In California water news today …
California snowpack jumps to nearly 160% of average, nourishing hopes for drought recovery
“After a year of historic drought and wildfire, California will go into 2022 cold and wet, with more snow on the ground than it has had at year’s end in a decade. State water officials, who plan to conduct the first snow survey of the winter on Thursday, are expected to find the snowpack across California’s mountains measuring close to 160% of average for the date. … “December has been great in that we have a fantastic snowpack started,” said State Climatologist Mike Anderson, with the California Department of Water Resources, which is conducting this week’s snow survey. “But if you have the perception that this (weather) fixed everything, it didn’t. We dug a really deep hole with this drought, and we have a really long way to go to get out of it.” … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: California snowpack jumps to nearly 160% of average, nourishing hopes for drought recovery
Here’s how a rainy, snowy December has impacted California’s drought
“The weather pattern has been consistently active for Northern California and the entire West Coast for the last several weeks. So far, downtown Sacramento has measured over 6 inches of rain in the month of December, nearly double what’s normal for the month. In the Sierra, snowpack water content is more than 150% of normal for the date and the Central Sierra Snow Lab run by UC Berkeley set a December snowfall record with 193.7 inches of snow as of the 27th. … Given all of that, has there been a substantial change in California’s drought situation? The answer is “we’re getting there, but not there yet.” … ” Continue reading at KCRA Channel 3 here: Here’s how a rainy, snowy December has impacted California’s drought
SEE ALSO:
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- Tahoe’s record snowfall has officials warning everyone to stay away, from the San Francisco Chronicle
- Record snowfall offers reprieve to dry California – but drought remains, from The Guardian
2021’s most interesting | “We’re still in a drought in California, folks.”
“When it came to explaining the drought’s impact on the Valley’s vibrant but fragile agricultural economy, no one did it better than second-generation organic cantaloupe farmer Joe Del Bosque, whose operation west of Firebaugh regularly draws politicians and reporters hoping to learn about the drought and other woes plaguing the industry. … The drought continues, despite the recent record snowfall in the Sierra and rain in the Valley. “Unfortunately, much of the excess flood released in Northern California will flow to the ocean,” Del Bosque Tweeted Monday. “We can’t capture these storm flows due to ESA actions in the Delta. (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s) hands are tied. We’re still in a drought in California, folks.” … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee here: 2021’s most interesting | “We’re still in a drought in California, folks.”
Lake Oroville rising after 2021 historic lows, businesses hopeful for better summer ahead
“Rain, rain… please stay. Recent Northstate storms are turning summer hardships at Lake Oroville into a hopeful future. The reservoir reached its lowest recorded water level this past year amidst one of the state’s most severe droughts on record. The historic lows forced 130 houseboats to be pulled from the water, the closure of all developed and makeshift boat launch ramps and the first-ever offline status for the Hyatt Powerplant that partly powers 800,000 California homes. While these impacts still mostly stand, other aspects are turning around for both the lake and its community. … ” Continue reading from KRCR here: Lake Oroville rising after 2021 historic lows, businesses hopeful for better summer ahead
Rain does Lake Oroville good
“As the calendar prepares to turn into 2022, Northern California is getting covered with snow, and rainfall in Butte County is leading to more water in Lake Oroville. As of midnight Tuesday, Lake Oroville had 1,323,897 acre-feet of water in it. While that number is 37% of the lake’s capacity, it also reflects 72% of its average storage his time of year. In fact last year at the same time Lake Oroville had 1,239,891 acres feet of water. While Oroville is faring better, Shasta Lake is still behind last year’s acre-feet number of 2,028,514 acre-feet having 1,311,354 acre-feet in it. Shasta is just 29% of its capacity. … ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record via MSN here: Rain does Lake Oroville good
Record snowfall in Northern California may help the state’s electric grid in 2022
“The deluge of snow in recent days along the Sierra Nevada mountain range has been a record-breaker. And that’s not only good news for ski resorts but it may lead to a healthy boost in hydroelectricity production in California this coming summer, which would help the state’s often-strained electric grid. “It’s definitely been a December to remember,” said Alex Tardy, senior meteorologist at the National Weather Service. “The amount of snow has been incredible.” The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab, at Donner Pass and nearly 7,000 feet elevation, recorded 8 more inches of snow Wednesday morning, bringing the total for the month of December to 210 inches, the most the lab has measured for any December. Snowfall for the season thus far is at 264 inches. … ” Read more from the Bakersfield Californian here: Record snowfall in Northern California may help the state’s electric grid in 2022
Researchers optimistic about new housing despite California drought
“It’s the decades-long conflict even our recent surge of storms can’t wash away — How to build the thousands of new housing units we desperately need and at the same time ensure there’s enough water for an expanding population. “Certainly we recognize the issue that municipalities all around California have got water problems,” says John Goodwin with the Association of Bay Area Governments. “And those are more acute in some areas, less acute in in others. But again, throughout California, specifically here in the Bay Area, we have a chronic housing problem and housing affordability problem. So there is a tension between the acute water problems and the chronic housing problems,” he said. … ” Read more from ABC 7 here: Researchers optimistic about new housing despite California drought
New California laws coming into effect on January 1, 2022
“The California Legislature passed approximately 900 bills in 2021, of which 770 were signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Many of these bills relate to water, land use, local governance, and air quality. The following provides a non-exhaustive list of such bills, including links to the bill text and analysis, with detailed information regarding select bills of particular importance to local agencies. … ” Read more from Somach Simmons & Dunn here: New California laws coming into effect on January 1, 2022
Users take water from national forests even after their permits expire. Some of the largest numbers are in California
“Park in a small turnout where the San Bernardino Mountains reach their crest, walk down a steep trail for 15 minutes and you’ll reach a spring. Here, on this rocky slope that faces the Southern California sun, is the spot where Strawberry Creek first bubbles to the surface. While the trickle is small, it produces millions of gallons each year. But for years, Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water has shunted much of it into a pipeline to pour it into trucks, drive it to a bottling plant and ship it, 16 ounces at a time, to stores across the country. The Desert Sun reported in 2015 that Arrowhead was collecting that water via a pipeline across U.S. Forest Service land, and that while that pipeline had once operated under a valid permit, the permit had expired in 1988. All the while, Arrowhead, owned by foreign company Nestle, was using it while paying only a few hundred dollars a year. Since then, the state has investigated and moved to stop the water use, and a debate over the company’s legal right to the water rages on. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: Users take water from national forests even after their permits expire. Some of the largest numbers are in California
Almond conference focuses on growing global demand
“With water shortages, crippling port disruptions, soaring costs and price declines slashing profitability, almond growers face uphill battles that could test their viability in the coming year. But they should not lose sight of their accomplishments, said Richard Waycott, president and CEO of the Almond Board of California, during the 2021 Almond Conference. Amid what Waycott described as “the most tumultuous” year in recent history, almond growers in 2020 managed to set new records for production and shipments. He said he remains optimistic for the future, emphasizing growing global demand for the nut. But Waycott also acknowledged tough times ahead, “maybe tougher than ever,” with implementation next year of the 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and pumping restrictions for growers. … ” Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: Almond conference focuses on growing global demand
DWR offers $350 million for groundwater projects
“As the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues to support local actions to protect groundwater resources over the long term, today it released the Final Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package for the Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program. More than $350 million in grants will be available for planning and implementation projects to help regional groundwater agencies comply with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). … Projects that are eligible for funding through the program include revisions or updates to an existing groundwater sustainability plan or alternative to a groundwater sustainability plan, groundwater recharge projects, projects that prevent or clean up contamination of groundwater that serve as a source of drinking water, and projects that support water supply reliability. … ” Read more from DWR News here: DWR offers $350 million for groundwater projects
Coleman hatchery to release two million additional juvenile salmon in Sacramento River
“The Coleman National Fish Hatchery hatched an additional two million juvenile fall-run Chinook salmon (fry) this past October, successfully releasing 600,000 fish this past week with the remainder scheduled to be released the first week of January, according to a press release issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “The Golden State Salmon Association (GSSA) proposed the project to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA fisheries last spring,” the service stated. “This project will allow us to study the potential of generating additional adult returns to spawn naturally in the Sacramento River by releasing fry,” said Paul Souza, Regional Director for the Service’s California Great Basin Region. “We’re excited to provide these additional salmon to increase recreational opportunities for fishermen and women here in California.” … ” Read more from the Daily Kos here: Coleman hatchery to release two million additional juvenile salmon in Sacramento River
Climate change will get worse in 2022. But it won’t be the end
Sammy Roth writes, “What is there to say about 2021 that hasn’t already been said? Heat-trapping carbon dioxide kept piling up in the atmosphere, peaking at 419 parts per million, up from 280 parts per million before the Industrial Revolution. Hundreds of people died from extreme heat in the Pacific Northwest as several states suffered their hottest summers on record; infernos burned 2.6 million acres in yet another unprecedented wildfire season for California; drought emptied reservoirs and prompted a first-ever shortage declaration on the Colorado River. An oil spill marred the Pacific coast. … I wish I could tell you that 2022 will bring anything much different, but I doubt it. ... ” Continue reading at the LA Times here: Climate change will get worse in 2022. But it won’t be the end
In commentary today …
Welcome the bout of winter storms, just don’t call them drought busters
The LA Times editorial board writes, “A series of storms have made for an exceptionally rainy and snowy start to California’s winter season, pushing snowpack and precipitation well above 150% of normal for this time of year and bringing a welcome influx of moisture amid an ongoing drought. So much snow fell in the Sierra Nevada this week that it ground travel to a halt around Lake Tahoe — where just four months ago the Caldor fire triggered mass evacuations and spewed such volumes of smoke and ash that it clouded the lake’s clear blue waters. UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab, located at Donner Pass, reported the snowiest December on record. The lab measured 210 inches of snow as of Wednesday, shattering the previous record, set in 1970, by more than 2 feet. Talk about boom and bust. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Welcome the bout of winter storms, just don’t call them drought busters
More than 1 million Californians need better access to clean water. Cadiz can help
Tracy Hernandez, founding chief executive of the Los Angeles County Business Federation, writes, “I write with great concern in response to the Dec. 6 column authored by Michael Hiltzik. Hiltzik argues that drought-stricken Californians should oppose a common-sense plan to convey water through a retired natural gas pipeline already in the ground. The Cadiz pipeline crosses multiple water systems and can move water to and from a variety of sources, improving clean water access for disadvantaged communities underserved by the state’s existing infrastructure. … ” Continue reading at the LA Times here: More than 1 million Californians need better access to clean water. Cadiz can help
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
2021 a wetter year than 2020 for Lake County; rains raise lake level
“While California is still considered to be in a drought, 2021 has been a better year for rainfall based on National Weather Service data. The US Drought Monitor reported that all of California is in a drought, with much of it in the “extreme” designation and an area of the state’s southern portion is in the “exceptional” category. Lake County is among the areas reported as being in an extreme drought, for a second year in a row. The US Drought Monitor reports that Lake County has been in some state of drought — ranging from abnormally dry to extreme and exceptional drought — seven of the last 11 years. … ” Read more from Lake County News here: 2021 a wetter year than 2020 for Lake County; rains raise lake level
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Canal failure prompts water conservation warning for 14,000 foothill residents
“Officials with the Tuolumne Utilities District are warning customers to conserve water after a tree fell during recent storms, severing a raised pipeline which normally supplies water to more than 14,000 Tuolumne County foothill residents. 400 of those residents are currently not receiving water. According to Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), the company which maintains the pipeline and water system, a tree fell on a flume structure supporting the utility’s main water pipeline. … ” Read more from ABC Channel 10 here: Canal failure prompts water conservation warning for 14,000 foothill residents
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Orland prepares to extend city water system
“Orland area residents have until Dec. 31 to express their interest in connecting to the municipal water system for free. The City of Orland was recently awarded a grant of nearly $8 million from the California Department of Water Resources for drought relief. According to a release issued by the North Valley Community Foundation, the city will use much of that funding to extend the city water system and allow residents outside of the city limits to hook up for free. … ” Read more from the Colusa Sun-Herald here: Orland prepares to extend city water system
NAPA/SONOMA
Sonoma County: Innovative approaches to stormwater runoff
“As the winter rains continue to fall, and hopefully bring relief to our watershed communities mired in a historic drought, the rainwater will begin to soak into our gardens and fields and run down the streets into our storm drains, which are not linked to the sewer. Storm drains are specifically designed to capture excess stormwater from streets and divert the flows through culverts and drainage channels into creeks, rivers, and eventually the Pacific Ocean. Stormwater drainage systems are not limited to just the drains on our streets; they can also include engineered systems which help reduce flooding, increase groundwater recharge, and improve overall resilience of the ecosystem. These engineered systems are called Low Impact Development (LID). … ” Read more from the Sonoma Gazette here: Innovative approaches to stormwater runoff
BAY AREA
Marin lands $1M state grant for carbon farming projects
“Marin County has been awarded a $1 million state grant to advance one of its key strategies to cut greenhouse gas emissions — carbon farming. The California Coastal Conservancy grant will go towards a $1.6 million series of projects on ranches and farms. The projects are intended to improve the land in ways that will sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while improving soil health, water reliability and wildlife habitat. Marin’s latest climate plan seeks to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, or about 53% compared to 1990 levels. Of the strategies outlined in the plan, carbon farming would make up the largest amount of carbon dioxide reductions, or about 33%. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin lands $1M state grant for carbon farming projects
What’s on tap for a thirsty Bay Area? It may sound icky, but the solutions could start at a flush
“Life’s need to replenish corporeal water is a struggle against an absolute limit. There is no new water. A dinosaur guzzling pond water 60 million years ago could have been the first to use the water flowing from today’s tap. Because of that absolute limit, nature imposed the first imperative of water consumption: reuse. What went into that dinosaur also came out, flowed downhill, mingled, evaporated, rained down, ponded and started the cycle all over again. A more complex version of this limit regulates Redwood City’s water consumption. A bureaucracy established and expanded over more than 100 years and a warming climate add their twists. Expert opinion is that Redwood City’s water supply probably will be adequate for the next 20 to 25 years. Or maybe not, if the state wins the fight over San Joaquin River salmon habit. Or not, if climate change accelerates. … ” Read more from Climate Redwood City here: What’s on tap for a thirsty Bay Area? It may sound icky, but the solutions could start at a flush
CENTRAL COAST
Winter water testing period opens for Santa Cruz County property owners
“The Santa Cruz County Environmental Health department on Wednesday opened its winter water testing period, mandated for some property owners who utilize a septic system. According to Heather Reynolds, environmental health department program manager, those residents required to test their groundwater have likely already been working with the county on a significant remodel or repair. Community members who may not know if the sampling requirement applies, should call or email the County Environmental Health Department. “Usually [the testing] is for new developments or if someone is expanding their property — adding an ADU or additional bedrooms, where you’re increasing the occupancy of the property,” Reynolds said. “In those situations we want the septic system to come up to the most current code, which has a stricter groundwater separation requirement than decades ago.” ... ” Read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel here: Winter water testing period opens for Santa Cruz County property owners
Salinas River flowing “live stream”
“On Saturday, December 25, 2021, at 11:47 a.m., the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Public Works (County) confirmed the Salinas River was flowing a “Live Stream” from the Salinas Reservoir Dam (Santa Margarita Lake) to the Nacimiento River junction, north of the San Luis Obispo County line. The Salinas Reservoir serves as a primary water supply source for the City of San Luis Obispo. Under the provisions of the 1973 “Live Stream” ruling by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), because the rain has created a natural “Live Stream” water flow in the Salinas River, water can now be stored in the Salinas Reservoir. … ” Read more from San Luis Obispo Department of Public Works here: Salinas River flowing “live stream”
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Hatch seeing lots of pipeline construction activity
“A lot of pipeline construction work is occurring along Hatch Road east of Ceres that by 2023 will bring treated Tuolumne River water to city water customers. The work has meant minimal disruptions for motorists traveling between Ceres and Hughson. Through the Regional Surface Water Supply Project, the pipeline will transport Tuolumne River water treated at a new state-of-the-art water treatment plant to Ceres and Turlock households. … ” Read more from the Ceres Courier here: Hatch seeing lots of pipeline construction activity
December rainfall in Bakersfield was significantly above average: Should you be using your sprinklers?
“In response to the state’s worsening drought, both the City of Bakersfield and Cal Water Service placed Bakersfield under water restrictions last month. Now, the recent rain is tightening those restrictions. “Since Oct. 1, we’ve picked up 3.48 inches in the gauge,” 17 News Chief Forecaster Kevin Charette said. “Normally, we should be at an inch and three quarters, we are up right now over an inch and a half.” In November, the city and Cal Water announced Bakersfield residents would be limited to turning on their sprinklers only three times a week for those on the city side and only twice per week for those on Cal Water’s side. But Bakersfield District Manager for Cal Water Service Tamara Johnson said the recent downpour triggers another restriction in its drought mitigation plan. … ” Read more from KGET here: December rainfall in Bakersfield was significantly above average: Should you be using your sprinklers?
Along the Colorado River …
Climate change makes projecting Lake Mead and Colorado River levels tricky
“There’s a white line known as the bathtub ring around Lake Mead. It’s a constant reminder for Boating Lake Mead’s Director of Operations, Bruce Nelson. The lake is at a historically low 1,067-feet above sea level, affecting boat launch ramps and customers. “Now, they’re down to one or two lanes and you might have to wait awhile, and that’s problematic for boaters trying to get out and enjoy themselves or get off the lake and go home,” Nelson said. … ” Read more from Spectrum 1 here: Climate change makes projecting Lake Mead and Colorado River levels tricky
Two dwindling river basins, one solution: Pay farmers and ranchers to use less water
“Farmers and ranchers in two different river basins in Colorado are facing rapidly approaching deadlines to reduce their water use. The reductions are necessary to maintain interstate river agreements preserve underground water supplies. The state wants to pay farmers and ranchers to stop irrigating some of their acreages to help keep more water in the ground. Gov. Jared Polis’ budget proposal for next year includes $15 million of COVID relief funds to fund such a program. These river basins have their own legal arrangements and are managed by different rules. State agriculture commissioner Kate Greenberg said the solution for both areas is fewer irrigated acres. ... ” Read more from Colorado Public Radio here: Two dwindling river basins, one solution: Pay farmers and ranchers to use less water
In national water news today …
Section 401 Water Quality Certification/Clean Water Act: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issues questions and answers document addressing 2020 rule vacatur
“The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued on December 17th a document titled: Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification:Questions and Answers on the 2020 Rule Vacatur (“Q&A”). The Q&A was drafted to provide questions and answers in response to what would constitute the applicable Clean Water Act Section 401 requirements and procedures following the United States District Court (Northern District of California) October 21st remand with vacatur of the 2020 Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Rule that had been promulgated during the Trump Administration. … ” Read more from JD Supra here: Section 401 Water Quality Certification/Clean Water Act: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issues questions and answers document addressing 2020 rule vacatur
Biden urged to ‘show us results’ in 2022 on environmental equity
“Environmental justice advocates see 2022 as a make-or-break year. President Joe Biden’s administration launched several big initiatives in 2021, from securing more money to improve drinking water quality and clean up Superfund sites to creating a screening tool to better highlight environmental justice communities. But advocates say those initiatives need to become action, particularly in poorer communities that have been disproportionately hit by pollution. Biden must show he hasn’t forgotten Black and other marginalized voters who were crucial to his 2020 win, advocates say. Without progress, they fear, Republicans could take control of one or both chambers and push for spending cuts that could put equity efforts at risk. … ” Read more from Bloomberg Law here: Biden urged to ‘show us results’ in 2022 on environmental equity
‘Extraordinary is no longer extraordinary’: US scientists on a year of climate disasters
“The American west faced an unprecedented year of climate disasters in 2021. A cold wave in February triggered temperatures 50F below average in Texas, killing at least 150 across the state and leaving millions without power and water. Heatwaves over the summer broke temperature records across different western states, killing hundreds in the northwestern US and Canada. Fires seared through large swathes of the west, razing the northern California town of Greenville and searing through groves of giant sequoia trees. This summer, the Guardian interviewed a panel of climate scientists about their experiences living through the crises that climate research had long foretold. As the year ends, they share their reflections on what’s happened – and what gives them hope, even as climate catastrophe looms. … ” Read more from The Guardian here: ‘Extraordinary is no longer extraordinary’: US scientists on a year of climate disasters
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
VELES WEEKLY REPORT: Critical turning point for water price in California.
