On the calendar today …
ONLINE MEETING: The Delta Stewardship Council meets at 9am.
Agenda items include an update on the Science Action Agenda, approval of an agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation regarding Delta science proposal solicitation, a presentation on Water Use Efficiency Standards and Reporting for Ag Use, and a Delta Conveyance update. Click here for the full agenda.
WEBINAR: Failing Forward and Lessons Learned from 9am to 10am.
We often hear about restoration success stories – but what about projects that struggled or failed? During this webinar we will heard two practitioners whose projects didn’t go as planned, and the critical insights they learned over more than a decade. Click here to register.
WEBINAR: Cry Me a River: The High Costs of Water Demand Overestimates from 10am to 11:30am
Dr. Sarah Diringer of Pacific Institute & Peter Drekmeier of Tuolumne River Trust on the trouble with inflated estimates. Presented by Sustainable Silicon Valley. Click here to register.
FREE WEBINAR: How’s my waterway? from 12pm to 1pm
Please join us for this webcast to view a live demo of the recently enhanced version of How’s My Waterway. This webcast will provide an overview and demonstration of this user-friendly, accessible, data-rich and map-centric HMW application. Click here to register.
PUBLIC WORKSHOP: How to Apply for the SAFER Advisory Group from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Please join State Water Resources Control Board staff for a public workshop about the SAFER Advisory Group Member application process. The application period is now open, and closes September 30, 2020. Click here to register for the workshop. For more information and an application, click here.
In California water news today …
Radio show: California’s dams need repairs to survive future major flood, says author
“A recent UCLA study says that in the next 40 years, California could likely see a flood massive enough to cause nearly $1 trillion of damage, force millions of people to evacuate, and leave houses in California’s Central Valley 30 to 40 feet underwater. And the state is ill-prepared when it comes to infrastructure like dams that could prevent flooding.” Guest is Jacques Leslie – contributor to the Los Angeles Times, and author of “Deep Water: The Epic Struggle Over Dams, Displaced People, and the Environment”. Listen to show at KCRW here: Radio show: California’s dams need repairs to survive future major flood, says author
CalEPA’s Jared Blumenfeld on grounding COVID recovery in climate action
“As the state of California grapples with record-breaking heat, wildfire, pandemic, and a $54 billion budget deficit, TPR spoke with California Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Jared Blumenfeld to discuss how his agency’s priorities have been impacted by the overlapping crises and continued federal antagonism to climate action. Secretary Blumenfeld reiterates Governor Newsom’s commitment to ensuring safe and affordable rural drinking water supplies and opportunities to propel the state’s post-COVID economic recovery with clean jobs.” Read the interview at The Planning Report here: CalEPA’s Jared Blumenfeld on Grounding COVID Recovery in Climate Action
Feinstein secures GAO review of EPA’s San Francisco enforcement actions
“Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today announced the Government Accountability Office has agreed to review whether the White House pressured the Environmental Protection Agency to abuse its law enforcement authority to single out San Francisco. “No city or state should be singled out for EPA enforcement action as a method of political attack,” Feinstein said today. “We need to know whether the EPA has applied a consistent approach to enforcement against all cities with combined sewer systems or if San Francisco was being punished at the direction of the White House. This review of EPA actions will get to the bottom of this issue.” … “
Harmful algal outbreak worsens in SF Bay-Delta waters
“The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has reported that a recent collection of water samples from cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (HABs) along the Stockton waterfront contain microcystins up to 220 times higher than the “danger” level (the highest advisory threshold). These extremely dangerous readings were found at 5 out of 6 testing sites along the Stockton waterfront. Microcystins in large quantities pose a major threat to drinking and irrigation water supplies, humans in contact with waterways, and the environment at large. … “ Read more at Restore the Delta here: Harmful algal outbreak worsens in SF Bay-Delta waters
Habitat funds available for Calif. rice farmers
“California rice growers wishing to participate in a state-funded program to flood their fields for winter wildlife habitat have until Sept. 14 to submit their requests to the state. Growers who qualify this year will receive $15 per acre to flood their rice fields. The California Winter Rice Habitat Incentive Program helps rice farmers cover the costs of water they would purchase to flood their fields in the winter. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Habitat funds available for Calif. rice farmers
Some of America’s favorite produce crops may need to get a move on by 2045
“Record drought and heat have some farmers worried about where and when crops can be grown in the future, even in California where unprecedented microclimate diversity creates ideal growing conditions for many of the most popular items in America’s grocery stores. A third of the vegetables and two-thirds of fruits and nuts consumed by Americans are now grown on more than 76,000 farms across the state, yet 20 years from now certain California regions may simply become too hot and dry for continued production. New research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) shows that by the years 2045-2049 future temperatures will have more of an effect on when cool-season crops, such as broccoli and lettuce, can be grown than on where, while for warm-season crops (cantaloupe, tomatoes, carrots) the impact will be greater for where they can be grown versus when. … ” Read more from Berkeley Labs here: Some of America’s favorite produce crops may need to get a move on by 2045
Why California spends billions but can’t control its wildfires. ‘No simple or cheap solution’
“Gavin Newsom had been governor for just one day when he appeared at a Cal Fire station in the Sierra foothills and outlined his plan for protecting California from major wildfires. More advanced helicopters. Better alert systems. Additional firefighters. Infrared cameras for early detection. In the months that followed, the administration sent out crews with chainsaws and wood chippers to cut brush and trees at dozens of projects near fire-prone communities. Nineteen months later, wildfire risks seem as bad as ever in California. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: California lawmakers seek $2.5 billion to protect homes from wildfires, thin forests
Environmental justice becomes part of California city planning
“More than 140 cities and counties in California intend to update their long-term plans over the next two years to include environmental justice, meaning air pollution, water quality, and other factors affecting disadvantaged communities would get a closer look. Local governments across the country typically have general plans that spell out long-term visions for land use, open space, housing, safety, and other planning factors. Some local governments haven’t updated their overall general plans since the 1970s, said Erik de Kok, a program manager in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Environmental justice becomes part of California city planning
In regional water news and commentary today …
Humboldt County: Marijuana enforcement team eradicates over 28,000 cannabis plants
“The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team eradicates thousands of growing cannabis plants and thousands of pounds of cannabis bud in Northeast Humboldt County. Deputies served the warrants at numerous parcels in The Trinity River and Klamath River Watersheds over the span of three days. … ” Read more from KIEM here: Marijuana enforcement team eradicates over 28,000 cannabis plants
Third driest year on record for Lake Mendocino, Army Corps declares
“With Lake Mendocino losing about a foot of water every five days, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently declared that 2020 is the “third driest year on record for the basin.” Though 2019 “was one of the wettest years over the past 25 years, this year is stacking up to be one of the driest,” the Army Corps explained in a press release announcing that both the North and South boat ramps were closing due to low water levels earlier this month. … ” Read more from the Ukiah Daily Journal here: Third driest year on record for Lake Mendocino, Army Corps declares
Sonoma County: Watershed damage assessment ongoing
“Sonoma Water, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, made a request this week through the Sonoma County Office of Emergency Management and CalFire for the mobilization of a Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT), a state team than can assess the damage and propose mitigation plans for a five-mile stretch of the Lake Sonoma area that burned in the Walbridge Fire. Sonoma Water General Manager Grant Davis, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the entity that owns and maintains Lake Sonoma) and Sonoma County Supervisors James Gore and David Rabbitt, toured the lake yesterday afternoon, Aug. 25, to assess the damage from the fire and to determine what type of response they’ll require for restoration efforts. … ” Read more from Sonoma West here: Watershed damage assessment ongoing
Saltwater intrusion at North Marin wells reaches historic high
“Salt levels are unprecedented in the drinking water pulled from North Marin Water District’s two wells in Point Reyes Station, following a year of little rainfall. The district has struggled for decades with periodic and seasonal salinity intrusion resulting from the wells’ proximity to Tomales Bay, but the problem is especially dire this summer as freshwater becomes scarce. There is little health concern, but the district warned of a change in the water’s taste. “We’ve always had some salinity intrusion at these wells,” said Pablo Ramudo, the district’s water quality supervisor. … ” Read more from the Point Reyes Light here: Saltwater intrusion at North Marin wells reaches historic high
Point Reyes: Park Service, activists watching water supply for tule elk come to opposing conclusions
“Activists and the National Park Service issued dueling statements on Wednesday about the availability of drinking water for tule elk penned in near a former ranch on Tomales Point at Pt. Reyes National Seashore. Declaring an “Elk Emergency,” the groups In Defense of Animals, ForELK and Rancho Compasion issued a statement Wednesday morning calling on the park service to provide water for the elk or accept emergency water aid for them. … ” Read more from SF Gate here: Park Service, activists watching water supply for tule elk come to opposing conclusions
Monterey: Coastal Commission staff again advises desal project denial
“Nine months after the Coastal Commission conducted its first hearing on California American Water’s proposed desalination project, commission staff has again recommended denial of the project in favor of a Pure Water Monterey expansion proposal. On Tuesday, commission staff released a 154-page staff report essentially reiterating its previous arguments against the Cal Am desal project, including its relative cost, environmental impact and controversial nature. It touted the “feasible and environmentally preferable” recycled water project as a viable alternative in the Monterey Peninsula’s long-running attempts to develop a replacement water supply to offset the state ordered Carmel River cutback order. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Coastal Commission staff again advises desal project denial
Monterey: Waste district and wastewater treatment plant partner to boost their bottom lines
“In California, Monterey Regional Waste Management District (MRWMD) and its neighbor, wastewater treatment plant Monterey One Water, have entered a somewhat unusual relationship with unique benefits to each. And the relationship has payoffs for its shared customers too. … ” Read more from Waste 360 here: Waste district and wastewater treatment plant partner to boost their bottom lines
Ridgecrest: Replenishment fee passed. Now what?
“The four-to-one approval Friday of the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority basin replenishment fee has left many wondering what comes next. The fee was approved by a majority vote of the IWVGA after a protest hearing against the controversial fee failed. IWV Water District Director Ron Kincinski was the lone no vote on the groundwater authority. In a delay from the original timetable, the new fee will be assessed starting January 2021. The estimated fee would be $24 a month for the average residential user presuming a five-year repayment period, according to Gleason. The fee would reportedly collect some $50 million which would be used to purchase water rights for imported water, presuming the same users continue using the water at roughly the same rate. … ” Read more from the Ridgecrest Independent here: Replenishment fee passed. Now what?
Along the Colorado River …
Arizona: State environmental agency requires stricter monitoring of uranium mine near Grand Canyon
“Public outcry pushed an Arizona environmental agency to require Canyon Mine, a uranium mine near the Grand Canyon, to apply for a more strict aquifer protection permit. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) denied a general permit for Canyon Mine, owned by Canadian-based Energy Fuels Resources, after reviewing feedback from the public and reviewing the years of documents available on the mine. Public comment cited allegations of cultural and environmental damage to water stores, wildlife and land to demand the department issue the stricter permit for the purpose of closing down the mine in September 2019. … ” Read more from the Arizona Sun here: State environmental agency requires stricter monitoring of uranium mine near Grand Canyon
In national water news today …
We can solve water scarcity in the U.S., new study says
“The U.S., like much of the world, has the compounding problem of a growing population and an increased likelihood of drought due to the climate crisis. In fact, the Southwest is already in the throes of its worst drought in 1,200 years while Colorado and California are seeing how drought has turned their forests into tinder boxes. Now, a new study has identified ways to revamp how water is utilized to thrive in a time of water scarcity. The study, titled “Reducing water scarcity by improving water productivity in the United States” was published Tuesday in Environmental Research Letters. The authors say that some of the most water-stressed areas in the West and Southwest have the greatest potential for water savings. … ” Read more from Eco Watch here: We can solve water scarcity in the U.S., new study says
Water efficiency achievable throughout U.S. without decrease in economic activity
“A recent study co-authored by two Northern Arizona University researchers showed that targeted efforts to increase water efficiency could save enough water annually to fill Lake Mead. It could happen without significantly compromising economic production, jobs or tax revenue. The study, published today in Environmental Research Letters, demonstrates that there is no one right answer to increase water efficiency — rather, there are dozens of right answers depending on region, industry and company. Ben Ruddell, the director of the FEWSION Project and director of the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems (SICCS) and Richard Rushforth, an assistant research professor in SICCS, are co-authors on the study. Landon Marston, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, led the study. … ” Read more from Science Daily here: Water efficiency achievable throughout U.S. without decrease in economic activity
Major real estate website now shows flood risk. Should they all?
“Millions of people rely on real estate websites when they’re hoping to buy or rent a home. Major sites such as Zillow, Redfin, Trulia and Realtor.com feature kitchens, bathrooms, mortgage estimates and even school ratings. But those sites don’t show buyers whether the house is likely to flood while they’re living there. Now, Realtor.com has become the first site to disclose information about a home’s flood risk and how climate change could increase that risk in the coming decades, potentially signaling a major shift in consumers’ access to information about climate threats. … ” Read more from NPR here: Major real estate website now shows flood risk. Should they all?
National water and climate update …
The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces this weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S.
dmrpt-20200827Today’s featured articles …
SCIENCE NEWS: 4 reasons meadow restoration is good for all of us; Where will snow survive in a warming world?; A bartender’s guide to scientific success; and more …
Click here to read this article.
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
WATER PLAN eNEWS: ~~Lunch-MAR~ FEMA Funding ~ Transportation Plan ~ Franks Tract~ EPIC Forum ~ WateReuse Symposium
