On the calendar today …
- EVENT: Surplus and Shortage: California’s Water Balancing Act from 9am to 12pm. As climate change accelerates, it’s bringing more extreme weather to California: The dry periods are hotter and drier than ever before—and the wet periods can be torrential. The only certainty is that water managers at every level will have to plan for and respond to extremes. How can we cope with the increasing volatility of our water cycle? We bring together three panels of experts to find out. Click here to register.
- MEETING: Central Valley Flood Protection Board at 9am. Agenda items include a 2022 Central Valley Flood Protection Plan Update, consideration of adoption of a revision to California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Waters, Division 1, (Title 23); and Reclamation District 817 Maintenance Area Formation. Click here for the complete agenda and remote access instructions.
- WEBINAR: USGS Science Support of Bi-National Efforts to Restore Riparian Ecosystems in the Colorado River Delta at 11am. A treaty signed by the U.S. and Mexico in 1944, and various subsequent amendments (“Minutes”), are the basis for bi-national agreements between the two countries, including management of water in the Colorado River. One aspect of these agreements in the Colorado River delta (in Mexico, downstream of the U.S.) involves the allocation and delivery of Colorado River water to support efforts to restore riparian ecosystems. While some USGS involvement in the Delta began in 1998, significant effort across multiple science centers began in 2014 and continues to the present in the context of Minutes 319 and 323. In the case of both of these Minutes, some Colorado River has been allocated to support efforts to restore native riparian forests, which provide essential habitat for migratory birds. Click here for more information and to register.
In California water news today …
Another California desalination plant approved — the most contentious one yet
“The California Coastal Commission tonight approved another desalination plant, despite citing its high costs, risks to Monterey Bay’s environment and “the most significant environmental justice issues” the commission has faced in recent years. The commission’s divided, 8-to-2 vote came after 13 hours of debate at a Salinas public hearing packed with several hundred people, plus more crammed into overflow space. Many of the 375 who signed up to speak opposed the project — some in tears. Much of the debate focused on the fairness of locating a for-profit company’s facility in the Monterey County city of Marina — which does not need the water and is home to designated disadvantaged neighborhoods. The expensive supply will flow to other communities, including the whiter, wealthy enclaves of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: Another California desalination plant approved — the most contentious one yet
Governor Newsom Statement on Approval of Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project
“California needs to diversify our water portfolio and stretch existing supplies as extreme weather threatens to reduce the state’s water supply 10% by 2040. Desalination is an important part of the state’s strategy to address the threats of extreme weather. I support the Coastal Commission’s decision to allow this project to move forward and I’ll continue supporting innovative solutions to bolster our state’s water resilience.”
SEE ALSO: Coastal Commission approves permit for Marina desal plant, from the Monterey Herald
Stanford scientists uncover ancient “super highways” to increase groundwater recharge
“In the chronically overpumped San Joaquin Valley, groundwater recharge can’t happen fast enough. And researchers at Stanford University have found underground highways that could put recharge into the fast lane. In a new paper released today, scientists show that airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys flown with helicopters can locate ancient underground passageways, called paleochannels. Scientists and water managers alike say this finding could have significant impacts on how water is recharged in the valley. That’s because these specific types of paleochannels, called incised valley fill deposits, are made up of unusually coarse materials, which means water can move quickly through the channels. … ” Read more from SJV Water here: Stanford scientists uncover ancient “super highways” to increase groundwater recharge
SEE ALSO:
- Hidden ‘Paleo Valleys’ Could Help California Survive Droughts, Scientific American
- From the air, scientists map ‘fast paths’ for recharging California’s groundwater, from the LA Times
- Scientists use imaging technology in quest to recharge state’s shrinking groundwater table, from Bay City News
FERC clears way for nation’s largest dam removal
“The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday unanimously approved the nation’s largest dam-removal project, clearing the way for restoration of more than 400 miles of the Klamath River by 2024. The commission granted a request from PacifiCorp to surrender licenses and decommission the Lower Klamath Project’s four hydroelectric dams in Oregon and California — the J.C. Boyle, Copco No. 1., Copco No. 2 and Iron Gate — ending decades of debate and review. “Some people might ask why in this time of great need for zero-emissions energy, why is the licensee agreeing to remove the dams?” FERC Chair Richard Glick acknowledged before the vote. “It doesn’t happen every day.” ... ” Read more from E&E News here: FERC clears way for nation’s largest dam removal
EXPLORE MORE COVERAGE:
- In ‘momentous’ act, regulators approve demolition of four Klamath River dams, from the LA Times
- Tribes celebrate as biggest dam removal project in history is about to start in California, from the Sacramento Bee
- FERC approves Klamath dam removals in ’24, from the Western Farm Press
- The largest dam demolition in history is approved for a California river, from the AP via NPR
- Last Major Hurdle Cleared for Klamath Dams Removal, from Cal Trout
- Five key lessons as world’s biggest dam removal project will soon begin on the Klamath River, from American Rivers
California-Nevada drought status update
“The water year started with a dry October and a storm system in early November which wet the landscape. Reservoirs throughout the region remain low, and Lake Tahoe is below the rim. There is a 76% chance of La Niña during December through February. Historically La Niña decreases the likelihood of a wet winter for Southern California and Southern Nevada. … ” Read more of this drought update from NIDIS here: California-Nevada drought status update
California winter looking like repeat of 2021 — dry and drought-plagued
“As California enters a fourth year of drought, experts warn a likely drier-than-average winter means little relief for much of California and Nevada. Nearly 41% of California and 43% of Nevada is in extreme drought, according to the latest California-Nevada Adaptation Program report prepared by program manager Julie Kalansky. The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that over the last month drought conditions have not changed very much. There was little to no precipitation throughout the region to start off the water year in October, though a system of storms in early November moistened the landscape and brought some snow to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. So far 2022 has been California’s driest and Nevada’s 8th driest in nearly 130 years of recordkeeping. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: California winter looking like repeat of 2021 — dry and drought-plagued
Snow this winter? Chances look better in latest NOAA outlook
“Those hoping to build a snowman this season (or sit inside and enjoy the charm of winter weather from a distance) have better chances of their dreams coming true. An update to the Climate Prediciton Center’s official winter forecast shows colder weather and higher chances of precipitation than the last forecast. The 90-day outlook was published Thursday morning by the Climate Prediciotn Center, part of the National Oceaning Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service. It gives people a rough idea of what December, January, and February will look like across the country. … ” Read more from KTLA here: Snow this winter? Chances look better in latest NOAA outlook
Delta Conservancy board approves millions for projects
“The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Board today approved dozens of new projects, totaling up to $10.8 million, and paved the way for an additional $42 million for multi-benefit projects in the Delta. The Board unanimously approved an award of up to $10.8 million for 64 Delta Drought Response Pilot Program (DDRPP) projects for water year 2023. The 2023 Delta Drought Response Pilot Program was developed through a collaborative effort between the Department of Water Resources, the Office of the Delta Watermaster, The Nature Conservancy, and the Delta Conservancy, in coordination with Delta water users. … ” Read more from the Delta Conservancy here: Delta Conservancy board approves millions for projects
DPR updating rules related to 1,3-D Exposure
“The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has introduced proposed regulations related to 1,3- dichloropropene (1,3-D). DPR Director, Julie Henderson said that the action is meant to lower the risk of 1,3-D exposure. The material is used to address a variety of soil-borne pests in agriculture, particularly nematodes. Proposed regulations would expand setbacks from occupied structures, as well as place limits on application rates and acreage. DPR will be accepting public comments on the proposal through January 18. … ” Read more from Ag Net West here: DPR updating rules related to 1,3-D Exposure
Governor Newsom and CAL FIRE announce the end of peak wildfire season for most of California
“Today, at a fire station in Napa, Governor Gavin Newsom and state fire officials announced the end of peak fire season in most areas of California, while highlighting CAL FIRE’s early work in preparation for next year’s wildfire season. The state stays ready to respond to wildfires across the state. Just yesterday, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties were under Red Flag Warnings, underscoring how California wildfire season is year-round. A combination of major state investments spearheaded by the Governor and the Legislature, highly cooperative weather, and the actions of state, local, and federal firefighting personnel resulted in a significantly less severe wildfire season, allowing CAL FIRE a head start on prevention projects ahead of next year. CAL FIRE has completed more than 20,000 acres of prevention and mitigation projects like prescribed burns in the last two months alone, compared to lesser amounts in recent years when firefighters were instead battling wildfires. ... ” Read more from the Office of the Governor here: Governor Newsom and CAL FIRE announce the end of peak wildfire season for most of California
How CA’s investment in wildfire prevention contributed to a less severe fire season
“Governor Gavin Newsom was in the Napa County Thursday talking about wildfire prevention and highlighting investments in stopping fires before they start. It’s what many believe may have contributed to a less severe fire season this year. “We’re recognizing their heroism and all the saves which didn’t make the nightly news,” said Newsom. Newsom gave a shout-out to the men and women of CAL FIRE who he says, battled more fires this season compared to 2021, about 7,300 blazes, but those wildfires burned far less acreage statewide. “That’s because of the extraordinary work of the folks you see behind me,” Newsom said. … ” Read more from ABC 7 here: How CA’s investment in wildfire prevention contributed to a less severe fire season
In commentary today …
Editorial: The price of environmental damage in California? Less than a tank of gas for these farmers
The Sacramento Bee editorial board writes, “What is the cost of defying California’s environmental laws? Less than $50. That’s all Northern California farmers will pay for blatantly draining the Shasta River in defiance of the state’s drought regulations last summer, likely killing protected salmon. The Shasta River Water Association is an irrigation district serving about 100 farmers and ranchers in Siskiyou County. Over eight days, its members drained nearly two-thirds of the river to fill livestock ponds in the area. This was the primary finding of a Bee investigation that suggests California is unable to stop farmers from draining water as they wish — no matter how much damage is done to the environment. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Editorial: The price of environmental damage in California? Less than a tank of gas for these farmers
The demise of Sacramento river spring-run, fall-run, and late-fall-run chinook salmon
Tom Cannon writes, “We all know the story of the demise of Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon below Shasta Dam over the past several decades. But what has happened to the other three Chinook runs: the spring, fall, and late-fall runs? They too have declined. Just 50 years ago, 300-500 thousand Chinook salmon ascended the Sacramento River to spawn. This was decades after most of the big Central Valley dams were built. Today, less than 10,000 Chinook salmon return to spawn near Redding. Most of these are Battle Creek and Livingston Stone hatchery fish, plus strays from Feather, American, Mokelumne, and Merced hatcheries. Wild, native Chinook are becoming increasingly rare with each decade. There are many factors that have led to the demise of Sacramento River Chinook salmon. No doubt, the two major droughts (76-77 and 87-92) had major roles. There was bad management and lack of regulatory protection on many levels. Today, the details of a post mortem are of less value than recognizing the problem and doing something about it. … ” Read more from the California Fisheries Blog here: The demise of Sacramento river spring-run, fall-run, and late-fall-run chinook salmon
Commentary: Water market is playing unsustainable game of chicken
Stephen Marks, the Elden Smith Professor of Economics at Pomona College, writes, “A Claremont friend of ours recently confessed, she is depressed if she sees a brown lawn, and she is depressed if she sees a green lawn. We think of our friend as reasonably well-adjusted, so lawns do seem to be the culprits here. Indeed, out for one of our walks on a Thursday evening — not a permissible sprinkler day — my wife and I see homes in our neighborhood with the sprinklers going full blast, with a steady flow of water running into the street. The L.A. Times recently interviewed Max Gomberg, who resigned as a senior manager with the California State Water Board out of his frustration over inaction in Sacramento on water. He described participants in the water market as playing a game of chicken, waiting to see who would blink first, taking us down an unsustainable path. … ” Continue reading at the Claremont Courier here: Commentary: Water market is playing unsustainable game of chicken
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Illegal marijuana grows in national forests and its lasting impact
“The Shasta Trinity National Forest is home to more than two million miles of beautiful forestry, a staple of the Northstate. However, hidden in the woods is a growing problem of illegal marijuana farms. These grows contain toxic chemicals, stolen water and much more, but there is a team of law enforcement agents fighting to retake the public’s land. This team of law enforcement agents with the US Forest Services (USFS) works specifically in finding and eliminating illegal marijuana grows. … ” Read more from KRCR here: Illegal marijuana grows in national forests and its lasting impact
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Restoration update – Van Norden Meadow
“Ten years after the Truckee Donner Land Trust and partners purchased Van Norden Meadow (Yayalu Itdeh in Washoe) to save it from development, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) and the Tahoe National Forest (TNF) have completed major construction on the project to restore the meadow. The 485-acre meadow, which was transferred into Tahoe National Forest ownership in 2017, is located at the headwaters of the South Yuba River. It is one of the largest meadows on the west side of the Northern Sierra and is critical for water storage, water quality, wildlife habitat, and forest resiliency. Healthy functioning meadows can also store as much carbon acre-for-acre as a rainforest. Due to years of intensive utilization, fire suppression, and hydrologic modifications such as dams and roads, Van Norden Meadow was in a degraded state, marked by deeply incised stream channels, a disconnected floodplain, low groundwater levels, soil compaction, invasive species colonization, and conifer encroachment. … ” Read more from the South Yuba River Citizens League here: Restoration update – Van Norden Meadow
Tahoe National Forest seeks public input on North Yuba Landscape Resilience Project draft environmental impact statement
“The Tahoe National Forest is seeking public input on the North Yuba Landscape Resilience Project draft environmental impact statement (DEIS). The 275,000-acre North Yuba Landscape Resilience Project is a landscape-scale vegetation and fuels management proposal designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, create fire adapted communities, improve forest health and promote mature and old growth forest characteristics that are resilient to fire, drought, insects and disease. The project proposal was informed by collaboration with the North Yuba Forest Partnership, which includes a diverse group of partners working to promote ecologically-based forest management solutions within the North Yuba River watershed. … ” Read more from Yuba Net here: Tahoe National Forest seeks public input on North Yuba Landscape Resilience Project draft environmental impact statement
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Colusa County releases drought documentary
“As Colusa County and the surrounding region face the worst recorded drought in decades, Colusa County officials recently released a documentary as a call to action to address the local economic crisis now faced as a result of these conditions. “Water prioritization and other factors have impacted our local agriculture industry, ecosystem, and community,” read a statement issued by Colusa County officials. “The drought has resulted in crisis-level economic impacts that have ramifications across the entire nation, threatening our country’s food supply. Immediate action is needed to address this catastrophic emergency.” ... ” Read more from Appeal Democrat here: Colusa County releases drought documentary
BAY AREA
Dry, offshore winds return to California this weekend, raising fire concerns
“California can’t seem to catch a break from these pesky offshore winds. The weather models are signaling yet another low-pressure system sliding into the Sierra Nevada and Central Valley on Friday and Saturday. This system will have the qualities of an “inside-slider,” meaning that residents all along the state’s coastal mountains can expect an uptick in northeast winds this weekend. So, what can the Bay Area expect with this next round of offshore winds? … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Dry, offshore winds return to California this weekend, raising fire concerns
Marin Municipal Water District looks to refine conservation strategy
“As the Marin Municipal Water District nears the end of a nearly yearlong study of potential new water supplies, some district leaders say more information is needed on the costs and benefits of bolstering water conservation investments. “I’m concerned that we are, as a board and as the public, still lacking the data we need about what’s feasible,” district board member Cynthia Koehler said during a board meeting on Tuesday. The district has been studying new water supplies since March after facing the prospect of depleting local reservoir storage following two years of severe drought. Rains in late 2021 helped to nearly refill the district’s seven reservoirs, giving it time to review new sources of water. ... ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin Municipal Water District looks to refine conservation strategy
CENTRAL COAST
Toxic chemical detected in San Luis Obispo groundwater 40 years ago. Now city wants to clean it up
“The city of San Luis Obispo wants to pump groundwater again — but first it must clean up decades-old chemical pollution detected within the basin. In the 1980s, city wells pumping under the city detected tetrachloroethylene (also known as PCE), a chemical associated with dry cleaning and industrial operations, in the San Luis Obispo Valley groundwater basin. Early on, the contamination didn’t exceed any regulatory standards, so San Luis Obispo was still able to deliver drinking water to customers, according to Mychal Boerman, the city’s utilities deputy director of water. … ” Read more from the San Luis Obispo Tribune here: Toxic chemical detected in San Luis Obispo groundwater 40 years ago. Now city wants to clean it up
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Water at center of dispute over Planada dairy expansion
“Some residents in Planada are calling on county officials to block a proposed expansion of a dairy. Merced County is currently in the process of deciding whether to allow the Hillcrest Dairy just north of the town to expand its herd from 8,050 cows to 9,750 cows. Some residents are saying that the expansion would make current problems with bad smells and flies worse, as well as threaten the community’s supply of groundwater. “California’s going through another drought and Merced County is still in a severely overdrafted situation with their water supply,” said Planada resident David Rodriguez at a recent Board of Supervisors meeting. “When one cow uses 30-plus gallons of water a day, that is a deep concern.” … ” Read more from the Merced County Times here: Water at center of dispute over Planada dairy expansion
FlowWest habitat restoration is determined to have concurrence for CEQA-exempt status for The Basso/La Grange Reach Floodplain and Spawning Habitat Restoration Project
“Initially submitted by Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife concurred that a restoration project in Stanislaus County qualifies as a statutorily exempt restoration project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Since enacted on September 23, 2021, only nine projects have been determined to have concurrence. Senate Bill 155 created a statutory CEQA exemption for projects that “conserve, restore, protect, or enhance, and assist in the recovery of California fish and wildlife, and habitat upon which they depend or that restore or provide habitat for California native fish and wildlife”. Tuolumne River Trust, Tuolumne River Conservancy, and Turlock Irrigation District proposed to enhance the Basso/La Grange Reach of the Tuolumne River to assist in the recovery of California native fish and wildlife. ... ” Read more from the Digital Journal here: FlowWest habitat restoration is determined to have concurrence for CEQA-exempt status for The Basso/La Grange Reach Floodplain and Spawning Habitat Restoration Project
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Santa Monica becomes more drought resilient with new water recycling facility
“Today, the City of Santa Monica and regional officials celebrated the opening of the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project (SWIP), a first-of-its-kind wastewater and stormwater recycling facility that will produce 10% of the City’s annual water supply, reducing its reliance on imported water. “Protecting our future is what the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project is all about,” said Santa Monica Mayor Sue Himmelrich. “By capturing and treating stormwater and wastewater we are protecting Santa Monica Bay and generating a new water stream to sustain the water needs of our community as drought conditions intensify. This project is a model for other cities in the state and we are grateful to the agencies who contributed to making it possible.” … ” Read more from the city of Santa Monica here: Santa Monica becomes more drought resilient with new water recycling facility
SEE ALSO: Water Boards and City of Santa Monica celebrate opening of water recycling facilities, press release from the State Water Resources Control Board
Effort to save shorelines at Capistrano and Doheny beaches approved, but $8 million+ still needed
“Plans to create a “living shoreline” at Capistrano Beach up to southern Doheny State Beach in Dana Point were approved by the California Coastal Commission Wednesday. The pilot program will use a combination of cobblestone buried under sand dunes that are topped with vegetation to save the quaint beach areas initially damaged four years ago by a series of strong swells that demolished beachfront basketball courts, parts of the parking lot, a wooden walkway and a restroom at the county-owned Capistrano Beach. Next door, a section of Doheny State Beach’s south parking lot became unusable and a popular pathway is threatened. Now that the plans for preserving the shoreline are approved, the next hurdle will be finding the estimated $8 million to $14 million it will take to make the project a reality. … ” Read more from the OC Register here: Effort to save shorelines at Capistrano and Doheny beaches approved, but $8 million+ still needed
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
California officials must stop squabbling and face the Salton Sea crisis with clear plans
Chuck Parker, Coachella Valley resident, writes, “Forty million people living in Southern California are faced with a deadly combination of drought, warming temperatures, a drying Salton Sea and criminally negligent policies. Officials who have the power and the responsibility to protect our water supply refuse to admit that the Colorado River can no longer supply the amount of water that we have become accustomed to. They have chosen to retreat into their corners and squabble about who should make the necessary sacrifices to save Lake Mead and Lake Powell from reaching dead pool where no one will get any water from the river. California officials, including Imperial Irrigation District (IID) are withholding their cooperation to save the Colorado River, by saying that cutbacks will hurt their efforts to control the dust that comes from the Salton Sea’s dry lakebed. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: California officials must stop squabbling and face the Salton Sea crisis with clear plans
SAN DIEGO
Fishing comes to a halt at Sweetwater Authority’s Loveland Reservoir
“Sweetwater Authority is again removing water from its Loveland Reservoir to meet customer needs during drought conditions, but the move will halt the lake’s free fishing program. The agency, which serves roughly 200,000 South County customers, began moving water downstream to its Sweetwater Reservoir this week. Officials said its water supply took a hit because of the region’s lack of rainfall and that transferring the water is a cheaper option than importing. But it means a decades-long program will be no more until rain returns the lake to high enough levels in the designated fishing area. … ” Read more from KPBS here: Fishing comes to a halt at Sweetwater Authority’s Loveland Reservoir
Along the Colorado River …
Western US cities to remove decorative grass amid drought
“A group of 30 agencies that supply water to homes and businesses throughout the western United States has pledged to rip up lots of decorative grass to help keep water in the over-tapped Colorado River. The agreement signed Tuesday by water agencies in Southern California, Phoenix and Salt Lake City and elsewhere illustrates an accelerating shift in the American West away from well-manicured grass that has long been a totem of suburban life, having taken root alongside streets, around fountains and between office park walkways. … ” Read more from the AP here: Western US cities to remove decorative grass amid drought
Water conspiracy theories are coming to Arizona. Here’s why experts say they will flood the state with lies
“The driest grounds California ever experienced were perfectly fertile for conspiracy theories. The state was in the midst of its worst water crisis in over 1,200 years during a mid-2010s drought. California’s governor, in response, put a mandatory 25% water cut across the board, affecting countless residents. Farmers were fighting farmers after pumping restrictions were placed on rivers and groundwater. Fishers protested after officials banned the practice in the name of conservation. Fear, anger and conspiracy beliefs were flowing in California when water wasn’t. The debunked “chemtrail” conspiracy theory was searched more in the state, and the nation as a whole, during the midst of the water cuts when compared to any other time before or after, Google Trends data shows. … ” Read more from Channel 12 here: Water conspiracy theories are coming to Arizona. Here’s why experts say they will flood the state with lies
Arizona weather and climate experts report on the moisture conditions in the Southwest
“As the saying goes, very few things in life are guaranteed. Nevertheless, that short list of life’s guarantees just got a wee bit longer: The chances that the panel of experts that analyzes Arizona’s drought status would recommend a “drought’s over!” finding this fall were about as close to zero as you could get. And so it came to pass. Arizona’s Drought Interagency Coordinating Group has met twice annually since 2006 and recommends to the state’s Governor whether to continue with our official drought declaration. At its most recent gathering on Nov. 10, it did just that, recommending that the Arizona Governor continue declaring a statewide drought emergency. “From my standpoint, we heard a couple of plusses,” said ADWR Director Tom Buschatzke, who noted in particular a report that in-state water supplies appear to be in good shape. … ” Read more from Arizona Department of Water Resources here: Arizona weather and climate experts report on the moisture conditions in the Southwest
They control a large chunk of Arizona’s water: Meet the CAWCD Board’s newest members
“There were numerous politicians and propositions that showed up on Arizonans’ 2022 midterm ballots, but Maricopa County residents had something else to vote on: the state’s water future. Five seats on the Central Arizona Water Conservation District were up for election this year, and numerous political newcomers threw their names in the hat to be named a board member. The board maintains and operates the Central Arizona Project (CAP) canal, the state’s second-largest source of water. ... ” Read more from Channel 12 here: They control a large chunk of Arizona’s water: Meet the CAWCD Board’s newest members
Faucets poised to run dry for hundreds of Arizona residents by year’s end
“More than 500 homes in this affluent desert community that boasts mountain views, ample trees and ranches hidden in the crooks of scrubby hills will run out of water by year’s end as drought tightens its grip on the West. Residents of Rio Verde Foothills outside Scottsdale have tried for years to resolve the looming crisis to no avail as the deadline to stop their water deliveries draws closer, forcing individual homeowners to find their own sources of water for drinking, bathing, washing dishes or doing their laundry. “It’s going to be really ugly and terrible for our homeowners and landowners,” said Karen Nabity, who has lived in Rio Verde Foothills for seven years. “Some of us will borrow water from a friend’s well, others will have to pay a water hauler from far away.” … ” Read more from NBC News here: Faucets poised to run dry for hundreds of Arizona residents by year’s end
In Arizona, one utility has a front row seat to Colorado River crisis
“Tobyn Pilot took a few crunchy footsteps through the rough red dirt near the edge of a towering cliff. Pilot, an operator at the water plant in Page, Arizona, pulled out a hefty collection of keys and unlocked a tiny plywood-paneled shed just a few feet from the brink. The building is barely bigger than an outhouse, but it’s a pivotal part of keeping the taps flowing. As the once-mighty Colorado dries up at the hands of a changing climate, communities that rely on it are starting to feel the pinch. Many large cities in the Southwest are well-positioned to weather the growing crisis, but some smaller ones have a perilous front row seat as the shrinking river threatens to cut off their water supply completely. Page is one of them. … ” Read more from KUNC here: In Arizona, one utility has a front row seat to Colorado River crisis
Here’s a look at the future of water in Arizona
“The landscape at Lake Mead in Arizona looks apocalyptic. Drastically lowered water levels that have left a “bathtub ring” around the perimeter and uncovered junk that was thrown into the reservoir decades ago have changed the ecosystem and impacted the tourism industry. Does that illustrate the future of water in Arizona? Will the Valley of the Sun face the same fate? Climate change has produced a megadrought that has reduced water in the Colorado River, which was already overallocated to the seven states in its basin. Cuts in the water allotments were imposed in 2022, and this summer, the federal government increased those cuts. Arizona will lose about one-fifth of its share. ... ” Read more from Arizona Big Media here: Here’s a look at the future of water in Arizona
In national water news today …
Americans are running out of water. A towering iceberg could be the answer
“The world is suffering from a freshwater crisis, including many parts of the United States that are experiencing prolonged drought. But could a bizarre potential solution—towing icebergs—help address the problem? That question is explored in an upcoming book, Chasing Icebergs: How Frozen Freshwater Can Save the Planet, by Matthew Birkhold, a professor at Ohio State University who focuses on law, environmental humanities, intellectual property and Indigenous studies. … Despite the scale of the crisis before us, Birkhold argues that towing icebergs and harvesting them for drinking water could be among the potential solutions, although this one raises a number of legal, ethical and environmental questions. “It is really a bizarre, almost divine, gift that our planet has locked away fresh water for us,” he said. … ” Read more from Time Magazine here: Americans are running out of water. A towering iceberg could be the answer
National water and climate update …
The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces this weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S.
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