Incoming storm …
Most significant storm in months for Northern California on the way with rain, mountain snow
“AccuWeather meteorologists are closely monitoring the potential for a powerful storm to bring rain and what would be the season’s first mountain snow to Northern California from this weekend into early next week. A sprawling area of low pressure in the eastern Pacific Ocean is expected to track southeast this weekend and remain off the Pacific Northwest coast. It is then predicted to stall out and perhaps even track a bit to the west before it eventually moves onshore in Northern California. This system appears poised to deliver the Golden State’s best opportunity for a widespread, long-duration rainfall event in several months. … ” Read more from AccuWeather here: Most significant storm in months for Northern California on the way with rain, mountain snow
Snow in the forecast for Yosemite and Tahoe peaks
“The storm expected to arrive in Northern California this weekend could bring snow to the Sierra Nevada, the National Weather Service said. Latest forecasts predict a half-inch to 2 inches of rain over much of the region Sunday and Monday — and possible snow above 8,000 feet from Fresno County northward. Thunderstorms are possible Monday and Tuesday, the weather service said. Its Hanford office gives a 47% chance of some snow at Yosemite’s Tioga Pass (9,943 feet) and a 25% chance of at least an inch there from Sunday morning to Tuesday morning. Yosemite Valley is expecting highs in the mid-50s and lows around 40 those days. Tioga Road remains open; most years, it closes for the season in November. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Snow in the forecast for Yosemite and Tahoe peaks
Much needed & beneficial (and possible September record-breaking!) rain in NorCal this weekend! Then…warm and dry conditions resume.
Dr. Daniel Swain writes, “Well, it sure has been a September to remember in California, weather-wise. To start the month, the most severe September heatwave on record in the Western United States (and the worst heatwave in any calendar month, in some places) roasted California and adjacent states for 7-10 days. … In Southern California, this was an unbearably humid heatwave; in Northern California, this was a much drier but even hotter event. In the midst of this extreme heat, as well as ongoing severe drought, wildfire activity in both northern and southern California escalated dramatically. … As if all of that were not enough, Tropical Storm (and former hurricane) Kay made a historically close approach to Southern California at the same time huge fires were burning up north. This system brought strong winds to San Diego County and widespread rainfall elsewhere … Well, the recent California whiplash is set to continue in the coming days. And for once, this particular whiplash iteration brings mainly good news to Northern California–it’s going to rain, rather substantially in some spots, right at the peak of fire season. Let me dig into the details. … ” Read the full post at Weather West here: Much needed & beneficial (and possible September record-breaking!) rain in NorCal this weekend! Then…warm and dry conditions resume.
Rain is expected in Northern California this weekend. Here’s when and what it means for fires
“Rain and cooler temperatures are in Northern California’s forecast — two ingredients that could help curb the state’s biggest wildfire of the year. The Mosquito Fire, burning in Placer and El Dorado counties, recently surpassed Siskiyou County’s McKinney Fire as the largest of 2022, scorching more than 64,000 acres as of Thursday morning. The blaze will soon be met with rain between Saturday and Tuesday. “You can’t really say anything is a season ender until we’re in the depths of winter,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Emily Heller. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Rain is expected in Northern California this weekend. Here’s when and what it means for fires
SEE ALSO:
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- CW3E AR Update: 15 September 2022 Outlook: Early-Season Atmospheric River to Bring Precipitation to California, from the Center for Western Weather & Water Extremes
- Rain in Bay Area and snow near Tahoe? California faces hodgepodge of weekend weather, from the SF Chronicle
- September rain: Will looming storm fight the Mosquito Fire and the drought?, from the SF Chronicle
In other California water news …
Removing turf-grass saves water. But will it increase urban heat?
“As Las Vegas and other Southwestern cities look for ways to reduce water use during a historic drought, the removal of grass lawns and other areas of “nonfunctional turf” has been recommended by the Southern Nevada Water Authority and written into Nevada state law with AB356. But, will this change from turf-grass to other landscaping types result in other unintended climate impacts in urban areas, such as increased air or surface temperatures? In a new study in the journal Hydrology, a team of scientists from DRI, Arizona State University (ASU), and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), examined the irrigation water requirements of three common types of urban landscapes. … The three landscape types analyzed in the study were a “mesic” tree and turf-grass landscape with water-intensive plants; a “xeric” landscape consisting primarily of desert plants on drip irrigation; and an intermediate “oasis” landscape type with a mix of high-and low water use plants. ... ” Read the full story at the Desert Research Institute here: Removing turf-grass saves water. But will it increase urban heat?
Researchers develop a new way to predict droughts
“Scientists looking at the meteorological impacts of climate change have typically looked at increases in severe weather and hurricanes. Now, they are studying another consequence of global warming that will have significant economic ramifications: drought.Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new method to assess the likelihood of extreme drought conditions in several different regions of the United States over the remainder of the century. Using this method, based on highly detailed regional climate models, they have found that droughts are likely to be exacerbated by global warming. This finding is especially likely in regions like the Midwest, Northwestern U.S. and California’s Central Valley. … ” Read more from Phys Org here: Researchers develop a new way to predict droughts
How desalination could help the water crisis
“California’s record-breaking summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the heat and drought are over. A surprisingly robust rain event is forecast for this weekend, but it won’t put a dent in the drought. The National Weather Service is forecasting 0.50′-1″ of rain in the Sacramento area with the heaviest amounts in the northern Sacramento Valley. More heat and dry weather is expected after the storm. According to the National Weather Service, this will not be a season-ending event for fire weather but rather a “season slowing” event. The latest drought monitor doesn’t show much change, apart from expanded extreme drought conditions in Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: How desalination could help the water crisis
How sunlight could turn seawater into freshwater for coastal communities
“A summer of extreme heat and drought around the world has been a reminder that water scarcity is a pressing issue and one that will only get worse with climate change. Already, more than two billion people worldwide lack easy access to clean water, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). For some countries, desalination plants offer a solution — removing salt from seawater to satisfy their freshwater needs. The Middle East has the highest concentration of these in the world. But such plants, still mostly powered by fossil fuels, are energy-intensive and the process creates an extremely salty wastewater known as brine, which can damage marine ecosystems and animals when it’s pumped back into the sea. That’s why some startups and researchers are updating centuries-old solar still technology, which uses only sunlight to purify water. While the technology is still a long way off from producing the volume of freshwater generated by desalination plants, it could prove valuable for off-grid or coastal communities. … ” Read more from CNN here: How sunlight could turn seawater into freshwater for coastal communities
Improving water quality and food safety on the farm
“As the drought continues in the West, vegetable growers are using water as efficiently as possible. Retaining and reusing sprinkler runoff water can be an important strategy to improving efficiency and protecting water quality. Suspended sediments, pesticides, and nutrients carried in irrigation runoff can potentially impair rivers and estuaries downstream of agricultural fields. However, the current leafy green marketing agreement (LGMA) now requires more frequent testing of water stored in open reservoirs and retention ponds. The threshold for generic E. coli concentration is below 10 colony forming units (CFU) per 100 ml of water. To assure the concentration of generic E. coli remains below the LGMA metric, tail water intended for reuse on leafy green crops usually needs to be chlorinated to kill potentially harmful microbial pathogens. … ” Read more from Growing Produce here: Improving water quality and food safety on the farm
Water treatment systems not up to snuff, auditor says
“Already battered by drought, dwindling supplies and climate change, California’s water treatment systems also suffer from problems that raise the specter of long-term health issues, according to a state report. Those findings – and others – were contained in an audit by Michael Tilden, California’s acting state auditor. The audit, released in July, focused on the State Water Resources Control Board (better known as the Water Board), which regulates the condition of water across California. Despite the State Water Board’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, the legislation that protects clean state water, Tilden’s audit found that the state of clean water across California needs improvement. … ” Read more from Capitol Weekly here: Water treatment systems not up to snuff, auditor says
California becomes first government in world to require microplastics testing for drinking water
“On September 7, 2022, California became the first government in the world to require microplastics testing for drinking water, an emerging contaminant that is found throughout the environment. The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) approved a policy handbook that details how it will implement a four-year plan, including testing logistics as well as how it will select the public agencies that will be required to test. Microplastics represent an emerging contaminant of concern for which there are still a number of unanswered questions. As the policy handbook recognizes, although studies have shown harm to mammals from consuming microplastics, there is insufficient evidence on what level causes harm as well as what harms consumption causes. … ” Read more from Nossaman LLP here: California becomes first government in world to require microplastics testing for drinking water
SEE ALSO: Labs prepare for first-of-its-kind water directive, from Spectrum 1
Aquatic restoration made easier for federal agencies in California
“This month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized a statewide consultation to help simplify implementation of important aquatic habitat restoration project in California for the benefit of wildlife and people while federal agencies fulfill Endangered Species Act obligations. “We are proud to announce this comprehensive statewide consultation completed in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Restoration Center, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Sustainable Conservation, who has been championing efficient ways to accomplish more restoration and protect imperiled species,” said Paul Souza, regional director for the Service’s Pacific Southwest Region. The Section 7 consultation and accompanying materials cover 72 federally listed species and 40 critical habitat areas for 10 types of restoration projects. Currently, eligible projects funded, authorized or carried out by federal agencies referenced above are covered by the consultation. However, any agency interested in using this consultation when conducting qualified restoration projects may join the consultation as a “late arriving agency.” ... ” Read more from the US Fish & Wildlife Service here: Aquatic restoration made easier for federal agencies in California
The future of wild salmon in the Columbia River Basin
“Ever wonder what would happen to wild salmon and steelhead runs if hatchery stocking and fishing ended in the Columbia River Basin? If salmon and steelhead fishing (recreational, commercial, and tribal) stopped — and salmon and steelhead hatcheries were closed — perhaps wild salmon runs would return to levels found in the distant past? Or, conversely, would wild salmon dwindle to even lower levels than currently exist? In short, does hatchery stocking and fishing have a dominant long-term effect on wild salmon abundance? In a recent blog, Dr. Robert T. Lackey of Oregon State University answers these questions based on a survey of a cross-section of scientific experts.” Read the article here: The future of wild salmon in the Columbia River Basin
Hard-hit by climate change, winemakers turn to sustainability to ride the storms
“Winemaking has always been affected by the weather and climate – it’s inherent in the phrase “a good vintage”. The quality of the wine can be affected by too much rain or not enough, temperatures that are too high or too low. But recent extreme weather events around the world – from droughts and heatwaves to floods and prolonged, heavy rainfall – mean that sustainability is becoming ever more important to the sector. “All seriously minded wine regions in the world today are entirely focused on sustainability. They have to be,” says Clare Tooley, a California-based Master of Wine working at Boisset’s Collection, which makes wine in Burgundy, the Rhone, Champagne, the South of France and California. … ” Read more from Reuters here: Hard-hit by climate change, winemakers turn to sustainability to ride the storms
SEE ALSO: This climate-friendly farming approach could also make better-tasting wine, from the San Francisco Chronicle
Here’s how climate change may have impacted last week’s record-setting heat wave in NorCal
“For much of this summer, it seemed like the really nasty heat would pass Northern California by this year. Then last week happened. A late summer 2022 heat wave centered over the southwest United States rewrote many records in several categories. The temperature hit at least 100 degrees for 10 straight days in downtown Sacramento. That is the second-longest heat wave on record for the area. … ” Read more from KCRA here: Here’s how climate change may have impacted last week’s record-setting heat wave in NorCal
A case for retreat in the age of fire as dozens of wildfires threaten homes in the West
“Wildfires in the American West are getting larger, more frequent and more severe. Although efforts are underway to create fire-adapted communities, it’s important to realize that we cannot simply design our way out of wildfire – some communities will need to begin planning a retreat. Paradise, California, worked for decades to reduce its fire risk by removing dry grasses, brush and forest overgrowth in the surrounding wildlands. It built firebreaks to prevent fires from spreading, and promoted defensible space around homes. But in 2018, a fire sparked by wind-damaged power lines swept up the ravine and destroyed over 18,800 structures. Eighty-five people died. It’s just one example. Across the America West and in other fire-risk countries, thousands of communities like Paradise are at risk. Many, if not most, are in the wildland-urban interface, a zone between undeveloped land and urban areas where both wildfires and unchecked growth are common. … ” Read more from Bay Nature here: A case for retreat in the age of fire as dozens of wildfires threaten homes in the West
Pollutants from burning structures linger in waterways post-wildfire
“As the frequency of wildfires has increased, so have pollutants in the waters from burned watersheds, say researchers in a review paper that highlights the need for more research in the area. “Much less studied are the effects of fire burning not only forests and grasslands but also houses, vehicles and other human-made material,” said Stephen LeDuc of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment. “There have only been a few studies of pollutants mobilized from these types of fires.” LeDuc is a coauthor of the new paper, published today in Water Resources Research, AGU’s journal for original research on the movement and management of Earth’s water. … ” Read more from Science Daily here: Pollutants from burning structures linger in waterways post-wildfire
California prepares for more wildfires
“Bloomberg reports that California is preparing for wildfire season after a relatively calm season. The state is undergoing a heat wave, deepening drought, which is making tinder dry weeks before seasonal hot winds are expected, deepening the threat of wildfires. One utility said it may need to cut power to 50,000 Southern California homes and businesses to prevent fires, reported Bloomberg. Bloomberg reports that the U.S. Southwest is in its most severe drought in 1,200 years. “I am kind of holding my breath,” said Daniel Swain, a climatologist with the University of California, Los Angeles, reported Bloomberg. “If we do get those ignitions and the wind events, all bets are off.” … ” Read more from Water & Waste Digest here: California prepares for more wildfires
In commentary today …
Will ruling on pre-1914 curtailments force the Water Board to track stored water?
Deirdre Des Jardins writes, “On September 12th, 2022, the Sixth District Court of Appeal issued a ruling that the State Water Resources Control Board did not have the authority to curtail pre-1914 water rights under Water Code section 1052(a). This code section provides that “The diversion or use of water subject to this division other than as authorized in this division is a trespass.” In 2015, the Water Board had curtailed some pre-1914 diversions based on the assertion that “the existing water supply in the Sacramento-San Joaquin watersheds and Delta watersheds is insufficient to meet the needs of some pre-1914 claims of right.” … The State Water Board may ultimately have to revise their water unavailability analysis for the Delta watershed to track releases and diversions of SWP and CVP stored water. Currently the Water Board does not collect enough information to do such an analysis. … ” Read the full post at California Water Research blog here: Will ruling on pre-1914 curtailments force the Water Board to track stored water?
Expand access to safe drinking water for all communities
Rick L. Callender, Esq., president of the California/Hawaii State Conference NAACP, writes, “In many communities of color, severe drought conditions result in a lack of safe and reliable drinking water for families that are already struggling to meet their day-to-day needs. According to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), more than 250 water systems serving nearly a million people were out of compliance with drinking water standards in 2020. The vast majority of those were in low-income and disadvantaged communities. And with climate change already resulting in longer periods of drought and periodic flash floods, we have to upgrade our infrastructure to adapt. Communities of color are at greater risk from the fallout resulting from climate change. That’s why the NAACP supports Governor Newsom’s plan to fix our failing water infrastructure through the Delta Conveyance Project. Without action, problems with access to reliable water in disadvantaged communities will continue to grow. ... ” Read more from the LA Sentinel here: Expand access to safe drinking water for all communities
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
‘Septic Sue’ is Trinidad’s new waste management mascot
“On Tuesday, the Trinidad City Council unanimously voted to declare Sept. 19 through 23 as Septic Smart Week and adopt a new mascot representing proper septic maintenance: Septic Sue. The declaration is meant to generate awareness of proper septic tank maintenance and permitting, as Trinidad does not have a wastewater system and residents must maintain septic tanks. “Septic Sue” was named after former Trindad Mayor Susan Rotwein, and is a spin on “Septic Sam,” a character created by the Environmental Protection Agency. “It’s just about how you handle a septic properly, in other words, certain things that you shouldn’t be doing on your property to make sure that your septic system is not leaking into the stormwater and so on,” Eli Naffah, Trinidad’s city manager, said. … ” Red more from the Eureka Times-Herald here: ‘Septic Sue’ is Trinidad’s new waste management mascot
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Wildfire smoke contributing to blue-green algae growth in Lake Tahoe
“A new growth in blue-green algae has environmental researchers worried for Lake Tahoe’s ecosystem. Researchers say the algae is more abundant than ever and they believe wildfire smoke has something to do with it. Warning signs can be seen at Regan Beach in South Lake Tahoe where harmful algae covers portions of the shoreline. Several kinds of algae are abundant in Lake Tahoe. However, some can be more detrimental to the ecosystem than others. … ” Read more from CBS Sacramento here: Wildfire smoke contributing to blue-green algae growth in Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Conservancy grants $449,000 to expand “outdoors for all” at Tahoe
“The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) has awarded four grants, totaling $449,000, to support environmental education for underserved Tahoe youth and to expand equitable access to Lake Tahoe’s beaches, trails, and mountains. “Our communities at Lake Tahoe welcome tens of millions of visitors every year, but too many Tahoe residents grow up unable to participate in the outdoor experiences of this national treasure,” said Conservancy Board Chair and El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel. “These grants support organizations and programs that have proven success in breaking down barriers to the outdoors for some of Tahoe’s most underserved youth.” At its meeting today, the Conservancy Board authorized the grants to expand access to public lands in the Tahoe region for underserved people, including people of color and others who have faced barriers to outdoor recreation. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Conservancy here: Tahoe Conservancy grants $449,000 to expand “outdoors for all” at Tahoe
Placer County Water Agency Board receives update on Mosquito Fire
“At the September 15 meeting of the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors, the Board received a comprehensive report from staff on the progress of the Mosquito Fire and the status of PCWA’s Middle Fork American River Project, which is located within the footprint of the Mosquito Fire. “While damage to the project cannot be fully assessed at this time, we can report that energy generation has been severely curtailed,” explained PCWA General Manager Andy Fecko. “As of this morning, our top concern is our largest powerhouse, the Middle Fork Powerhouse, which is located within a mile of the fire’s eastern boundary.” … ” Read more from YubaNet here: Placer County Water Agency Board receives update on Mosquito Fire
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
People in Tehama County concerned over agricultural well drilling
“As more domestic wells dry up, some people are frustrated seeing new agriculture wells going in. That’s why some showed up to the Tehama County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday. Behind the doors at the meeting, supervisors were called out over how they are handling drying up wells across Tehama County. One woman took the podium and handed each of the supervisors an old agriculture agenda about the issue that hasn’t been discussed in nearly a year. “You people have continuously ignored all the domestic wells of domestic users,” Liz Merry said. … ” Read more from Action News Now here: People in Tehama County concerned over agricultural well drilling
NAPA/SONOMA
Clear Lake: Potential for Upper Lake levee failure and flooding to be discussed at Sept. 28 workshop
“The condition of the levees in Upper Lake and the potential flood risk for area residents should the levees fail has prompted the Western Region Town Hall to call a special workshop to update the community on the situation. The Western Region Town Hall, or WRTH, will host a special workshop at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Habematolel community center, 9460 Main St. in Upper Lake. The reason for the workshop is to inform the community of potential flood risk due to the condition of the area’s levees, which don’t allow for the capacity of water flow they were designed for, which in turn could lead to flooding. The workshop will feature several tables in order for government agencies and groups to take part in the discussion of a solution, along with flood insurance agents. … ” Read more from the Lake County News here: Clear Lake: Potential for Upper Lake levee failure and flooding to be discussed at Sept. 28 workshop
Sonoma: Local coastal plan nears completion
“A new blueprint for future development and stewardship along the Sonoma Coast is nearly complete. Why does the coastal area have its own planning document? “In some ways we could say that this whole process started in Sonoma County, February, 1960, when the board of supervisors approved atomic park and said, that it’d be an inconvenience for the applicant to see the plans before it was approved, this catalyzed and galvanized coastal activism.” So said Gary Helfrich. “So we’re kind of at the birthplace of the Coastal Act in Sonoma County.” Helfrich, is a planner with the County. … ” Read more from NorCal Public Media here: Sonoma: Local coastal plan nears completion
Sebastopol looks at potential futures for downtown creek
“Covered up and reworked throughout much of the last hundred plus years – urban creeks are getting a second look from local governments for their vital role in local ecosystems. Hidden under paved parking lots or fenced away below steep walls, Sebastopol’s Calder Creek is often inaccessible and out of sight – at least for now. “The ecological benefits, the potential for fisheries, the storm water and groundwater recharge benefits, atmospheric cooling.” Jessica Hall said. “There’s a lot of reasons that under-gird, why we are doing this.” Hall, is a Switzer Foundation Fellow who’s helped develop a restoration plan for Calder Creek. The Sebastopol city council has approved the early stages of the restoration plan, which focuses on the section of creek running through Ives Park. ... ” Read more from NorCal Public Media here: Sebastopol looks at potential futures for downtown creek
St. Helena studies utility rates amid infrastructure challenges
“A long list of critical water and sewer projects is lending urgency to an ongoing study that could affect St. Helena customers’ utility rates in 2023. The consulting firm Raftelis, which is conducting the study with input from a council-appointed advisory committee, held an open house at the firehouse on Monday and briefed the City Council on Tuesday. In order to catch up on decades of deferred maintenance, the city needs to increase its annual spending on water projects from $1.1 million to $5.5 million — plus another $1.5 million annually in sewer projects. … ” Read more from the Napa Register here: St. Helena studies utility rates amid infrastructure challenges
BAY AREA
How full are Bay Area reservoirs?
“Rain may be returning to our forecast, but this storm won’t be enough to end the ongoing drought. California hasn’t seen significant rainfall and months. The hope is that the rain forecast for this weekend will help the dry conditions and put some more water into our reservoirs. The latest map from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that almost all of California is still experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions. That includes the Bay Area. In Marin County on Thursday, Lagunitas Creek below Lake Lagunitas has been reduced to a series of stagnant pools of water, but it’s not all bad news. ... ” Read more from KRON here: How full are Bay Area reservoirs?
Assessment highlights water issues across Calif.’s Bay Area
“A new assessment finds that, for the California Bay Area’s low-income and tribal populations, some of the most urgent water-related concerns are the quality of drinking water, flooding, lack of access to adequate green space, contamination and pollutants, and trash. The findings come from the Regional Needs Assessment for the nine-county area by the San Francisco Estuary Partnership. Led by members of disadvantaged and tribal communities, the report was developed through the Bay Area Integrated Regional Water Management Program’s Disadvantaged Communities and Tribal Involvement program, which is funded by the California Department of Water Resources. Concerns about tap water quality were particularly noted across the Bay Area, a region typically known for its high-quality drinking water. … ” Read more from Water World here: Assessment highlights water issues across Calif.’s Bay Area
These six projects could kick off S.F.’s work to protect the Embarcadero from earthquakes and sea level rise
“There are worlds of difference between a rotting structure at Fisherman’s Wharf, the iconic drama of the Ferry Building and the shadowed concrete underneath the Bay Bridge where two piers meet the aged Embarcadero seawall. What they share is a vulnerability to earthquakes and sea level rise along an artificial shoreline that’s more than a century old. They also have a common owner — the Port of San Francisco, which has the costly job of preparing that shoreline for a host of 21st Century challenges where the learning curve seems to get steeper each year. Now, nearly four years after voters approved a $425 million bond to prepare the seawall and the structures along it for what the future might bring, the port has selected the first six projects to pursue. Construction on the most straightforward could start in 2024, officials say. But the six are only a start of a much larger effort — one that likely will extend for decades, and at costs exceeding $5 billion. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: These six projects could kick off S.F.’s work to protect the Embarcadero from earthquakes and sea level rise
Marin sues Monsanto over PCBs
“Marin County and nine Marin cities and towns are suing Monsanto and two other companies for alleged damages caused by their sale of products containing PCBs. “PCBs have left a long toxic legacy,” Marin County Counsel Brian Washington said of polychlorinated biphenyls, a group of manmade chemicals once used in a range of commercial, household and industrial applications. “The companies responsible need to contribute to the solution so that the taxpayers do not have to carry the entire burden,” Washington said. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin sues Monsanto over PCBs
Commentary: Protect Livermore Valley wine country and its groundwater
Lori Souza, chairwoman of the Tri-Valley Conservancy Board of Directors, writes, “Nearly 30 years ago, community leaders in Livermore, Pleasanton and Alameda County created the South Livermore Valley Area Plan. As precious farmland faced development pressures from growing urban centers, the plan was designed to protect open space and preserve agriculture on our most fertile soils. The plan’s vision of protecting 5,000 acres under vine is progressing, with 4,500 acres permanently shielded from urban development. But of these, only 2,800 acres are vineyards. That’s because South Livermore Valley winegrowers are trying to manage productive agriculture in an area lacking essential infrastructure, severely limiting the economic sustainability of our wine country. … ” Read more from the East Bay Times here: Commentary: Protect Livermore Valley wine country and its groundwater
Stunned by rising costs, Palo Alto seeks to renegotiate deal for wastewater plant
“If things go as planned, the largely dormant site on the eastern edge of San Antonio Road in Palo Alto will eventually be home to a transitional housing complex for unhoused individuals, as well as two wastewater treatment plants. A salt-removal plant would make local wastewater more suitable for irrigating redwoods and other sensitive trees and vegetation, allowing Palo Alto and Mountain View to use more recycled water for those purposes. The other one would be paid for and constructed by Valley Water and would purify wastewater to drinking standards. But as the partner agencies move ahead with the planned facilities, they are confronting an obstacle: rapidly rising costs that are testing Palo Alto’s commitment to the projects. … ” Read more from Palo Alto Online here: Stunned by rising costs, Palo Alto seeks to renegotiate deal for wastewater plant
CENTRAL COAST
Pesticide contaminated water detected in areas of California, including along the Central Coast: Data
“Contaminated water has been found in urban areas in California, including the affects to the Central Coast, according to data released by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid (or neonics), a pesticide that is also linked to bee die-offs. These pesticides are shown to disrupt the nervous system of bees, other insects and songbirds causing paralysis and death. Environment California, an organization that is calling for Gov. Gavin Newsom to address the use of neonics across the state, recently compiled the data and made its report public. According to the CDPR, 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. … ” Read more from KSBY here: Pesticide contaminated water detected in areas of California, including along the Central Coast: Data
Potential new answer to the drought: floating desalination systems off the Central, South Coasts?
“A Santa Barbara-based company is working with Vandenberg Space Force Base on a test project. A buoy would contain an automated desalination system. Almost daily, we’re being reminded that we can’t take something as simple as a glass of water for granted, as the impacts of the drought continue to grow. But now, officials with an innovative company are preparing to test a new approach in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties to turning sea water into drinking water. “The technology for creating water from the ocean has been around for a long time, but no one has really done much to change the way it’s actually done,” said Peter Stricker, who’s with a Santa Barbara-based company called SeaWell. … ” Read more from KCLU here: Potential new answer to the drought: floating desalination systems off the Central, South Coasts?
South SLO County cities to pump treated wastewater into Santa Maria aquifer
“Three south San Luis Obispo County cities are moving forward on a project to treat and sanitize wastewater, then pump it back into the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin to maintain supplies in the face of the ongoing drought, and to block seawater intrusion. Officials said the injection program, called Central Coast Blue, will only provide water for the Northern Cities Management Area of the basin, which extends from southeast of Santa Maria northward through Nipomo to Pismo Beach. But they said it stands as an example of interagency cooperation in seeking a regional solution to a problem facing the entire state — a rapidly diminishing supply of potable water as a result of the worst drought the state has seen, exacerbated by climate change. … ” Read more from the Lompoc Record here: South SLO County cities to pump treated wastewater into Santa Maria aquifer
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Farmers letting crops die amid drought, record heat
“Central Valley farmers are letting their crops die amid the ongoing drought and record-breaking heat this summer. On Fresno County’s west side, thousands of acres of almond trees are being removed because the water supply isn’t there. Farmer Joe del Bosque says he and his neighbors are sacrificing orchards. Almond trees are getting yanked out and then ground up later. Del Bosque says they’re letting some crops die to save others. “Just within about 2- or 3-miles radius of my farm, there’s probably at least 2,000 or 3,000 acres of almonds that are being pulled out,” he said, adding that it takes a good amount of water to grow almonds. … ” Read more from Your Central Valley here: Farmers letting crops die amid drought, record heat
SEE ALSO: Should you plan ahead for more severe drought conditions?, from Ag Net West
Could this ranch-farmworker team help the Valley thrive in drought conditions?
“David Villarino-González envisions a day when rural communities finally have clean drinking water, and when crops on farmworker cooperatives thrive through droughts or wet seasons. His dream, which isn’t that far-fetched, could be a game changer in a parched San Joaquín Valley whose livelihood depends on water. Cadiz Ranch and the Farmworkers Institute of Education & Leadership Development (FIELD)_ announced Thursday a $5 million partnership to set up an innovative center to train farmworkers on state-of-the-art technology that produces clean water. The ranch has 45,000 acres in the Mojave Desert where it will teach people about water conservation, groundwater management and sustainable agriculture. … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee here: Could this ranch-farmworker team help the Valley thrive in drought conditions?
Exeter gets the green light for Tooleville water improvements
“Tooleville’s water quality and quantity issues may become a thing of the past by 2025. Exeter’s city council made a major move that could temporarily alleviate Tooleville’s residents’ need for water, until a permanent solution can be put in place. On Sept. 13, the Exeter city Council adopted a resolution for the Exeter-Tooleville Emergency Intertie and Water System Improvement Project. The approval of this resolution will enable the city to finally receive grant funding and begin on a planned water improvement project with Tooleville, whose wells are not only running dry, but have been unusable for quite some time. This is only an interim solution until full consolidation can be achieved with the city of Exeter over the next eight years. The California Department of Water Resources will fund this project with a $7.2 million grant, and it is expected to take two years to complete. … ” Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: Exeter gets the green light for Tooleville water improvements
Ag webinar explores water crisis in the Central Valley
“Bakersfield College hosted the first of a series of webinars on water policy in the Central Valley on Sept. 13 as part of their partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Valley Strong Credit Union. It featured three speakers representing different organizations and institutions that have partnered with the Valley Strong Energy Institute, all of whom touched on different aspects of the ongoing water crisis that is gripping the Central Valley. Alivar Escriva-Bou, a senior fellow from the Public Policy Institute of California Water Policy Center, explained the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of the recent Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, or SGMA. … ” Read more from The Renegade Rip here: Ag webinar explores water crisis in the Central Valley
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
L.A. conserving water at record levels, but it’s not enough as drought worsens
“During a summer of soaring heat, shrinking supplies and mandatory drought restrictions, Los Angeles residents conserved water at an impressive pace in August, with that month’s usage dropping below a record low set during the previous drought. But it’s becoming clear that this alone is not going to be enough. The crisis on the Colorado River, a key source of water for Southern California, is expected to bring painful cuts to supplies in the coming months. And hopes of a wet winter are looking more unlikely with another year of dry La Niña in the forecast. Now, the pressure is on to not only increase savings, but also double-down on efforts to reduce reliance on imported supplies and to invest in long-term water solutions. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: L.A. conserving water at record levels, but it’s not enough as drought worsens
SoCal residents still shouldn’t water lawns right now, but hang in there
“The project to repair a critical pipeline in Southern California, forcing millions of residents to stop outdoor watering for two weeks, is almost done. “This area tends to be more green just because it’s where we tend to water the most and congregate the most,” Adrian McGee said. What was once lush with green grass is now patchy brown in most spots of McGee’s Pomona yard. That’s because he’s been drastically cutting back on his water usage under the outdoor water ban. … ” Read more from NBC LA here: SoCal residents still shouldn’t water lawns right now, but hang in there
Red tide appears off Long Beach coast, authorities say
“Reddish-brown waters appeared off the coast of Long Beach this past week and officials say it’s due to the algal bloom phenomenon known as red tide. A red tide is produced when microorganisms in the water, such as phytoplankton, grow excessively in favorable environments, resulting in millions of cells in each gallon of water and a distinctive change in the water color. In Long Beach’s most recent case, Marine Safety Chief Gonzalo Medina said the bloom, which is located in the waters off of Alamitos Beach, appeared to be caused by the recent heat wave. … ” Read more from the Long Beach Post here: Red tide appears off Long Beach coast, authorities say
Along the Colorado River …
Waters cuts hit Western states
“As much of the West remains in extreme drought and reservoirs drop to historic lows, states are facing continued cuts to their water supply, either voluntarily or by direction of the federal government. Last month, federal authorities announced that for the second year in a row, Arizona and Nevada would be limited in the amount of water they can take from the Colorado River. While the order did not include mandatory cuts to the agricultural sector or personal behavior, like limits on watering lawns, federal officials did signal that painful cuts may be required in the future. “Every sector in every state has a responsibility to ensure that water is used with maximum efficiency,” said Assistant Interior Secretary for Water and Science Tanya Trujillo in a statement last month. “In order to avoid a catastrophic collapse of the Colorado River System and a future of uncertainty and conflict, water use in the Basin must be reduced.” … ” Read more from Pew Charitable Trust here: Waters cuts hit Western states
Nevada looks to conservation as the Colorado River dwindles
“Only a few miles from the Las Vegas Strip, in the Mojave Desert, is an unlikely scene: A county park with walking trails and thick vegetation that circles a vibrant rush of flowing water. Known as the Las Vegas Wash, the water running through this channel is a crucial part of how Nevada has managed to keep its net Colorado River use below its allocation, despite booming population growth and two decades of persistent drought, worsened by a changing climate. Every time a shower or a faucet is turned on in Las Vegas, the water flowing down the drain is treated at wastewater plants and recycled. The treated water is discharged into the wash, which flows into Lake Mead, a declining Colorado River reservoir held back by the Hoover Dam. Once there, the water can be used for a second time, effectively increasing Nevada’s overall portfolio. … ” Read more from the Colorado Sun here: Nevada looks to conservation as the Colorado River dwindles
Despite ‘advice’ from other states, Arizona won’t let its canals run dry, officials say
“Arizona has excelled at banking water, storing 13 million acre-feet underground over the past 26 years. Other states along the Colorado River have apparently taken notice. The notice has, unfortunately, come with “recommendations” from these states, pushing for Arizona to let its river water canals run dry and rely on that stored water, according to Arizona Department of Water Resources’s Deputy Director Clint Chandler. Chandler assured a crowded room full of Valley business leaders that the comments were said jokingly, but even if the comments did become serious in the future, the water in Central Arizona Project (CAP) canals wouldn’t stop flowing. … ” Read more from Channel 12 here: Despite ‘advice’ from other states, Arizona won’t let its canals run dry, officials say
Tucson has 5.5 years of excess Colorado River water stowed in a secret reservoir
“It is drier than it has been in the Southwest for 1,200 years. And the fast-growing states there that rely on the Colorado River are seeing their water deliveries being cut out like never before. But as NPR’s Kirk Siegler reports, in Arizona anyway, few people appear to be panicking. Tucson’s water manager, John Kmiec, is standing on a patch of desert shrub more than 330 miles from the shrinking Colorado River. Tucson gets the bulk of all of its drinking water from the river, but there’s no five-alarm fire right here. And now we have a shortage condition on the Colorado River, but it’s really not going to affect the Tucson Basin. Kmiec says there are two big reasons why. The first is aggressive conservation, like water recycling. Tucson uses the same amount of water as it did in the 1980s, yet it’s added 200,000 more people. … ” Read more from KCBX here: Tucson has 5.5 years of excess Colorado River water stowed in a secret reservoir
As the megadrought grinds on, Arizona works 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 megadrought 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.” She also said people may have a false sense of security when it comes to tackling this issue. … ” Read more from Arizona Big Media here: As the megadrought grinds on, Arizona works to meet water demands
A pipeline from Lake Powell to Washington County is taking shape
“A plan is moving forward for the state of Utah to build a 140-mile-long pipeline that would pump water from Lake Powell to 13 cities in Washington County. It was discussed on Thursday during a meeting of the Water Resources Board of the Department of Natural Resources. The state describes the pipeline as part of a long-term water supply plan for southern Utah. The pipeline itself would be buried, the water moved along by five pump stations powered, in part, by six hydroelectric facilities. Zach Frankel, Executive Director of the Utah Rivers Council, is not on board. “We can’t pretend like the Lake Powell Pipeline water exists,” Frankel said. “It does not exist.” … ” Read more from KSL here: A pipeline from Lake Powell to Washington County is taking shape
Desert farms in Utah flourish with water from Colorado River
“The second driest state in the country, Utah, doesn’t contribute much water to the Colorado River as it flows from Rocky Mountain headwaters through Canyonlands National Park to Lake Powell. Utah has a unique position in the middle of the river basin, geographically and politically, and it wields less influence than thirstier and more populous states like Colorado, California and Arizona. Its sprawling urban centers along the Wasatch Front, which are home to 80% of the state’s population, are outside of the Colorado River Basin and are less dependent on the river than cities like Phoenix or Las Vegas. Only 27% of the water used in Utah comes from the Colorado River, with the majority of the state’s water supply coming from other rivers that feed into the Great Salt Lake. ... ” Read more from US News & World Report here: Desert farms in Utah flourish with water from Colorado River
In Wyoming, Flaming Gorge Reservoir’s water recedes as Colorado River Basin contends with drought
“Tony Valdez wasn’t worried about being left high and dry when he bought Buckboard Marina three years ago, but that’s changed with the receding waters of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. This year, he has already dredged 10 feet so boats could still use the marina. Now, with Flaming Gorge becoming a crucial emergency water supply for the region, Valdez worries the reservoir has nowhere to go but lower still. “I mean, this is our natural resource and it’s going away,” he said. “Water is the most precious thing we have.” … ” Read more from the Colorado Sun here: In Wyoming, Flaming Gorge Reservoir’s water recedes as Colorado River Basin contends with drought
In national water news today …
White House portal helps communities assess exposure to climate hazards
“Finding common ground on our most complex issues—including how to collectively act on our changing climate to safeguard our common home—starts with a foundation of shared knowledge, expertise, and information. As the US advances on its climate action goals with the passage of a massive legislative package, the White House is debuting a new tool—developed with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Interior, and the US Global Change Research Program—that offers scientific data to help us better understand, at a local level, what’s happening with our changing climate. … ” Read more from ESRI here: White House portal helps communities assess exposure to climate hazards
The world has a $1 trillion La Nina problem
“Deadly floods in Pakistan. Scorching heat and wildfires in the US West. Torrential rains in Australia and Indonesia. A megadrought in Brazil and Argentina. As climate change pushes weather disasters to new extremes, it’s La Nina, an atmospheric phenomenon, that has been the driver behind the chaos since mid-2020. And now the planet stands on the cusp of something that’s only happened twice since 1950 – three years of La Nina. Another year of La Nina means the world is hurtling toward $1 trillion in weather-disaster damages by the time 2023 wraps up. The floods, droughts, storms and fires will destroy more homes, ruin more crops, further disrupt shipping, hobble energy supplies and, ultimately, end lives. … ” Read more from Bloomberg here: The world has a $1 trillion La Nina problem
Earth just experienced one of its warmest summers on record
“Summer 2022 — a season marked again by historic heat waves, widespread drought and torrential rains — ranks among the hottest on record, according to data from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NASA data indicate June through August tied 2020 for the warmest summer worldwide in records dating back to 1880. Summer in the Northern Hemisphere also tied 2019 for the warmest on record. NOAA data indicate the meteorological summer tied for the fifth warmest worldwide in 143 years of records, and the Northern Hemisphere experienced its second-warmest summer on record. ... ” Read more from the Washington Post here: Earth just experienced one of its warmest summers on record
National water and climate update …
The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces this weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S.
dmrpt-20220915Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
NOTICE of 5-Year Temporary Water Right Permit Application (T033322) to Appropriate Water from the Cosumnes River in Sacramento County
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Biden-Harris Administration announces $20 million funding opportunity for small surface and groundwater storage drought resilience projects
PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN on a Draft Federal Report on Microfiber Pollution
