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DAILY DIGEST: Reclaiming the lost population of winter-run Chinook salmon; Water abundance mixed blessing for farms; Seawater intrusion: Understanding a growing threat to freshwater; Secretive ‘harbor master’ steers Colorado River campaign; and more …

Maven
Daily Digest
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In California water news today, Reclaiming the lost population of winter-run Chinook salmon; Water abundance mixed blessing for farms; Seawater intrusion: Understanding a growing threat to freshwater; Lost sea creatures wash up on California shores as ocean climate shifts; Why Are So Many Gray Whales Washing Up Dead on California’s Coast?; Arsenic in Some Bottled Water Brands at Unsafe Levels, Consumer Reports Says; Secretive ‘harbor master’ steers Colorado River campaign; and more …

On the calendar today …

In the news today …

Also on Maven’s Notebook today …

Reclaiming the lost population: Recent release part of plan to repopulate winter Chinook salmon in upper Battle Creek after the loss of nearly the entire in-river juvenile population during the drought of 2014 and 2015:  “Winter-run Chinook salmon are unique in that they spawn during the summer months, from mid-April to mid-August, when California is at its hottest. This proved to be catastrophic in 2014 and 2015 when the drought killed nearly the entire in-river juvenile salmon population.  This event prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to reinitiate the captive broodstock program at Livingston Stone National Fish Hatchery, part of the Coleman National Fish Hatchery Complex. ... ”  Read more from the US Fish & Wildlife Service here:  Reclaiming the lost population

Water abundance mixed blessing for farms:  “Recent heavy rains have provided a mix of benefits and challenges for farmers.  “With the wet spring we are having, our soil profiles are entering the growing season fully water-satisfied,” said Shawn Nield, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service state soil scientist and snow survey manager. “That’s good if you are a plant that already has roots in the ground, but can make for trying conditions if you are a farmer dealing with fully saturated soils.” … ”  Read more from the Capital Press here:  Water abundance mixed blessing for farms

Former California water lobbyist, Trump’s Interior Secretary, under investigation:  “The inspector general of the U.S. Interior Department has opened an investigation into Interior Secretary David Bernhardt’s past work on behalf of California’s huge Westlands Water District and other organizations.  The action follows requests from a number of people and organizations, including Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut). … ”  Read more from Capitol Weekly here:  Former California water lobbyist, Trump’s Interior Secretary, under investigation

Seawater intrusion: Understanding a growing threat to freshwater:  “A crucial source of water for arid regions around the world faces a threat that has remained very difficult to predict or manage, until now. A Stanford-led team of researchers used remote sensing to identify areas of saltwater intrusion, a common cause of drinking water contamination in coastal areas – home to approximately 40 percent of the global population. Their novel solution, published in the Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, could provide valuable insight into aquifer systems, and increase the likelihood of freshwater security worldwide. ... ”  Read more from Stanford’s Water in the West here:  Understanding a growing threat to freshwater

Lost sea creatures wash up on California shores as ocean climate shifts:  “The Pacific Ocean off the California coast is mixed up, and so are many of the animals that live there.  The violet, thumbnail-size snails washing up here in Horseshoe Cove have never been seen this far north. By-the-wind sailors, a tiny relative of warm-water jellyfish, sprinkle the tideline by the dozen.  And in the tide pools along the cove’s rocky arms, as harbor seals about to pup look languidly on, a slow-motion battle is underway between native giant green and starburst anemones, a species common in Mexico. The southern visitors are bludgeoning their northern hosts with poisonous white-tipped tentacles.  Then there are the whales. … ”  Read more from the Washington Post here:  Lost sea creatures wash up on California shores as ocean climate shifts

Why Are So Many Gray Whales Washing Up Dead on California’s Coast?:  “For a few months twice a year, the waters off California are home to graceful gray whales migrating north or south between the coast of Mexico and the Bering Sea. This year, however, it seems that fewer whales are surviving the journey north.  Two dead gray whales washed up on the shores of Northern California beaches on Tuesday (April 16), which means eight have been found around California’s Bay Area since the beginning of the year; seven in just the past two months. So far this year, a total of 30 dead gray whales have washed up on the West Coast: Eight in Washington, one in Oregon and 21 in California. … ”  Read more from Live Science here:  Why Are So Many Gray Whales Washing Up Dead on California’s Coast?

Arsenic in Some Bottled Water Brands at Unsafe Levels, Consumer Reports Says:  “Natural foods grocery chain Whole Foods introduced its new brand of bottled water at a 2015 investor event, where company executives heralded the product’s purity and healthfulness.  “It naturally flows out of the ground,” chief operating officer A.C. Gallo said about the company’s spring in Council, Idaho, according to a published transcript on its website. “We built, actually, a spring house over it so we can let the water go down to the bottling plant. It’s amazingly pristine water.”  Yet from late 2016 to early 2017, Starkey Water—the name of Whole Foods’ brand—recalled more than 2,000 cases of water after tests by regulators showed an impermissible level of arsenic beyond the federally mandated threshold of 10 parts per billion. … ”  Read more from Consumer Reports here:  Arsenic in Some Bottled Water Brands at Unsafe Levels, Consumer Reports Says

In commentary today …

California can guarantee clean water without tax increases, says A. Brooke Jones:  “The last thing California needs is another tax. But that’s what Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed – a regressive water tax that will hit financially challenged Californians hardest.  He wants to establish a new revenue stream starting at $140 million per year to fund clean water in poor areas. Ratepayers would be burdened with another 95 cents to $10 a month –$120 a year – as well as “fees on animal farmers, dairies and fertilizer sellers,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle. So food prices also would jump for all – including the poor the tax is supposed to help. ... ”  Read more from the San Bernardino Sun here:  California can guarantee clean water without tax increases

Environmental act not right for California water agencies:  Rick Gilmore writes, “In SB1, State Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins provides a compelling case to protect California’s air, navigable water, drinking water and workers. Byron-Bethany Irrigation District recognizes and strongly supports these public priorities. We will leave to others to debate whether or not this broad expanse of law is contrary to California’s Single-Subject Rule, as each of these topics are clearly worthy of the Legislature’s attention, and public concern. However, despite our recognition that some in our state feel recent administrative rulings and legislative changes to federal law may not be the right prescription for California, we believe this legislation is overbroad, duplicative and unworkable. … ”  Read more from the Tracy Press here:  Environmental act not right for California water agencies

In regional news and commentary today …

Klamath water delivery set at 92%:  “Bureau of Reclamation will deliver at least 322,000 acre-feet of water — or a 92% allocation — from Upper Klamath Lake to the Klamath Project this summer and fall.  The official number was announced last week by Jeff Nettleton, manager of the agency’s Klamath Basin Area Office, at the Klamath Water Users Association’s annual meeting. ... ”  Read more from the Capital Press here:  Klamath water delivery set at 92%

Paradise Officials Unveil $53 Million Plan to Rid Damaged Water Pipes of Contaminants:  “Two years and $53 million.  That’s the estimated timeline and cost for a multiphase plan to overcome the primary impediment in rebuilding the fire-damaged town of Paradise: potentially extensive contamination of the water system.  Neighborhoods with standing homes will be the first priority for repairs and could see potable water service return as soon as November, one year after the horrific Camp Fire burned to the ground about 90 percent of the buildings in the Sierra Nevada foothills town. Full restoration of potable water service to all properties will take longer, tentatively slated for February 2021. … ”  Read more from Circle of Blue here: Paradise Officials Unveil $53 Million Plan to Rid Damaged Water Pipes of Contaminants

Fire in Paradise, California, poisoned the water with ‘toxic cocktail’:  “The drinking water in Paradise, California, where 85 people died in the worst wildfire in state history, is contaminated with the cancer-causing chemical benzene, water officials said.  Officials said they believe the contamination occurred when the November firestorm created a “toxic cocktail” of gases in burning homes that got sucked into the water pipes as residents and firefighters drew water heavily, causing a vacuum in the system that sucked in the toxic fumes, the Sacramento Bee reported Thursday. … ”  Read more from NBC News here:  Fire in Paradise, California, poisoned the water with ‘toxic cocktail’

Yuba City wastewater treatment plant design work to cost $400,000:  “Aspects of Yuba City’s wastewater treatment plant in the Feather River floodplain were damaged during the high-water events of 2017 – access roads were washed away and interior slopes were damaged, as well as potential damage to the facility’s piping manifold and discharge ponds, themselves, due to sediment buildup.  Critical repairs to keep the plant operational were conducted immediately after the high waters receded. ... ”  Read more from the Appeal Democrat here:  Yuba City wastewater treatment plant design work to cost $400,000

‘To protect & preserve’: Truckee Donner Land Trust, Squaw Valley Public Service District purchase of 30 acres seeks to retain legacy of Olympic Valley meadow:  “A chunk of land in Olympic Valley could be protected from future development with the proposed acquisition of the property by the Truckee Donner Land Trust.  The land trust, along with the Squaw Valley Public Service District, is looking to acquire the 30 acres by the end of this year through private donations and a potential bond measure.  “Squaw Valley is one of the most beautiful and iconic valleys in the entire world,” said Bill Hudson, a Squaw Valley Public Service District board member. ... ”  Read more from the Sierra Sun here:  ‘To protect & preserve’: Truckee Donner Land Trust, Squaw Valley Public Service District purchase of 30 acres seeks to retain legacy of Olympic Valley meadow

Saving the Sonoma Coast: How Environmentalists Helped Protect Our Natural Treasure:  “California state officials are not allowed to play favorites, so as the head of the Coastal Conservancy I often say that I love all of our coastal counties equally and I am privileged to visit them frequently. But I am only human, and it is hard not to have extra reverence for the Sonoma Coast and the role that it has played in the history of conservation in California.  The coastline of Sonoma is one of our great natural treasures. From lush redwood forests to family-friendly beaches, these 64 miles fronting the Pacific remain a pristine and enchanting remnant of California’s natural heritage. This is not an accident. A storied list of environmental leaders from Sonoma County fought to ensure this coast would remain largely undeveloped, a vision that would turn many of those early activists into pioneering conservation legends. ... ” Read more from Sonoma Magazine here:  Saving the Sonoma Coast: How Environmentalists Helped Protect Our Natural Treasure

Seeping, Rain-Charged Aquifers Flood South Bay Roads:  “On one of the warmest, sunniest days of the year, the lanes are flooded on Highway 101 in San Jose.  “It comes out of nowhere you know? You’re driving along, it’s a sunny day and all of a sudden it’s just a splash,” said Juno Pasta who works as a manager at Bruce’s Tire shop.  In just the past week, water about an inch deep has popped up out of nowhere in both the northbound and the southbound lanes just south of the 880 interchange.  Mechanics at the tire shop drive through the wet spots everyday. … ”  Read more from CBS Bay Area here:  Seeping, Rain-Charged Aquifers Flood South Bay Roads

Salinas River restoration effort receives $3M grant:  “A $2.9 million grant has been awarded to the Resource Conservation District of Monterey County to help eradicate 215 acres of an invasive plant that has infested more than 1,500 acres of the Salinas River.  The funding from the California Wildlife Conservation Board will go toward Phase IV of the Resource Conservation District’s Salinas River Arundo Eradication Program, created to control hundreds of acres of arundo donax, an invasive nonnative bamboo-like plant along the river. … ” Read more from the Soledad Bee here:  Salinas River restoration effort receives $3M grant

Beloved Bloomingcamp Ranch near Oakdale could be closed due to water problems:  “The cider, the apple pies and the scenery are just some of the things that draw people to Bloomingcamp Ranch near Oakdale.  Today, the business that’s served customers for more than 40 years faces an uncertain future because of state regulations that target small public water systems, the owners said.  “We have a water problem, we are willing to fix it, but the regulations make it so costly, we can’t afford it,” co-owner Mathew Steinberg said. ... ”  Read more from the Modesto Bee here:  Beloved Bloomingcamp Ranch near Oakdale could be closed due to water problems

Santa Barbara Renames Its El Estero Water Treatment Plant:  “The city of Santa Barbara plans to rename the El Estero Water Treatment Plant.  The City Council voted 7-0 this week to call it the “El Estero Water Resource Center,” with the tagline of “Enhancing Santa Barbara’s Quality of Life.”  “El Estero is the single-most important facility for ensuring the protection of public health and the environment,” said Gaylen Fair, acting wastewater system manager. “We are trying to change the narrative around wastewater treatment.” ... ”  Read more from Noozhawk here:  Santa Barbara Renames Its El Estero Water Treatment Plant

Steep water rake hike averted for Cal Am customers in Thousand Oaks, nearby areas:  “Some 22,000 California American Water customers in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Camarillo are getting far lower rate increases than the company proposed in 2016, saving several million dollars a year combined.  Thousand Oaks officials said this week that instead of being hit with a 32.1% hike over three years that the company wanted to impose and which the city actively opposed, customers only got a fraction of that.  That is according to the officials’ review of California American Water rate documents filed with the California Public Utilities Commission by March. … ”  Read more from the Ventura County Star here:  Steep water rake hike averted for Cal Am customers in Thousand Oaks, nearby areas

Lincoln Heights park’s green design helps improve LA’s water quality:  “Tucked away in Lincoln Heights, right next to the Los Angeles River, a new patch of green, ten years in the making. “We need to act with great urgency to protect our environment, we need to do that now,” Gil Cedillo, Los Angeles Councilmember, said. “And this park is a great example of what needs to be done.” Ten-acre Albion Riverside Park can get a lot done. The green infrastructure built into the park can clean the stormwater that goes through it, capture pollutants and release it into groundwater basins. … ”  Read more from ABC 7 here:  Lincoln Heights park’s green design helps improve LA’s water quality

San Clemente will form a task force to determine why water around the pier is so dirty:  “A subcommittee will be formed to solve the mystery of why San Clemente’s pier water is so dirty, the city decided Tuesday night, April 16.  “It’s just something we need to do to protect the health of our citizens, as well as our visitors,” said Mayor Steve Swartz.  It’s unclear why the area directly under the pier has tested high for bacteria in recent years, though the prime suspect is the pigeons that like to congregate in the hundreds just under the pier near the waterline. … ”  Read more from the OC Register here:  San Clemente will form a task force to determine why water around the pier is so dirty

Southern California: Endangered wetlands offer vital wildlife habitat and, often, a reason to fight about coastal development:  “Between Southern California’s popular beaches and much-traversed mountain trails lies an unsung natural landscape, teeming with its own special wildlife.  As you head outdoors to celebrate Earth Day weekend — or to simply connect with nature and leave behind the anxieties of urban life — one option is our area’s often overlooked coastal wetlands.  In Orange and Los Angeles counties, more than 90 percent of the estuaries, lagoons and other coastal waters that existed in the 19th century have been lost to roads, buildings and other development. But what remains provides a crucial habitat for resident animals and migrating birds, including several endangered species. … ”  Read more from the OC Register here:  Southern California: Endangered wetlands offer vital wildlife habitat and, often, a reason to fight about coastal development

Along the Colorado River …

Secretive ‘harbor master’ steers Colorado River campaign: “For six years, a coordinated campaign has fought to save the Colorado River, influencing policy decisions like a recent interstate drought plan.  But you can’t find it on Google.  The Colorado River Sustainability Campaign has been an important behind-the-scenes player for environmentalists working on the waterway, which provides water to 40 million people.  It is housed at the New Venture Fund, a tax-exempt charity based in Washington, D.C., that funnels money to dozens of advocacy campaigns on a variety of issues.  There is no mention of the Colorado River Sustainability Campaign on the fund’s website, or anywhere in its tax filings. ... ”  Read more from E&E News here:  Secretive ‘harbor master’ steers Colorado River campaign

Trump Just Signed a New Plan for the Colorado River. There’s Already a Lawsuit to Halt It.:  “President Donald Trump signed off on bipartisan legislation that would allow the Bureau of Reclamation to carry out the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan on Tuesday—and a California district has already sued to halt the plan.  The plan, supported by all 14 senators from the Colorado River Basin states, aims to cut back on water use from the Colorado River by preventing water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead from falling to severely low levels. The legislation is the culmination of years of negotiations among the neighboring states. ... ”  Read more from the Pacific Standard here:  Trump Just Signed a New Plan for the Colorado River. There’s Already a Lawsuit to Halt It.

How does Arizona defend its water against climate change and other threats?  Juliet McKenna writes, “Arizonans have a unique relationship with water. With scant rainfall and few natural lakes and rivers, our water supplies are mostly unseen – pumped from vast underground aquifers or piped hundreds of miles from the Colorado River or the mountains in northern Arizona.  Every community and every sector of Arizona’s economy from farming to mining requires safe and reliable water to thrive. Arizona’s streams, springs, rivers and riparian corridors contribute to the state’s natural beauty and outstanding recreational opportunities. … ”  Read more from Arizona Central here:  How does Arizona defend its water against climate change and other threats?

Precipitation watch …

Also on Maven’s Notebook today …

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About the Daily Digest: The Daily Digest is a collection of selected news articles, commentaries and editorials appearing in the mainstream press. Items are generally selected to follow the focus of the Notebook blog. The Daily Digest is published every weekday with a weekend edition posting on Sundays.

 

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