On the calendar today …
- MEETING: The Delta Stewardship Council meets beginning at 9am. Agenda items include consideration of Delta ISB Reappointment for Dr. Thomas Holzer, Presentation: Reducing Reliance on the Delta Through Improved Regional Water Self-Reliance; and Consideration and Possible Adoption of Amendments to the Council’s Administrative Procedures Governing Appeals. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.
- WORKSHOP: California Water Plan – Update 2023 Content Preview from 9am to 12pm. The California Water Plan team will provide an overview of content present in Update 2023. Please join us at a virtual public workshop on Thursday, October 27 from 9 am to 12 pm. You can register/join the meeting here: Meeting Registration – Zoom
- EPA WEBINAR: Trash Free Waters Webinar: Bioplastics: The Good, The Bad, & The Band-Aids from 10:30am to 12:00pm. Bioplastics have been circulated in consumer markets for decades, with the promise of reducing plastic waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and general fossil fuel use and extraction. Plastic pollution (macro and micro) has proven to be an incredible challenge for our planet, making innovations such as these necessary for future sustainability in waste management. While bioplastics and their promises have delivered in many regards, their composition and current processing infrastructure may not be quite at the caliber we would hope for in 2022. This panel of experts will discuss the pros and cons associated with modern bioplastics, behavior change and behavior perpetuation that has come about from bioplastic use, and the future of bioplastic innovations in consumer markets. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: Inequitable Climate: Managing Wildfire Risk from 11am to 12pm. Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States have managed natural landscapes for millennia using fire as a tool to promote ecological diversity and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. In contrast, the primary focus of wildland fire fighting agencies had been to suppress fires as quickly as possible. Now, climate change, past fire suppression, and increased populations in wildfire-prone areas are all contributing to more frequent and severe wildfires and forcing a re-examination of management practices. A wide range of interventions – including prescribed and cultural burning – could help decrease risks in the future, but these will require proactive planning and big increases in investments in on-the-ground management. Click here to register.
- EVENT: Southern California Water Coalition Annual Dinner from 5:30pm to 8:30pm in Long Beach. The annual SCWC dinner and meeting brings together an amazing group of leaders from across Southern California to network, share ideas and learn more about the challenges facing California’s water supply. We’re excited to debut a new video highlighting our accomplishments of the year and many of our hard-working and inspiring Board members! The evening’s festivities not only shine a light on the work we do but will also help us further the education and advocacy we conduct about the region’s water supply challenges and opportunities. Reserve your tickets HERE.
- GRA NorCal BRANCH MEETING: Chico Central and Southwest Plume Groundwater Remediation Projects from 5:30pm to 8:00pm in Chico. Speaker: Peter MacNicholl, P.E. , Project Manager Ca Department Toxic Substances Control Click here to register.
In California water news today …
California warns water agencies over shutoffs amid higher prices, missed payments
“The California Department of Justice on Wednesday issued a “legal alert” intended to help protect people from water shutoffs as the state continues to struggle with drought, rising prices and the lingering economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. State Attorney General Rob Bonta said he issued the alert partly as a response to an estimated 40% increase in the price of certain types of water transactions so far this year and the fact that roughly 1.6 million Californians have fallen behind on their payments as of January 2021. “Many families here in our state can’t pour a glass of water, can’t wash their hands, can’t even flush their toilets,” Bonda said during a press conference Wednesday. “All because they can’t make their water payments and are facing plummeting credit scores.” … ” Read more from CBS Bay Area here: California warns water agencies over shutoffs amid higher prices, missed payments
SEE ALSO:
- Attorney General Bonta Issues Legal Guidance to Water Providers on Protections for Residents Facing Water Shutoffs, from the Office of the Attorney General
- Rising cost of water threatens to leave some Californians dry due to unpaid-bill shutoffs, from the San Francisco Chronicle
More Kern County water districts split with larger authority
“Two more members of the Kern Groundwater Authority (KGA) announced that they will form their own groundwater sustainability agencies, continuing a pattern of members distancing themselves from Kern County’s largest groundwater agency. The Shafter-Wasco Irrigation District and North Kern Water Storage District will each form their own GSA, it was announced at the Oct. 26 KGA meeting. The districts will remain members of KGA and will continue to abide by the groundwater sustainability plan, but will have more influence over their own districts. By contrast, the city of Shafter will leave KGA, and have its interests represented by the water districts whose boundaries cover most of the city limits. … ” Read more from SJV Water here: More Kern County water districts split with larger authority
Agriculture remains opposed to new Paso Robles basin ordinance
“Local agricultural groups continue to speak out against a new proposed county ordinance regulating water use from the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin, which will go before the SLO County Planning Commission on Oct. 28. The new ordinance, championed by a majority of the Board of Supervisors, would lift a basinwide moratorium on groundwater pumping by giving all property owners up to 25 acre-feet per year of exempted water use. The current exemption is 5 acre-feet per year. After months of negotiating with county officials and dissecting its environmental impact report, SLO County farming groups remain adamantly opposed to the ordinance, claiming that it will exacerbate the basin’s overdraft and add “cumbersome” new layers of regulation on agriculture. … ” Read more from New Times SLO here: Agriculture remains opposed to new Paso Robles basin ordinance
Lower Colorado River reservoir evaporation the focus of new analysis
“A Nevada water agency has taken the first concrete step toward accounting for evaporation and other losses in the Colorado River’s Lower Basin. The new analysis attempts to pinpoint exactly how much water is lost, and who should cut back to bring the system closer to a balance between supply and demand. An analysis compiled by the Southern Nevada Water Authority estimates the total amount of water lost in the river’s lower reaches. If implemented in its current form, the proposal would translate to significant cutbacks for users in Nevada, Arizona and California. … ” Read more from KUNC here: Lower Colorado River reservoir evaporation the focus of new analysis
50 years of Wild Trout Waters
“Fifty years ago, Hat Creek, Fall River, the Eel River, and 14 other rivers and creeks were the first to be designationed as Wild Trout Waters. The designations were part of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) new Heritage and Wild Trout Program, established – at the urging of California Trout – to protect and enhance California’s wild trout fisheries while maintaining public opportunity for wild trout fishing. Today, CalTrout joins CDFW in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Wild Trout Waters designation and the far-reaching impacts it’s had over the years. “This anniversary is a huge milestone,” said Curtis Knight, California Trout Executive Director. “CalTrout has been proud to promote and partner with CDFW on the Heritage and Wild Trout Program since its inception. We believe this program was progressive and cutting-edge when it was established in the 1970s. Today it has evolved and continues to be one of the most effective fish water policies in the country.” … ” Read more from Cal Trout here: 50 years of Wild Trout Waters
In commentary today …
How California can expand solar development and support San Joaquin Valley farmers
Andrew Ayres, a research fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California Water Policy Center, and Darcy Wheeles, a Principal at ArkSpring Consulting, writes, “California’s largest farming region faces a daunting challenge. As the state adapts its groundwater basins under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, the San Joaquin Valley will have to shrink its footprint. The Public Policy Institute of California estimates that at least 500,000 acres of farmland will likely need to come out of production over the next two decades. Fallowing land can lead to a host of problems, including employment losses for the valley’s agricultural workers and revenue losses for landowners and local governments. It could also exacerbate issues with airborne dust in a region already suffering from some of the worst air quality in the nation. And pests and weeds could cause a nuisance for lands still in production. ... ” Read more from Cal Matters here: How California can expand solar development and support San Joaquin Valley farmers
Today’s featured article …
GUEST COMMENTARY: America Has a Flushing Problem – We’re Focused on Fixing It.
Commentary by Lara Wyss, the President of the Responsible Flushing Alliance
Cosmetic wipes, cotton balls, feminine products, kitty litter and even hot dogs – these are some of the items that have been found in California wastewater systems, many of which are sent down the drain via a simple flush of the toilet. America has a major flushing problem that’s costing taxpayers millions and putting the health of our environment, waterways, and communities at risk.
A new alliance of strange bedfellows has come together to help solve the problem, starting with addressing how we think about what we toss in the toilet.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Klamath ranch seeks $1.5 million from Oregon water regulators
“An Oregon ranch is seeking $1.5 million from the state government, claiming water regulators have effectively seized its irrigation water supply without paying just compensation. The Sprague River Cattle Co. in Klamath County has filed a lawsuit arguing that its water rights would normally be worth $1.5 million but the “value has been entirely destroyed” by flow restrictions that render them “no longer marketable.” According to the complaint against the State of Oregon, the ranch property was originally part of the Klamath Indian Reservation, which was established in 1864, setting the priority date for the water rights. … ” Read more from Capital Press here: Klamath ranch seeks $1.5 million from Oregon water regulators
Save the Redwoods League to purchase portion of Weger Ranch, bringing ‘cornerstone of Montgomery Woods Initiative’ within reach
“Save the Redwoods League has secured an opportunity to purchase a conservation easement on Mendocino County’s 3,862-acre Weger Ranch, in a deal that would be the “cornerstone of the Montgomery Woods Initiative.” Weger Ranch has historically been managed with timber harvest every 12 years, ensuring a “multi-aged, diverse forest structure” meant to enhance wildlife and riparian habitat while continuing to allow productivity. Save the Redwood League hopes to further cultivate those habitats with new restrictions. The initiative began with the purchase of Atkins Place last month; the transaction announced this week would include an 80-acre portion of Weger Ranch to be incorporated into Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve. ... ” Read more from the Mendocino Voice here: Save the Redwoods League to purchase portion of Weger Ranch, bringing ‘cornerstone of Montgomery Woods Initiative’ within reach
City of Lakeport urges continued water conservation
“The city of Lakeport is asking residents to continue to save water as drought conditions persist. According to www.weather.gov, the La Nina weather pattern is expected to prevail throughout the remainder of 2022 and drought conditions are likely to persist or worsen through the fall rainy season. The latest data from drought.gov indicates that 99.77% of California is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought conditions. Lake County is no exception, as most of the county is in the severe drought category. … ” Read more from the Lake County News here: City of Lakeport urges continued water conservation
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Tahoe is about to get the nation’s third-largest ski resort. Here’s how it happened and what it all means
“A long-awaited mountaintop ski gondola that promises to reaffirm Lake Tahoe’s stature as a marquee skiing destination is set to start carrying skiers as soon as mid-December. The gondola will link the base areas at Olympic Valley (formerly called Squaw Valley) and Alpine Meadows — which operate together as a single resort called Palisades Tahoe — and create the third-largest ski resort in the U.S., behind only Park City Mountain and Powder Mountain in Utah. Strung more than two miles over a high ridge between the two ski areas, the gondola is the most significant upgrade to Tahoe’s ski infrastructure in a decade or more. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Tahoe is about to get the nation’s third-largest ski resort. Here’s how it happened and what it all means
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Learn the flood risks, DWR says
“The last week of October is hailed as flood preparedness week in Butte County, Sacramento and the surrounding areas. Jason Ince, Department of Water Resources public information officer, said his department helps spread the message about floods through communications tools at the local level. “We had the Sacramento High Water Jamboree last weekend. This is an event Sacramento hosts to help local agencies spread the word. There are similar events across the state. We do the social media campaigns and we use tools and information about their community. Every community has different flood risks,” said Ince. … ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Learn the flood risks, DWR says
Folsom city report reveals the most popular water rebate programs among residents
“A report conducted by the city of Folsom revealed the city’s most popular water rebate programs among residents in 2022. The most popular program is the installation of the Flume flow monitor, according to city data. The second most popular, with nearly half of the amount of installations, is the Rachio smart irrigation controller. Last week, the Regional Water Authority, a joint representative of two dozen water providers in the Sacramento region, hosted an event at Republix Insurance with city and state officials maintaining that Folsom may be the key to managing the uncertainties of future climate conditions in the American River Basin. The event highlighted programs in which businesses can participate to encourage water conservation. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Folsom city report reveals the most popular water rebate programs among residents
BAY AREA
Experts predict Bay Area will see extremely rare La Niña event this winter
“The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in its U.S. winter weather outlook that La Niña will make an appearance December through February for the third year in a row.It’s not unusual to see two consecutive winters marked by La Niña, but what U.S. forecasters are calling a “triple dip” is uncommon. Going back some 70 years, this has occurred only two other times. What does this mean for the water-starved San Francisco Bay Area? Last winter was abnormally dry amid a La Niña pattern. Could the region see the same this winter? … ” Read more from SF Gate here: Experts predict Bay Area will see extremely rare La Niña event this winter
California drought: Here are the biggest water users in East Bay
“More than 300 East Bay home owners have been fined for excessive water use, ignoring repeated warnings to cut back and instead guzzling at least 8 times as much water every day — and in some cases 30 or 40 times more — than their neighbors as California’s drought continues. The list released late Tuesday by the East Bay Municipal Utility District includes many wealthy and prominent residents, among them developer Tom Seeno, former Chevron vice president George Kirkland, and former Safeway CEO Steven Burd. Most live in large homes with vast lawns in exclusive parts of Alamo, Danville and Lafayette. Dozens of the people on the list were similarly fined during California’s last severe drought in 2015 and 2016. … ” Read more from Silicon Valley here: California drought: Here are the biggest water users in East Bay
State regulations of water quality might mean trouble for Pleasanton
“Anticipated updates to the state’s forever-chemical guidelines could bring the city’s groundwater wells offline as early as Jan. 1, with no clear strategy to make up the deficit. While the city shut down one of its three groundwater wells in 2019 due to high per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels, the state has been continually releasing updates on just how much is safe for individual PFAS; the new state order will likely place Pleasanton’s remaining two wells above notification levels, explained Daniel Repp, managing director of utilities and environmental services at the Oct. 18 city council meeting. “We’re expecting (the order) any day,” continued Repp. “If we exceed those contamination levels from that order, then we would have to either shut the wells off or notify the public.” … ” Read more from the Livermore Independent here: State regulations of water quality might mean trouble for city
Plan to restore Baylands site as parkland divides environmentalists
“The most disputed parkland in Palo Alto isn’t known for its sports courts, playgrounds or sweeping vistas. Located next to the Regional Water Quality Control Plant, the 10-acre parcel commonly known as the “Measure E” site is best known as a place of opportunity. In 2011, Palo Alto residents voted to “undedicate” the parkland and make it available for a waste-to-energy plant that would treat local organic waste, but that the project never materialized. Now, the city is looking to rededicate the 10 acres as parkland, a move that is once again fomenting division within the city’s environmental community. ... ” Read more from Palo Alto Online here: Plan to restore Baylands site as parkland divides environmentalists
OneShoreline considers fate of harbor jetties
“A San Mateo County initiative designed to mitigate the impact of sea level rise and climate change has floated the idea of removing or adjusting Pillar Point Harbor’s outer breakwaters. That alone is controversial, but miscommunication between the county and the San Mateo County Harbor District staff and commissioners was a key topic during the Harbor District’s meeting last week. The San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District, also known as OneShoreline, is an independent special district created in 2020 by the state Legislature to study and address sea level rise across the county. … ” Read more from the Half Moon Bay Review here: OneShoreline considers fate of harbor jetties
CENTRAL COAST
For local commercial fishermen, their work is also a passion and a relationship to Monterey Bay.
“Even when the sea is rough, Monterey Bay commercial fishermen still find a way to bring fresh seafood back to shore. Early on a brisk Friday morning in August, the seas are calm as the sun peeks over the hills and Joseph Lucido heads to the docks to try and catch halibut. The full-time commercial fisherman shoves off from Wharf 2 in Monterey, then cruises along the coast. A little over a mile from the sandy shores of Marina, Lucido stops to get his lines ready and to catch bait for the day. “Fresh squid is the best for halibut,” he says. He checks his fish finder, and starts to snag squid. Lucido is a Monterey native who grew up around the wharf; his parents owned a restaurant, The Cove, serving breakfast and lunch. … ” Read more from Monterey Weekly here: For local commercial fishermen, their work is also a passion and a relationship to Monterey Bay.
Agriculture remains opposed to new Paso Robles basin ordinance
“Local agricultural groups continue to speak out against a new proposed county ordinance regulating water use from the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin, which will go before the SLO County Planning Commission on Oct. 28. The new ordinance, championed by a majority of the Board of Supervisors, would lift a basinwide moratorium on groundwater pumping by giving all property owners up to 25 acre-feet per year of exempted water use. The current exemption is 5 acre-feet per year. After months of negotiating with county officials and dissecting its environmental impact report, SLO County farming groups remain adamantly opposed to the ordinance, claiming that it will exacerbate the basin’s overdraft and add “cumbersome” new layers of regulation on agriculture. … ” Read more from New Times SLO here: Agriculture remains opposed to new Paso Robles basin ordinance
Montecito debris basin completed
“A ribbon cutting ceremony took place Monday morning for the Randall Road Basin Project — Montecito’s largest debris basin. The basin, which is expected to at least quadruple the community’s flood control capacity, has been under construction since the Thomas Fire debris flow devastated Montecito in 2018. Attending the ceremony were U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara; 1st District Supervisor Das Williams; 2nd District Supervisor Gregg Hart; California Department of Water Resources Manager Salomon Miranda; Santa Barbara Public Works Director Scott McGolpin and special guest V. Lopez and Sons. Residents from the community were also in attendance. … ” Read more from the Santa Barbara Independent here: Montecito debris basin completed
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Demand for irrigation water spikes as the season draws to end
“Drought and high-demand mark the end of the 2021-22 irrigation season. The water year officially ended on Sept. 30 and with it Turlock Irrigation District’s irrigation season on Oct. 12. “No surprise, but the 2021-22 water year was once again dry with approximately 1.13 million acre-feet of runoff coming from the Tuolumne River Watershed – approximately 59 percent of average,” said TID communication specialist Brandon McMillan. McMillan added that during the 2021-22 precipitation year, which ran Sept. 1 to Aug. 31, the Tuolumne River Watershed received 23.97 inches of precipitation – approximately 65 percent of average. … ” Read more from the Ceres Courier here: Demand for irrigation water spikes as the season draws to end
Are valley foothills the water bank of the future?
“Among several pieces of encouraging news Peter Drekmeier brought the Stanislaus County Water Advisory Committee during his October 26 visit to Modesto was the scientific consensus that it’s still going to rain in the northern San Joaquin Valley. In fact, said Drekmeier, according to the best science we have, it’s probably going to rain just as much as it always has. The catch is that the realities of climate change mean it’s going to rain less often and, when it does rain, it’s going to rain much harder. Drekmeier, a Palo Alto resident, is Policy Director for the Tuolumne River Trust. He’s sometimes found himself at odds with local farmers about the needs of salmon versus the needs of almond orchards, but he found a receptive audience when he spoke about the value of collaboration versus the costs of conflict. ... ” Read more from the Valley Citizen here: Are valley foothills the water bank of the future?
Shrimp in the desert? Fresno-based startup making it happen
“The Water, Energy, and Technology (WET) Center at Fresno State has announced 10 new companies for its Valley Ventures accelerator program. This is the WET Center’s seventh cohort for the Valley Ventures program, which is dedicated to furthering water, energy, and agricultural technology startups seeking to commercialize technology and build markets in California and beyond. The three-month online program is set to begin this month, with a strong emphasis on sales growth, investor fundraising, industry networking and business development. This year’s cohort includes three businesses from the San Joaquin Valley — Mojave Seafood Inc. in Fresno, HyVerde in Merced and Renewell in Bakersfield. … ” Read more from The Business Journal here: Shrimp in the desert? Fresno-based startup making it happen
Ag production sees increase from 2020
“Madera County Agriculture commissioner/Sealer Rusty Lantsberger and his staff recently released the annual crop report and the county saw an increase of almost $100 million from the 2020 production. The gross value of 2021 agriculture production was more than $2.45 billion, an increase of more than $95 million (or 4.92 percent) from 2020 in the ag report released in September. “The increases were due to stronger commodity prices,” Lantsberger said. “We had increases in harvested acres in both in fruit and nut crops and vegetable crops. There was also demand. The commodity prices were up.” However, despite the production values rising, so did the costs. … ” Read more from the Madera Tribune here: Ag production sees increase from 2020
New forest restoration project sprouts after 20 years
“Twenty years have passed since the McNally fire burned hundreds of thousands of acres in the Sequoias, but only recently the forest services planned to plant new trees. On Oct. 20, the Sequoia National Forest announced the beginning of the McNally Ecological Reforestation Project, which will restore burned areas caused by the McNalley fire in 2002. The project will plant 700 acres of new sequoia trees Kern River Ranger District., improve forest resilience to wildfires and improve the habitat for wildlife. “An illegal campfire started the largest and most costly forest fire in the history of the Sequoia National Forest. The McNally Fire burned for 37 days and scorched 150,700 acres,” stated the USDA in a press release. “It was twice the size of any fire previously recorded in the area. By Sept. 8, 2002, the fire had cost taxpayers $53,342,000 in fire suppression.” ... ” Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: New forest restoration project sprouts after 20 years
More Kern County water districts split with larger authority
“Two more members of the Kern Groundwater Authority (KGA) announced that they will form their own groundwater sustainability agencies, continuing a pattern of members distancing themselves from Kern County’s largest groundwater agency. The Shafter-Wasco Irrigation District and North Kern Water Storage District will each form their own GSA, it was announced at the Oct. 26 KGA meeting. The districts will remain members of KGA and will continue to abide by the groundwater sustainability plan, but will have more influence over their own districts. By contrast, the city of Shafter will leave KGA, and have its interests represented by the water districts whose boundaries cover most of the city limits. … ” Read more from SJV Water here: More Kern County water districts split with larger authority
SAN DIEGO
San Diegans drowning in water bills as shutoffs resume
“Thousands of San Diegans are struggling to pay their water bills as shutoffs resume across much of the state. Experts fear the burden will only get worse as the cost of water continues to soar, driven in part by ongoing historic drought. However, federal emergency cash is now providing temporary relief for many low-income residents — up to $2,000 for unpaid water bills. Aurora Luna, who lives with her 100-year-old mother in a small apartment building in Chula Vista, recently applied. The family owed $690 in back charges and has faced the threat of having their water turned off. “It’s too much. Why is it so much?” she said of her bill that’s typically about $190 every two months. “I don’t know how I’m going to do it.” … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: San Diegans drowning in water bills as shutoffs resume
Along the Colorado River …
Lower Colorado River reservoir evaporation the focus of new analysis
“A Nevada water agency has taken the first concrete step toward accounting for evaporation and other losses in the Colorado River’s Lower Basin. The new analysis attempts to pinpoint exactly how much water is lost, and who should cut back to bring the system closer to a balance between supply and demand. An analysis compiled by the Southern Nevada Water Authority estimates the total amount of water lost in the river’s lower reaches. If implemented in its current form, the proposal would translate to significant cutbacks for users in Nevada, Arizona and California. … ” Read more from KUNC here: Lower Colorado River reservoir evaporation the focus of new analysis
Arizona senator requests DOI withhold Salton Sea funds
“Amid ongoing drought negotiations among Colorado River Basin states, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly urged the Department of Interior (DOI) to outline actions it can take to compel a basin-wide agreement that ensures the stability of the Colorado River system. The Democrat, who negotiated and secured $4 billion in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for drought mitigation, also called on DOI to withhold federal funds for California’s Salton Sea drought mitigation. The Arizona lawmaker called for withholding those funds until California commits to allocating additional water for long-term conservation. … ” Read more from the Imperial Valley Press here: Arizona senator requests DOI withhold Salton Sea funds
California has volunteered to conserve water, but some say it’s not enough
“California recently proposed water conservation measures that would reduce its consumption of Colorado River water. But some say the proposal did not go far enough. California recently said it could cut back about 400,000 acre feet of water next year. Gary Wockner of the nonprofit Save the Colorado said that plan falls short. … ” Read more from KJZZ here: California has volunteered to conserve water, but some say it’s not enough
‘The Colorado River system is headed for a crash’
“It isn’t just farmers who worry about drought. Anyone who likes to eat knows the equation between adequate water supplies and resultant food crops. So the current status between available liquid nutrients and “what’s for supper?” is a correlation most of us have already acknowledged. And worried about now that the Bureau of Reclamation has initiated restrictions via a Tier 2a status, effective January 2023 — the first time in history that the government has pulled that trigger in response to a continually declining Lake Mead. While the river provides liquid sustenance for humans in seven Lower Basin states and Mexico, thousands of food producers also reliant on that supply and Tier 2a cuts will represent a shortfall of some 592,000 acre-feet or 21% of the annual river allotment for Arizona. … ” Continue reading at the Western Farm Press here: ‘The Colo. River system is headed for a crash’
Arizona doesn’t just have to survive drought, but prepare for coming floods, SRP officials say
“Recent talks surrounding water in Arizona have stressed that “not having enough” is the main issue the state is facing. Salt River Project (SRP) officials made sure to speak about how they’re planning on combating the ongoing, historic megadrought at a recent conference. But the utility company also stressed they’re preparing for an issue that only seems possible in the dreams of Arizonans: floods. Having too much water may actually be a problem central Arizona faces within the next decade, according to data presented at the conference. … ” Read more from Channel 12 here: Arizona doesn’t just have to survive drought, but prepare for coming floods, SRP officials say
Phoenix takes new steps to conserve Colorado River water
“Water officials are concerned about getting water in the future from the Colorado River as its levels decline. The loss of Colorado River water in Arizona could be disastrous for the entire nation. Farmers in Yuma, who mostly rely on the river’s water, produce 80% of the nation’s winter vegetable crop. On Wednesday, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and members of the City Council agreed to a new plan designed to further reduce demand for Colorado River water. Gallego said the city said it would enter into what’s called a “Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)” with Denver, Aurora and Pueblo, Colorado, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and the South Nevada Water Authority. … ” Read more from Channel 12 here: Phoenix takes new steps to conserve Colorado River water
Drought at Lake Powell reveals preserved world that was once lost
“In recent years, droughts resulting from global climate change, as well as increased water usage, have meant that Lake Powell water levels are dwindling to lows not seen in decades — the reservoir is only 26 percent full, 180 feet below its high point. And below the water line, an entire world has been revealed. “We’re seeing where Indigenous people lived and also where they died,” says Stanfield. Once sacred to Indigenous populations, the low levels of Lake Powell are now revealing burial sites, pottery and even a 900-year-old ancient structure. … ” Read more from Discover here: Drought at Lake Powell reveals preserved world that was once lost
Invasive zebra mussels have “infested” a Colorado lake for the first time, raising fears they could spread
“Invasive zebra mussels have “infested” the water at Highline Lake — a reservoir north of Loma, near Utah — despite a 15-year effort by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to keep the state free of the harmful species, the agency said this week. CPW staff have discovered at least 10 zebra mussels in Highline Lake. After the first adult zebra mussel was found in the reservoir Sept. 14, Parks and Wildlife staff found almost a dozen more of the mussels in the same body of water on Friday and Sunday. Soon after, the department changed the status of the lake from “suspect” to “infested,” according to a news release sent Tuesday. ... ” Read more from the Colorado Sun here: Invasive zebra mussels have “infested” a Colorado lake for the first time, raising fears they could spread
In national water news today …
Last resort: Moving endangered species in order to save them
” … Currently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — which, along with the National Marine Fisheries Service, enforces the Endangered Species Act — rarely moves threatened and endangered species beyond where they are known to have occurred in the past, as it did with the Guam rail. Its regulations allow it to establish “experimental populations” of species only in their “probable historic range,” except in extreme cases. Recently, though, Fish and Wildlife proposed a revision to its regulations that would allow it to move species beyond their historical range, calling this a “necessary and appropriate” step in response to the twin threats of climate change and invasive species. With increasing numbers of species at risk of extinction, says Tim Male, founder of the nonprofit Environmental Policy Innovation Center, “we may need this tool a lot more often.” The ability to move species beyond their historical range would be a small change on paper, but one that both supporters and opponents of the revision say could significantly impact American conservation. … ” Read more from Yale E360 here: Last resort: Moving endangered species in order to save them
