In California water news today, Disneyland, dozens of cities could be flooded by dam failure from huge storm, engineers warn; More storms eye California, western US into Memorial Day weekend; A Reservoir Rising: How DWR is Managing Lake Oroville in an Above-Average Water Year; Oroville Main Spillway not being used amid increased rainfall; Improving Fire Risk Management With Drought Early Warning Information in California and Nevada; Water agencies: Air quality rules need changing to keep water flowing to fight wildfires; Unsafe Drinking Water Is Bad Enough: But What If You’re The One Tasked With Fixing It?; and more …
In the news today …
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
Disneyland, dozens of cities could be flooded by dam failure from huge storm, engineers warn: “Federal engineers are raising alarms that a “significant flood event” could breach the spillway of Southern California’s aging Prado Dam and potentially inundate dozens of Orange County communities from Disneyland to Newport Beach. After conducting an assessment of the 78-year-old structure earlier this month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that it was raising the dam’s risk category from “moderate” to “high urgency.” ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: Disneyland, dozens of cities could be flooded by dam failure from huge storm, engineers warn
Prado Dam rated a ‘high urgency’ risk after spillway problems discovered: “Federal officials are working urgently to strengthen the spillway at Prado Dam near Corona to prevent it from failing in a major flood, which could imperil hundreds of thousands of people living downstream in Orange County. After a May inspection determined the dam’s spillway could perform poorly in a major flood, the dam’s risk rating was changed from “moderate urgency” to “high urgency.” … ” Read more from the Riverside Press-Enterprise here: Prado Dam rated a ‘high urgency’ risk after spillway problems discovered
More storms eye California, western US into Memorial Day weekend: “Additional storms bearing rain, locally gusty thunderstorms and high-elevation snow will take aim at California, the rest of the Pacific coast and the interior western United States into the Memorial Day weekend. “A block in the jet stream is forcing storms to take a much more southern route onshore of western North America than usual for the middle to latter part of May,” according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson. ... ” Read more from Accu-Weather here: More storms eye California, western US into Memorial Day weekend
A Reservoir Rising: How DWR is Managing Lake Oroville in an Above-Average Water Year: “For anyone who enjoys the abundant recreation opportunities at Lake Oroville, a full reservoir is a welcome site after years of drought and lower-than-normal lake levels due to spillway reconstruction. But with above average precipitation and snowpack in the Sierras above the Feather River watershed, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is also managing reservoir levels to accommodate for spring inflow. It’s common for Lake Oroville to stay relatively full during the summer months after an above average water year like the one we’re experiencing in 2018-2019. … ” Read more from DWR News here: A Reservoir Rising: How DWR is Managing Lake Oroville in an Above-Average Water Year
Oroville Main Spillway not being used amid increased rainfall: “The rain brings runoff and higher lake levels. Officials with Department of Water Resources (DWR) are keeping a close eye on Lake Oroville, where the recently reconstructed spillway has only been used once. As of 4 a.m. Thursday, Lake Oroville stood at 889.60 feet, less than 11 feet from the top. The Oroville CHP tweeted information about increased water releases. It said Thursday at 7 a.m., DWR is expected to start increasing flows through the Hyatt Power Plant into the Feather River. … ” Read more from KRCR here: Oroville Main Spillway not being used amid increased rainfall
Improving Fire Risk Management With Drought Early Warning Information in California and Nevada: “California and Nevada’s climate and weather patterns create fire-prone environments for many wildland–urban interface communities, highlighting the value in understanding the relationships between drought and wildfire. More specifically, information is needed on how drought indices are related to fire danger outputs that are commonly used in fire management. With NIDIS Coping with Drought support through NOAA’s Sectoral Applications Research Program (SARP), recent research led by Dr. Dan McEvoy from the Western Regional Climate Center and the Desert Research Institute examined the relationships in California and Nevada between common drought indices and National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) outputs to help understand what drought indices might complement or be integrated into NFDRS. This type of information can help inform the Predictive Services’ significant fire potential outlook that are currently issued at both weather and seasonal time scales and funding requests during periods with potential for abnormally severe fire behavior. ... ” Read more from NIDIS here: Improving Fire Risk Management With Drought Early Warning Information in California and Nevada
Water agencies: Air quality rules need changing to keep water flowing to fight wildfires: “California agencies have appealed to air pollution control officials to change the rules after backup generators failed and water stopped pumping as wildfires burned last year. They said they need more time to test and maintain diesel-operated generators that power water facilities during a fire. Because of air pollution concerns, the agencies are limited to testing the diesel-powered generators as little as 20 hours per year in some cases. But as a new fire season nears, the rules remain in place. … ” Read more from the Ventura County Star here: Water agencies: Air quality rules need changing to keep water flowing to fight wildfires
Unsafe Drinking Water Is Bad Enough: But What If You’re The One Tasked With Fixing It? “When the federal government reduced how much arsenic it would allow in drinking water in 2006, the water system in Jim Maciel’s Central Valley community was suddenly considered unsafe to drink. Bringing that arsenic content back down to a safe level required a lot of work, as he explains to a few colleagues at a water leadership institute in Visalia. “It took us about 8 years and $9.2 million to comply with their new standards,” he says. “And we just got that plant online in September of 2017.” … ” Continue reading at Valley Public Radio here: Unsafe Drinking Water Is Bad Enough: But What If You’re The One Tasked With Fixing It?
California Senate Rejects Governor’s Proposed Water Tax: “The California Senate has rejected a new tax on most residential water bills, opting instead to use existing tax dollars to improve drinking water in some of the state’s poorest areas. State officials say in 2017, more than 450 public water systems did not comply with safety standards, affecting more than half a million people. This year, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a 95-cent tax on most residential water bills. He wants to use the money to improve the drinking water systems. ... ” Read more from NBC LA here: California Senate Rejects Governor’s Proposed Water Tax
Pumped hydro with better financing can compete with batteries: “Lazard’s well-known Levelized Cost of Storage analysis does not cover pumped hydro storage, and a pumped hydro cost estimate from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is not expected until late this year, as a follow-up to an interim report. Beating them to the punch is a report by UC San Diego professor David Victor and five co-authors, Pumped Energy Storage: Vital to California’s Renewable Energy Future. The report provides the following cost comparison between pumped hydro and battery storage … ” Continue reading at PV Magazine here: Pumped hydro with better financing can compete with batteries
Fight against plastic pollution targets a hidden source: Our clothes: “The plastic bottles, straws and grocery bags that wash ashore on beaches are some of the most visible signs that society’s intoxication with plastic is taking a toll on the environment. But scientists say there is another source of plastic pollution that is just as pervasive and even more difficult to clean up — and it’s hiding in our clothes. Most clothing contains synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon that are essentially constructed from thin plastic fibers. These fabrics have become fixtures in closets around the world because they are durable and cheap to make. … ” Read more from NBC News here: Fight against plastic pollution targets a hidden source: Our clothes
Climate Adaptation Isn’t Surrender. It’s Survival: “Here’s an unpopular opinion in some circles: We are going to have to use technology to adapt to the worst effects of climate change. For far too many years, the world has been talking about about slowing down climate change. With some success: The state of California now uses 30 percent renewables to power its grid. For the past two years, the UK has gotten more than half its energy from renewables instead of coal. The 2015 Paris Climate Accord was an actual, unironically gigantic accomplishment in terms of global cooperation on this existential issue. … ” Read more from WIRED here: Climate Adaptation Isn’t Surrender. It’s Survival
In commentary today …
Dysfunctional SF Bay protection agency failing miserably, says the Mercury News: They write, “Illegally anchored boats in Richardson Bay near Sausalito often sink, resulting in release of harmful chemicals into San Francisco Bay. A decaying tugboat has remained illegally moored near Rodeo along the Contra Costa shoreline for at least six years despite U.S. Coast Guard concerns that its hull will rupture and discharge fuel into the bay. A South San Francisco case of illegal boats used as residences, abandoned vessels, discharge of wastewater into the bay and shoreline debris from wrecked boats is not considered a high priority. … ” Read more from the Mercury News here: Dysfunctional SF Bay protection agency failing miserably
In regional news and commentary today …
Fundraiser focuses on stopping dam removal: “Halting plans to remove four dams on the Klamath River was the theme of a well-attended fundraising event hosted May 4 by the Siskiyou County Water Users Association. Guest speakers, including Congressman Doug LaMalfa, Siskiyou County Supervisor Brandon Criss, former Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams and Attorney James Buchal, author of “The Great Salmon Hoax” discussed problems they foresee with dam removal which they believe is far from a done deal. ... ” Read more from the Siskiyou Daily News here: Fundraiser focuses on stopping dam removal
Paradise officials provide update on Water Supply Recovery Program: “The Paradise Irrigation District said it plans on testing water from lot-to-lot instead of in zoned areas. The process will also give priority to people who are currently living in their homes or in temporary housing on their properties in Paradise. Kevin Phillips, the district’s director, said the majority of testing they’ve done shows no contamination in the main lines, but individual services lines are still showing volatile organic compounds, like Benzene. … ” Read more from Action News Now here: Paradise officials provide update on Water Supply Recovery Program
The Not-So-Crystal Clean History of San Francisco’s Drinking Water: “To the west of Interstate 280 along the Peninsula south of San Francisco, there’s a long stretch of beautiful greenery. The hills are carpeted with trees, a thick bank of coastal fog hugs the ridge line, and nestled in the middle sit two crystal clear lakes. It all looks so pristine, untouched even. But it’s entirely man made. When Jackie Nuñez moved to San Mateo from Santa Barbara, she couldn’t help but notice the Crystal Springs reservoirs. ... ” Read more from KQED here: The Not-So-Crystal Clean History of San Francisco’s Drinking Water
McCarthy introduces legislation to rename Success Dam: “Congressman Kevin McCarthy introduced legislation H.R. 2695 on Tuesday, May 14, to rename the Success Dam after local businessman and longtime Tule River Water Master, Richard L. Schafer. “Richard Schafer is a titan in our community and has worked for years to help ensure that Porterville, Tulare County, and the Central Valley have uninterrupted access to water,” said McCarthy. “I am proud to introduce this bill to name the Success Dam after him. Considering that Schafer helped spearhead the enlargement of the Success Reservoir, which will double flood protection for Porterville and other communities below the dam once complete, it is only fitting that the dam should be named in his honor.” ... ” Read more from the Porterville Recorder here: McCarthy introduces legislation to rename Success Dam
Gente del Rio: People of the L.A. River: “The L.A. River represents many things: humans subjugating nature for selfish interests; the forgotten lifeblood of Los Angeles; a metaphor for a city that was never supposed to exist. Many people forget that Los Angeles even has a river, ever since it was paved over to control flooding in 1938. If it’s remembered at all, it’s as a “water freeway,” more of a civic eyesore than a valuable ecological and cultural resource. But there’s beauty in the river — the way its brutalist structure creates harsh edges and shadows, the way nature manages to thrive in the soft bottom areas, too wild to be tamed by cement. … ” Continue reading at ‘the LAnd’ here: Gente del Rio: People of the L.A. River
Watermasters celebrate 50 peaceful years: “Water has been a historically contentious subject in dry and arid Southern California, yet this year marks the 50th anniversary of two key agreements that have kept the peace among once hotly conflicting water agencies of the Santa Ana River Watershed. The Watermaster agreements were celebrated during a special gathering of water district leaders on April 12 in Norco. The Western-San Bernardino and Orange County judgments, signed April 17, 1969, helped establish five watermasters and settle water rights throughout the watershed that supplies the water agencies within San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties. ... ” Read more from Highland Community News here: Watermasters celebrate 50 peaceful years
Aquarium of the Pacific’s new Pacific Visions wing, opening next week, brings the urgency of climate change to life: “The Aquarium of the Pacific’s first major expansion in its 20-year history asks its visitors to consider an issue that’s become increasingly urgent in those two decades: Climate change. Pacific Visions, a 29,000-square-foot, two-story new wing that opens to the public Friday, May 24, hits guests with a bold message about the monumental impact humans have had on the earth and its oceans — and what can now be done to reverse it. … ” Read more from the Long Beach Telegram here: Aquarium of the Pacific’s new Pacific Visions wing, opening next week, brings the urgency of climate change to life
Along the Colorado River …
Arizona: Lawmaker, farmers make pitch for $20M for water plan: “Insisting the state made a “commitment,” a Central Arizona lawmaker and farmers he represents is making a last-ditch pitch for $20 million in taxpayer dollars to drill new wells and water delivery canals. Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, said Thursday the farmers in Pinal County agreed to give up their right to Colorado River water to help the state come up with a plan to deal with the drought. In exchange they were given the right to take additional water out of the ground. That deal included $9 million from the state to cover the costs. And the farmers through their irrigation districts have come up with another $30 million. … ” Read more from the Arizona Capital Times here: Lawmaker, farmers make pitch for $20M for water plan
AZ Farmers Seek Money To Switch Groundwater Source As Loss Of Colorado River Water Looms: “Central Arizona farmers were making a last-minute plea Thursday to state lawmakers for $20 million to dig wells and build canals as they prepare to lose access to Colorado River water. With budget talks heating up between legislative leaders and aides for Gov. Doug Ducey, a wide variety of interests are jockeying for a share of a $1 billion surplus in the roughly $11.5 billion budget. Pinal County farmers say they urgently need the money to transition to using groundwater. ... ” Read more from KNAU here: AZ Farmers Seek Money To Switch Groundwater Source As Loss Of Colorado River Water Looms
Utah: U.S. Senate Committee Passes Navajo-Utah Water Settlement: “A Senate committee passed legislation Wednesday that gives the Navajo the right to take a portion of Utah’s Colorado River allotment. If the bill is approved, the Navajo would be able to take 81,500 acre-feet of water per year from the Colorado River. Utah is among seven states in the region that have divvied up water from the Colorado River in a compact. … ” Read more from KJZZ here: Utah: U.S. Senate Committee Passes Navajo-Utah Water Settlement
Precipitation watch …
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
- FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Infrastructure Funding Fair for Butte County recovery efforts
- FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Green Infrastructure Grant Program Guidelines and Solicitation
- DELTA eNEWS: ~~ DPC Meeting~ County Fair~ Spring Festival~ Migratory Birds~ Pear History~ DSP Series~ DSC Meeting ~~
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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.
