company formed by Ecomerit Technologies, the Santa Barbara renewable energy pioneer and long-time US Department of Energy partner in technology innovation, is working with Vandenberg Space Force Base to deploy SeaWell’s ocean desalination buoys to produce freshwater for the Base. SeaWell buoys can be rapidly deployed to help meet the critical need for a dependable water supply. A single buoy provides a yearly water supply comparable to 5,200 households.SeaWell’s buoys are an advanced alternative to large, conventional desalination plants, offering greater energy efficiency and operation that is environmentally friendly to marine life. Vandenberg has been identified as one of the most drought-impacted bases in the country by the Government Accounting Office, and is highly motivated to implement SeaWell’s solution. For California, the Vandenberg project is a vital first step to a new, reliable, coastal water supply. … ” Read more from the Santa Barbara Independent here: Innovative SeaWell desalination buoys proposed for Vandenberg Space Force Base
Meeting set to update community on cleanup plans for massive toxic waste site in Ventura County
“The South Coast is home to a massive, yet largely forgotten toxic waste site. Thursday night, a public meeting will take place in Oxnard to update the community on cleanup planning. For nearly four decades, Halaco Engineering operated a metal recycling facility on about 40 acres of land near Oxnard’s Ormond Beach. The facility was closed in 2004, but it left behind mountains of toxic waste, and low level radioactive materials. The site is on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund Site Cleanup list. … ” Read more from KCLU here: Meeting set to update community on cleanup plans for massive toxic waste site in Ventura County
Carpinteria Water District launches new water-saving tool
“As the drought lingers on it is important now, more than ever, to ensure that we are preventing water waste whenever possible. The District undertook an Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) Project starting in 2017, which consisted of replacing all water meters two inches and under. Water meters typically have a lifespan of 15-20 years, and ours needed replacement to ensure they were registering and recording water consumption accurately. In addition to replacing water meters, encoder radio transmitters (ERTs), commonly referred to as “endpoints” in the AMI industry, were attached to each meter to collect water consumption data and report it to our district office. … ” Read more from Coastal View here: Carpinteria Water District launches new water-saving tool
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Manteca water usage drops only 0.5 percent
“At mid-afternoon Monday sprinklers were going full throttle in front of a commercial building on Yosemite Avenue with water trickling across the sidewalk and into the gutter. It is a clear violation of at least three of Manteca’s emergency water use rules. And it is one of the big reasons why Manteca is failing miserably when it comes to meeting the call to reduce water use by 20 percent. Manteca in August used 534.142 million gallons of water. That’s 2.746 million — or less than 0.5 percent less than August 2021 water use that came in at 536.888 million gallons of water. … ” Read more from the Manteca Bulletin here: Manteca water usage drops only 0.5 percent
SJV farm and food project awarded $16m
“Local food marketing, business and market support for small-scale farmers and food producers, new agricultural products and technology development are parts of a University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources project designed to boost jobs and farm resiliency in the San Joaquin Valley. The Fresno-Merced Future of Food Innovation Coalition, or F3, received a $65.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Of that award, about $16 million is designated for the Local Farm and Food Innovation initiative led by UCANR. With the addition of matching share of cost contributions, the total budget for UC ANR’s project is over $20.5 million. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: SJV farm and food project awarded $16m
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Cadiz water pipeline permit vacated after feds ask to reconsider decision
“A judge vacated a permit to use a former natural gas pipeline to pump water from an underground reservoir in the Mojave desert to Southern California after the U.S. Bureau of Land Management told a federal judge it wants to reconsider the decision made in the final days of the Trump administration. U.S. District Judge George Wu on Tuesday granted the bureau’s request for voluntary remand of the right-of-way Cadiz received in 2020 to transport water through the 64 miles of pipeline that runs across federal land. The judge also vacated the permit because it wasn’t based on a full agency review and decision-making process. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: Cadiz water pipeline permit vacated after feds ask to reconsider decision
California water pipeline hits legal setback
“A controversial Southern California water pipeline project has hit another snag, with a federal judge’s ruling that allows the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw key approvals granted during the Trump administration. In the latest turn of a long-running and politically sensitive dispute, U.S. District Judge George Wu ruled yesterday that BLM acted properly when it remanded two rights of way that had been granted to Cadiz Inc. by the Trump administration. “This is not a scenario in which an agency — for example — compiled a full NEPA record, came to a well-supported opinion, and then reversed its opinion mere months later,” Wu wrote, referring to the National Environmental Policy Act. Wu added that in the case of the Trump administration’s decisionmaking, “here, there is no Environmental Assessment, Environmental Impact Statement or accompanying record of decision … only what appears to be a rushed, cursory decision to grant the rights-of-way.” ... ” Read more from E&E News here: California water pipeline hits legal setback
SEE ALSO:
How Disneyland’s weather station helps save water and keep 1,000 floral beds blooming
“Keeping Disneyland’s 17,000 trees green and 1,000 floral beds blooming takes a mammoth effort by the Anaheim theme park’s horticulture team that’s focused on reducing water consumption during Southern California’s latest drought. Constant readings from Disneyland’s weather station in the Toy Story parking lot combined with a sophisticated irrigation control system have allowed the horticulture team to cut water usage by 13% compared to the same period last year, according to Disneyland officials. ”We have almost 1,000 floral beds if you add them up resort wide including the hotels,” Disneyland Horticulture Manager John Schrimsher said. “Figuring out what goes where is a very complicated piece of logistics.” ... ” Read more from the OC Register here: How Disneyland’s weather station helps save water and keep 1,000 floral beds blooming
SAN DIEGO
Supervisors take 1st step to overhaul water, drought management strategies
“The Board of Supervisors directed the chief administrative officer Wednesday to update the county’s water and drought-management strategies, including sustainability efforts, and deliver a final report within the next year. The overhaul, proposed by board Vice Chairwoman Nora Vargas, will incorporate the entire region, including local municipalities, Imperial County and bi-national cities. Under the board’s direction, the report will include … ” Read more from the Times of San Diego here: Supervisors take 1st step to overhaul water, drought management strategies
Along the Colorado River …
California is negotiating up to 400,000 acre-feet in Colorado River water cuts amid drought
“California water agencies that depend on Colorado River supply are quietly negotiating combined reductions of between 320,000 and 400,000 acre-feet from the fast-dwindling Lake Mead reservoir next year. “California has an agreement to do a range of no less than 320 and a maximum of 400 (thousand acre-feet),” said Bart Fisher, a lifelong farmer who is vice president of the Palo Verde Irrigation District board. Fisher, who has long served on and for several years led the state’s Colorado River Board, said: “I personally believe it will end up being 400, but … we’ve still got this range of 320 to 400.” … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: California is negotiating up to 400,000 acre-feet in Colorado River water cuts amid drought | Read via Mt. Shasta News
‘It’s getting close’: As the megadrought grinds on, Arizona working to meet water demands
“NASA satellite photos show how drastically the water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead have receded in just the past few years. They demonstrate the severity of long-term drought and the challenges Arizona will face to conserve and enhance its precious water supply. Susanna Eden is the research program manager for the Water Resources Research Center at the University of Arizona. She has been with the center for 17 years and has researched water policy and management even longer. The NASA images are shocking, she said, and should concern Arizonans. “They are very stark images,” Eden said. “People should recognize that it’s not a disaster yet, but it’s getting close.” … ” Read more from Cronkite News here: ‘It’s getting close’: As the megadrought grinds on, Arizona working to meet water demands
Increasing pressures on Colorado River water in New Mexico
“Colorado River tributaries in New Mexico bring water to the alfalfa fields in the Four Corners and the forested hills of the Gila wilderness in the southwestern part of the state. But Colorado River and reservoir management was designed during a much wetter period. And now, water officials are grappling with how to make do with less. State Engineer Mike Hamman, New Mexico’s top water manager, said the state “really feels the shortages” because it doesn’t have the big reservoirs of other states in the Colorado River Basin. “That’s the dilemma — looking at how we can reduce demand with as soft a blow as possible,” Hamman said. … ” Read more from KUER here: Increasing pressures on Colorado River water in New Mexico
State of unease: Colorado basin tribes without water rights
“Despite the Colorado River bordering more than 100 miles of Hualapai land in the canyon, the tribe can’t draw from it. Native American tribes in the Colorado River basin have inherent rights to the water, but the amount and access for a dozen tribes hasn’t been fully resolved, not for decades. A water settlement pending in Congress would give the Hualapai Tribe the right to draw river water, plus $180 million to pipe it to tribal communities and the main tourist center at Grand Canyon West. “It was the best of a bad deal,” said Phil Wisely, the tribe’s public services director. “And the thing is, I don’t think we could get a better deal, especially now.” … ” Read more from the Associated Press here: State of unease: Colorado basin tribes without water rights
Climate change & water law: How will water law respond to climate change in the Intermountain West?
“Climate change continues to have detrimental effects on the environment, especially water resources. The Intermountain West faces record-breaking droughts and increased water scarcity. Water law in the Intermountain West was not developed to confront the unstable environment that climate change creates. This article addresses the ways in which western water law in the Intermountain West may inevitably adapt to climate change. … ” Read the journal article here: Climate change & water law
Commentary: Can we save the diminishing Colorado River?
“Years of hot, dry conditions and population growth across the Southwest have brought painful reductions in Colorado River water flow allocations to Arizona, California, Nevada and Mexico. Based on a 1920s multi-state pact, the Department of the Interior sounds an alarm when the river’s reservoirs fall to extremely low levels, leaving states with no choice but to severely cut their water use, limiting consumption by agriculture, industry and citizens. At present, whatever water one state gets, another can expect to lose. And each state has its own body of water law that generally gives priority to historic withdrawal patterns. That body of law is important, but unfortunately, the times have changed. Maybe we should look at some past experiences with extreme water scarcity and consider institutional changes that could make things better for people in the dry southwestern states. ... ” Read more from The Hill here: Can we save the diminishing Colorado River?
In national water news today …
Drought takes a toll on farmers and ranchers across the country
“Drought-stricken land across the US has resulted in decimated crop yields in many regions this year—and an uphill battle for American farmers. Around 40 percent of the country has been experiencing drought for over 100 consecutive days. This year, the Central and Southern Great Plains have taken the brunt of the drought. The area, where a lack of precipitation has crippled the cotton and sorghum wheat crop (mostly used for animal feed), runs south from Nebraska through Texas. As of July, the USDA reported that the states with the worst dry conditions include California, Texas, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico. … ” Read more from Modern Farmer here: Drought takes a toll on farmers and ranchers across the country
In a year of water quality reckoning, national imperative is impeded
“Tom Van Wagner has a vision for what’s possible in Lenawee County for choking off phosphorus discharges from farm fields. A career specialist in soils and forestry health, most of it with the Natural Resource Conservation Service, a unit of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Van Wagner has spent 38 years in Lenawee County promoting environmentally sensitive nutrient management and cultivation practices. His message: Row crop farmers can substantially reduce phosphorus fertilizer use. Across much of the county’s farmland they don’t need it at all to produce ample yields. Livestock producers, he says, have soil testing and more sensitive manure spreading equipment that, if they really paid attention, would enable them to apply liquid manure much more carefully. “There’s so much latent phosphorus in the soil from over fertilization,” Van Wagner said. “Farmers are spending a lot of money on nutrients. They don’t need it. They’re over fertilizing.” … ” Read more from the Circle of Blue here: In a year of water quality reckoning, national imperative is impeded
Are we missing a crucial component of sea-level rise?
“Recent efforts using computational modeling to understand how melting ice in Antarctica will impact the planet’s oceans have focused on ice-sheet geometry, fracture, and surface melting – processes that could potentially trigger or accelerate ice-sheet mass loss. Now, researchers have identified an additional process that could have a similarly significant effect on the ice sheet’s future: thawing of the bed, known as basal thaw, at the interface of the land and the miles-thick ice sheet above it. The new study identifies areas that are not currently losing large amounts of mass but could be poised to match some of the largest contributors to sea-level rise – such as Thwaites Glacier – if they thawed. Antarctica is roughly the size of the United States, and the susceptible regions comprise an area greater than California. The research was published Sept. 14 in Nature Communications. … ” Read more from Stanford News here: Are we missing a crucial component of sea-level rise?
2022’s supercharged summer of climate extremes: How global warming and La Niña fueled disasters on top of disasters
“There’s an old joke about the fellow who has his left foot in a bucket of ice water and the right in a bucket of hot water, so that his overall temperature is average. That seems to apply to the climate during 2022’s northern summer of extremes: Overall, it was tied for only the fifth-warmest June-August, yet its regional heat waves shattered records. Global warming is undoubtedly a factor, but just how the increasing extremes that marked the summer of 2022 – heat waves, droughts and floods, sometimes one on top of the other – are related can be bewildering to the public and policymakers. … ” Read more from The Conversation here: 2022’s supercharged summer of climate extremes: How global warming and La Niña fueled disasters on top of disasters
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
NOTICE OF PETITIONS for temporary water transfer of 45,000 AF for San Joaquin River Restoration
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY for public comment on the amendment to the water quality control plan for the Tulare Lake Basin to remove the Municipal and Domestic Supply (MUN) and Agricultural Supply (AGR) beneficial uses from groundwater within a designated horizontal and vertical portion of the southern Lost Hills Oilfield and Substitute Environmental Documentation
