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On the calendar today …
- LEG HEARING: Senate Committee on Environmental Quality beginning at 9:30am. Click here for more information.
- WEBINAR: Delta Research Award Seminar Series from 10:30am to 12:00pm. To directly connect research findings with managers and decision-makers working on environmental and water issues related to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, scientists will present seminars about how their projects addressed critical biophysical and social science knowledge gaps identified in the 2017-2021 Science Action Agenda. This week: Migratory fishes: Science Tools to Inform Management and Recovery The Effects of Climate Change on the Life History of Spring-run Chinook Salmon through Time; Malte Willmes, UC Santa Cruz Additional presenter: Flora Cordoleani Regulation of Controls of Cold Water through the Temperature Control Device of the Shasta Dam as a Means of Supporting Downstream Fish Populations; Alexander Forrest, UC Davis Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: Restoring Rivers, Sustaining Communities from 11am to 12pm. Rivers and streams are the lifeblood of California. They provide fish and wildlife habitat, regulate water quality, nourish our food, help us recreate, and act as key barometers of natural and human health. When we care for habitat, birds and fish will come. Plants will flourish. People will play. Water will flow. Prioritizing environmentally beneficial restoration projects reduces flood and wildfire risk, boosts biodiversity, protects endangered species, and provides recreation – creating a healthier, more resilient future for Californians. Join Sustainable Conservation on Wednesday, June 5 at 11:00 AM for Climate Resilience Through Regeneration – Restoring Rivers, Sustaining Communities with Sandra Jacobsen, an ecosystem restoration expert at CalTrout. We’ll discuss restoration projects across the state and explore how focusing on ecosystem health is key to a climate-resilient California. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: Beaver Restoration by Federal Agencies from 12pm to 1:30pm. Presentations by Brian Bangs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Ashley Hom, U.S. Forest Service; and Ethan Ellsworth, Bureau of Land Management. Click here to register.
- LUNCH-MAR: Nature Based Solutions from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. June’s Lunch-MAR features Dr. Todd Bridges, Professor of Practice in Resilient and Sustainable Systems in the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia. Interactions among hazards, climate change, legacy engineering and landscape transformation are creating a host of economic, environmental, and societal challenges. Nature-based Solutions are receiving increasing attention, nationally and internationally, as critical to reducing risks and creating resilience. The presentation will present opportunities, challenges, and case examples from around the world on the use of Nature-based Solution for more resilient systems and landscapes. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
California’s largest reservoir project in decades clears environmental court challenge
“California is one step closer to building its largest water storage facility in nearly 50 years, after a court ruled in favor of the Sites Reservoir project following a challenge by environmental groups. The Yolo County Superior Court issued the 65 page ruling late last week, marking a possible end to the project’s environmental litigation. The relatively quick ruling stands in contrast to a typical, multi-year litigation period under the Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Gov. Gavin Newsom accelerated the project’s CEQA litigation period in November under an infrastructure streamlining package passed the previous summer. He celebrated the court’s ruling in a news release Tuesday. “California needs more water storage, and we have no time to waste — projects like the Sites Reservoir will capture rain and snow runoff to supply millions of homes with clean drinking water,” Newsom said. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee. | Read via AOL News.
SEE ALSO:
- California governor welcomes judicial ruling in Sites Reservoir project, from the Courthouse News Service
- Sites Reservoir project clears hurdle thanks to streamlining law, press release from the Office of the Governor
- Newsom praises court ruling dismissing environmental groups’ challenge of Sites Reservoir, from the LA Times
Sites Reservoir could have captured more than 1.5 million acre-feet of water
“The Sites Project Authority announced that if the Sites Reservoir were already operational, it would likely be sitting at its full capacity. Based on data from 2023 flows and storm systems this year, the reservoir could have stored over 1.5 million acre-feet of water from early 2023 through April 2024. “We’re seeing that Sites would perform as expected during these wet years, saving us much-needed new water supply for the dry years,” Chair of the Sites Project Authority Board of Directors, Fritz Durst said in a press release. “If Sites were operational today, the project beneficiaries would be heading into summer with additional stored water that they could manage and use when they need it. Having that extra savings account can make a huge difference during dry years that we know are coming.” … ” Read more from Ag Net West.
Trump casts dark shadow on California water
“President Joe Biden and Gov. Gavin Newsom are racing to protect vulnerable Chinook salmon and Delta smelt in California’s main water supply before a possible second Trump presidency. Former President Donald Trump vowed this year to send more water to drought-weary, Republican-leaning farmers if he is reelected. Biden and Newsom are trying to thwart the move that could send endangered fish closer to extinction by overhauling Trump-era rules before the end of 2024. The Biden administration is on track to bake in more protections for fish in the way state and federal officials operate the 400-mile-long set of reservoirs, pumps and canals that moves water (and kills fish) around the state by Dec. 6, according to a federal agency schedule obtained by POLITICO. The schedule leaves only two weeks for public review. … ” Read more from Politico.
‘Heat dome’ brings broiling conditions. But a few areas will be spared
“After months of below-average temperatures and weeks of unseasonably wet weather, California’s first heat wave of the year is marking an abrupt transition into summery heat, with record-breaking, triple-digit temperatures expected this week. The next few days — particularly Wednesday and Thursday — could offer a preview for the summer season, which is expected to bring higher temperatures than typical across the state’s interior — creating potentially dangerous conditions for both human health and wildfire management. “We can definitely expect a warm summer as a whole,” said Brian Adams, a National Weather Service meteorologist in San Diego. There’s a strong chance for above-average temperatures statewide through at least August, including during much of June, according to the latest models from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Heat wave or heat dome? Yes, there’s a difference
“It sounds like something out of a horror movie, like “The Blob” or “Godzilla.” But “heat domes” are far from fiction — and the West could be facing one this week. The term “heat dome” refers to a ridge of high pressure that persists over a large geographical region, delivering high temperatures that linger for days or weeks on end. An infamous heat dome occurred in 2021, when triple-digit temperatures stifled the Pacific Northwest for 27 days, contributing to hundreds of deaths and spawning multiple research studies. Experts say it’s not the same as a heat wave, which is conventionally defined as a spell of three or more abnormally hot days. But the term has gained prominence in recent years as climate change, El Niño and other variables have warmed global temperatures, shifted weather patterns and contributed to worsening hazards. … ” Read more from the LA Times. | Read via AOL News.
California heat wave could fuel record nighttime temperatures this week
“The first heat wave of 2024 is hitting inland California this week, and a spell of exceptionally warm nights is predicted. Temperatures may fail to drop below 70 degrees in parts of the Central Valley, Wine Country and the interior East Bay both Wednesday and Thursday morning, 10 to 15 degrees above normal for early June. Bakersfield, Fresno and Visalia could all match or set new record warm low temperature records Wednesday. These warm nights, a fingerprint of climate change, are dangerous to human health, especially for people without air conditioning, because it doesn’t allow bodies to cool down.“This is an important issue because the health statistics indicate that the ‘hot night’ heat waves result in greater human health impacts, including mortality,” said Nick Bond, emeritus Washington state climatologist. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Tulare Lake Subbasin probation highlights need for collaborative groundwater management
“Following the State Water Board’s decision to place the Tulare Lake Subbasin on probation — and upcoming probationary hearings for five critically overdrafted basins in the Central Valley — local groundwater management has become increasingly critical. Coming up on nearly a decade since the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act was signed into law by former Governor Jerry Brown, the future of the Central Valley’s water lay in the coalition of the willing. The face of that future is the San Joaquin Valley Water Blueprint. The Water Blueprint — a volunteer-based coalition of community leaders, businesses, water agencies, local governments, and agricultural representatives — is leading the charge to advance water solutions for the region. According to Geoffrey Vanden Heuvel, board vice chair of the Blueprint, when SGMA was instituted and required the organization of Groundwater Sustainability Agencies to produce sustainability plans, it became clear that individual farmers could not address the water shortage alone. … ” Read moire from Valley Ag Voice.
Report: Cover crops benefits may outweigh water-use in California
“Cover crops are planted to protect and improve the soil between annual crops such as tomatoes or between rows of tree and vine crops, but growers may be concerned about the water use of these plants that don’t generate income. “Cover crops are one of the most popular practices we see farmers employ through our Healthy Soils Program,” said Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. “Cover crops supply a host of benefits, such as helping to protect against soil erosion, improving soil health, crowding out weeds, controlling pests and diseases, and increasing biodiversity; and they can bring increased profitability as the number of other inputs are reduced. They also provide water benefits such as improved infiltration and reduced runoff.” … ” Read more from Morning Ag Clips.
SGMA UPDATE: Groundwater trading, SGMA implementation, and the 2023 groundwater conditions report
“At the May meeting of the California Water Commission, the Commission was updated on the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act or SGMA, including state activities related to the Commission’s May 2022 White Paper on groundwater trading, an update on SGMA implementation, and the semi-annual groundwater conditions update. Tim Godwin, the advisor to DWR Deputy Director Gosselin, gave the update. … ” Continue reading at Maven’s Notebook.
Why is the Delta so warm in the summer?
“72-75oF is too warm for native fishes in the Delta. In drought years, we are not surprised when the Delta is too warm in summer, particularly when the State issues emergency drought orders that allow low Delta inflows and outflows. But we do not expect the Delta to be warm in summer of wet years like the three latest 2017, 2019, and 2023 (Figures 1 and 2). Water temperatures were not that warm back in wet year 2011 or in recent decades 1995-2004 (Emmaton) or 2001-2010 (Rio Vista). What is causing the high summer Delta water temperatures? … ” Read more from the California Fisheries Blog.
Western Division back on familiar waters of California Delta to close season
“It’s only fitting that the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse will wrap its season on the California Delta. The vast maze of tidal creeks, sloughs and estuaries around the convergence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers has hosted more Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats events than any fishery other than Sam Rayburn Reservoir since the Western Division was formed in 2011. Western anglers have visited the Delta at least once every year and twice each in 2021 and 2023. While last year’s events occurred in March and April, this time around, the 64 pros and Strike King co-anglers will have to endure triple-digit temperatures with the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year title and spots in the Toyota Series Championship on the line. While the conditions might make for a tricky bite, a few of the best in the West think we’ll see plenty of keepers brought to the scales, plus some of the lunkers the Delta is known for. … ” Read more from Major League Fishing.
Water affordability possible through Senate Bill 1255
“Today, Senator Durazo amended Senate Bill 1255, which will provide an avenue for universal water affordability rate assistance for public water systems with more than 3,300 connections. As water rates continue to rise three times faster than inflation, a water affordability program is necessary for low-income families statewide. “I am from a low-income community and I am a mother advocating for clean water, which is a human right. It is important that this bill advances not only for me and my family but also for everyone in California,” says Raquel Sanchez, founding AGUA coalition member from the city of Tulare. “Everything is going up in cost from rent to gasoline and we need assistance with our drinking water now so I am willing to advocate for my community.” … ” Read more from the Community Water Center.
What local journalism has to do with your problem potholes and deteriorating sewers
“At a time when journalists across the country are facing layoffs at alarming rates, a new study connects quality local reporting to support at the polls for public works projects. Researchers at UCLA and Duke University examined how people vote on funding for critical infrastructure needs. We’re talking about aging dams, sewers, roads and more. Susanne Whatley, who hosts LAist 89.3’s Morning Edition program, spoke with Megan Mullin of the UCLA Luskin School Of Public Affairs, who co-wrote the study. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. … ” Read more from the LAist.
Solano County will determine this month if California Forever project qualifies for the November ballot
“Solano County has announced next steps for the controversial California Forever development. The proposal, backed by tech and finance billionaires, would build a new city of up to 400,000 people between Fairfield and Rio Vista. Officials will announce by June 12 whether the project gained enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot. Bill Emlen, Solano County Administrator, said there’s not a lot of information yet about how this new city could impact roadways and water supplies. “One of our challenges is going to be [that] the initiative is vague in some respects,” he said. “In fact, many respects.” Emlen said county staff would likely recommend an impact report ahead of the election. … ” Read more from Capitol Public Radio.
Is Northern California at risk for wildfires this week? Beware of high winds, officials say
“Northerly winds and high temperatures across Northern California this week bring with it the potential for wildfire risk from the capital region to the foothills of the Sierra. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning in place for much of the Sacramento Valley and some of the foothills from through Thursday. High pressure and warm air coming from the Great Basin and other parts of the West will push temperatures above the century mark for the first time this year, according to Sarah Purdue, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service’s Sacramento office. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
Stanford study examines the lasting effects wildfires have on soil, posing new problems
“The grey smoky skies can be seen for hundreds of miles. But now researchers are on the trail of wildfire threats that are invisible to the naked eye. The result of intense heat, from wildfires burning longer and hotter. “When we start getting really severe fires, we see a transformation where the really, really intense fires leave these lasting impacts on the soil,” says Professor Scott Fendorf, Ph.D., of Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability. Fendorf is leading a multi-year study. The team examined soils in forest areas that have been slow to recover from recent wildfires in the Sierra and elsewhere. Although early research has pointed to cycles of drought, Fendorf and his colleagues identified toxic concentrations of chemicals in the soil which could also be slowing regrowth. … ” Read more from ABC 7.
The end of the great northern forests? The tiny tree-killing beetle wreaking havoc on our ancient giants
“The giant sequoia is so enormous that it was once believed to be indestructible. High in California’s southern Sierra Nevada mountains, the oldest trees – known as monarchs – have stood for more than 2,000 years. Today, however, in Sequoia national park, huge trunks lie sprawled on the forest floor, like blue whale carcasses stranded on a beach. Many of these trees were felled by a combination of drought and fire. But among the factors responsible for the rising toll is a tiny new suspect: the bark beetle. … ” Read more from The Guardian.
In commentary today …
Editorial: California is facing another record-breaking hot summer. We aren’t ready
The LA Times editorial board writes, “After a chilly spring it seems hard to believe that the gloom would ever leave Southern California. But skies are clearing as a “heat dome” brings midsummer-like temperatures to the state. It could be a preview of another record-breaking hot summer. In what’s becoming a sadly familiar refrain, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there’s a chance that 2024 will be even warmer than last year, which was the planet’s hottest year on record. As greenhouse gas pollution keeps pushing temperatures higher and making extreme heat more deadly and severe, can anyone really say we are ready for it? … ” Read more from the LA Times.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
OSU study details devastating effects of water shortages on Klamath Basin economy
“Seeking a sustainable balance among the competing demands for the Klamath Basin’s water, a recent Oregon State University (OSU) study sets out the detrimental economic effects that water shortages had on farms and ranches in the area. Partially funded by Klamath County, the OSU Water Allocation in the Klamath Reclamation Project Study found that livestock and crops from the area are worth about $368 million annually. In addition, $176 million earned in income is paid to over 3,000 employees, making the water supply in the basin an important asset. Federal restrictions on the water supply available from Upper Klamath Lake are driven by the directives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Maine Fisheries Services and stem from USBR’s interpretation of the Endangered Species Act. The Klamath Project covers about 230,000 acres across Klamath, Siskiyou, and Modoc counties, and includes farmed lands within two national wildlife refuges. … ” Read more from Daily Tidings.
PG&E asks for delay in Eel River Dam decommissioning
“PG&E announced on Friday, May 31 late last week that it will request a 7-month extension from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in decommissioning the Eel River dams. Stakeholders were expecting the utility to file its Draft Surrender Application plan with FERC this month, with a final version due in January 2025. PG&E now says it will file the draft plan in January 2025 and the final version in June 2025. In announcing the delay, PG&E expresses support for the still vague proposal for the New Eel-Russian Facility. This proposal would see a dam-free diversion from the Eel River to the Russian River constructed and managed by the newly formed Eel Russian Joint Powers Authority. … ” Read more from the Lost Coast Outpost.
NAPA/SONOMA
Tiny invasive snail causes huge concern after its discovery at Lake Sonoma fish hatchery
“A tiny invasive snail species that can endanger native fish has been discovered at the hatchery near Lake Sonoma, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said. The New Zealand mudsnail has been found in other parts of the Russian River watershed, but this is the first confirmed detection at the Warm Springs Fish Hatchery, according to state wildlife officials. “The detection levels so far have not been alarming, but we want to do everything we can to minimize the spread,” said CDFW North Central regional manager Morgan Kilgour. … ” Read more from Local News Matters.
BAY AREA
Here comes the heat: Bay Area temperatures to ramp up as summer sizzle arrives
“A key component of a normal Bay Area morning was missing Tuesday, and it signaled as much as anything that a heat wave expected to kick off the summer weather pattern was progressing as scheduled. “We don’t have the marine layer,” National Weather Service meteorologist Nicole Sarment said. “We’re clear of that everywhere.” Another component was more than present. “This is really a great set-up,” Antioch resident Jaime McColley said as the familiar giggles, screams and objections of more than two dozen kids ranging in age from toddler to early teenager cooled off in a water sprinkler park in Brentwood. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
State of emergency remains in effect in Madera due to sewer line failure
“Crews in Madera working to repair a broken sewage line approximately 20 feet underground on Monday evening. A local state of emergency remains with residents in Madera and Parksdale being affected by the sewage issue. Officials are telling them to avoid using the dishwasher, watering plants, and limiting showers. “The hole here is probably 25 feet in depth. There’s a 48-inch trunk main that runs right underneath the road,” explained Madera City Manager Arnoldo Rodriguez. “Everything on top collapsed into the sewer line.” … ” Read more from Channel 30.
EASTERN SIERRA
Revealed: a century-old water war is leaving this rural California county in disrepair
“Two rural California airports that are crucial to local air ambulance services, firefighting efforts and search and rescue operations are unable to perform critical repairs, blocked by an agency 300 miles away: the city of Los Angeles. The airports are two of several major pieces of infrastructure in California’s Owens valley left in disrepair because of LA policies, an investigation by AfroLA, the Sheet and the Guardian reveals. Los Angeles has owned large swaths of Inyo county, where the Owens valley is located, for more than a century. With ownership of the land comes rights to its water – water that is key to servicing the thirsty metropolis of 3.8 million people. Aqueducts carrying water from Inyo and neighbouring Mono county to LA provided 73% of the city’s water supply last year. … ” Read more from the Guardian.
Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority plans workshop on groundwater sustainability plan updates
“The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) will hold a workshop next month to discuss updates to its Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). The workshop is also an opportunity for groundwater pumpers, members of the community and interested parties to present new data and project recommendations for consideration in the GSP update. In compliance with the state Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and GSP regulations, IWVGA is preparing a Periodic Evaluation of its GSP, which received Department of Water Resources’ approval in 2021. The Periodic Evaluation will review groundwater basin conditions, discuss the status of GSP projects and management actions, and consider updates as needed. … ” Read more from the Ridgecrest Independent.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Southern California prepares for extreme heat as warnings issued for hottest day
“Afternoon highs are expected to soar Wednesday as Southern California braces for the week’s hottest day. Excessive heat warnings will be in place between 10 a.m. Wednesday and 8 p.m. Thursday for portions of the Antelope Valley where afternoon highs could reach 106 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The extreme conditions brought in by building high pressure will increase the potential for heat-related illness, forecasters said. Similar conditions are expected in Victorville, Hesperia and Apple Valley where an excessive heat warning is in place from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 9 p.m. Friday. … ” Read more from KTLA.
As hydrants vanish, imperiling L.A. County neighborhoods, utility tries to outsmart the thieves
“In parts of Los Angeles County, fire hydrants have become a hot item. Thieves have stolen at least 302 hydrants since the start of 2023 in several areas of the county, according to Golden State Water Co. Many of the thefts have occurred in the communities of Florence-Graham, Willowbrook and West Rancho Dominguez, as well as eastern Gardena near the 110 Freeway. Sometimes, thieves have unscrewed bolts to remove hydrants. Other times, they’ve used a vehicle to knock the hydrant loose. Those targeting the hydrants have often used a shutoff valve before dislodging them. But on several occasions, they’ve left water gushing. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Give the Salton Sea — and the farmworkers who call it home a fighting chance
Roxana Chavez, regional organizer for Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, writes, “Give the Salton Sea — and the farmworkers who call it home a fighting chance The Salton Sea – unfairly – gets a bad rap. Stories of widespread fish die-offs in the 1980s and 1990s depict a place in irreversible decline. Such disasters make the place that I call home seem like a wasteland. But I am here to tell another story, one of hope. This, as corporations and the federal government with their plans for lithium extraction would put the final nail in the coffin of my community instead of seeing it recover and thrive. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun.
SAN DIEGO
Del Mar forges levees to lessen flood damage
“A series of living levees — earthen embankments — along the San Dieguito River could help protect affordable housing at the fairgrounds and homes in Del Mar’s North Beach. As part of its sea rise planning, Del Mar has completed a preliminary conceptual plan for three living levees; structures that slope gently to combine flood protection with habitat restoration. Sea rise and more frequent storms are expected to worsen river flooding. The northern third of the city is less than 20 feet above sea level. In February 1980, a major flood left the racetrack and fairground, which is lower than the river’s south bank, swamped by three to five feet of water. The levees will reduce, but not eliminate flood risk. Areas that experience flooding will continue to see some flooding similar to existing conditions, a report says. According to the city’s adaptation plan, there are over 600 homes in the North Beach area. … ” Read more from the San Diego Reader.
Along the Colorado River …
Habitat concerns muddle Colorado River water plan
“Imperial Valley farmers preparing to participate this summer in programs to conserve Colorado River water have had to put their plans on hold due to concerns from wildlife agencies that reduced water use could result in habitat loss for three endangered species that live in the region. After decades of drought and warnings that the river could run dry, California, Arizona and Nevada—the three states in the Colorado River’s Lower Basin—agreed last year to conserve 3 million acre-feet of water by the end of 2026. The short-term conservation effort is the largest ever on the Colorado River. It relies on Imperial Valley farmers, whose century-old water rights entitle them to more of the river than other users, to come up with about a quarter of the overall water savings. … ” Read more from Ag Alert.
New report: More water reduction from climate change could be hidden underground
“Scientists looking at the impacts of climate change on Western water have mostly focused on the surface, like streams and reservoirs. But a new study looked at what’s going on underground with possible implications for the Colorado River. Scientists are trying to explain the gap between water forecasts and the amount that actually ends up in rivers each year. Hydrology researcher Rosemary Carroll says water supplies may be dropping even more than previously believed, when you account for the water stored in aquifers and soil. … ” Read more from KJZZ.
Straight talk from CAP on Colorado River water shortages
“Government transparency was on full display when Central Arizona Project (CAP) hosted its Annual Meeting for East Valley cities and towns on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at the Scottsdale Airport. Cave Creek Mayor Bob Morris, Council Member Tom McGuire and I were in attendance to learn how impacts of a 24-year drought on the Colorado River will be shared among users in 7 states and Mexico after a current shortage-sharing agreement expires at the end of 2026. According to CAP’s Board President Terry Goddard, reaching a new agreement is perhaps “the greatest challenge we’ve ever faced.” President Goddard and General Manager Brenda Burman described the intense scenario of strategic multi-state negotiations followed by communication breakdowns between the impenetrable and unwavering positions of the Upper Basin states of Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Utah, and Lower Basin states of California, Nevada and Arizona. … ” Read more from the Sonoran News.
Climate change: A serious downer for mountain streams
“Climate change is a real bummer for mountain streams — it depletes the groundwater that feed creeks and rivers and makes them dirtier, besides. That’s the grim conclusion one reaches after reading two recently published papers. Let’s take them one at a time: “Declining groundwater storage expected to amplify mountain streamflow reductions in a warmer world,” by Rosemary W.H. Carroll et al. Published in Nature Water, May 23, 2024. The Colorado River region is in the grips of the most severe, multi-decadal drought in over a millennium. The most obvious signs of this are declining streamflows across the region. But these declines, the authors of the paper point out, “cannot be explained solely by lower precipitation.” … ” Read more from Land Desk.
In drought-addled Colorado River region, USDA programs give farmers billions for business as usual
“Even as the climate emergency drives rising heat and worsening drought in the West, two major Department of Agriculture programs fail to help Colorado River region farmers adapt to climate change, a new Environmental Working Group investigation finds. The heavily taxpayer-subsidized federal Crop Insurance Program paid $5.6 billion to farmers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming for drought-related losses between 2017 and 2023. During the same period, the USDA paid $521.7 million to farmers in the region to install irrigation practices through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP, one of the agency’s largest conservation initiatives. An astonishing three-fourths of the water pulled from the Colorado River is used to irrigate crops. … ” Read more from the Environmental Working Group.
Informal water contracts could provide quicker, cheaper ways to reduce impact of droughts
“Droughts continue to overburden the systems and infrastructure that bring water to citizens and businesses. This is especially true in places like the western United States, where water resources are scarce, and the rules that determine who gets water mean that farmers and other landowners who use water for irrigation often have first priority. Developing new water supplies by building new dams or digging new wells has become more expensive and difficult, so transferring rights to existing supplies from lower-value irrigated activities to higher-valued urban uses often makes sense. However, those with water rights must go through complicated and costly formal processes to sell or temporarily lease their water access to municipalities or industries that need it in times of crisis. A new study, published recently in Earth’s Future, proposes a new solution: cost-effective informal water contracts, which could be a quicker and more affordable way to bring water to cities and homes during droughts and other emergencies. … ” Read more from PhysOrg.
In national water news today …
Why Mexico City’s thirst is causing it to sink
“On a recent morning, visitors wandered around Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Latin America’s oldest — and one of its largest. Walking from chamber to chamber, tourists snapped images of dramatic ceiling-high altars, soaring columns and sculptures. But there’s another unintended detail that stands out: the cathedral is leaning. “I do feel the slope now,” a visitor said to a friend, walking from a side chamber to the main entry hall. This sinking, which is known as land subsidence, crops up across the world. While it can be subtle in many places — it pushes land down around an inch or two a year in much of the U.S. — the rates in Mexico City are some of the highest in the world. … ” Continue reading at the Washington Post.
Climate change opens unwanted access to Arctic for Pacific salmon
“Thanks to warming ocean temperatures, Pacific salmon can now swim in the Canadian Arctic, an area where large numbers of salmon did not historically venture. In a study published Wednesday in Global Change Biology, researchers at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the University of Fairbanks and western Canadian Arctic communities connected the surges of salmon sightings with a two-part sequence of warm, ice-free conditions in the Arctic Ocean and its watersheds north of Alaska. The first part of the sequence involves warm, late-spring conditions in the Chukchi Sea, northwest of Alaska, that draw salmon into the Arctic. When those warm conditions then continue in summertime in the Beaufort Sea, northeast of Alaska, the salmon travel to Canada, researchers say. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service.
