On the calendar today …
- MEETING: Delta Conservancy Board Meeting beginning at 9am. Agenda items include an update on the Ecosystem Restoration and Climate Adaptation Grant Program and the Community Enhancement Grant program, Consideration of the process and criteria for waiving the recording of landowner access agreements for Conservancy agreements, Delta Drought Response Pilot Program Update, and Overview of Nature Based Solutions and Delta Subsidence/Carbon Management. The meeting will adjourn at approximately 10:30am and board members and in-person attendees can tour two Conservancy-funded projects. For the full agenda, remote access instructions, and maps to the tour locations, click here.
- SoCAL WATER DIALOG: Can We Conserve Our Way Out of this Drought? from 12pm to 1:30pm. Join some of the most creative and experienced water conservation experts as the Water Dialogue explores how conservation actions and projects can be accelerated to better manage the current megadrought. Speakers will explore actions that can be taken immediately, strategies to move past barriers, and approaches to hasten the application of promising policies and technologies. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: Drought, Uncertainty, and the Future of Water for California from 12pm to 1:00pm. Presenter: Professor Jay Lund, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and a member of the US National Academy of Engineering. Water has always shaped California’s economy, society, and ecosystems. The talk will briefly review this shaping since the end of the last ice age, with dramatic changes in sea level, temperatures and runoff, through historical developments of small and large scale water management to today’s water system. The talk will then examine prospects for further changes in management and water availability due to changes in climate, ecosystem management, and economic structure. Some important policy challenges will be identified. Click here to register.
- VIRTUAL PUBLIC FORUM: Sacramento Regional Water Bank from 6pm to 8pm. The Regional Water Authority (RWA) is launching a public engagement process for the Sacramento Regional Water Bank, an innovative groundwater storage program utilizing the expansive reservoir under the urban core for storing water during wet times for use during dry times. The Water Bank is identified as one of several key strategies for addressing the projected impacts of climate change on local water supplies in the newly-released American River Basin Study produced by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in partnership with local water agencies. Key topic areas at this initial Stakeholder Forum are expected to include water sources and management in the Sacramento region, projected impacts of climate change on the region’s water resources, how water banking works, and how a Water Bank could help the region adapt to climate change. Click here for more information.
- WEBINAR: Instream Flows/Depletion – Flow Predictions & Applications to Dry Year Planning from 6pm to 7:30pm: Julie Zimmerman, The Nature Conservancy (Presenter), and Co-authors: Jennifer Carah and Kirk Klausmeyer, The Nature Conservancy, Gabriel Rossi, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, and Mia Van Docto, Trout Unlimited. Predictions of the natural flow regime and indicators of unusually low flow during the dry season are helpful in developing approaches to manage streamflow during extraordinarily dry years. We compared the monthly natural flow predictions for a given year to the range of natural flow predictions across the period of record to determine if a critical dry period is expected to occur during the dry season. We determined that extraordinarily dry months earlier in the year (May or earlier) indicated that critical dry conditions are likely later in the dry season. Using the Natural Flows Database, we examined these patterns across the State for different water year types and regions. Such analyses can be used to predict when streamflow conditions are likely to pose an extraordinary risk to aquatic ecosystems and can inform drought planning and management. Join Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
87537603423?pwd= TnczZ29qN1lDc01nNWgvb0hMTEp2QT 09 Meeting ID: 875 3760 3423 Passcode: 745418
In California water news today …
As state seeks water lifeline with Delta Tunnel, small Delta town remains concerned
“California has long had a mismatch. “Where the water falls and where the people are. Much of the water, about two-thirds, fall in the Sierra Nevada, but most of the population is in the Central Valley, the Bay Area, along the coast or in Southern California,” said Carrie Buckman, Environmental Program Manager with Delta Conveyance. In addition to climate change, less and less water is falling overall, and the mismatch becomes a crisis. Trying to balance those needs has California’s Department of Water Resources seeking a water lifeline. “To store water when it’s available and deliver it to them when they need it,” Buckman said. Pushing a pipeline plan, like the Delta Conveyance project, on many different occasions seemed dead in the water. … ” Read more from KTXL here: As state seeks water lifeline with Delta Tunnel, small Delta town remains concerned
Too few Chinook salmon returning to spawn in low, warm Central Valley conditions this fall
“The number of fall-run Chinook salmon returning to federal and state fish hatcheries this season confirm what anglers have seen on the Sacramento, Feather and American rivers – relatively low numbers of fish have come back to spawn in the low and warm conditions. With the exception of some good days at the mouth of the American River and at the Barge Hole on the Sacramento River, fishing has been tough on all three rivers since the salmon season opened on July 16. The one bright spot has been the lower Mokelumne River, where anglers have been catching lots of salmon lately. … ” Read more from the Stockton Record here: Too few Chinook salmon returning to spawn in low, warm Central Valley conditions this fall
Building with nature: Can reviving a marsh save this California town from sea level rise?
“Standing on the edge of a repurposed marina, at the end of a long wooden walkway that harked back to more prosperous times, Brenda Buxton took in the disorienting landscape. Directly before her were the remnants of an industrialized, salt-encrusted pond that stretched for what felt like miles. Here along the southernmost edges of San Francisco Bay, the water glimmered a strange tinge of red. Its flatness belied the threat of rising seas. It’s painful, Buxton finally said out loud, to realize just how long it can take to revive ecosystems left so ruined but critical to our survival. Therein lies the crux of the largest, most ambitious tidal wetland restoration project west of the Mississippi, an effort that has gone on for so long that most people today have forgotten it exists. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Building with nature: Can reviving a marsh save this California town from sea level rise?
Climate change takes a nasty toll on bird migration, studies show
“Global warming affects all aspects of life on earth — the air we breathe, agricultural systems, rainforests, and even bird migration. Yes, climate change affects bird migration in more ways than one. With warmer temperatures earlier in the year and less water, the timing of their travels, as well as their paths, are greatly affected. In fact, some scientists think that pretty soon, birds might not even migrate at all. … Birds migrating from California at the end of October are going to have a much different, more treacherous experience than birds in year’s past. According to SF Chronicle, many local bird species, such as the white-faced ibis, rely on ponds and marshes as stopping points to rest and rehydrate. But most of those wetlands have been dried up — which means these birds touch down momentarily before flying again, without really resting. … ” Read more from Green Matters here: Climate change takes a nasty toll on bird migration, studies show
Further increases to water fees ‘reprehensible’
“The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has moved forward with a proposal to further increase water fees for several programs. President and CEO of the Western Agricultural Processors Association (WAPA), Roger Isom described the action as “reprehensible.” Despite opposition from several agricultural groups, SWRCB is going ahead with a series of fee increases to cover salary and benefit expenditure increases of four percent for at least the next three years. “Whether it’s waste discharge fees for food processors or your irrigated lands fees, it’s a minimum of four percent. Some of them are as high as a seven percent increase this year for those fees to discharge water,” said Isom. “It’s gone up for I don’t know how many years running. It’s built-in now despite every effort we’ve made to try to reign those fees in.” ... ” Read more from Ag Net West here: Further increases to water fees ‘reprehensible’
California is supposed to enter a wet season. More drought is forecast.
“California is about to enter its wet season, when hopes are high for replenishing lowland rains and mountain snows after its three driest years on record. But, for the fourth year in a row, the state could languish in a drought that is having dire effects on its water resources. Last week, the National Weather Service projected another warm and dry winter for large parts of the state — with drought persisting or getting worse. Now, experts are sounding the alarm about what a fourth consecutive drought year could mean. “While California has seen a fourth year of drought as recently as 2012-2016 … this will be the first drought that includes shortage issues on the Colorado River,” said Michael Anderson, California’s state climatologist with the Department of Water Resources. … ” Read more from the Washington Post here: California is supposed to enter a wet season. More drought is forecast.
Fast-onset droughts are accelerating
“Despite past thinking that drought is a slow process taking multiple seasons or years to fully develop, fast-evolving drying events are becoming increasingly common, according to new research led by USGS’ North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (NC CASC), hosted at CIRES, and CIRES’ Earth Lab. The team, led by CIRES’ Virginia Iglesias, evaluated drought intensification rates for the contiguous United States. They found that, while typical drought (the statistical median drought) onset rates did not change significantly from 1951 – 2021, intensification rates of the faster-onset droughts have accelerated, especially in the last decade (2011 – 2021). In fact, their onset rates were the fastest in the last 70 years. What drives these faster developing droughts? Changes in temperature and precipitation are key, but when coupled with atmosphere-ocean interactions, like El Niño in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, that can also drive soil moisture changes. … ” Read more from UC Boulder here: Fast-onset droughts are accelerating
Western U.S. streamflow declines respond asymmetrically to seasonal climate warming
“Although numerous studies have previously explored streamflow responses to annual climate warming, less attention has been given to the differing effects of seasonal (winter vs. summer) warming. It is well-known, for instance, that the seasonal timing of streamflow in snow-affected river basins is strongly affected by warmer winters, which lead to less snow, more rain, and earlier runoff. What has been less understood is how the total volume of runoff changes in a warmer climate, and in particular how the total (annual) streamflow volume responds to warmer winters as contrasted with warmer summers. To address this gap, UCLA’s Land Surface Hydrology Group examined western U.S. streamflow declines in response to climate warming and found they are expected to be asymmetric depending on the season in which most warming occurs. … ” Read more from NIDIS here: Western U.S. streamflow declines respond asymmetrically to seasonal climate warming
The world’s biggest source of clean energy is evaporating fast
“China’s Three Gorges Dam is an awe-inspiring sight, a vast barrier across the Yangtze River that contains enough concrete to fill seven Wembley Stadiums and more steel than eight Empire State Buildings. Its turbines could singlehandedly power the Philippines. But this summer, the world’s largest power plant was eerily quiet. On a late August visit to the facility, water on both sides of the dam was still. There was no sign of the white spray that usually rises from the the spillway or roar of water emerging from the the turbines. Scorching temperatures and a drought upstream have reduced the reservoir to a bare minimum, drastically reducing the plant’s ability to generate electricity. The water woes of China’s iconic mega-dam are part of a global hydropower crisis that is being made worse by global warming. From California to Germany, heatwaves and droughts have shrunk rivers that feed reservoirs. … ” Read more from Bloomberg here: The world’s biggest source of clean energy is evaporating fast
UC San Diego launches two projects on the impact of climate change on coastlines and people
“The University of California San Diego has received two five-year National Science Foundation (NSF) grants totaling $6.6 million to fund research hubs in Southern California and Puerto Rico. NSF funded the hubs through its Coastlines and People program. Leading the Southern California research hub is Scripps Institution of Oceanography coastal oceanographer Mark Merrifield, director of the Center for Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation. His team’s $5 million project will examine the human impact of extreme heat waves and how they may be affected by ocean processes as part of climate change. Merrifield’s team aims to produce results that will guide planning strategies for heat adaptation in Southern California. … ” Read more from UC San Diego here: UC San Diego launches two projects on the impact of climate change on coastlines and people
End of session summary of PFAS legislation in California: New laws ban PFAS in textiles and cosmetics, but Newsom vetoes PFAS reporting requirement
“The 2022 California legislative session, which closed in August, included three bills aimed at addressing sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). … The PFAS bills in the 2022 legislative session focused on two goals: (1) limiting sources of PFAS to prevent the chemicals from ever entering the natural or human environment; and (2) tracking and publicly reporting the use of PFAS in consumer products. As discussed below, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law two bills on September 29, 2022 banning PFAS in textiles and cosmetics, but vetoed a bill to require annual reporting of PFAS usage in products sold or imported into California. … Read more from Somach Simmons & Dunn here: End of session summary of PFAS legislation in California: New laws ban PFAS in textiles and cosmetics, but Newsom vetoes PFAS reporting requirement
Back to the boardroom: California local agency teleconferencing rules for 2023 and beyond
“With Governor Newsom’s announcement that the COVID-19 State of Emergency will be lifted in California effective February 28, 2023, many local public agencies are considering their next steps for returning to their boardrooms next year. Recall that on September 16, 2021, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 361 (2021-2022) (AB 361), which incorporated into California state law some aspects of the teleconferencing rules that had applied by Executive Order to local public agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, AB 361 provides that it sunsets on January 1, 2024. Benefits of operating under AB 361 during the COVID-19 pandemic, as opposed to under the normal open meeting laws, included the following … ” Read more from Nossaman here: Back to the boardroom: California local agency teleconferencing rules for 2023 and beyond
In commentary today …
Editorial: Desal plant rightly gets the green light
The Southern California News Group editorial board writes, “With another drought parching Southern California, we commend the California Coastal Commission for unanimously approving a new desalination plant off the coast of Dana Point. “We believe that the project before you today, although not perfect, provides a solid example that we can use in planning for future desalination,” advised Kate Huckelbridge, senior environmental scientist at the commission, before its vote. The Southern California News Group reported, “South Coast Water District, the Laguna Beach-based agency developing the project, still needs to hammer out complex agreements with potential water agency partners before an estimated three-year construction process can begin.” … ” Read more from the OC Register here: Editorial: Desal plant rightly gets the green light
Fate of the Los Angeles river epitomizes the choices facing Californians
Edward Ring, contributing editor and senior fellow with the California Policy Center, writes, “From its pristine headwaters in the San Gabriel Mountains all the way to its sordid finale as a gigantic culvert emptying into Long Beach Harbor, the Los Angeles River—what’s happened to it and what the future brings—is an apt metaphor for California’s story and ultimate fate. Until a few years ago, the Los Angeles River was an unrelieved victim of human progress. In less than 150 years, its lower watershed has been transformed from an Arcadian floodplain to an urban metropolis with over ten million inhabitants. After a series of floods in the 1930s devastated the growing city, the Army Corps of Engineers was brought in to tame the river. … ” Read more from the Epoch Times here (free registration required): Fate of the Los Angeles river epitomizes the choices facing Californians
Today’s featured article …
CA WATER COMMISSION: Update on Water Storage Investment Program contracts for public benefits
At the September meeting of the California Water Commission, staff briefed commissioners on the Water Storage Investment Program and the contracts for public benefits.
Through the Water Storage Investment Program, the California Water Commission will invest nearly $2.6 billion in the public benefits of water storage projects. The legislation defines the public benefits as ecosystem, water quality, emergency response, flood, and recreation. Seven projects were selected and are progressing through the program: three surface storage projects and four groundwater projects.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Broke, busted, and beaten: customers of the WCSD demand answers in heated meeting
“After an explosive meeting on October 22 of the Weott Community Services District (WCSD), many residents, staff, and the board walked away frustrated and unsure of the future of the WCSD. Tempers flared and voices were raised as confidence in the current WCSD board falters as the rural district finds itself in trouble after the unexpected death of their general manager/operator, Gary Neumann exacerbated issues that have been boiling below the surface of the quaint town situated between the Avenue of the Giants and the Redwood Highway. Highlighting the issues that the WCSD face without a licensed operator and dwindling reserves, WCSD customers were given notice that the district is once again on a boil water notice; the second boil water notice since Gary Neumann’s death at the end of August. … ” Read more from the Redheaded Blackbelt here: Broke, busted, and beaten: customers of the WCSD demand answers in heated meeting
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Sites Reservoir awarded $30M in fed funds
“Sites Reservoir officials announced last week that an additional $30 million in funding was allotted from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was passed in 2021. Federal funding from the Bureau of Reclamation for construction of the Sites Reservoir Project is now about $134 million. “Sites Reservoir creates new resiliency for California in the face of climate change,” said Fritz Durst, chairman of the Sites Project Authority, in a statement. “Through Sites, we are building smarter infrastructure that will provide water supplies for people, farms and the environment when it’s needed most.” … ” Read more from the Appeal Democrat here: Sites Reservoir awarded $30M in fed funds
Commentary: Droughts & floods – 40-year perspective of Sacramento’s dubious cycle
Thomas Gilbert, a Garden Highway resident and currently serves as the Board President of Reclamation District 1000, writes, “When I reflect on my experience living in Northern California, I can easily recall several moments of brilliance—the dominance of the San Francisco 49ers during the 1980’s, the electricity of the 2002 Sacramento Kings, and the thrill of the San Francisco Giants’ impressive run between 2010 and 2014. Not to mention Sacramento gaining national recognition with the 2017 critically acclaimed film, Lady Bird. Unfortunately, it’s just as easy for me to remember the darker side of Northern California’s history… Natural Disasters! Earthquakes so severe that they leveled freeways, multi-year droughts resulting in crimpling reductions in agricultural production, wildfires that have devastated communities and destroyed our forests. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Observer here: Commentary: Droughts & floods – 40-year perspective of Sacramento’s dubious cycle
NAPA/SONOMA
Another harvest for the record books for Sonoma County grape growers
“A record early start on July 29 set a fast pace for the harvest season in Sonoma County and most of the crop is already in for the year. Traditionally, harvest season for grape growers begins in mid-August and runs through early November. However, like every year, farmers dance to the rhythm of Mother Nature and every harvest has its challenges. This year, a heat spike around the Labor Day holiday weekend and rain in mid-September kept farmers in the vineyards and on their toes. “Mother Nature always promises a harvest dance and 2022 did not disappoint,” said Karissa Kruse, president of Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “As with every vintage, our grape growers manage an incredible logistical process, working with their winery partners to pick and deliver the grapes at their optimal ripeness and flavor. Overall, the crop is lighter than average across most varieties for several reasons—the ongoing drought, spring frost, a heatwave and then the mid-September rains—and we’re seeing smaller berry and cluster sizes, packing a stellar quality 2022 vintage.” … ” Read more from Wine Industry Advisor here: Another harvest for the record books for Sonoma County grape growers
BAY AREA
300 East Bay homes have been named as using too much water. Many repeat offenders are on the list
“Hundreds of East Bay residents are being fined for using too much water during dry times, including many of the same people who snubbed local water limits during last decade’s drought. Former Chevron Vice Chairman George Kirkland consumed an average of 5,223 gallons of water per day at his Danville estate over the summer, making him one of the region’s top 10 biggest water users and subject to an “excessive use” penalty, according to the East Bay Municipal Utility District. In 2015, Kirkland was fined for averaging 12,578 gallons of water a day. Steven Burd, former Safeway CEO and Alamo resident, was also a repeat offender, using an average of 5,498 gallons per day over the summer, records show. So was Alamo resident Tom Seeno, member of a powerful local family known for developing land across Contra Costa County. He ranked as the top user this summer averaging 9,138 gallons of water per day. Average household water use in the region is about 200 gallons of water daily. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: 300 East Bay homes have been named as using too much water. Many repeat offenders are on the list
Recycled water may prove crucial for Northern California amid ongoing droughts, climate change
“The San Francisco Bay Area is far behind Southern California in reusing water. Policy experts say it could take decades for the state’s second-most populous region to catch up — the lower half of the state recycled 83% more water than the Bay Area last year. Standing outside Google’s Bay View campus in Mountain View in early August, wearing a pool-blue collared shirt and a gray blazer, California’s Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot pressed the state’s northern region to do more. “If you spend time in Orange County, there’s a chance that you’re consuming purified water that’s been recycled,” he said. “We need to expand water recycling throughout the Bay Area.” … ” Read more from KQED here: Recycled water may prove crucial for Northern California amid ongoing droughts, climate change
On the shoulders of giants:Urban refuge celebrates 50 years of conservation
“On a misty October morning, visitors and old friends gathered among the wetlands of San Francisco Bay to mark a conservation triumph. Fifty years ago, Congress authorized what is now the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, protecting thousands of acres of public lands. The refuge now spans over 30,000 acres and provides crucial habitat for resident species like the endangered California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse. Miles of ambling trails welcome over 800,000 visitors every year. But it wasn’t always this serene: activists and conservationists spent decades fighting to protect these wetlands nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley. Since the 1960s Florence LaRiviere has been leading the charge. Now 98 years old, Florence stood before the group that October morning and said, “Isn’t it wonderful to have something to celebrate, when there’s so much to weep over these days?” … ” Read more from the US Fish & Wildlife Service here: On the shoulders of giants:Urban refuge celebrates 50 years of conservation
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Solar energy and groundwater in the San Joaquin Valley
“The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requires groundwater users to bring their basins into balance over the next two decades. In the San Joaquin Valley, this will likely mean taking more than 500,000 acres of agricultural land out of intensive irrigated production. Local and regional economies could be stressed as a result, with some regular employment opportunities in agriculture disappearing and public revenues declining if lands are not put to new uses. As landowners and newly formed groundwater agencies tackle the groundwater deficits in their areas, utility-scale solar development—already an attractive option for landowners owning property with or without water rights—could offer an opportunity to keep lands that exit irrigated production economically productive. Moreover, development could provide multiple benefits by helping to supplement habitat and mitigate dust generation on transitioning lands. However, the expansion of solar hinges on whether state-level energy system planning processes—in conjunction with local land use planning—can address the transmission challenges that threaten the region’s promise as a solar power hub. … ” Read more from the PPIC here: Solar energy and groundwater in the San Joaquin Valley
Fresno County ag value surpasses $8 billion for first time. Which crops topped the list?
“Fresno County farmers and ranchers experienced a record year of crop and livestock production in 2021, churning out a gross value of almost $8.1 billion. Melissa Cregan, the county’s agricultural commissioner, presented her department’s annual crop report Tuesday to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. Last year was the first time that the total value of agricultural commodities grown and raised in Fresno County exceeded $8 billion, she said. The record came despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, logistics, drought and a water shortage that has forced a growing number of acres to be fallowed, particularly in western Fresno County. … ” Read more from the Modesto Bee here: Fresno County ag value surpasses $8 billion for first time. Which crops topped the list?
SEE ALSO: Report: 2021 was record-breaking profit year for Fresno County agriculture, from KFSN
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Press release: Cadiz inc. Announces agreement to acquire water treatment technology company ATEC Systems
“Cadiz Inc. (NASDAQ: CDZI, CDZIP) (“Cadiz,” the “Company”) today announced a definitive agreement to acquire ATEC Systems, Inc., (“ATEC”), a leading provider of technologically-advanced, cost-effective groundwater filtration systems for community, municipal, agricultural and industrial use. Adding the ATEC business to the Cadiz portfolio diversifies its range of innovative, sustainable clean water solutions and expands Cadiz’ mission to provide safe, affordable drinking water to underserved communities. The Company’s flagship initiative is the Cadiz Water Conservation and Storage Project (“Cadiz Water Project”), which captures surplus groundwater before it evaporates in the desert and stores it underground. Cadiz will transport conserved and stored water to communities in Central and Southern California through a network of underground pipelines that once carried oil. Capturing, storing and transporting water underground saves billions of gallons of water from evaporation each year– enough to serve millions of homes in communities impacted by drought. … ” Continue reading this press release from Cadiz via PR Newswire here: Cadiz inc. Announces agreement to acquire water treatment technology company ATEC Systems
SAN DIEGO
Water recycling projects expanding in San Diego County
“A proactive approach to developing diversified water sources, including water recycling projects and conservation efforts, are helping the San Diego region weather the current drought. The Olivenhain Municipal Water District is working on multiple projects to expand the use of recycled water. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation awarded the North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition, led by OMWD, $17.8 million in August for the development of recycled water infrastructure in North County. Combined with the $6.1 million the federal agency granted to the coalition in 2021, up to $23.9 million will help cover costs for work performed on water reclamation and reuse projects through 2025. The coalition consists of nine water and wastewater agencies coordinating recycled water efforts across jurisdictional boundaries. … ” Read more from the Water News Network here: Water recycling projects expanding in San Diego County
Along the Colorado River …
Sen. Kelly asks feds to halt Salton Sea project funding until California gives up more Colorado River water
“Arizona Senator Mark Kelly is calling on federal officials to halt funding for California’s Salton Sea project until the state gives up more of its Colorado River Water, a letter from the senator said Tuesday. The letter, sent to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, said that the Department of the Interior needs to step in to secure the river’s water and ensure that the 40 million people who rely on its waters don’t go thirsty. “We are out of time,” Kelly said in his letter. “The longer the Department waits to press for an agreement in the Lower Basin, the more difficult this crisis will be to solve, leading only to tougher choices and litigation.” … ” Read more from Channel 12 here: Sen. Kelly asks feds to halt Salton Sea project funding until California gives up more Colorado River water
SEE ALSO: Sen. Kelly urges DOI to outline actions to protect Arizona water resources, from Channel 11
California Water Crisis: In-depth look at Colorado River water use
“Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States and a critical source of water for Nevada, Arizona and California. But right now, it’s at only about 25 percent of total capacity. Even though the lake level has gone up a little bit in recent weeks, it’s still very near its historic low set earlier this summer. “You’re talking about the water supply for 27 million Americans,” said John Entsminger, general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority. The Southern Nevada Water Authority gets 90 percent of its water from Lake Mead. … ” Read more from Channel 7 here: California Water Crisis: In-depth look at Colorado River water use
In national water news today …
4 things you need to know about IIJA Funding And The Build America, Buy America Act
“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provides much-anticipated funding for our nation’s infrastructure. The IIJA was enacted and included the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA), which now requires all recipients of federal infrastructure funding to use products manufactured in the U.S. — not just projects funded directly through the IIJA. There is certainly a lot to unpack as it pertains to this funding and the related requirements. As a start, here are four key things you need to know … ” Read more from Water Online here: 4 things you need to know about IIJA Funding And The Build America, Buy America Act
2022 election: Water regulation and spending punctuate state and local ballots
“Weeks before the November 8 election, national political debate centers on control of Congress. In rural southeastern Arizona, however, the kitchen table issue strikes closer to home. Voters in parts of Cochise and Graham counties will decide whether to join the state’s more populated districts and regulate groundwater extraction. Orchards, vineyards, and dairy farms have moved into this dusty corner of Arizona where large-scale irrigation has caused drinking water wells to go dry and the land to subside, damaging highways. “It’s pretty intense right now,” Rebekah Wilce told Circle of Blue about the campaign. Wilce is the treasurer of Arizona Water Defenders, the political action committee that brought the question to the ballot. … ” Read more from Circle of Blue here: 2022 Election: Water Regulation and Spending Punctuate State and Local Ballots
Can a start-up help companies monitor and manage their water use?
“Drought, drought, everywhere and not a drop to drink, to misquote the Ancient Mariner. It has become increasingly clear that the world is running short of fresh water. Yet, while there are many companies addressing carbon — the main culprit in climate change — few focus on water, and more specifically how corporations should be monitoring and controlling their use of it. “Water is at the center of the climate crisis,” said José Ignacio Galindo, who helped found Waterplan, a company that helps corporations understand and manage water security. “Climate change is the problem and water is the messenger.” … ” Read more from the New York Times here: Can a start-up help companies monitor and manage their water use?
Brain-eating amoeba-linked death highlights new climate risk
“The death of a Nevada boy who contracted brain-eating amoeba after swimming in Lake Mead this fall is highlighting how climate change can fuel the spread of the usually rare infection. Naegleria fowleri, known colloquially as a brain-eating amoeba, lives in warm, fresh water and can enter the human body through the nose, traveling up to the brain, where it starts destroying tissue, causing an infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis. Climate change-induced warming means the amoeba can now be present in areas of the country where it didn’t used to be, like in the north and west. It’s also extending the amoeba’s life span past the summer months. “Lower lake levels, warmer climate, more recreation, it’s starting to become a perfect storm,” University of Arizona microbiologist Charles Gerba said. … ” Read more from E&E News here: Brain-eating amoeba-linked death highlights new climate risk
By the numbers report …
By the numbers October 24Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
NOTICE: October 25 Weekly Update on Curtailment Status of Water Rights and Claims in the Delta Watershed
REMINDER for Upcoming Diversion Season under Cannabis Policy
NOTICE: Informational Webinars on the Nonpoint Source Grant Program
