In California water news today, Wet California winter is a boon for skiers and water supply. But it brings a threat: Wildfires.; Why fighting for clean water with climate change money worries some California lawmakers; Harder pushes for passage of water bill; Long Beach joins international dancers to bring attention to water issues; Environment and energy debates take center stage in Washington DC; Air Force diverted $66 million from other projects for PFAS cleanup; Future summers will ‘smash’ temperature records every year; and more …
On the calendar today …
- The Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife meets at 9am. Agenda items include legislation dealing with water conservation, stream gauges, a smoking ban on state beaches, safe harbor agreements, and other matters. Click here for more information. Click here to watch on webcast.
- The State Water Board meets at 9:30am. Agenda items include an update on Phase 1 of the Salton Sea Management Program, several resolutions regarding clean water and drinking water revolving funds, and an update on the stormwater strategy program. Click here for the full agenda. Click here to watch on webcast.
In the news today …
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
- ROBERT SHIBATANI: Are California’s Water Operations as Efficient as Claimed?
- BLOG ROUND-UP: Bernhardt’s Bay-Delta Plan runs into a problem: science; Why everybody is so excited about 23 salmon; Artifishal: New film asks, have we reached the end of wild?; Interview with the Salton Sea; and more …
- SF ESTUARY & WATERSHED SCIENCE: Ten Essential Bay‒Delta Articles; Geospatial tools and water budgets for the Delta; 20th century outflow and salinity intrusion; Management of invasive water hyacinth
Wet California winter is a boon for skiers and water supply. But it brings a threat: Wildfires.: “This early June morning is Boyd Shepler’s birthday, No. 66, and he is spending it in a classic California way: a few hours of skiing in a snowflake-filled morning, then a round of golf in the dry afternoon sun. The snow here in the Sierra Nevada is epic, packed into a base that is more than double the historic average for early summer. Here on Mammoth Mountain, the ski lifts will be running into August. At lower altitudes, a spring of atmospheric rivers and hard rain has filled the state’s once-languishing reservoirs. “The coverage at the top is as good as I have seen it in 30 years,” said Shepler, stoked after skiing Hangman’s Hollow in June for the first time in years before trading his waterproof pants for a pair of shorts and flip-flops. “We live for these summers up here.” ... ” Read more from the Washington Post here: Wet California winter is a boon for skiers and water supply. But it brings a threat: Wildfires.
Why fighting for clean water with climate change money worries some California lawmakers: “Combat climate change, or clean up California’s water? Those alarmed by the Legislature’s decision to dip into a greenhouse gas fund to pay for clean drinking water may need to get used to it: constitutional restrictions on spending that money are set to expire in 2021. At issue is the decision to address one environmental crisis—the lack of clean water for one million Californians—with money set aside for fighting another: climate change. It’s a move that pits those committed to curbing greenhouse gases against environmental allies over $1.4 billion dollars of polluters’ money, even as the state boasts a $20.6 billion surplus. Environmentalists who worked for years to find money for clean water are celebrating the decision as a victory despite the message for climate change goals. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: Why fighting for clean water with climate change money worries some California lawmakers
Harder pushes for passage of water bill: “More funding to increase water storage, spur innovation in water technologies and make long-overdue investments in the region’s aging water infrastructure could soon be headed to the Central Valley courtesy of Congressman Josh Harder’s SAVE Water Resources Act, which on Thursday took its first step toward becoming law at a congressional subcommittee hearing. Harder pushed for the passage of HR 2473, or the Securing Access for the Central Valley and Enhancing (SAVE) Water Resources Act, during his testimony in the U.S. House of Representative’s Water, Oceans and Wildlife Subcommittee — his first chance to advocate for the bill in front of his congressional colleagues and, he said, a rarity for a freshman congressman who only introduced the bill on May 2. ... ” Read more from the Turlock Journal here: Harder pushes for passage of water bill
Long Beach joins international dancers to bring attention to water issues: “Dancers are coordinating around the world Saturday to bring attention to water issues that impact global environments. The event is called Global Water Dances and features a collection of dancers from different backgrounds from around the world. The first organized dance happened in 2011 and involved dancers from 67 locations. On Saturday, dancers in more than 150 locations will be participating. … ” Read more from the Long Beach Press Telegram here: Long Beach joins international dancers to bring attention to water issues
Cal Poly graduate invents sensor to monitor water usage on your phone: “California beat its drought this year, but from that seven-year drought came a new device, engineered by a Cal Poly graduate. The sensor, called Flume, could be the next step in water conservation from your couch. Each American uses about 88 gallons of water at home each day, according to the EPA. That same report shows on average, a family spends $1,000 on water every year. “You literally just take [the device], put it on the side of the meter, run some water, and just like that you’re calibrated,” said Eric Adler, co-founder and CEO of Flume, Inc., while demonstrating the device. ... ” Read more from KSBY here: Cal Poly graduate invents sensor to monitor water usage on your phone
Environment and energy debates take center stage: “The next two weeks will be crucial for energy and environment debates in the House, with the new Democratic majority taking up most major spending bills for fiscal 2020. Partisan votes are expected in coming days over the U.S. role in international climate accords, the fate of a controversial Alaska mine and other hot-button issues. The House is in the midst of debate on its first minibus spending package and will begin considering its second soon. ... ” Read more from E&E News here: Environment and energy debates take center stage
Air Force diverted $66 million from other projects for PFAS cleanup: “In March, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee asked the Department of Defense for details about funding diverted from other projects to pay for cleanup and testing for PFAS, a toxic group of man-made chemicals used in military firefighting foam. … Many of the projects put on hold involved cleaning up other pollution at former Air Force sites. They included a $37 million landfill cap repair and soil remediation project at Galena Air Force Station in Alaska, a $8.6 million radiological cleanup at McClellan Air Force Base in California, and $4.5 million groundwater bioremediation and landfill cap repair at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan. ... ” Read more from the Colorado Independent here: Air Force diverted $66 million from other projects for PFAS cleanup
Future summers will ‘smash’ temperature records every year: “If you think it’s hot now, you haven’t seen anything yet. A new study predicts that parts of the world will “smash” temperature records every year in the coming century due to climate change, “pushing ecosystems and communities beyond their ability to cope.” The scientists who authored the study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change on Monday, used 22 climate models to game out exactly how hot these summer temperatures would be. They determined that by the end of the 21st century, future temperature events “will be so extreme that they will not have been experienced previously.” … ” Read more from CNN here: Future summers will ‘smash’ temperature records every year
Where does your plastic go? A Guardian report from 11 countries tracks how US waste makes its way across the world – and overwhelms the poorest nations: “What happens to your plastic after you drop it in a recycling bin? According to promotional materials from America’s plastics industry, it is whisked off to a factory where it is seamlessly transformed into something new. This is not the experience of Nguyễn Thị Hồng Thắm, a 60-year-old Vietnamese mother of seven, living amid piles of grimy American plastic on the outskirts of Hanoi. ... ” Read more from The Guardian here: Where does your plastic go?
In commentary today …
Let’s protect San Joaquin Valley residents from floods, says Mike Machado: He writes, “Even to the casual observer, catastrophic flooding is becoming increasingly common across the nation. Over the past 15 years, serious floods have threatened residents of New Orleans, New York and New Jersey, Houston and now the upper Midwest. These events have tremendous significance to residents of the San Joaquin Valley. Modesto, Stockton and other communities along the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers face growing flood risk. It’s time to face this threat – and to solve it. … ” Read more from the Modesto Bee here: Let’s protect San Joaquin Valley residents from floods
Western states need to hold Interior secretary Bernhardt accountable, says Chris Saeger: He writes, “As the keepers of most of our public lands and national monuments, Western states play a critical role in opposing any efforts to undermine protections for those lands, including and especially efforts pushed and requested by special interests and mega-lobbyists. Given that the person responsible for watching over these public lands is himself a former lobbyist, it is critical that Western governors hold Interior Secretary David Bernhardt accountable for orchestrating the historic damage being done to our public lands and wildlife. … ” Read more from The Hill here: Western states need to hold Interior secretary Bernhardt accountable
In regional news and commentary today …
El Dorado County to add to its water portfolio: “It only took 18 years, but the county is finally closing in on an agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for 15,000 acre-feet of water. That agreement received unanimous approval at the June 12 meeting of the El Dorado County Water Agency Board of Directors. The water will be taken annually from Folsom Reservoir or from an exchange on the American River upstream from Folsom Reservoir. ... ” Read more from SF Gate here: El Dorado County to add to its water portfolio
Moving mountains — EID digging in for Forebay Dam retrofit: “Visitors got a chance to preview a work in progress at Forebay Dam June 7, with the scale of the $25 million project bound to impress. On the tour were various staff members of the Association of California Water Agencies including its Executive Director Dave Eggerton who was previously the head of the El Dorado County Water Agency. Current general manager of the county water agency, Ken Payne, was also there as were several staff members from the El Dorado Irrigation District. ... ” Read more from the Mountain Democrat here: Moving mountains — EID digging in for Forebay Dam retrofit
Russian River: Crews Begin Stream Maintenance For Flood Protection: “The Sonoma County Water Agency, or Sonoma Water, began stream maintenance activities in or near more than 50 streams throughout Sonoma County this week to restore conveyance capacity and maintain proper function of flood channels. In February, heavy rains and flooding along the Russian River caused an estimated $155 million in damage across the county, impacting more than 1,900 homes and 578 businesses. … ” Read more from SF Gate here: Russian River: Crews Begin Stream Maintenance For Flood Protection
Napa: Water tastes or smells funny? Napa’s grand jury wants cities to further address this issue: “A grand jury investigation concludes that residents in Napa County’s cities can drink tap water without fear of contaminants, though they might sometimes find the taste hard to swallow. Local cities should pay more attention to taste and odor complaints, the new 2018-19 grand jury report said. It urged cities to better communicate with the public on the topic and consider improving water treatment. … ” Read more from the Napa Register here: Napa: Water tastes or smells funny? Napa’s grand jury wants cities to further address this issue
Santa Clara: We’re not in a drought, so why the dry ponds?: “Trail enthusiasts and cyclists have been alarmed in recent months by scenes of bone-dry ponds near Penitencia Creek in northeast San Jose. But they’ll soon be relieved to know the water has come back to some parts. Repairs to a culvert pipe and valve connecting two ponds in the area, known as the Dr. Robert W. Gross Ponds (or Bob Gross Ponds), have allowed water to fill some of the pond system. Earlier in the season the pipe failed and required Valley Water to turn off all water to the surrounding pond system. The work was completed last month, which means residents should be happy to enjoy evening tranquil strolls along the pond trails with water in sight. … ” Read more from Valley Water News here: Santa Clara: We’re not in a drought, so why the dry ponds?
Monterey: Longtime employee takes over as GM at fiscally troubled county water agency: “After more than a quarter century as an employee, Brent Buche is taking the helm at the county Water Resources Agency as it’s going through a transitional period. The 26-year agency veteran and deputy general manager, who was named general manager last week, will be taking over a financially struggling organization with major capital projects such as the Interlake Tunnel on its plate along with basic operational costs without the required funding to pay for them. He is expected to seek major new funding from voters in the next year. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Monterey: Longtime employee takes over as GM at fiscally troubled county water agency
Hurtado secures $15M for area drinking water projects: “State Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) announced Monday she has secured a $15 million one-time investment of General Funds for the southern Central Valley. The funds will address failing water systems that deliver safe clean drinking water to California’s most vulnerable communities. “Access to clean drinking water is one of the main reasons why I chose to run for office,” said Senator Melissa Hurtado. “One million-plus people don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water and this issue disproportionately affects my community, often keeping me up at night.” … ” Read more from the Porterville Recorder here: Hurtado secures $15M for area drinking water projects
Reports from ESCOG, OVGA meetings: ” … Thursday’s Owens Valley Groundwater Authority was primarily an update and overview from Daniel Stephens & Associates’, the plan consultant. The board did discuss the implications of the basin’s potential low priority by Water Resources but opted not to vote on the status of the OVGA until the state finalizes the new priorities. The board also postponed adding new associate or interested parties to the board until the July meeting. … ” Read more from The Sierra Wave here: Reports from ESCOG, OVGA meetings
Santa Monica: Ballona Wetlands film featured in Marina showing: “Santa Monica College professor Dr. Sheila Laffey knows a thing or two about protecting the environment. When she’s not grading papers and student documentaries, the former Program Coordinator for the National Audubon Society in Hawaii directs her own films, a majority of her oeuvre focusing on humanity’s relationship to the environment. Laffey will be showing her (co-directed) film, ‘The Last Stand: Struggle for Ballona Wetlands’ this Tuesday, June 18 at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey. The documentary examines the controversial land-use issue related to a Playa Vista development and the Ballona Wetlands. … ” Read more from the Santa Monica Daily Press here: Santa Monica: Ballona Wetlands film featured in Marina showing
Switchfoot Guitarist Jon Foreman Sings Praises of San Diego Water Supply Reliability: “The San Diego County Water Authority has partnered with San Diego singer and guitarist Jon Foreman of Switchfoot to create a series of videos highlighting the value of water to the region’s economy and quality of life. From sustaining world-famous tourist destinations to making world-class guitars, the San Diego lifestyle wouldn’t be possible without clean and reliable water supplies delivered by the Water Authority and its 24 member agencies. … ” Read more from the Water News Network here: Switchfoot Guitarist Jon Foreman Sings Praises of San Diego Water Supply Reliability
Along the Colorado River …
Good Year for Snow Could Delay Colorado River Water Emergency: “Melting snowpack is beginning to refill the major reservoirs along the Colorado. The Bureau of Reclamation predicts levels at Lake Powell will go up 55 feet before the end of the year, and officials anticipate they will release nine million acre-feet downstream for the fifth year in a row. According to Bureau spokesperson Patti Aaron, the release from Lake Powell and increased flows from tributaries downstream will likely mean Lake Mead goes up by about four feet, keeping it above emergency levels. … ” Read more from KNAU here: Good Year for Snow Could Delay Colorado River Water Emergency
Number of dust storms predicted to increase, grow in size in Arizona: “Meteorologists with the National Weather Center are predicting bigger, more frequent dust storms on the horizon for Maricopa and Pinal counties. … ” Read more from ABC15 here: Number of dust storms predicted to increase, grow in size in Arizona
One Small Colorado Town Ran Out Of Water. How Did It Happen? “One morning in mid-February, David Herz went to turn on the faucet in his farmhouse outside the small western Colorado town of Paonia, and nothing came out. “I thought, ‘Oh, f—. We got a problem,’” Herz said. Herz is president of a small water company that purchases treated drinking water from the town for him and a few of his rural neighbors. Small outages are common enough not to raise alarm. Herz started calling around to see what was happening. … ” Read more from KUNC here: One Small Colorado Town Ran Out Of Water. How Did It Happen?
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
ROBERT SHIBATANI: Are California’s Water Operations as Efficient as Claimed?
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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.
