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On the calendar today …

• MEETING: State Water Resources Control Board beginning at 9:30am. Agenda items include a drought update and current hdyrologic conditions, update on urban water conservation, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Los Angeles Region Basin Plan, and consideration of adoption of the proposed Statewide Sanitary Sewer Systems General Order. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.
• MEETING: State Board of Food and Ag from 10am to 12pm. Agenda items include a departmental update with Secretary Karen Ross, Committee Reports, and 2023 Agenda topics. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.
• WEBINAR: Geoconnex: A Community Index for Water Data from 11:30am to 12:30pm.  The IoW Team at CGS will provide a detailed presentation and update for general audiences on the Internet of Water’s flagship technology, Geoconnex. When completed, this geospatial index will be capable of searching and retrieving any water metadata published in the United States, and ultimately North America and beyond.  This webinar will provide visualizations of Geoconnex (e.g., what does it do, how does it work), including visualizations of the current contents and anticipated growth in scope and scale of the index this year.  Click here to register.’
• WEBINAR: How Geology Shaped California from 12pm to 1pm. Dr. Scott Valentine, Earth Science Instructor at Lake Tahoe Community College, tells a captivating story of how earthquakes, volcanism, and geologic riches shaped the state of California. Click here to register.
• PUBLIC MEETING: Delta Tunnel Draft EIR Public Comment Session in the Delta from 4pm to 5:30pm.  Hosted by the Delta Legislative Caucus and the Delta Counties Coalition.  Draft EIR comments on the Department of Water Resources’ controversial tunnel proposal are due on December 16, 2022.  It is critical to the future of the Delta for people to attend this meeting and make their voices heard.  The meeting will provide a brief overview of the project and include an opportunity to put your comments inteo the formal record.  Assistance with written comment submissions will also be provided.  Willow Ballroom, 10724 CA 160; Hood, CA 95639
• GRA San Diego Branch: Numerical Models as Sustainable Groundwater Management Tools: The Role Of Sensitivity Analysis In Data Gap Reduction from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.  This talk highlights the use of sensitivity analysis to support identification and implementation of projects in the Montecito Groundwater Basin. In this basin, interactions between groundwater and the coast are uncertain, and projected conditions associated with seawater intrusion are informed by uncertain model predictions. To better constrain these predictions throughout GSP implementation, the local GSA has pursued projects to acquire additional groundwater quality and level data. This presentation will highlight the technical framework utilized for development of the sensitivity analysis and will present key results and insights that inform ongoing project implementation in the basin.  Click here to register.

In California water news today …

Parts of the West have double the normal snowpack. Experts say it’s too early to get excited

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across the West, and for the parched mega-drought region, the December snow is a welcome gift.  With back-to-back-to-back winter storms across the West, the snowpack is thriving. Parts of the Sierra and the Pacific Northwest are seeing above-average snowpack for this time of year.  In Central California, the Sierra stands at 200% of normal for snowpack average to date.  The drought monitor released some of the numbers Thursday, which showed some of the driest areas in the West with decent snow. … ”  Read more from CNN here: Parts of the West have double the normal snowpack. Experts say it’s too early to get excited

CW3E AR Update: Potential for multiple atmospheric rivers to impact the us west coast during the next 7 days

“Two atmospheric rivers (ARs) are forecast to make landfall along the US West Coast on 9 Dec and 12 Dec.  The first AR is forecast to bring a short period of AR 1 conditions (based on the Ralph et al. 2019 AR Scale) to coastal Southern Oregon.  The deterministic GFS and ECMWF have drastically different solutions for a developing area of low-pressure associated with the second AR, making it difficult to pinpoint the timing, IVT intensity, and landfall location. … ”  Read more from the Center for Western Weather & Water Extremes here:  CW3E AR Update: Potential for multiple atmospheric rivers to impact the us west coast during the next 7 days

Sierra snowpack is exceptional, but last year’s memories haunt California

“The Sierra snowpack vital to supplying water for California’s residents, businesses, and farms is off to a strong start.  Recent storms bringing rain to the Valley and other parts of the state are also dumping snow on the Sierra Nevada.  According to the state Department of Water Resources, the northern Sierra snowpack is 155% of normal through Monday.  Meanwhile, the central Sierra and southern Sierra snowpacks are 166% and 216% of normal, respectively.  What does this mean for the California drought? … ”  Read more from GV Wire here: Sierra snowpack is exceptional, but last year’s memories haunt California

SEE ALSO: California snowpack shows promise following recent storms, from Roseville Today

Rain has returned to NorCal, but don’t expect reservoirs to fill up anytime soon

“So far, things are going well for Northern California heading into what is, on average, the busiest part of the rain and snow season.  As of Monday morning, many locations around the region are reporting above-average rainfall totals since the water year began on Oct. 1. Downtown Sacramento has had close to 4 inches as of the most recent observation on Sunday. … It is important to note that a fast start to a water year does not guarantee a good year for the water supply as a whole. Take the 2021-22 season as a perfect example. After a major October storm and a very busy December, rainfall and snowpack measurements were way above average heading into the new year. By early April, the snowpack had almost completely shriveled away, leaving nothing to draw from for much of the spring. … ”  Read more from KCRA here: Rain has returned to NorCal, but don’t expect reservoirs to fill up anytime soon

SEE ALSO:  With heavy rain and snow in the Greater Sacramento region, what does it mean for reservoirs?, from CBS News

California’s drought disaster is turning into an economic disaster: ‘It’s unprecedented’

“In the early hours of a cold fall morning, thousands of birds would sit in the puddles of water in the empty rice fields just outside the Sacramento Valley.   At many of those fields this year, there isn’t a single bird that can be seen. It’s because there’s no water. There are no plants. The fields are empty and bone dry. They’ve become fallowed. The streams of water that once flowed to allow the beavers and deer feed and drink are gone. The ground looks like slabs of cracked concrete.  Economists and farmers warn that there could be severe environmental and economic consequences that stretch beyond these dry fields that farmers are challenged with. California is now experiencing the driest three-year period since late 1800s. Even with the recent rain and snowfall along the Sierra Nevada Mountains, farmers aren’t holding their breath for this winter and rainy season to end the drought.  … ”  Read more from Fox News here: California’s drought disaster is turning into an economic disaster: ‘It’s unprecedented’

Many growers are in great farming frustration

“Zach Fowler is a CEO and Director of Asset Management for Fowler Brothers Farming, based in Waterford. He comments on this growing frustration for almond growers.  “We’re seeing a lot of frustration just with the prices, water regulations, and everything like that. People are very frustrated. They’re just keeping their heads down. But I mean, it’s just… really tightening down on people on what they’re spending and what they’re doing coming up, and whether they’re redeveloping ground or just holding tight on what they can do,” said Fowler.  And Fowler said one of the big troublesome areas is the price of almonds. … ”  Read more from Cal Ag Today here: Many growers are in great farming frustration

Drought conditions could impact Christmas tree supply in coming years

“The last year has not been kind for Ryan Liberty or the dozens of other Christmas tree farmers across the state of Maine. Severe drought has made it incredibly hard for the 55-year-old tree farmer to keep his 3,000 Balsam firs from going dry.  “It’s not a short game; it’s a long game and you gotta love it,” Liberty said standing between rows of trees on his farm in Wells, Maine.  Balsam firs grow about one foot per year. Most people want a tree that’s between 6 and 7 feet tall, which means from the time a sapling is put in the ground, it could be nearly seven years before it can be cut and sold to a customer. … ”  Read more from KSBY here: Drought conditions could impact Christmas tree supply in coming years

Court Grants Petition Challenging Delta Tunnel Soil Investigation Project

Central Delta Water Agency et al.  v. State of California State Department of Water Resources(Superior Court of Sacramento County, Case No. 34-2020-80003457)  “On December 5, 2022, the Sacramento County Superior Court ruled against the Department of Water Resources (DWR) in a case challenging DWR’s environmental review of hundreds of borings and other geotechnical explorations taking place on Delta lands and waterways.  Information from these investigations is being used to help plan the controversial Delta Conveyance Project/Delta Tunnel. Central Delta Water Agency, South Delta Water Agency and Local Agencies of the North Delta challenged DWR’s adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration (a shortened form of review) for the investigatory activities.  The Draft Environmental Impact Report for the larger Delta Tunnel project is currently being circulated for public review, with the formal comment period ending on December 16, 2022.  The judge determined the Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for the investigatory activities for the Delta Tunnel project failed to include legally adequate mitigation for biological resources impacts.  In particular, mitigation measures designed to protect wetlands and special status wildlife impacts failed to include required performance standards identifying how the measures would reduce these effects to less than significant levels. … ”

New study says repurposing retired farmland around disadvantaged communities in California’s Central Valley would benefit the economy and environment

“As historic overuse of water resources and persistent drought forces more farmland retirement in California’s Central Valley, a new study finds that strategic land repurposing would preserve landowners’ revenue and create better-paying jobs in rural communities while decreasing pollution and overall water use.  In the region known as the nation’s food basket, many low-income residents who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods also breathe dirty air and lack vital services such as sewage, health care and clean drinking water. The study examines the benefits of creating one-mile buffer zones in and around 154 disadvantaged rural communities that could be used for solar energy and other clean industries, managed aquifer recharge projects, and parks and wildlife corridors to help restore degraded ecosystems. … ”  Read more from the Union of Concerned Scientists here: New study says repurposing retired farmland around disadvantaged communities in California’s Central Valley would benefit the economy and environment

PPIC Fact Sheet: Water and energy in California

“In California, water and energy use are closely connected. California’s water system uses energy to pump, convey, treat, and heat water. Although agriculture uses roughly four times more water than cities, cities account for most water-related energy use.  Water is also required for hydropower generation, thermoelectric power plants, and oil and gas extraction.  Improving water use efficiency can reduce energy consumption; conversely, improving energy efficiency can reduce impacts on water supply and quality. … ”  Read more from the PPIC here:  PPIC Fact Sheet: Water and energy in California

Sen. Dodd introduces bill expanding water shutoff protections

“Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, introduced legislation today to expand provisions of his Water Shutoff Protection Act, ensuring more low-income Californians have uninterrupted access to essential drinking water, especially in times of skyrocketing costs.  “Access to water is a fundamental right and we must ensure the tap does not get turned off just because someone falls behind on their bills,” Sen. Dodd said. “This proposal enhances my previous legislation by covering people in smaller, rural communities who are struggling financially. It will allow them to continue using water for drinking, cooking and necessities such as washing clothes while they get caught up on missed payments.” … ”  Read more from Senator Dodd’s office here: Sen. Dodd introduces bill expanding water shutoff protections

Amid growing PFAS regulation, California files suit against chemical companies

“A new California lawsuit seeks to hold manufacturers liable for damages allegedly caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS – arguing violation of public nuisance and negligence laws.  California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the suit on Nov. 10 against 3M, DuPont, Carrier Global, and many other named and unnamed parties. The complaint, filed in Alameda County Superior Court, focuses on Perfluorooctanoic acid, Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, and five other chemicals determined hazardous by California regulators.  It’s among the first statewide suits seeking statewide relief, Albert Lin, professor of law at UC Davis School of Law, told the Northern California Record. … ”  Read more from the Northern California Record here: Amid growing PFAS regulation, California files suit against chemical companies

The missing mammal that may have shaped California’s kelp forests

“The Steller’s sea cow, an extinct relative of the manatee, could grow to five tons and 25 feet long and roamed the coastal waters of the northern Pacific Ocean. Although they were named for him, Georg Wilhelm Steller, a German zoologist who observed the animals between Asia and North America in 1741, described them as something like seaweed-and-kelp gluttons.  “These animals are very voracious and eat incessantly, and because they are so greedy they keep their heads always under water, without regard to life and safety,” Steller wrote in his book “On the Beasts of the Sea.” … ”  Read more the New York Times here: The missing mammal that may have shaped California’s kelp forests

Stanford’s David Hayes advocates ‘whole of government’ approach to promote ‘climate resilience’

“David J. Hayes, JD ’78, is back at Stanford Law School as a visiting lecturer after serving in the White House as Special Assistant to President Biden for Climate Policy. His diverse career spanning private practice, government service, and academia has made him a leading national voice on climate change policy.  While in the Biden administration, Hayes worked with the National Climate Advisor and the cabinet-level National Climate Task Force on a broad range of policies, including reducing methane and other greenhouse gas emissions, and accelerating the United States’ transition to a clean energy economy through offshore wind, transmission and other projects. Chief among his accomplishments was the establishment of a first-ever, “whole of government” effort to improve the United States’ resilience in the face of climate change.  His recent position paper, “Forging New Ground: Implementing a Climate Resilience Agenda Across the U.S. Federal Government,” provides a “White House insider’s view” on that effort. … ”  Read more from Stanford Law School here:  Stanford’s David Hayes advocates ‘whole of government’ approach to promote ‘climate resilience’

Video: Three ways Berkeley Lab is accelerating carbon management solutions to fight climate change

“Berkeley Lab research supports efforts to quickly scale up technologies that prevent carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, or that remove it from the air once it’s already there.  Check out this video to learn about three of these solutions: enhanced weathering, a chemical sponge, and geologic carbon storage.”

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In commentary today …

A rainy season starts to chip away at drought, locally and throughout state

“Rainy weather.  A series of storms that have brought rainfall to Santa Cruz County and heavy snowfall to the Sierra Nevada over the past few days should taper off by today, although the forecast over the next week shows unsettled weather and possibly more rain gathering on the horizon.  The past three years of drought and the wildfires sparked in its wake, along with heightened worries over water supply, mean that the recent rains are a blessing.  But — and there’s always a “but” in news accounts, isn’t there? — the rainy week we’ve enjoyed brings back memories of last year, when early storms brought hope the drought was ending. But then the storm door slammed shut and most of December and all of January, the two wettest months for our area historically, were dry and dry. The following months weren’t much better. … ”  Read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel here: A rainy season starts to chip away at drought, locally and throughout state

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In regional water news and commentary today …

NORTH COAST

Klamath water leaders craft plans to fill Upper Klamath Lake

“The Klamath Water Users Association says its created a plan to fill Upper Klamath Lake, amid the ongoing drought. The plan is outlined in a letter to the federal government.  It says taking action now would result in a significant reduction in river flows compared to current levels. The KWUA says that means reducing one-third of the current flow.  The organization says there are a lot of competing demands on Upper Klamath Lake in the spring and summer months for fish and farms.  “We believe that that reduction in river flows can occur, should occur and needs to occur because the impacts to doing otherwise and not filling up upper Klamath Lake are so severe that’s an outcome we can’t afford to repeat,” said Moss Driscoll with the KWUA. … ”  Read more from Fox 26 here: Klamath water leaders craft plans to fill Upper Klamath Lake

As a sacred minnow nears extinction, Native Americans of Clear Lake call for bold plan

“Spring runs of a large minnow numbering in the millions have nourished Pomo Indians since they first made their home alongside Northern California’s Clear Lake more than 400 generations ago.  The Clear Lake hitch glinted like silver dollars as they headed up the lake’s tributaries to spawn, a reliable squirming crop of plenty, steeped in history and tasty when salted and dried like jerky.  In all that time, the hitch’s domain, about 110 miles northwest of Sacramento, had never suffered the degradation of recent years.  Now, with a growing sense of sorrow, if not anger, the Pomo Indian tribes of Clear Lake are watching the symbol of abundance and security they call chi dwindle into extinction.  On Monday, they took the rare and drastic step of urging Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to use her emergency powers and invoke the federal Endangered Species Act on behalf of the Clear Lake hitch. ... ”  Read more from the LA Times here: As a sacred minnow nears extinction, Native Americans of Clear Lake call for bold plan

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Palisades Tahoe development back on table after revised environmental report

“Following a court order requiring approvals to further develop areas within Olympic Valley, Placer County has released a revised environmental impact report for the Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan.  The announcement makes official the resort’s intent to seek entitlements to revitalize and complete the Village at Palisades Tahoe.  Under the California Environmental Quality Act, Placer County will reassess impacts regarding traffic and transit mitigation, potential water and air quality effects on Lake Tahoe, wildfire evacuation and construction noise.  “Our Village Specific Plan is one of the most thoroughly studied in the county’s history and was reduced by 50% from its original design based on community input,” said Dee Byrne, Palisades Tahoe president and COO. “We remain confident in the plan previously approved. It has been resubmitted with the additional environmental work as requested by the appellate court and county.” … ”  Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Palisades Tahoe development back on table after revised environmental report

NAPA/SONOMA

Calistoga begins repairing pipe that has leaked more than 130,000 gallons of water since August

“A one-inch-diameter pipe carrying drinking water has been leaking under Highway 128 at 2960 Foothill Blvd. in Calistoga for more than three months. The leak has caused water to puddle on the highway. Calistoga City Council members were not impressed with the length of time that has passed since the leak was discovered in August. “It’s more than enough water that’s leaked out to fill several swimming pools,” said councilmember Gary Kraus. “The city needs to be nimble enough that—especially during a drought, especially during a water crisis—the city needs to get these problems correctly as quickly as possible.” … ”  Read more from the Napa Register here: Calistoga begins repairing pipe that has leaked more than 130,000 gallons of water since August

BAY AREA

The Bay Area could get even colder this week – and then the rain returns

“The wet weather across the Bay Area and the snow in the Sierra will last through the morning on Tuesday. After that, the thermometer will dive: cold air will keep temperatures cooler than normal this week, with highs in the 50s across most of the Bay Area. The overnight temperatures will become even colder, with lows dropping to the 30s and lower 40s for most spots. The North Bay valleys and inland in the East Bay could get close to the freezing point. The weather will be dry with clear skies for the next couple of days, as the low pressure that brought the rain moves out and high pressure moves in. By the end of the week, wet weather will return. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: The Bay Area could get even colder this week – and then the rain returns

Novato wetlands project gets $2.2M state allocation

“The California State Coastal Conservancy has allotted $2.2 million to a North Bay research group to take over caretaking responsibilities and volunteer work for one of Marin County’s largest wetland restoration sites.  The Point Blue Conservation Science nonprofit research group received the funds to continue the upkeep of nearly 200 acres of the Hamilton wetlands and forthcoming Bel Marin Keys wetlands near Novato for the next two years. Its responsibilities include maintenance, replacing aged or damaged interpretive signs and kiosks, running the native plant nursery, planting, watering, coordinating volunteer groups and leading school field trips.  “We’re excited to continue working with the community and the opportunity to bring in more groups, additional volunteer activities and tours,” said Leia Giambastiani, a Point Blue restoration project manager. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Novato wetlands project gets $2.2M state allocation

Commentary:  We must exhibit patience as new Marin Municipal Water District board secures water supply

“We can all agree there are no quick fixes for a secure, climate-resilient Marin Municipal Water District water supply. Unfortunately, MMWD has been relying on the “magic bullet” of local rainfall and conservation for too long, leaving our long-term supply outlook in a precarious state.  Later this month, the new slate of MMWD directors joins their colleagues already on the board and gets to work. Having followed their campaigns, it is clear that the new board members – Ranjiv Khush, Matt Samson and Jed Smith – recognize the need for a portfolio approach. They know conservation is an essential component of water security, but it can’t be the only one to address Marin’s water resiliency problems. They also know that short, medium and long-term goals will create reliable water resiliency. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Commentary:  We must exhibit patience as new Marin Municipal Water District board secures water supply

SFO and Bay Area airports face even bigger risks from sea level rise than we knew

“Runways at major Bay Area airports could face flooding within two decades if nothing is done to protect them from sea level rise and storm surge, a new UC Berkeley study evaluating risk to California coastal airports has found.  The report, which looked at exposure to flooding at California public airports located within 6 miles of the coast, found vulnerabilities at 39 out of 43 by 2100. That includes all 14 Bay Area airports in the study, half of which could face flooding on their runways or taxiways in the next 20 years. San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport are two of the most vulnerable airports statewide — though they are taking steps to mitigate the problem. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: SFO and Bay Area airports face even bigger risks from sea level rise than we knew

Zone 7 to present updates on PFAS treatment, water supply, rates to Pleasanton council

“Zone 7 Water Agency staff are set to update the Pleasanton City Council on Tuesday about its regional groundwater modeling and PFAS contamination, which will serve as foundational information in future council decision-making on water supply issues.  City staff will also seek approval from council to keep the city’s wells 5 and 6 offline and to purchase replacement water from Zone 7 until a water supply alternatives study is completed and the council can decide what to do about the city’s long-term water supply.  According to the staff report, “Zone 7 has indicated that it can provide the additional water, initially through a short-term arrangement. This cost would be funded by the Zone 7 pass-through to utility ratepayers.” ... ”  Read more from Pleasanton Weekly here: Zone 7 to present updates on PFAS treatment, water supply, rates to Pleasanton council

CENTRAL COAST

Santa Cruz needs more water; city’s new policy keeps desalination, recycled wastewater on the table

“Climate change is forcing a strategy change when it comes to water in Santa Cruz. No longer will the focus be on furthering water conservation — something the city is already a shining example of in an increasingly thirsty state. The goal moving forward: finding more water.  A new policy document, unanimously approved by the Santa Cruz City Council last Tuesday, essentially acts as a formal recognition that the city needs to increase its water supply if it is going to maintain business as usual into the future. By 2027, the city wants to boost its water supply by 500 million gallons — a 20% increase over current water demand. However, unlike past water policy documents, the latest plan stops short of recommending a path forward. Instead, it proposes four options — among them, desalination and recycling wastewater — and delays the community fight over the proper project for a future date. … ”  Read more from Lookout Santa Cruz here:  Santa Cruz needs more water; city’s new policy keeps desalination, recycled wastewater on the table

Supervisors to vote on Paso Basin planting ordinance

“Tomorrow, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors will vote to possibly adopt the Paso Basin Land Use Management Area Planting Ordinance. The ordinance would limit small farmers to 25 acre-feet per year (AFY) for the next 22 years.  The San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau has written a letter to the Board of Supervisors urging them not to pass the ordinance.  Arguing the ordinance does not support “small farmers,” the Farm Bureau explains, “Given the structure of the Planting Ordinance (the allowance of 25 AFY of water for an unlimited number of sites if they are not contiguous), the most likely beneficiaries will be people with larger financial resources who will take advantage of this new system and plant new crops on multiple sites. … ”  Read more from the Paso Robles Daily News here: Supervisors to vote on Paso Basin planting ordinance

After a wet week, Ventura County rainfall totals stay below normal

“Storms dampened Ventura County last week, but rainfall continues to fall below normal.  Over the past five days, totals ranged from a half-inch of rainfall recorded in Camarillo to more than 2 1/2 inches near the Casitas Dam in the Ojai Valley, according to preliminary figures from the Ventura County Watershed Protection District.  Most local cities have recorded from a little over an inch to nearly 3 inches of rain so far this water year, which runs from October through September. That’s around half to three-fourths of normal rainfall and comes on top of a string of dry years. … ”  Read more from the Ventura County Star here: After a wet week, Ventura County rainfall totals stay below normal

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Helping endangered rabbit may reduce flooding risk

“Saving the endangered Riparian brush rabbits could also protect large swaths of rural south Manteca as well as part of Lathrop from flooding.  It is because efforts of the non-profit River Partners at the 2,100-acre Dos Rios Preserve located at the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers to assist the rabbit subspecies, five endangered birds, and three endangered fish could also provide 10,000 acre feet of critical transient floodwater storage to reduce flood stages as far north as Stockton.  River Partners (www.riverpartners.org) is in the middle of a campaign to solicit donations qualifying for a dollar-for-dollar matching grant to help fund their efforts. … ”  Read more from the Manteca Bulletin here:  Helping endangered rabbit may reduce flooding risk

Kern County farmers, worried for this year’s crop, have to contend with low 2023 state water allocation

“Despite the rain we have been getting, the state of California is still in the third year of a drought. The state recently announced water allocation for the upcoming year. This water is meant to provide for the 29 public water agencies across the state that altogether serves 24 million Californians.  Here in the Central Valley, water fuels the crop production Kern County depends on. The county has been allocated 5 percent of the state’s water for 2023, and entities like the California Farm Bureau and the Kern County Water Agency expressed their concerns over the lower projected water allocation. … ”  Read more Channel 23 here: Kern County farmers, worried for this year’s crop, have to contend with low 2023 state water allocation

Tehachapi: Low imported water allocation likely means reduced ag production again next year

“The California Department of Water Resources on Dec. 1 announced an initial State Water Project allocation of 5 percent of requested supplies for 2023. At the same time last year, the initial allocation for 2022 was zero — although it later increased to 15 percent and then dropped again to 5 percent in March.  “This is a good start, but not enough water to sustain the existing customers in the Tehachapi area — if it were to be our new long-term average,” Robert Schultz, president of the Tehachapi-Cummings Water District Board of Directors, said in a text message after the allocation was made public. “One thing to keep in mind is that this is an early allocation forecast and subject to change many times between now and next spring,” he said. … ”  Read more from the Tehachapi News here: Low imported water allocation likely means reduced ag production again next year

EASTERN SIERRA

Mono Lake: Gull protection fence to go up in 2023

“As California weathers another drought and Mono Lake’s level continues to drop, the landbridge from the mainland to one of the world’s largest California Gull nesting colonies is re-emerging, and with it, concern for the gull population put at risk of coyote predation.  Lake level projections for next year indicate Mono Lake, which entered the drought well below the required management level that would buffer it from these problems, will be at a dangerously low level for nesting gulls because the landbridge will be further exposed. A narrower water channel, shallow water, and exposed shoals will allow coyotes easier access to vulnerable gull eggs and chicks. Anticipating this, Mono Lake Committee staff are once again planning to install the temporary electric fence that successfully protected the gulls five years ago. ... ”  Read more from the Mono Lake Committee here: Mono Lake: Gull protection fence to go up in 2023

IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS

Commentary: Four-way deal bad for Imperial Valley

John Hernandez, a Brawley resident and executive director of Our Roots Multicultural Center, writes, “Seems like most people are falling all over themselves celebrating the “historic” deal between the Imperial Irrigation District, Coachella Valley Water District, the U.S. Department of Interior (Bureau of Reclamation), and the California Natural Resources Agency that will supposedly bring up to a quarter-billion dollars to the Salton Sea for restoration projects.  I certainly understand the need to conserve water and help bolster the elevation at Lake Mead to try to restore some kind of balance to the Colorado River, but at what cost to the people of the Imperial Valley?  The Imperial Valley is giving up 1 million acre-feet of water over four years for maybe $250 million and that just doesn’t seem like an even trade off; it feels like a bad deal – like my friends over at Comite Civico del Valle so aptly put it – “half-baked.” … ”  Read more from the Holtville Tribune here:  Commentary: Four-way deal bad for Imperial Valley

SAN DIEGO

Binational flood exercise strengthens vital communication channels

“If there’s a single common cause of best-laid plans falling apart at the seams, it probably has something to do with poor communications.  Fortunately, that wasn’t lost on Silver Jackets members who work at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) South Pacific Division when they began developing a virtual tabletop exercise to validate the Barrett Dam Emergency Action Plan and Emergency Response Plan in the spring of 2022. With Barrett Dam being in the binational Tijuana River watershed, flood impacts would be largely in the more populated areas of Tijuana, Mexico. With a risk of a binational disaster, cross-border flood risk communication and coordination is vital to saving lives.  “We need to coordinate ahead of disasters, so we know whom to call and who has certain resources,” said Eileen Takata, who worked in the LA District as a watershed program manager when the cross-border flood risk was identified. … ”  Read more from the Army Corps of Engineers here: Binational flood exercise strengthens vital communication channels

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Along the Colorado River …

Western water leaders talk local solutions amid Colorado River crisis

“Some water leaders in the West are working on local solutions as the Colorado River Basin faces historic drought. The Water Hub, a national organization centered on water justice, led a briefing with a team of panelists to talk about some of them.  “The river has been in the news and in the public eye … but a lot of that coverage has focused on the current crisis,” said Nicole Lampe, the managing director of the Water Hub. “But we know that interim solutions aren’t enough to bring the basin back to health. That’s why we’ve convened this great panel of expert practitioners to talk about the opportunity now, with billions in federal funding to rehydrate the landscape, with nature-based projects.”  All of the panelists had different approaches to share. One solution offered was human-created beaver dams. … ”  Read more from Wyoming Public Radio here: Western water leaders talk local solutions amid Colorado River crisis

Radio: One Planet: The future of the Colorado River

“On this edition of Your Call’s One Planet Series, we’re discussing the future of the Colorado River, one of the country’s most important sources of fresh water. Forty million people in seven states, 29 federally recognized tribes, and northern Mexico depend on the Colorado River, but it’s drying up fast. It could lose 50 percent of its flow by 2050 if temperatures continue to rise.  The River also irrigates 5.5 million agricultural acres of land, including 15% of American agriculture and about 90% of the nation’s winter vegetables, according to Utah Water Resources. How is climate change affecting the flow of the Colorado River?  Guest:  Alex Hager, water and environment reporter covering the Colorado River basin for KUNC.”  Listen at KALW here (33:31): Radio: One Planet: The future of the Colorado River

Radio: The politics of Colorado River water policy 100 years after historic agreement

“In 1922 the seven Colorado River Basin states came together to make an agreement to manage the mighty river’s rushing waters.  The resulting compact between Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and the country of Mexico was the first multi-state collaboration, multinational agreement, of its kind.  This week on The Field we examine its history with KUNC journalist Luke Runyon.  Then we’ll hear from Sarah Porter, the director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy for her perspective on whether the compact will continue to serve us in the future.  Plus, Congressman Raúl Grijalva has long been a vocal advocate of conservation. He talks about supporting a holistic approach to keep the water flowing, the crops growing, and to make sure the lights stay on.”  Listen at KAWC here: Radio: The politics of Colorado River water policy 100 years after historic agreement 

Las Vegas: Anthem Country Club expected to save 30,000,000 gallons of water a year with new changes

“Anthem Country Club just replaced all 18 greens and fairways. That effort is expected to save around 30,000,000 gallons of water a year.  “We would not have undertaken the totality of our greens and fairways renovation project were it not for the ongoing water drought conditions in Southern Nevada and throughout the Western United States,” said Shelley Caiazzo, General Manager of Anthem Country Club.  The course has been closed since last June to make the changes and just reopened last Friday.  The Southern Nevada Water Authority is requiring golf courses to reduce their water budgets by 2024 or face a significant penalty. … ”  Read more from Fox 5 here: Las Vegas: Anthem Country Club expected to save 30,000,000 gallons of water a year with new changes

Historic water cuts set to hit Arizona on Jan. 1

“Arizona is preparing to enter for the first time into a Tier 2A shortage for the lower Colorado River basin, with cuts beginning at the start of the new year.  For the state, this means a reduction of 21% of Arizona’s Colorado river supply and about 9% of the state’s total water use, according to the Central Arizona Project. Cities that use the Colorado river will see a 3% reduction while tribal supplies will be reduced by 7%.  And for the users of CAP water, there will no longer be excess water and agriculture pools from the Colorado River. According to the Agriculture & Water Council of Arizona, it will have a big impact on farmers as they work out ways to operate with less water. Arizona Provides a good portion of the leafy greens the country, and Canada eats. In all, the Colorado River provides water to 40 million people across seven states in the American West as well as Mexico and helps feed an agricultural industry valued at $15 billion a year. … ”  Read more from Channel 13 here: Historic water cuts set to hit Arizona on Jan. 1

At Glen Canyon, receding waters reveal a cathedral ─ and shift debate

“It was a scene many Southwestern water experts thought they’d never see.  Certainly not at Lake Powell, the nation’s second biggest reservoir, playground for millions of boaters and fishers each year. It’s a place both beloved and hated after its creation three generations ago — by damming the Colorado River — obliterated a transcendent natural landscape with water hundreds of feet high.  But there it was, in a small side canyon, maybe six miles upstream of the main lake — a marvel that had been underwater for most of six decades: A ribbon of water tumbled down a 75-foot-tall slickrock face in a massive grotto of red, pink and orange Navajo sandstone.  It is a place aptly named Cathedral in the Desert before the U.S. built Glen Canyon Dam and flooded it out. … ”  Read more from the Arizona Daily Star here: At Glen Canyon, receding waters reveal a cathedral ─ and shift debate

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In national water news today …

An Indigenous reservation has a novel way to grow food – below the earth’s surface

“Near the southern border of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, a curved translucent roof peeks out a few feet above the dusty plains. It’s a blustery November afternoon and the last remaining greens outside are fading fast. But below ground, at the bottom of a short flight of stairs, the inside of this 80ft-long sleek structure is bursting with life – pallets of vivid microgreens, potato plants growing from hay bales and planters full of thick heads of Swiss chard and pak choi. Two people bend over the pallets, using scissors to harvest delicate sprouts of microgreens.  This is an underground greenhouse, or walipini, and the harvesters are members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. It is one of at least eight underground greenhouses that, over the past decade, have been built or are being constructed on the reservation – which has one of the highest poverty rates in the US. Some hope they can help solve the interconnected problems of the lack of affordable, nutritious food and the difficulties of farming in the climate crisis. ... ”  Read more from The Guardian here: An Indigenous reservation has a novel way to grow food – below the earth’s surface

Regulators propose closing PFAS loophole

“EPA is seeking to require industrial facilities to report “forever chemical” releases at lower thresholds and concentrations — a big win for environmental advocates with possibly significant implications for business groups.  The proposed rule setting the new PFAS reporting requirements would address what critics have panned as a “loophole” for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances monitored through the Toxics Release Inventory.  In a statement, EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the action as further proof that his agency is prioritizing targeting the chemicals.  “PFAS continue to pose an urgent threat to our country and communities deserve to know if they may be exposed because of the way these chemicals are being managed, recycled, or released,” said Regan.  … ” Read more from E&E News here:  Regulators propose closing PFAS loophole

Ranchers, greens on edge as BLM rewrites grazing rule

“For the first time in almost three decades, the Bureau of Land Management is preparing a new rule to guide its management of cows and other livestock grazing on federal lands, a long divisive issue that has only grown more contentious in the West after two decades of drought.  But advocates on both sides expressed skepticism that BLM’s update, which is expected to be released in draft form early next year, will include sweeping changes to the current regulations in place since 1995.  That would be just fine with the livestock industry, ranchers and some local government leaders who say BLM has begun reaching out to them for input over the past several weeks. Industry advocates say they have emphasized that the current regulatory system on 150 million acres of BLM-managed lands provides a solid partnership between the regulators and ranchers that has worked for decades. … ”  Read more from E&E News here: Ranchers, greens on edge as BLM rewrites grazing rule

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And lastly …

Precise aerial photos by Mitch Rouse document the immaculate patterns of California farmland

“Captured above Kern County, California, a collection of aerial photos by Mitch Rouse highlight the vibrant precision of American farmland. The striking images frame segments of fields and groves that juxtapose the exactitude of large-scale production with organic growth. Long, rainbow-like rows of botanics, a single pink tree among an orchard of yellow, and repeating squares of dried vegetation transform the agricultural topographies into textured tapestries bursting with color.  Explore the full Farmland series and shop prints on Rouse’s site. You can follow his latest projects on Behance and Instagram..” Check out the pictures at Colossal here: Precise aerial photos by Mitch Rouse document the immaculate patterns of California farmland

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