On the calendar today …
- IN-PERSON CONFERENCE: State of the Tulare Basin from 8:30am to 4pm in Tulare. The State of the Basin event will focus on increasing awareness and insight to the challenges facing the Tulare Basin and how a whole watershed approach – connecting upper and lower elements – can significantly support resilience in the region. Despite the challenges, this event’s focal point is on the viable pathways forward if we keep learning and acting together. Landscape-scale leadership and collaboration is essential for long-term success and the Tulare Basin Watershed Network is seeking to foster these capacities, develop new partnerships, and accelerate the pace and scale of innovative multi-benefit opportunities in the region. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: National Listening Session Series Key Takeaways and Next Steps: Drought Prediction and Water Availability from 10am to 11am. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) held a series of listening sessions from February-September 2022 to seek input on priorities and needs related to predicting water availability changes under drought conditions at national and regional scales. This input will be used to guide USGS Drought Program planning and orientation, as well as to inform other national drought programs. This webinar will include an overview key takeaways from the series of listening sessions, discussion of next steps, and time for Q&A and participant feedback.Click here to register.
- WORKSHOP: Advancing Interdisciplinary Science from 1pm to 4pm. At this interactive virtual workshop, Community of Practice members will be paired with Delta collaborative science group members to co-develop mock proposals for interdisciplinary research projects that support the 2022-2026 Science Action Agenda. The workshop, followed by an optional in-person networking event, is designed for natural and social science researchers interested in the Delta. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: River Roundtable Session 1 – Putah Creek from 5:15pm to 6:45 pm. Bakersfield group, Bring Back the Kern, will host a roundtable discussion on how the Putah Creek parties found, if not harmony, at least detente, and whether there are any lessons for those fighting over the Kern River. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
Water managers bracing for the worst: How low will it go?
“New Melones Reservoir — critical to Escalon farmland, as well as Manteca, Lathrop, and Tracy water supplies — was at 616,704 acre feet on Oct. 6. That’s less than half the average 1,326,146 acre feet of water storage for the date of Oct. 5. To put that in perspective, it is 47 percent of the average in storage for the start of a new California water year that officially started on Oct. 1. That’s the worst water storage among the state’s six largest reservoirs. The South San Joaquin Irrigation District, which ended its irrigation season a week ahead of normal in a bid to maximize carryover as California starts its fourth year of drought, is not in the worst possible shape as measured by the past three decades. … ” Read more from the Escalon Times here: Water managers bracing for the worst: How low will it go?
As baby boomers retire, the water workforce faces its own drought
“This week marks the 50th Anniversary of the 1972 Clean Water Act, which, among other things, made it a legal requirement to clean up sewage to certain standards before dumping it into rivers or the ocean. The law led to more than $1 trillion being spent on building wastewater treatment plants, which led to a boom in water treatment jobs throughout the 1980s and ‘90s. Baby boomers became the backbone of the workforce that keeps these water systems running. But now, many of those workers are retiring — and the industry is struggling to keep up. The industry group American Water Works Association lists retirements as a top concern, just behind worries about long-term water availability and maintaining old infrastructure. … ” Read more from LAist here: As baby boomers retire, the water workforce faces its own drought
Sites Reservoir still on track to break ground in 2024
“The Biden Administration committed $30 million to the Sites Reservoir project recently and is getting praise across the aisle this week for the move. “I think it is a great move but I think it is something we need more funding for,” said Congressman Doug LaMalfa who has been a longtime proponent of the project. “We could’ve broken ground next year. Is that possible now? I’m not sure. But that 2024 date should be the absolute possible last date to get started on that.” … ” Read more from KRCR here: Sites Reservoir still on track to break ground in 2024
SEE ALSO: Sites Reservoir awarded $30M in fed funds, from the Appeal Democrat
Snow, rain and wind possible in Northern California this weekend. Here’s the forecast
“This weekend, Northern California breaks the heat with weather forecasts suggesting rain, gusty winds and possibly snow in the mountains. There is a weather system coming, said meteorologist Katrina Hand from the weather service, indicating that hot and cool air are moving across through Northern California. This creates an opportunity for light precipitation. The light precipitation that the area will experience will mostly be in the mountains, which can lead to snow, but nothing overly impactful, Hand said. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Snow, rain and wind possible in Northern California this weekend. Here’s the forecast
CW3E AR Update: First atmospheric river of Water Year 2023 to bring precipitation to Washington and Oregon
“Two plumes of IVT will make landfall, one Thursday over northern Washington, followed by a second stronger pulse Friday into Saturday along the coast of Washington and Oregon. This event will bring weak AR1 conditions (based on the Ralph et al. 2019 AR Scale) to the coastal PNW. The NWS Weather Prediction Center (WPC) is forecasting 1–2 inches of precipitation in the coastal PNW over the 5 days, with the highest precipitation totals of 2.5–3.0 inches forecast in the Washington and Oregon Cascades. Although significant hydrologic impacts are not expected, this system will bring beneficial precipitation to regions currently experiencing drought conditions and extremely low soil moisture. … ” Read more from the Center for Western Weather & Water Extremes (CW3E) here: CW3E AR Update: First atmospheric river of Water Year 2023 to bring precipitation to Washington and Oregon
UC helps avocado growers manage water costs
“San Diego County used to be home to nearly 25,000 acres of avocado trees but today there are about 14,000. The drastic decrease is largely due to rising costs associated with avocado production, namely the cost of water. Avocado growers recently gathered at the San Diego County Farm Bureau offices for an Avocado Irrigation Workshop facilitated by Ali Montazar, University of California Cooperative Extension irrigation and water management adviser for Imperial, Riverside and San Diego counties. “All of our information being developed right now is focused on [irrigation] efficiency. Growers want to know how much water they need and what tools they should use to be more efficient,” explained Montazar. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: UC helps avocado growers manage water costs
Alliance works to keep almond pipeline moving
“The Almond Alliance met recently for its 40th convention held under the theme of ‘Shakin’ it up’ and they did so in sessions designed to solve the supply chain crisis along with a deep dive into surviving the water dilemma and a look at labor laws costly to agriculture. … With the water issue being of paramount concern to orchard managers, Duarte noted: “We’ve got several root stock we think might help almonds to use less water. Research by University of California farm advisors involving water stress shows at least one of the trials of the Spanish variety, where they dry farm quite a few of their nuts, has shown water efficiency as one of the key features. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Alliance works to keep almond pipeline moving
Civil engineering faculty awarded $1 million grant to study lagoon wastewater treatment
“When lagoon wastewater isn’t treated properly, it impacts the quality of the water that grows crops, houses dozens of life forms and enters our bodies. Pablo Cornejo, associate professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, is looking at how to change that. Cornejo is one of two recipients nationally to be awarded a three-year, $1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to focus on sustainable nutrient removal for small communities that have lagoon wastewater treatment systems. The project period for this research will run from January 2023 through December 2025, and Cornejo will lead the team from Chico State and University of California, Davis, representing the state’s Central Valley. The other grant was awarded to West Virginia University. … ” Read more from Chico State Today here: Civil engineering faculty awarded $1 million grant to study lagoon wastewater treatment
California wildfires have been destructive in recent Octobers. Why has this year been so quiet so far?
“The month of October has brought some of California’s most destructive and deadliest wildfires. In 2017, the Tubbs Fire destroyed over 5,600 buildings in Napa and Sonoma counties and killed 22. In 1991, the Tunnel Fire destroyed nearly 3,000 structures in the East Bay hills and killed 25. But wildfire activity has been relatively quiet across the state this month. One big reason is the absence of Diablo winds. These strong, dry winds — named because they rush into the Bay Area from the direction of Mt. Diablo — can catapult embers and fan flames, causing wildfires to furiously spread. Diablo winds typically pick up during the fall months, especially October, which coincides with when vegetation is dried out and primed to ignite. The combination makes for particularly dangerous conditions: All the ingredients are in place for wind-driven wildfires. But not this year. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: California wildfires have been destructive in recent Octobers. Why has this year been so quiet so far?
California’s greenhouse gas emissions actually rose in 2021, according to new government data
“California has ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of its climate action plan, but emissions by large facilities, such as power plants and refineries, went up in 2021 compared with the year before. Large facilities in the state released 94 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2021, compared with 92 million in 2020, new data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows. A single metric ton is approximately 2,200 pounds and can fill a sphere that’s about 32 feet in diameter. The increase in emissions by power plants contributed the most to that increase. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: California’s greenhouse gas emissions actually rose in 2021, according to new government data
RELATED: A single, devastating California fire season wiped out years of efforts to cut emissions, from the LA Times
Today’s featured article …
CA WATER COMMISSION: The Department of Water Resources looks to improve runoff forecasting as it plans for another dry year
At the September meeting of the California Water Commission, commissioners were given a briefing by the Department of Water Resources on their preparations for yet another dry year and the steps they are taking to prepare the State Water Project for climate extremes and the challenges of drought, flood, and wildfire.
Key takeaways from these presentations:
- The Department of Water Resources is planning for another dry year; given recent years, the Department is learning to expect the unexpected.
- Although conditions at Oroville are greatly improved over last this time last year, the Department is looking to have 1.6 MAF in Oroville before they will consider making some water available for export.
- The Department is working to improve its forecasting by expanding its use of aerial snow surveys which are more accurate, and developing models that are less reliant on historic data and more reliant on modeling based on characteristics.
- The 2023 State Water Project Delivery Capability Report will include climate change data and new risk-informed future projections.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Yurok leader asks state to support tribe’s assertion of its water rights
“When the Yurok Reservation was established in 1855, the federal government recognized the Yurok Tribe’s fishing, hunting and water rights, but Yurok Chairman Joseph James says the development of dams, diversions, mining, logging and overfishing have impinged on those rights. “And now the impacts of climate change, including drought, is greatly impacting us,” James said. At the 49th annual Zeke Grader Fisheries Forum on Wednesday afternoon, convened by state Sen. Mike McGuire, chair of the Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture, James asked the state to (1) enforce in-stream flow requirements in the Shasta, Scott, Trinity and Klamath rivers as necessary to keep fish alive during drought conditions, (2) appropriate funding for habitat restoration and water quality improvement on the Klamath River, (3) support the tribe’s efforts to resolve its water rights claim, and (4) support tribal inclusion in research, monitoring and restoration efforts for drought. … ” Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Yurok leader asks state to support tribe’s assertion of its water rights
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Chico hosts water-related emergency drills for nine agencies
“An afternoon near the Sycamore Pool on Wednesday began with a bomb suit and ended with a bang as various agencies came together to conduct training drills. Mass training exercises were held throughout the day that featured personnel from nine different agencies including the Chico Police Department, Cal Water, the Butte County Inter-Agency Bomb Squad and the FBI. Heading the training at 1 p.m. Wednesday near the Chico Area Recreation and Park District Community Center was Chico police Sgt. Peter Durfee. The scenario was a suspicious box found behind the center at the end of Vallombrosa Avenue. Durfee said the training was organized by Cal Water. … ” Read more from the Oroville Mercury Register here: Chico hosts water-related emergency drills for nine agencies
Fall temperatures are finally on the way as pattern shifts
“Fall conditions are finally arriving in California just in time for the weekend. The rest of the work week is looking quite warm though with temperatures near 90 expected Thursday and in the mid 80s Friday before finally cooling down. It’s been a very warm October for the West Coast. Above average high temperatures have been experienced nearly every day in Sacramento so far this month and Red Bluff hit 100 degrees Wednesday, marking the latest 100 degree day in Red Bluff since records have been kept, according to the National Weather Service. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Fall temperatures are finally on the way as pattern shifts
NAPA/SONOMA
Sonoma taps undeveloped land in climate fight
“Sonoma County’s natural beauty has long been treasured by residents and visitors alike. And yet, this land is buffeted by the growing impacts of climate change. Winter floods ravage low-lying areas, while droughts increasingly challenge wild ecosystems and agriculture. Wildfires can make the very air hazardous for weeks or even months at a time; add heatwaves and electrical outages, and life can become an ordeal for some and life-threatening for others, such as agricultural workers or the unhoused. This fall, however, the County of Sonoma officially enlisted its abundance of undeveloped lands as a potential tool to fight the impacts of climate change. Last month, the county approved a “Climate Resilient Lands” strategy — becoming one of the first counties in the state to describe a clear vision for managing its acreage at a landscape level rather than in the traditional, piecemeal fashion in which each landowner (whether private citizen or public agency) operates independently. … ” Read more from Knee Deep Times here: Sonoma taps undeveloped land in climate fight
BAY AREA
Record-challenging heat expected to be a blip amid cooler Bay Area weather
“Typically, the kind of early fall high-pressure system that covered the Bay Area on Wednesday and sent the temperatures into record-threatening territory can settle in for a long while, National Weather Service meteorologist Braydon Murdock said. The system this week, though, is considerably different. “It’s a similar set-up to the one we had back in September with the really bad heat wave,” Murdock said, referring to a week of scalding temperatures that fried the region. “Except to the north, over Idaho.” This time, the pressure of Idaho is not as high or as strong, and Murdock said that will cause the Bay Area’s brief heat-up to turn into a rapid cool-down starting Thursday, with possibly some drizzle and light showers “few and far between.” ... ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Record-challenging heat expected to be a blip amid cooler Bay Area weather
Could textured tiles bring San Francisco seawall to life?
“Most San Franciscans have no clue that under their downtown waterfront’s piers, roads, and streetcar lines sits a seawall. Few stretches of this largely underwater dike are visible to passers-by. Rebuilding the city’s century-old seawall to be both earthquake-safe and resilient to sea level rise and storm surge will be the Port of San Francisco’s mega-adaptation project of the century. The first projects of this voter-approved and bond-funded endeavor are due to start construction in the next few years. But buried in the blueprints and engineering specs is a cutting-edge experiment in texturing pieces of the seawall so they attract and support herring, oysters, rockweed, hermit crabs and other native species of the bay’s natural rocky shore. Indeed, the first textured tiles at the heart of this two-year, million-dollar experiment went in the water on October 12 near the Ferry Building. “If we care about native species diversity, then we want sea walls to be better habitat for them,” says the Smithsonian’s lead scientist on the project Chela Zabin. “A smooth seawall has few analogs in nature.” … ” Read more from Knee Deep Times here: Could textured tiles bring San Francisco seawall to life?
The Pacific Ocean in the Bay Area’s backyard is a rare wildlife ‘hot spot.’ Here’s what scientists are seeing
“Thirty miles west of the Golden Gate, just past the edge of the continental shelf, the wind picks up and sea life changes dramatically. It’s a food-rich zone that attracts animals rarely close to shore: black-footed albatross foraging food to bring back to chicks in Hawaii, tufted puffins that spend other seasons in Alaska, Japan and Baja California, and blue whales larger than any animal ever to grace the planet. For scientists doing research on the environmental challenges of our time, there are few more important places than the Pacific Ocean in the Bay Area’s backyard. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: The Pacific Ocean in the Bay Area’s backyard is a rare wildlife ‘hot spot.’ Here’s what scientists are seeing
CENTRAL COAST
Warning signs remain at Lake San Antonio due to toxic algae
“Monterey County Public Works, Facilities and Parks is reminding the community and visitors that warning signs remain posted at Lake San Antonio due to toxic blue-green algae. Early last month, water samples showed lake water contained cyanotoxins, toxins produced by blue-green algae. Follow-up testing was done by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board on Sept. 28, and test results were received Oct. 13 indicating that the cyanotoxins remain. … ” Read more from the King City Rustler here: Warning signs remain at Lake San Antonio due to toxic algae
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Kings County local nonprofit focused on providing clean drinking water
“A local nonprofit is taking action to provide Central Valley residents with safe drinking water at no cost. The Kings Water Alliance says the group is currently providing more than 300 rural households with water. If community members are concerned about their well, they can fill out a quick survey on the group’s site. If you are interested in the survey, click here. … ” Read the full story at KFSN here: Local nonprofit focused on providing clean drinking water
EASTERN SIERRA
Mammoth Lakes ‘Donut’ Project to benefit eastern Sierra
“The Eastern Sierra Climate and Communities Resilience Project, known locally as the “Mammoth Donut,” may sound like a community-wide effort to make a gigantic pastry treat, but the multi-year strategy to conduct fuels-reduction treatments around the town is something residents and visitors will savor much longer since it will greatly reduce the threat of damaging wildfire. “The project, which will surround the town, is about building resiliency not only for the town of Mammoth Lakes and the forests, but for the multitude of other communities that rely on the recreation economy that Mammoth provides in the eastern Sierra,” said Janet Hatfield, forest health program manager for Whitebark Institute, the nonprofit organization spearheading project efforts in partnership with the Inyo National Forest. … ” Read more from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy here: Mammoth Lakes ‘Donut’ Project to benefit eastern Sierra
LADWP takes action to protect LA ratepayers from unwarranted and costly orders by Great Basin Air Pollution Control District
“The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) took legal action Tuesday to protect Los Angeles water customers from regulatory overreach by the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (Great Basin). Great Basin prompted the lawsuit by attempting to illegally impose $1.4 million in fines against LADWP for refusing to construct an unapproved project without tribal consent in an area on Owens Lake containing significant tribal cultural resources. For more than 20 years, LADWP has been funding and implementing effective dust control measures at Owens Lake in Inyo County as part of the Owens Lake Dust Mitigation Program. Since the dust control program began, LADWP ratepayers have spent more than $2.5 billion and successfully reduced dust emissions from the lakebed by 99.4%. Despite this achievement, Great Basin has refused to acknowledge the success of the program and instead has issued a series of orders and associated fines that demonstrate a clear pattern of overreach of its regulatory role. … ” Read more from LADWP here: LADWP takes action to protect LA ratepayers from unwarranted and costly orders by Great Basin Air Pollution Control District
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
California City Council OKs water line contract
“With aging water mains suffering breaks on a daily basis in California City, the City Council, on Oct. 11, approved a contract for replacing a little more than six miles of lines in areas around the city. “We have a failed water system. We have blowouts daily,” Chief Water Operator Amador Mesa said. The Council accepted the bid by Fresno-based Lyles Utility Construction to perform the work for $2.9 million. With a 10% contingency fund and project management, the total project comes to $3.3 million and will be paid from existing water funds, according to the staff report. … ” Read more from the AV Press here: California City Council OKs water line contract
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
UCSC faculty, staff, and students support Salton Sea restoration planning
“An independent review panel supported by UC Santa Cruz recently completed its work evaluating restoration options for the Salton Sea, a shrinking lake in Southern California that has become one of the state’s most challenging environmental problems. Within the last 2,000 years, the Salton Sea has fluctuated between two states—a lake or a dry desert basin, likely depending on the course of the Colorado River. But the current version of the lake was created in the early 1900s, when irrigation canals from the Colorado River broke temporarily, spilling a massive amount of water into the previously dry Salton Basin. Today, the Salton Sea is California’s largest lake. But it has been losing volume since the early 2000s, due to reduced agricultural runoff entering the sea as water is transferred to urban areas in coastal California. … ” Read more from UC Santa Cruz here: UCSC faculty, staff, and students support Salton Sea restoration planning
Along the Colorado River …
Commentary: Arizona must slash Colorado River water use by next year. Here are 4 ways to do it
Ron Burke and Mary Ann Dickinson, current and past president & CEO of Alliance for Water Efficiency, write, “All eyes are on Arizona and the six other Colorado River basin states that recently missed the federal government’s deadline to adopt a plan that substantially cuts water usage in just one year. The 23rd consecutive year of drought, fueled by climate change, has accelerated the basin’s water crisis. Quite simply, demand for water within basin states exceeds what the river can sustainably provide. While some have called for desalination and piping water from the Midwest, the fastest and least expensive ways to restore water balance are by using existing water supplies more efficiently to reduce demand, which can also lower water bills, reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and protect rivers and lakes. Cities, farmers and businesses have already made significant progress, but additional improvement is within reach. This is especially true in Arizona, where despite recent improvements, homes continue to use significantly more water per person than the national average and more than most Western states. … ” Continue reading at Arizona Central here: Commentary: Arizona must slash Colorado River water use by next year. Here are 4 ways to do it
Left out to dry: Wildlife threatened by Colorado River Basin water crisis
“In the Colorado River basin, our past has come back to haunt us. We’re not just talking about the dead bodies emerging from the drying shoreline of Lake Mead. The river’s water crisis has caused the nation’s two biggest reservoirs to sink to historic lows. It’s a problem of our own making — in more ways than one. The Colorado River Compact, signed a century ago, overallocated the river’s water. Experts have long warned that nature can’t continue to deliver the water that the government has promised to farms, cities and towns. A drying West, warmed by climate change, has now made that shortage impossible to ignore. … ” Read more from Salon Magazine here: Left out to dry: Wildlife threatened by Colorado River Basin water crisis
Many miles from Lake Mead, rural electric utilities struggle with Colorado River shortage
“In between the towns of Pioche and Caliente, pumps draw water from underground aquifers to irrigate crops. The water is heavy, and running those pumps depends on electricity — a lot of it. For years, these Lincoln County farms received all of their energy from power generated miles away at Hoover Dam, which holds Lake Mead. But less water in the reservoir has meant less low-cost hydropower for rural towns, forcing them to purchase more expensive power in energy markets. Lincoln County is not alone. Power from Hoover Dam — and other Colorado River dams — is delivered to about five million people across the Southwest. Many of the customers buying this power are small rural electric nonprofit utilities, tribal nations and local government agencies. … ” Read more from the Nevada Independent here: Many miles from Lake Mead, rural electric utilities struggle with Colorado River shortage
Arizona tribe announces water conservation plans, seeks federal payments
“The Gila River Indian Community announced plans to conserve a large portion of its water supplies over the next three years. The tribe is seeking payment from a new federal program designed to incentivize reductions in water use. This marks a reversal from an August announcement that it would pull out of conservation efforts. The tribal community in Arizona will conserve up to 750,000 acre-feet over the next three years. That water will be used to help prop up Lake Mead. Water levels in the nation’s largest reservoir are at record lows, and a supply-demand imbalance along the Colorado River is driving them even lower. A two-decade-long megadrought, fueled by climate change, has prompted urgent calls for water conservation around the arid Southwest. … ” Read more from KNAU here: Arizona tribe announces water conservation plans, seeks federal payments
As wells dry up and lawmakers balk, Cochise voters could force new groundwater protections
“Viridescent fields sprawl along stretches of rural roadway, creating an oasis in a desert landscape. The scent of flowering grapevines and freshly turned soil filters through the air in a part of Cochise County where farming is a way of life for many. Approaching Kansas Settlement Road, the scents begin to dissipate, replaced by the smell of cow manure and fertilizer. Thousands of cows press tightly together, munching on mixed grains and hay. Tractor trailers barrel down cracked roadways and pass by center-pivot irrigation equipment hoisted above newly cultivated acres. This is the wild west for groundwater pumping in a fast-growing state already strained by a 22-year mega-drought. But the November election could rein in some of the largest water users. … ” Read more from Arizona Central here: As wells dry up and lawmakers balk, Cochise voters could force new groundwater protections
Grand Canyon’s water ‘backbone’ to get major overhaul starting this fall
“On the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, water from Roaring Springs cascades down Bright Angel shale to the canyon floor below. This continuous spring provides drinking water to millions of visitors who come to the South Rim each year, pumped through a 6-inch aluminum pipe that’s buried beneath the North Kaibab Trail. Built from 1965 through ’70, the Trans-Canyon Waterline is falling apart, and it has been for years. This month, construction begins to replace parts of the failing line and build two water treatment plants. The project’s completion date is 2027, and planners expect minimal disruption to water supply or distribution. ... ” Read more from Cronkite News here: Grand Canyon’s water ‘backbone’ to get major overhaul starting this fall
How two big Denver suburbs are approaching the reality that they’re running out of water
“Growth is good. But hold the sod. And have the checkbook handy. Colorado’s population growth and the swelling stress on state water resources amid climate change and drought are sending Front Range suburbs in a scramble to shore up sustainable supplies. Castle Rock is banning traditional grass turf in front yards of new homes and offering developers steep fee discounts for water-saving “Coloradoscaping” yards. The Douglas County town that is a center for housing sprawl in Colorado foresees dwindling aquifer resources and ever-higher prices to secure new surface water from the state’s overtaxed mountain river basins. ... ” Read more from the Colorado Sun here: How two big Denver suburbs are approaching the reality that they’re running out of water
In national water news today …
U.S. Winter Outlook: Warmer, drier South with ongoing La Nina
“This year La Niña returns for the third consecutive winter, driving warmer-than-average temperatures for the Southwest and along the Gulf Coast and eastern seaboard, according to NOAA’s U.S. Winter Outlook released today by the Climate Prediction Center — a division of the National Weather Service. NOAA forecasters, in collaboration with the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), continue to monitor extreme, ongoing drought conditions that have persisted in the Western U.S. since late 2020, as well as parts of the central U.S. where historic low-water conditions are currently present. “Drought conditions are now present across approximately 59% of the country, but parts of the Western U.S and southern Great Plains will continue to be the hardest hit this winter,” said Jon Gottschalck, chief, Operational Prediction Branch, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “With the La Niña climate pattern still in place, drought conditions may also expand to the Gulf Coast.” … ” Read more from NOAA here: U.S. Winter Outlook: Warmer, drier South with ongoing La Nina
Bodies of water all over North America are drying up due to drought, climate change: Experts
“Bodies of water all over North America are drying up as a result of drought and a decrease in precipitation, experts told ABC News. Earlier this year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted that the 22-year megadrought affecting the West would not only intensify but also move eastward. That prediction appears to be coming into fruition, with about 82% of the continental U.S. currently showing conditions between abnormally dry and exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. ... ” Read more from ABC News here: Bodies of water all over North America are drying up due to drought, climate change: Experts
Water stress is a corporate risk multiplier — how can ‘aquapreneurs’ help?
“Companies in industry have to pay more attention to the impact their operations have on water quality, its availability, and the protection of freshwater ecosystems. That’s the push coming from major companies’ investors and governing bodies. Water stress has significantly increased risk, yet, through proactive internal as well as collective action, businesses can combat the water crisis. An emerging group of aquapreneurs — entrepreneurs in the water sector — is helping businesses to address their impact on water resources, starting with substantial amounts of data that show companies can no longer afford to ignore the risks. Water, you see, is the climate change messenger. … ” Read more from Clean Technica here: Water stress is a corporate risk multiplier — how can ‘aquapreneurs’ help?
EPA sued over lack of plan to regulate water pollution from factory farms
“Dozens of advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), claiming the federal department has failed to come up with a plan to regulate water pollution from factory farms. The suit claims the agency has yet to respond to a 2017 legal petition from more than 30 environmental groups demanding that the EPA tighten its Clean Water Act enforcement for factory farms, also known as concentrated animal feeding operations (Cafos), where thousands of animals are sometimes confined. The agency has never explained how it plans to crack down on water pollution that often contains manure, antibiotics and chemicals, the groups argue. Federal rules require government agencies to respond to petitions “within a reasonable time”. … ” Read more from The Guardian here: EPA sued over lack of plan to regulate water pollution from factory farms
Oceans are warming faster than ever. Here’s what could come next.
“The world’s oceans have been warming for generations, a trend that is accelerating and threatens to fuel more supercharged storms, devastate marine ecosystems and upend the lives and livelihoods of millions of people, according to a new scientific analysis. Published this week in the journal Nature Reviews, it finds that the upper reaches of the oceans — roughly the top 2,000 meters, or just over a mile — have been heating up around the planet since at least the 1950s, with the most stark changes observed in the Atlantic and Southern oceans. … ” Read more from the Washington Post here: Oceans are warming faster than ever. Here’s what could come next.
