On the calendar today …
- EVENT: Fall 2022 Groundwater Sustainability Agency Forum from 9am to 12pm. DWR is hosting a virtual Fall 2022 Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) Forum for GSA members and representatives on November 9, 2022, from 9:00 AM to noon. The Forum will be a platform for GSAs to come together to engage, exchange ideas, and establish professional networks. The theme of the upcoming Fall Forum is Funding SGMA Implementation. The Fall 2022 GSA Forum will include a panel discussion focused on how GSAs have approached funding SGMA implementation. A diverse group of GSAs will be represented on the panel to showcase various geographic locations, governance structures, and funding approaches. Each panelist will provide a brief presentation, followed by a panel Q&A session with the audience. Please follow this link to register for the event.
- WEBINAR: Hydrology in the supercomputing age from 12pm to 1pm. Computational advances have revolutionized the field of hydrology. This presentation explores what big data and massively parallel simulations mean for the future of hydrologic discovery. Computational hydrology seeks to leverage modern computing capacity to study water and energy fluxes at spatial scales and complexity not previously possible. The so-called -resolution approach, has organized and accelerated this goal. A historical perspective starting with the early watershed models to more modern integrated and machine-learning (AI) approaches will be presented. The lecture will outline a path to move beyond our traditional siloed simulations and to leverage these large datasets and massive community-development investments to better connect our hydrologic models to the communities outside of hydrology. Click here to register.
- WORKSHOP: Proposed Refined Watershed Analysis and Friant Priority Date Adjustments in the Water Unavailability Methodology for the Delta Watershed from 1pm to 5pm. State Water Resources Control Board staff will hold a technical workshop to describe and receive public input on proposed changes to the Water Unavailability Methodology for the Delta Watershed, including a refined watershed-scale analysis and adjustments to the assumed priority dates for water rights associated with the Friant Division of the Central Valley Project. A summary document describing the proposed changes to the Methodology and a draft spreadsheet containing the refinements to the analyses are available on the Water Unavailability Methodology webpage. During the workshop, there will be a staff presentation followed by the opportunity for questions and comments. For more information, click here.
- PUBLIC WORKSHOP: SAFER Report on Point-of-Use and Point of Entry beginning at 5pm. The State Water Resources Control Board invites you to attend a public workshop to learn about the SAFER Drinking Water Program Report on Point-of-Use and Point-of-Entry Treatment.The State Water Board has conducted extensive research and stakeholder engagement to develop the Report on the installation of Point-of-Use and Point-of-Entry systems in rural homes as a drinking water solution. The Report provides recommendations and actions that address challenges regarding successful implementation of Point-of-Use and Point-of-Entry treatment as drinking water solutions and proposes specific pilot studies needed to close knowledge gaps. Click here for the meeting notice and remote access instructions.
- ANNUAL MEETING: Water Association of Kern County from 6pm to 9pm in Bakersfield. The keynote speaker will be Mike Wade, Executive Director of the California Farm Water Association. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
Efforts to protect groundwater are tested by drought
“Balancing the state’s groundwater supplies for a sustainable future may not be easy due to severe drought and ongoing economic challenges facing farmers. “We’ve got the lowest prices and highest production costs and the least-reliable water supply that we’ve had since I’ve been farming,” said Bill Diedrich of Firebaugh, who farms row crops and permanent crops on the west side in Madera and Fresno counties. “We’ve had one or the other but not all three at the same time.” Diedrich, who relies on groundwater for irrigating farmland in Madera County and surface water for ground in Fresno County, said farming at this time “is very difficult.” He said the 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which tasks local agencies to balance groundwater supplies in affected basins by 2040 and 2042, means farmland must come out of production. … ” Read more from Ag Alert here: Efforts to protect groundwater are tested by drought.
A shift in groundwater perspective
“When it comes to natural disasters, the sudden, swift devastation of landslides, mudslides, and sinkholes may get all the attention — but natural resource scientists can attest that it’s the slow sinking of the ground surface that is just as real a danger. “Subsidence often gets neglected because it is slow moving. You don’t recognize it until you start seeing damage,” says Michelle Sneed, a land subsidence specialist at the United States Geological Survey (USGS). “If the land is sinking the same regionally and you’re not on the coast, it generally is not a big problem. But if you’re on the coast, it’s a big problem. If you have long infrastructure that crosses areas that are sinking at different rates, it’s a big problem. If you have deep wells collapsing because of subsidence, that’s a problem.” And the problem can be costly. Gone unchecked, all those little slumps of land deformation can eventually lead to costly repairs for water conveyance systems and damaged buildings, roads, bridges, and levees. … ” Read more from Water World here: A shift in groundwater perspective
Fortifying B.F. Sisk Dam and San Luis Reservoir against the power of an earthquake
“Earthquakes are a fact of life in California, and at the B.F. Sisk Dam and San Luis Reservoir work is underway to ensure the continued viability and durability of the key resources, even when Mother Nature decides to shake things up. A major seismic upgrade, the largest project of that scale that has occurred at the site since its construction in 1967, received a $100 million investment earlier this year from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It is Reclamation’s largest dam safety project under the 1978 Safety of Dams Act. Situated amid the rolling slopes of the Diablo Range in Merced County, Sisk Dam and San Luis Reservoir are an important link in the storage and conveyance chain of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project. With a storage capacity of more than 2 million acre-feet, the reservoir is the largest off-stream storage facility in the United States, providing water for farms, wildlife refuges, and millions of Californians. … ” Read more from the Bureau of Reclamation here: Fortifying B.F. Sisk Dam and San Luis Reservoir against the power of an earthquake
Tiny, rural Allensworth takes on climate change with help from state grant
“The fight against climate change is coming to the small town of Allensworth in Tulare County. The state awarded $300,000 to the Allensworth Progressive Association, a local nonprofit, to “implement neighborhood-level projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health and the environment and expand economic opportunity for residents,” according to a press release from the Governor’s office. The money will be used, in part, for planning flood control and infrastructure for wastewater management. … ” Read more from SJV Water here: Tiny, rural Allensworth takes on climate change with help from state grant
Potent weather system dumps snow across California’s Sierra
“The second push of a large and potent weather system dumped snow across California’s Sierra Nevada Range on Tuesday, bringing whiteout conditions and travel delays to mountain highways. In the Tahoe Basin, the heaviest snow is expected at elevations above 4,000 feet and snowfall rates could reach up to 1 to 3 inches an hour today, the National Weather Service said. “There will be periods of whiteout conditions with gusty winds of up 40 to 50 mph,” Chelsea Peters, a meteorologist with the weather service’s Sacramento office, told SFGATE on the phone. “Heavy snow will create hazardous driving conditions. It’s not going to be enjoyable.” … ” Read more from SF Gate here: Potent weather system dumps snow across California’s Sierra
Congress members seek to open up Hetch Hetchy to water recreation
“A move is afoot in Congress to increase the annual “rent” the City of San Francisco pays for the privilege of flooding Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park from $30,000 to at least $2 million. The bill by Rep. Connie Conway, who represents much of the southern San Joaquin Valley, is designed to require the City of San Francisco to not only pay fair market for renting the only land ever flooded for a reservoir in a national park, but also to force the city to comply to terms they agreed to in the 1913 Raker Act. Among those terms was allowing recreational uses such as non-motorized watercraft, camping and picnicking at Hetchy Hetchy and Lake Eleanor in exchange for flooding the valley. Conway’s bill also would allow swimming. … ” Read more from the Turlock Journal here: Congress members seek to open up Hetch Hetchy to water recreation
NASA mission will measure all of the Earth’s water
“With a multi-year drought bearing down on California and the West, there’s an intense focus on nearly every drop of water. But in a few weeks, we may begin to get a history making look at where that water is and where it’s going. Not just here, but around the entire planet. “It is the first mission where we can really see a complete survey of the surface water here on Earth, and allows us to do a bunch of different things, it allows us to connect what’s happening in the ocean to what’s happening on land,” says Ben Hamlington, Ph.D., of the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena. Hamlington is describing a new mission known as SWOT, for Surface Water and Ocean Topography. It’s being powered by a cutting edge research satellite, that’s scheduled to be launched aboard a Space-X rocket from Vandenberg Space Force base in December. … ” Read more from KABC 7 here: NASA mission will measure all of the Earth’s water
Beavers will become a bigger boon to river water quality as U.S. West warms, Stanford study finds
“As climate change worsens water quality and threatens ecosystems, the famous dams of beavers may help lessen the damage. That is the conclusion of a new study by Stanford University scientists and colleagues, publishing Nov. 8 in Nature Communications. The research reveals that when it comes to water quality in mountain watersheds, beaver dams can have a far greater influence than climate-driven, seasonal extremes in precipitation. The wooden barriers raise water levels upstream, diverting water into surrounding soils and secondary waterways, collectively called a riparian zone. These zones act like filters, straining out excess nutrients and contaminants before water re-enters the main channel downstream. … ” Read more from Stanford here: Beavers will become a bigger boon to river water quality as U.S. West warms, Stanford study finds
California wildfires and drought: Where are we?
“November is historically one of California’s worst months for deadly, wind driven mega wildfires. This year, there has been far less large runaway wildfires statewide, rainy conditions are to thank. “We’re really starting to see the tide turn from being in a response mode to the fire problem to being in a proactive mode to try to minimize the impacts of it,” said Cal Fire Deputy Chief Jonathan CoxMother nature has been kind to California so far this year, there have been fewer extreme heat spells, far fewer wind events, and more humidity and, when necessary. Experts say fire reduction programs have also made an impact. ... ” Read more from KTVU here: California wildfires and drought: Where are we?
SEE ALSO: BURNED: Yearlong investigation reveals how stalled U.S. Forest Service projects expose California communities to catastrophic wildfires, from KPBS
In commentary today …
Our farmers are conserving to help Colorado River
Tina Shields, water department manager for the Imperial Irrigation District, writes, “The Imperial Irrigation District, the largest irrigation district in the U.S., announced last month that it is prepared to undertake substantial water conservation measures from 2023 through 2026 as a part of California’s voluntary proposal to create 400,000 acre-feet in water savings per year to address drought impacts on the Colorado River. IID’s 250,000-acre-feet contribution accounts for more than 62% of California water agencies’ proposal to help prevent Lake Mead in Nevada and Lake Powell in Utah and Arizona from falling to critically low elevations that would threaten water deliveries and power production in the near term. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is working with stakeholders in seven states that depend on Colorado River water to develop longer-term operating guidelines to replace those expiring in 2025. The overall sustainability of the Colorado River is critical for IID as it enables a robust, year-round agricultural industry that grows food and fiber to sustain millions of people. … ” Read more from Ag Alert here: Our farmers are conserving to help Colorado River
Today’s featured article …
DELTA LEAD SCIENTIST: Wetlands and food production, longfin smelt proposed listing, and the activities of the Delta Science Program
At the October meeting of the Delta Stewardship Council, Lead Scientist Dr. Laurel Larsen highlighted Council-funded research that studied whether restored wetlands are importers or exporters of food to the system; she also updated the Council on the activities of the Delta Science Program. Then, Interagency Ecological Program Lead Scientist Steve Culberson briefed the Council on US Fish & Wildlife Service’s proposed listing of longfin smelt under the federal Endangered Species Act.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Klamath ranch sues Oregon over water supply
“A Klamath County ranch is seeking $1.5 million from the state of Oregon, alleging regulators have effectively seized its irrigation water supply without paying just compensation. The Sprague River Cattle Co. 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, 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 the Bend Bulletin here: Klamath ranch sues state over water supply
Long arm of bureaucracy causing trouble for farmers in the state of Jefferson
“Government agencies adding to the challenges of water, wildfires, and wolves for deep-rooted ranching families. If you look carefully, you’ll spot it all over the place in rural Siskiyou County, California—on flags, on banners, and even on bumper stickers. Two ‘Xs’ in a yellow circle symbolize what supporters see as the double-crossing governments of Oregon and California. Words encircle the double-crosses: “The Great Seal of State of Jefferson.” The movement to carve out a separate state is just one visible sign of the conflict between city and country on the fringes of the Pacific Northwest. In a series of Sept. 18 interviews with The Epoch Times, local ranchers explained their problems with the latest stringent restrictions on their use of water. … ” Read more from the Epoch Times here (free registration may be required): Long arm of bureaucracy causing trouble for farmers in the state of Jefferson
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Storm Watch: Debris flow mitigation efforts underway in Mosquito Fire burn scar
“As a major storm travels across Northern California, firefighters remain on alert. There are concerns over debris flows in the burn scars following the Mosquito Fire. Long before the first snowfall, the Cal Fire Nevada-Yuba-Placer unit braced for the moment. “If we didn’t have the burn scars, I think it would be just another rainy day,” Chief Brian Estes said. By now, crews are familiar with the steep rugged terrain. … ” Read more from CBS Sacramento here: Storm Watch: Debris flow mitigation efforts underway in Mosquito Fire burn scar
Despite wetter conditions, California still has a long way out of drought
“Calaveras County, like many other counties in California, is classified as being under extreme and exceptional drought conditions, according to drought.gov. Many are hoping that the recent wave of much-needed rain will help alleviate some of the drought conditions. However, experts say California still has a long way to go. As of right now, New Melones Reservoir is down to 24% of its capacity after the state has been continually breaking its own heat records every year. According to NOAA Climate.gov, there is a 91% chance that La Niña weather conditions will continue throughout the winter months. ... ” Read more from the Calaveras Enterprise here: Despite wetter conditions, California still has a long way out of drought
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Conservation districts give water technical assistance to farmers
“Partnered with the Yolo County Resource Conservation District, the Sutter County Resource Conservation District is one of 11 organizations selected by the California Department of Food and Agriculture to receive $500,000 in grant funding through the Water Efficiency Technical Assistance program. The grant program was developed through the Budget Act of 2021 which allocated funding for California farmers and ranchers to help support technical assistance for water efficiency and nutrient management, officials said. Organizations were eligible to apply for funding in order to provide technical assistance such as on-farm pump and irrigation system evaluations and recommendations, pump efficiency testing, and provide training in irrigation efficiency and nutrient management, officials said. … ” Read more from the Appeal-Democrat here: Conservation districts give water technical assistance to farmers
Solano board supports moving Highway 37 plan forward, Liberty Island tidal project gets nod
“The Solano County Board of Supervisors agreed Tuesday to send a letter to Caltrans supporting the Highway 37 Interim Project for interim and long-term solutions to congestion and sea rise issues. The board also approved the county’s intent to vacate a portion of Liberty Island Road, including the bridge parcel, to California, and approved setting a public hearing for 2 p.m. Dec. 6 related to the proposed action. The proposed action is part of a $118.86 million habitat restoration and flood management project. The levee road will be breached in nine places to help create a 3,000-acre fish and wildlife tidal environment in the Cache Slough Complex. … ” Read the full story at the Daily Republic here: Solano board supports moving Highway 37 plan forward, Liberty Island tidal project gets nod
BAY AREA
Rainfall adds up to impressive totals across SF Bay Area
“Heavy rain soaked California’s San Francisco Bay Area overnight and into Tuesday morning with the precipitation adding up to some impressive totals. The southern part of the region saw some of the most intense rainfall with many locations across the Santa Cruz Mountains recording over 2 inches and 1 to 2 inches falling across the South Bay. The downpours led to flooding on roadways from Sunnyvale to San Jose. The South Bay often sees less rain than other parts of the region due to the Santa Clara Valley’s location on the lee side of the Santa Cruz Mountains, but that wasn’t the case with this large and potent storm. … ” Read more from SF Gate here: Rainfall adds up to impressive totals across SF Bay Area
Last round of rain showers hit the Bay Area today — weather pattern shifts ahead
“Strong winds and heavy downpours made an active weather day across California yesterday. Isolated thunderstorms also took to the skies, coming ashore and bringing with them lightning and flooding. This is all thanks to a storm system that’s charged up inclement weather from San Francisco to San Diego. It also brought plenty of winter weather to the Sierra Nevada and the San Bernardino Mountains, where several feet of snow have fallen over several ski resorts —including Kirkwood. This system is now on its way out the door today, but not before dropping another round of isolated thunderstorms and snow showers. Once it leaves this afternoon, a high-pressure system will firmly close the California storm door. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Last round of rain showers hit the Bay Area today — weather pattern shifts ahead
CENTRAL COAST
Salinas Valley farmers hit by lettuce virus
“A virus spread by insects is causing widespread damage to lettuce crops in the Salinas Valley, the renowned Salad Bowl that provides more than one-half of America’s lettuce. Eric Morgan, vice president of environmental science and resources at Braga Fresh, inspects an iceberg lettuce field for impacts of the impatiens necrotic spot virus, or INSV. He said the spread this year has been devastating for many growers, adding, “Every day that passes, more plants will drop.” … ” Read more from Ag Alert here: Salinas Valley farmers hit by lettuce virus
Stanford study reveals Monterey Bay whales ingest millions of pieces of microplastic every day
“A new study reveals startling numbers about how much ocean plastic is being consumed by the world’s largest creatures. Stanford researchers have determined that Blue Whales in Monterey Bay are ingesting up to 10 million pieces of microplastic each day. Creating plastic pollution can be as innocent as doing a load of laundry. Throw some synthetic fabrics into the washing machine, and some of the fibers are going to be washed down the drain and out into the ocean. It is those tiny specks, barely visible to the human eye, that concern Matt Savoca, an ocean pollution researcher at Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove. He was part of the study to find out how much of the microplastic fibers are getting into the whales. … ” Read more from CBS News here: Stanford study reveals Monterey Bay whales ingest millions of pieces of microplastic every day
Santa Margarita water systems vandalized
“Monday morning, the San Luis Obispo County Service Area 23 – Santa Margarita water system operator discovered a break-in at the Santa Margarita water storage facility, according to the San Luis Obispo County Health Department.The storage facility fence was vandalized and the lock accessing one of the water storage tanks was cut providing access to the drinking water supply. Because it is unknown whether perpetrators tampered with the water, as a precautionary measure, the tank was taken out of service and is being drained. It held about 100,000 gallons of water at the time of the incident. … ” Read more from the Paso Robles Daily News here: Santa Margarita water systems vandalized
SEE ALSO: 100,000 gallons of SLO County drinking water drained after storage facility break-in, from the San Luis Obispo Tribune
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Los Banos Council approves urban forestation plan, updated on Pioneer Road project, recycled water
“During their meeting on November 2, 2022, the Los Banos City Council approved the Urban Forest Management Plan and received updates on recycled water and the rebranded Pioneer Road Complete Street Project. … There was a great deal of discussion about water as the council received an update on the city’s recycled water efforts. Currently the city is in an “overdraft” state, meaning it is using more water than it technically has likely due to the growing population. One possible solution that was proposed by the Interim City Manager Greg Wellman was to merge with the Grassland Water District and do it in a way that would be a “win-win” situation for both. … ” Read more from Westside Connect here: Los Banos Council approves urban forestation plan, updated on Pioneer Road project, recycled water
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Southern California beaches under high bacteria warning after heavy rainfall
“Beaches across Southern California have been placed under a high bacteria and high surf warning after heavy rainstorms covered the southland on Tuesday. The public is being advised to stay out of the water across all Los Angeles County beaches due to possible heightened levels of bacteria caused by “storm drainage, chemicals, debris, trash, and other public health hazards,” said the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The advisory for all L.A. County beaches will last until Thursday at 3 p.m. … ” Read more from KTLA here: Southern California beaches under high bacteria warning after heavy rainfall
Newport bay waters reopened following sewage spill
“Several Newport Beach bay channels, closed over the weekend by a sewage spill, were reopened Monday afternoon following testing by the Orange County Health Care Agency. Swimmers, surfers and divers were allowed back in after a sewage spill that Orange County Sanitation District officials said was attributed to a forcemain leak. Orange County Sanitation District spokeswoman Jennifer Cabral said the organization was notified Friday at 9:45 p.m. by the Newport Beach Police Department that a resident had called in what looked like a broken sprinkler in the parkway. It smelled like sewage. OCSD crew responded and determined that there was a sewage leak, and immediately switched the sewage from one forcemain to the other. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Newport bay waters reopened following sewage spill
SAN DIEGO
Here’s why the price of water fluctuates so much across San Diego County
“The cost of water has over last two decades risen dramatically across San Diego County as a result of investments in desalination, ongoing maintenance, ever-increasing energy prices and unprecedented conservation. However, not everyone’s feeling those impacts equally. Rates vary considerably among the region’s two dozen local water agencies, according to an analysis done last year by the Otay Water District. For example, a typical 1,100 cubic feet of water costs about $90 a month in the city of San Diego, compared to nearly $137 in the Padre Dam Municipal Water District and $121 in Ramona. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: Here’s why the price of water fluctuates so much across San Diego County
Along the Colorado River …
Colorado River may require ‘decisive action,’ U.S. warns
“Federal officials have issued a thinly veiled threat to impose new cuts in water deliveries from the Colorado River if California and six other western states fail to reach a conservation agreement to protect severely depleted reservoirs. The warnings from the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation come after California water agencies proposed measures on Oct. 5 to curb their water consumption—despite being entitled to the largest share of water from the river. Four California water agencies offered to implement conservation measures to conserve an additional 400,000 acre-feet of water over each of the next three years. Some 250,000 acre-feet would come from the Imperial Irrigation District, which relies on the river water for the Imperial Valley’s robust winter vegetable farming economy. That would curb irrigation supplies by another 8% for farmers who have already cut water use by 16% since 2003. ... ” Read more from Ag Alert here: Colorado River may require ‘decisive action,’ U.S. warns
Guest opinion: Gary Wockner: Can conservation save the Colorado River, or just fuel more growth?
Gary Wockner with Save The Colorado River writes, “Water conservation is all the rage right now, especially because the federal government just offered the Southwest U.S. $4 billion for “water conservation” to try and “save the Colorado River” and its failing reservoirs and hydropower plants at Lakes Powell and Mead downstream in Arizona. Here in Colorado, municipalities and water districts that rely on the Colorado River are responding to the federal incentive. At the same time, it’s important to critically analyze any proposed conservation program — and associated financial payouts — to see what the actual result may be. For example, will the program really help save the Colorado River? Or will the program simply facilitate more growth in the number of houses and businesses that put a strain on all of Colorado’s rivers? ... ” Read more from the Daily Camera here: Guest opinion: Gary Wockner: Can conservation save the Colorado River, or just fuel more growth?
Lake Mead’s dire drought-stricken future foreshadowed at deadpool reservoir
“Operations at one of Spain’s largest hydropower plants have been halted due to drought-like conditions, foreshadowing the future of the rapidly receding Lake Mead. Electric utility company Endesa SA has shut down its facility in Mequinenza, Zaragoza, Spain after its water levels receded below 23 percent capacity, Bloomberg reported. This is below the minimum required to produce electricity. The plant first opened in 1966, and until now, has never been shut down. Spain is suffering one of the most severe droughts seen in more than a decade, with around 32 percent of the country affected due to rising temperatures and lack of rainfall. The situation mirrors similar ones across the globe, including the ongoing drought gripping the southwestern United States. … ” Read more from Newsweek here: Lake Mead’s dire drought-stricken future foreshadowed at deadpool reservoir
Utah: Do we really want to pipe water in from California? Not all of the ideas to save the Great Salt Lake are good ones.
“You’ve probably heard by now, but the Great Salt Lake is drying up. The Great Salt Lake water level reached record lows this summer, dropping to 4,190.1 feet in July. To put this in perspective, the lake was flexing about 3,000 square miles in the 90s. Now, it’s withered to less than 1,000. There are some obvious things we can do about this, mostly on the agricultural side of things. But that won’t stop people from coming up with all kinds of cooky, less obvious ways we could help the Great Salt Lake water level, like making fake rain in the desert or piping in water from California, among other ideas. … ” Read more from Utah Business here: Utah: Do we really want to pipe water in from California? Not all of the ideas to save the Great Salt Lake are good ones.
Water for Colorado’s 21st century economy
“Water has always been integral to the state’s prosperity, environment, and the quality of life of its residents. Coloradans know that water is one of the foundations of our unique mix of economic drivers: outdoor recreation, agriculture, high-tech industries and thriving cities. However, driven by migration from other states, Colorado is expected to continue to grow at a significant rate, particularly along the Front Range, the I-70 corridor and in southwestern Colorado. By 2050, Colorado’s population is expected to grow to 7.5 million, an increase of 1.7 million people. This comes at the same time that pressure on state water supplies will continue to increase. Interstate compacts signed decades ago legally bind Colorado to share water with downstream states, even as Colorado’s climate grows hotter and drier, and we experience reductions in stream flows. … ” Read more from the Gazette here: Water for Colorado’s 21st century economy
In national water news today …
See the amazing lost relics uncovered by drought as water levels receded
“Extreme drought gripped the world this year, fueling wildfires, draining rivers, reducing harvests. Amid the climate hardships are artifacts of thousands of years of lost history once buried or flooded, now reappearing due to plummeting water levels. From a sunken WWII-era landing craft in Nevada to an abandoned village in Iraq to a medieval horse bridge in England and undersea prehistoric stone monuments in Spain, here are sites that silently witnessed and documented historic climate change. … ” Read more from Newsweek here: See the amazing lost relics uncovered by drought as water levels receded
Non-stick pans could release millions of microplastic particles in possible ‘health concern,’ study says
“Non-stick pots could be releasing millions of tiny plastic particles as users are cooking or washing. In a new study, Australian researchers said that just one surface crack on a Teflon-coated pan could release around 9,100 plastic particles. At a micro scale, Raman imaging and algorithmic modeling have identified that broken coating may lead to the release of 2.3 million microplastics and nanoplastics. … ” Read more from Fox News here: Non-stick pans could release millions of microplastic particles in possible ‘health concern,’ study says
Draft report offers starkest view yet of U.S. climate threats
“The effects of climate change are already “far-reaching and worsening” throughout all regions in the United States, posing profound risks to virtually every aspect of society, whether it’s drinking water supplies in the Midwest or small businesses in the Southeast, according to a draft scientific report being circulated by the federal government. The draft of the National Climate Assessment, the government’s premier contribution to climate knowledge, provides the most detailed look yet at the consequences of global warming for the United States, both in the present and in the future. The final report isn’t scheduled to be published until late 2023, but the 13 federal agencies and hundreds of scientists who are compiling the assessment issued a 1,695-page draft for public comment on Monday. “The things Americans value most are at risk,” says the draft report, which could still undergo changes as it goes through the review process. … ” Read more from the New York Times here: Draft report offers starkest view yet of U.S. climate threats
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
UPDATE: November 8 Weekly Update on Curtailment Status of Water Rights and Claims in the Delta Watershed
