In California water news today, Water shortages force a reckoning in Calif. wine country; A Study of Microplastics in San Francisco Bay Could Help Cleanup Strategies Elsewhere; California’s Winter Rains Ended the Drought—and Now Summer Means Epic Rafting; Water Agencies Help Avoid Tax on Drinking Water; Chevron appeals state order on oil leak near McKittrick; Will the Wave of PFAS Litigation Sweep Through California?; How climate change is transforming California’s farms; California coasts recovering, but more marine heatwaves like ‘The Blob’ expected; Interior whistleblowers say agency has sidelined scientists under Trump; A Cloudspotters’ Guide to Climate Change; and more …
On the calendar today …
- The Central Valley Flood Protection Board meets beginning at 9am. Agenda items include unauthorized encampments on levees, a continuation of the listening session on the Governor’s water resilience portfolio, a briefing on resolutions of necessity, and an action item on the Yolo Bypass-Cache Slough program. Click here for the full agenda and webcast link.
In the news today …
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
- NEWS WORTH NOTING: Reclamation seeks comments on plan to ensure San Luis Reservoir water reliability; Lawsuit launched over Trump Administration’s approval of oil-waste dumping in California’s Arroyo Grande aquifer
- FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Delta Flood Emergency Response Grant Program Offers $9.9 Million in Direct Funding
- WATER PLAN eNEWS: ~~Update 2018 Webinar~ GSP Alternatives~ B-118 Survey~ Water Report~ Energy Workshop ~~
- DELTA eNEWS: ~~ Owl Release~ Pear Fair~ Delta Taste~ Economic Reports~ ISB Vacancies~~
Water shortages force a reckoning in Calif. wine country: “John Williams uses a tough-love approach for the grapes on his Napa Valley vineyard. He never waters them. “Ninety-seven percent of the wineries in Napa use irrigation, which we think is a serious mistake for wine quality,” Williams said on a hot, sunny afternoon as he walked among the rows of cabernet sauvignon at his organic winery, Frog’s Leap. Williams’ embrace of dry farming isn’t the majority practice in this part of California, but it reflects a growing view in Napa, Sonoma and other regions that the future of the wine industry — and possibly the quality of much of America’s wine — rests on more sustainable practices that conserve water, promote healthy soil and prepare growers for the challenges of a changing climate. … ” Read more from E&E News here: Water shortages force a reckoning in Calif. wine country
A Study of Microplastics in San Francisco Bay Could Help Cleanup Strategies Elsewhere: “A three-year study of microplastic flecks from plastic bottles, bags and other debris that end up in San Francisco Bay could help the Bay Area and other regions better understand and manage the problem. It comes as California is doing its own assessment of microplastics pollution so it can devise a strategy to deal with it.” Read the article at Western Water here: A Study of Microplastics in San Francisco Bay Could Help Cleanup Strategies Elsewhere
California’s Winter Rains Ended the Drought—and Now Summer Means Epic Rafting: “We asked California rafting experts to tell us how winter and spring rain will affect summer rafting—and where you should head out on the water. If you live in Northern California, you don’t need me to tell you that we had a lot of rain this past winter and spring. And by “a lot,” I mean epic, superlative, record-breaking rain. So that was kind of a drag, but there’s an upside. Two, actually. The Captain Obvious observation is that all that precipitation left the Sierra-Nevada snowpack in well-above-average shape and washed away just about every last vestige of the years-long drought we’d been experiencing. … ” Continue reading at SF Gate here: California’s Winter Rains Ended the Drought—and Now Summer Means Epic Rafting
Water Agencies Help Avoid Tax on Drinking Water: “After years of effort, water agencies across San Diego County and the state have helped to prevent an unprecedented tax on drinking water while ensuring funding for clean water initiatives in disadvantaged communities. On July 24, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that provides $130 million annually for the next 10 years to clean up polluted drinking water, mainly in the Central and Salinas valleys. ... ” Read more from the Water News Network here: Water Agencies Help Avoid Tax on Drinking Water
Chevron appeals state order on oil leak near McKittrick: “Taking the position it needs more specific instructions from regulators, Chevron has filed an appeal of a state order calling on the company to “take all measures” to prevent further flows of oil and water at California’s largest and most visible petroleum-related accident in years. The appeal it filed Monday with the state Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources is not aimed at allowing the company to walk away from the situation, Chevron said, but rather to ask the agency to state exactly what it expects the oil producer to do and what information to provide. ... ” Read more from Bakersfield.com here: Chevron appeals state order on oil leak near McKittrick
Will the Wave of PFAS Litigation Sweep Through California? “In the last year, litigation involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has spiked across the nation. To date this litigation has been centered in eastern and mid-western states and the wave of litigation has yet to reach California. And while PFAS litigation is not new, increased testing and focus on PFAS by federal and many state regulators has increased the public’s awareness surrounding PFAS’ health risks, widespread use, and impacts to drinking water and groundwater. As outlined in Part One of this two-part series, California is stepping up regulatory action on PFAS. In this article—Part Two—we summarize trends in PFAS litigation outside California and discuss a likely on-coming wave of similar, but also unique PFAS litigation in California. ... ” Read more from Downey Brand here: Will the Wave of PFAS Litigation Sweep Through California?
After 65 Years, Spring-Run Chinook Salmon Successfully Return to the San Joaquin River: “The San Joaquin River – the second longest river in California – was once home to one of the largest populations of spring-run Chinook salmon, a species of fish that is now classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Thanks to a collaborative multi-agency effort that includes the Department of Water Resources (DWR), spring-run Chinook salmon are successfully returning to the San Joaquin River for the first time in more than 65 years. … ” Read more from DWR News here: After 65 Years, Spring-Run Chinook Salmon Successfully Return to the San Joaquin River
Prevention and protection: California and its communities search for ways to combat the next catastrophic wildfire: “Fire seasons in 2017 and 2018 caused the residents of California to take a long, hard look at themselves, their electricity providers, the way their forests are managed, what their evacuation plans look like, and whether their homes are protected. Communities on the Central Coast face fire yearly, from Lake Nacimiento to the forested hills outside of Santa Barbara. It’s just a fact of life. But the questions are: How prepared are we to face the next big one? And what are we doing to protect ourselves? ... ” Continue reading from New Times SLO here: Prevention and protection: California and its communities search for ways to combat the next catastrophic wildfire
AGRICULTURE
Radio show/podcast: How climate change is transforming California’s farms: “Agriculture is big business in California. But the industry faces a reckoning with the threat of climate change, especially in the Central Valley. Just outside Modesto, farmers and researchers are trying to develop new farming techniques to help the region better transition to the hotter, drier, and saltier climate on the horizon.” Listen/download from KCRW here: How climate change is transforming California’s farms
California Court of Appeal Affirms Ruling Allowing Irrigation Districts to Withhold Water Deliveries from Landowners That Violate District Rules: “Earlier this year, the California Court of Appeal upheld a trial court decision authorizing an irrigation district to withhold water deliveries to landowners within the district who violate rules promulgated by the district. The ruling in Inzana v.Turlock Irrigation Dist. Bd. of Directors (2019) 35 Cal.App.5th 429 (Inzana) means that irrigation districts have authority to promulgate rules curtailing water deliveries to landowners who interfere with a district’s ability to carry out its duty to furnish water for beneficial use. ... ” Read more from Somach Simmons & Dunn here: California Court of Appeal Affirms Ruling Allowing Irrigation Districts to Withhold Water Deliveries from Landowners That Violate District Rules
COASTAL ISSUES
California coasts recovering, but more marine heatwaves like ‘The Blob’ expected: “The effects of the marine heatwave off the California coast from 2014 to 2016, better known as The Blob, that led to a decrease in Chinook salmon and virtually shut down the Dungeness crab industry are finally starting to wear off. The heatwave led to major shifts in the marine ecosystem, with species of fish migrating to different regions where the temperature was more favorable. It caused declines in certain species and increases in others. A type of algae that produces the neurotoxin domoic acid also outcompeted other forms of algae, leading to huge blooms that poisoned a variety of sea life, such as Dungeness crab. … ” Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: California coasts recovering, but more marine heatwaves like ‘The Blob’ expected
Cities Acidify the Water Next Door: Coastal communities have a stronger effect on local ocean acidification than previously believed: “Sea turtles caught in fishing nets. Albatross stomachs clogged with bottle caps. Campaigns to clean up beaches and ban single-use plastics often use images of remote animals to elicit action, urging us to think global, act local. Yet when it comes to carbon emissions and their effects on ocean chemistry, a recent study suggests that if you live near the coast, you ought to think local, too. That’s because new measurements taken in California’s Monterey Bay show that it absorbs carbon dioxide emissions from the surrounding cities and agricultural lands, making it more acidic. The finding is reminiscent of the urban heat island effect, in which cities tend to be a few degrees warmer than the surrounding countryside. … ” Read more from Hakai Magazine here: Cities Acidify the Water Next Door: Coastal communities have a stronger effect on local ocean acidification than previously believed
NATIONAL
Corporations behind toxic ‘forever chemicals’ spend big as lawmakers seek to crack down: “Manufacturers of toxic nonstick chemicals are ramping up lobbying efforts in the face of heightened lawmaker scrutiny of the products — often referred to as “forever chemicals” — which are found in a range of household items. At least one manufacturer is set to testify before lawmakers this fall about what they knew about the damaging health risks associated with their products. And House Democrats may call other companies to testify as well. The increased attention to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, comes as manufacturers like 3M pour millions into combatting regulation of the chemicals. … ” Read more from Think Progress here: Corporations behind toxic ‘forever chemicals’ spend big as lawmakers seek to crack down
Interior whistleblowers say agency has sidelined scientists under Trump: “Former Interior Department employees who say they experienced retaliation at the agency for their work on scientific endeavors appeared before lawmakers Thursday, sparking political wrangling over the role of scientists in the Trump administration. Republicans used the appearances to accuse Democrats of political theater, while Democrats in turn stepped up calls for scientists to be protected. ... ” Read more from The Hill here: Interior whistleblowers say agency has sidelined scientists under Trump
A Cloudspotters’ Guide to Climate Change: “On a lost-in-time island off the coast of England, a group called the Cloud Appreciation Society gathers to look skyward and bask in the delights of nature. But halfway around the world, scientists have modeled a scenario in which Stratocumulus actually disappear under extreme climate conditions. What’s a cloud lover to do in the Age of the Anthropocene? … ” Continue reading at Reuters here: A Cloudspotters’ Guide to Climate Change
In regional news and commentary today …
Fruit starts turning color, signaling grape harvest a month away on North Coast: “As he walked around zinfandel vines Thursday at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville, Ryan Stapleton said he was pleased to see the grapes started turning from green to purple — a harbinger that the wine grape harvest in the North Coast will kick off next month. “I feel pretty confident so far with what we have. You never know what Mother Nature brings tomorrow,” said Stapleton, manager of grower relations for the winery. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Fruit starts turning color, signaling grape harvest a month away on North Coast
Local group produces Petaluma Wetlands Field Guide: “When Marian Parker first began to consider creating a field guide for the Petaluma Wetlands, she had little way of knowing the project would open a whole watershed of opportunity for Petaluma’s wetland educational programs. The recently published guide, titled simply “Petaluma Wetlands: Field Guide,” contains over 10,000 photos from birders, nicely highlighting the unique array of plants and organisms at Shollenberger Park and surrounding wetland areas. … ” Read more from Petaluma 360 here: Local group produces Petaluma Wetlands Field Guide
Marin: Ross Valley Sanitary District begins toxin cleanup in Larkspur: “Hustling through six-day workweeks, contractors are busy digging, stockpiling and hauling off an average of 40 truckloads of contaminated soil a day from the site of a former wastewater treatment plant at Larkspur Landing. About 64,000 tons of the mixed soil and demolition debris, which contains trace amounts of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, will be sent to a municipal landfill, while another 2,600 tons, will be shipped to a hazardous waste landfill. The $9.6 million cleanup job is expected to be completed by December, the Ross Valley Sanitary District said. ... ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Ross Valley Sanitary District begins toxin cleanup in Larkspur
Bay Area Water districts prepare as wildfire threats could mean days-long power outages: “The threat of wildfires means that PG&E could turn off power for several days. Now water districts are preparing to keep the water from shutting off. The East Bay Municipality District now has a back-up plan that includes filling water tanks to capacity during Red Flag Warnings, and making sure there is electricity to move water up to people who live in the hills. … ” Read more from KRON here: Bay Area Water districts prepare as wildfire threats could mean days-long power outages
Project eyed for moving gravel near Big Chico Creek: “A major gravel-removing project could be taking place near Big Chico Creek and the Sacramento River. The M&T/Llano Seco Ranch share a pumping facility that has come under threat from accumulating gravel and sediment on the river. This would be the third major project to take place since 2001 near the pumping facility. The pumping plant in question serves as one of the area’s most important water distribution facilities, according to the manager of M&T Ranch, Les Heringer. ... ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Project eyed for moving gravel near Big Chico Creek
Roseville preparing for drought with unique system to capture water for future use: “Water is the lifeblood of the Sacramento Valley. Yet, the best methods for storing and using the precious resource are often elusive. A new water system in operation in Roseville treats underground aquifers like a bank, making deposits in times of surplus for withdrawal in times of drought. “If we have a dry condition, we can turn on our wells system to help supplement our water supply in those drier conditions,” explained Water Utility Manager Sean Bigley. “And on the flip side, when we have wetter years, we can rely on surface water when it’s more ample and more available for sure.” … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Roseville preparing for drought with unique system to capture water for future use
Transfer of levee power in West Sacramento raises grand jury concerns: “The Yolo Local Agency Formation Commission has voted to move forward with a plan to transfer oversight of the levee system within West Sacramento’s city limits even though a Yolo County grand jury raised questions and concerns about the plan. YLAFCo staff recommended to the commission that oversight of Reclamation District 900 be transferred from a 108-year-old independent board made up of landowners to the West Sacramento City Council. … ” Read more from KCRA Channel 3 here: Transfer of levee power in West Sacramento raises grand jury concerns
Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water Storage District launching new pilot program: “For years, water has been a hot topic of debate for many throughout Kern County and the Central Valley. Farmers, in particular, have been engaged in a battle over their water usage for seemingly forever. That’s one reason why one local water district is trying a new approach. “A water market, in essence, that allowed users or landowners within our district to manage the resource more effectively,” Eric Averett, of the Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water Storage District, said. … ” Read more from Bakersfield Now here: Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water Storage District launching new pilot program
Paso Robles: Groundwater sustainability meeting held at library conference room: “Groundwater sustainability was the subject of another in a series of meetings held Wednesday afternoon at Paso Robles Library Conference Room. More than 40 people attended the meeting to hear presenter/facilitator Derek Williams and San Luis Obispo County’s Courtney Howard describe Chapters 9 and 10 of the state-mandated draft plan for the Paso Robles groundwater basin. During public comment, several local residents addressed the GSA committee of North County elected officials. Those elected officials include Paso Robles City Councilman John Hamon and Supervisor John Peschong. … ” Read more from the Paso Robles Daily News here: Groundwater sustainability meeting held at library conference room
Carpinteria: With water supply dwindling, Water District plans advanced purification project: “Like many other communities throughout California, Carpinteria faces sustained and historic drought conditions. By 2030, the Carpinteria Valley Water District estimates that on a dry year, the deficit could be as high as 1,550 acre feet—approximately 505 million gallons of water—enough to fill 775 Olympic-sized swimming pools, or serve the average yearly use of 6,200 local households. In response to the shortfall, CVWD proposes a $25 million project to take wastewater that has been cleaned, purify it and then inject it into the groundwater basin to be used for various needs, including potable drinking water. … ” Read more from Coastal View here: Carpinteria: With water supply dwindling, Water District plans advanced purification project
Rain in July? Monsoonal moisture brings sweltering temperatures and brief downpours to Southern California: “While it may be a most unusual accessory for summer in Southern California, an umbrella just might come in handy Thursday. Monsoonal moisture that rolled in from Mexico this week has brought muggy and warmer-than-normal conditions to the Southland. The trend is expected to continue Thursday with another interesting surprise: scattered showers and thunderstorms through much of the day. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Rain in July? Monsoonal moisture brings sweltering temperatures and brief downpours to Southern California
Orange County: Scrutiny grows over whether small, south county water district can afford desalination plant: “The small South Coast Water District has taken key steps toward construction of a $110 million desalination plant, but the agency faces growing questions of whether it’s in over its head for the ambitious project to be built near Doheny State Beach. The project’s ocean-friendly technology has won praise from the same environmentalists fighting a desalter plant proposed by Poseidon Water for Huntington Beach, one of several things that distinguish the south county plant from the more controversial project to the north. ... ” Read more from the OC Register here: Scrutiny grows over whether small, south county water district can afford desalination plant
Del Mar residents voice concern over potential for managed retreat: “Del Mar’s newly amended Local Coastal Program is inching closer to potential certification by the California Coastal Commission, and residents urged the City Council and staff to prevent any “back door” approach to managed retreat at a July 15 council meeting. Managed retreat is a method of sea-level rise adaptation that involves removing oceanfront private property, public infrastructure and coastal protection in order to allow the shoreline to naturally creep inland. ... ” Read more from The Coast News Group here: Del Mar residents voice concern over potential for managed retreat
San Diego County Looks To Fix Tijuana River Cross-Border Sewage Flows: “San Diego County officials are finalizing a list of projects that could help fix the region’s sewage problems. Sewage flows from Tijuana regularly foul San Diego’s ocean waters. That prompted the state, the Port of San Diego, a clean water group and several municipalities to sue the federal government to fix the problem. But county officials are pursuing a different track. … ” Read more from KPBS here: San Diego County Looks To Fix Tijuana River Cross-Border Sewage Flows
Along the Colorado River …
Water 101: Today’s systems protect Las Vegas’ future: “Understanding water issues and infrastructure is necessary for all desert dwellers. It’s our responsibility to ensure there will be enough water for future generations, particularly when water resources are threatened and under significant strain. “When I moved to Las Vegas almost 30 years ago, water investment and conservation tactics allowed me to land here,” says Bronson Mack of Southern Nevada Water Authority. ... ” Read more from the Las Vegas Sun here: Water 101: Today’s systems protect Las Vegas’ future
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.
