In California water news today …
Big new Northern California reservoir on track for $2.2 billion federal loan
“A long-delayed plan to build a giant reservoir in Northern California to help withstand the U.S. West’s notorious droughts got a huge financial boost on Thursday when the federal government signaled its intent to loan the project nearly $2.2 billion — about half of the cost to design, plan and build it. The proposal would flood what’s left of the town of Sites, a tiny community with just a handful of residents nestled in a valley of the coastal range mountains in rural Colusa County. The idea has been around since the 1950s, but there has never been enough money or political will to move it forward. But now a megadrought caused by climate change that researchers say is the worst in 1,200 years has renewed interest in the project, and efforts to move the project forward are happening quickly. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Big new Northern California reservoir on track for $2.2 billion federal loan
SEE ALSO:
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- Sites Reservoir to Pursue Loan Through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, press release from the Sites Reservoir Authority
- Garamendi Secures $2.2 Billion in Federal Financing for Off-Stream Sites Reservoir Project in Sacramento Valley, press release from Congressman Garamendi
- LaMalfa Announces Sites Reservoir Now Eligible for $2.2 Billion in Low Interest Loans, press release from Congressman LaMalfa
- Feinstein, Padilla Support EPA Loan to Build Sites Reservoir, press release from Senator Dianne Feinstein’s office
More areas of extreme drought growing in California
“The U.S. Drought Monitor has updated its map for California and shows more areas in the Extreme Category. Last week 13% of California was listed in extreme drought, the update Thursday now has 35% listed as “Extreme Drought.” There is one higher category listed as “Exceptional Drought” but so far no section of California has reverted back to that top level. Extreme drought has a host of impacts from early irrigation and low river and reservoir levels. Grazing areas may also be impacted by a lack of winter rain and dry soils. ... ” Read more from Channel 10 here: More areas of extreme drought growing in California
California prepares for 3rd dry year after few winter storms
“Drought-stricken California is facing another year of parched conditions and pleas for conservation as the winter comes to a close with little of the hoped-for rain and snow. A wet December that dumped snow in the mountains fueled optimism as 2022 began, but the state may end this month with the distinction of the driest January through March in at least a century. State water officials are preparing to tell major urban and agricultural water agencies Friday that they will get even less water from state supplies than the small amount they were promised to start the year, and major reservoirs remain well below their normal levels. … ” Read more from the AP here: California prepares for 3rd dry year after few winter storms
California drought conditions predicted to worsen in coming months, federal forecasters say
“Serious drought conditions across California and the West are expected to worsen this spring into early summer, with hotter-than-normal temperatures, reduced chances of rain and increased fire risk likely, federal forecasters said Thursday. The next three months through the end of June show little to no drought relief, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the parent agency of the National Weather Service. “Concern is quite high as we go into the spring and early summer,” said Brad Pugh, operational drought lead for NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland. “The snowpack is below average for much of California, and there’s really very little time now to make up any precipitation deficits as we move into April.” … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: California drought conditions predicted to worsen in coming months, federal forecasters say
NOAA: California drought continues for 3rd year as ‘driest on record’
“It’s official. California faces a “prolonged, persistent drought” that will “elevate the risk of wildfire across the West,” the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration announced Thursday in its spring outlook that runs through June. Following three-year precipitation levels that were the “driest on record” for Central California since measurements started in 1922, the “low snowpack going into the dry time of year in May and June” isn’t helping, as NOAA’s meteorologist Brad Pugh pointed out on a virtual press conference call. “This sets the stage for wildfire activity.” … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: NOAA: California drought continues for 3rd year as ‘driest on record’
How serious is California’s water crisis and what’s causing it?
“The current “crisis” is due to a myriad of factors, but most important are several years of historically low rainfall and the unsustainable groundwater pumping that’s occurred for decades throughout the state, especially in the Central and San Joaquin Valleys. Water supply problems for California communities are more related to water use and water distribution than a lack of water, though the historic dryness has certainly exacerbated the stress on the system. The somewhat good news is that a lot of the state’s water challenges are still human-induced and can be addressed by the decisions and changes we make. … ” Read more from Shasta Scout here: How serious is California’s water crisis and what’s causing it?
Only 8 of 20 critical GSA plans approved
“Only eight of the 20 California watersheds most critically affected by subsidence have had their groundwater sustainability plans approved by state water officials, according to recent testimony before a state board. The other 12 – most of which are in the San Joaquin Valley – had their plans marked “incomplete” by state water regulators and face a July deadline to fix their deficiencies, said Paul Gosselin, who oversees the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act office for the state Department of Water Resources. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Only 8 of 20 critical GSA plans approved
Groundwater: our most valuable hidden resource
“There is much truth behind the saying “out of sight, out of mind.” When most people think of freshwater, they envision rivers, wetlands, lakes or reservoirs. But 30 times more freshwater on Earth is stored underground and out of sight. In fact, only some 1% of available freshwater can be seen on the surface, as two thirds of the Earth’s freshwater is frozen in glaciers and ice caps, and nearly one third is groundwater. Groundwater resources supply nearly half the world’s drinking water—and support the farms that feed us. But that’s not all: Groundwater cools the data centers that keep the Internet running, and drive industries including energy, mining and manufacturing. … ” Continue reading at the Nature Conservancy here: Groundwater: our most valuable hidden resource
Study: Westlands has a $4.7B economic impact
“The nation’s largest agricultural water district contributes $4.7 billion annually to local and regional economies, along with 35,000 jobs, according to a new study commissioned by Westlands Water District. A study six years earlier pegged it at $3.6 billion and about 28,000 jobs. The district produces 3.5% of the nation’s fruits and nuts and about 5% of the vegetables and melons. “This agricultural enterprise really dominates the local economy,” said Michael Shires, who led the study and is an associate professor of public policy at Pepperdine University. “There are communities who owe their entire existence to this kind of activity.” … ” Read more from Agri-Pulse here: Study: Westlands has a $4.7B economic impact
San Bernardino County sponsors new state legislation to try to stop illegal cannabis farming
“San Bernardino County has sponsored new state legislation, AB 2728 (Smith) and SB 1426 (Caballero), that would increase fines for illegal cannabis farming and target the illegal pollution of groundwater by illicit cannabis cultivators, the county said in a news release on March 17. The county is also seeking $10 million in state funding to clean up environmental damage at hundreds of illegal cannabis sites and is strongly backing several related illegal cannabis bills in Sacramento. “Illegal cannabis farming is devastating the desert communities of San Bernardino County,” said Supervisor Curt Hagman, chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “The county is determined to stop this terrible damage to the environment and to protect the lives and property of our residents from lawless criminals.” … ” Read more from the Highland Community News here: San Bernardino County sponsors new state legislation to try to stop illegal cannabis farming
Can you still find gold in California? Inside a 21st century hunt for riches
“Casually scraping dirt from the crevices of bedrock, Laura Fierro sat by the American River near Colfax, where she could enjoy the peace, listen to the river and search for gold. This story is a subscriber exclusive It was one of her secret spots. While digging, she found nails buried underneath the dirt, which were likely washed up in the river from old cabins in the mountains. She couldn’t believe it. “If you’re finding those in a crevice, like those little old nails, you’re looking good because that means that nail’s been sitting there for who knows how long. And it’s heavy,” said the Sacramento teacher from Orangevale, looking back a few years later. “But what’s underneath is even heavier.” … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Can you still find gold in California? Inside a 21st century hunt for riches
NRCS extends 2022 application deadline for conservation stewardship program signup in California
“USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has extended the deadline in California to apply for approximately $8.6 million in funding available statewide through the Conservation Stewardship Program. “We are pleased to be able to increase the timeline for accepting applications in 2022,” says Carlos Suarez, state conservationist for NRCS California. “We know many sectors of our diverse agricultural economy are learning more about CSP and are excited about the opportunities.” While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should act quickly to submit their application to their local NRCS office. Applications must be received no later than April 15, 2022, to be considered for 2022 funding. … ” Read more from the National Resource Conservation Service here: NRCS extends 2022 application deadline for conservation stewardship program signup in California
Reclamation approves an additional $17.5 million for drought resiliency projects
“The Bureau of Reclamation approved an additional $17.5 million in WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Project grants for ten more projects in the Western United States. These grants will help communities increase their ability to recover from droughts. This funding supplements the prior $20.5 million in WaterSMART grant funding that was announced in January 2022, for a $38 million total federal investment this year in improving drought resiliency in the West. “Reclamation is pleased that we can provide more funding to this vital program to help communities respond better and faster to drought conditions,” said Acting Commissioner David Palumbo. “Drought will continue to impact these Western communities, and we will continue to do all that we can to assist them.” ... ” Read more from the Bureau of Reclamation here: Reclamation approves an additional $17.5 million for drought resiliency projects
Progress report on the Natural Resources Agency’s Cutting the Green Tape Initiative
“On March 17, 2022, the California Natural Resources Agency released a Progress Report of its Cutting Green Tape initiative. The report, Transforming Environmental Restoration: Progress on the Cutting Green Tape Initiative, details progress in response to Secretary Wade Crowfoot’s foundational directives of the initiative. The report focuses on actions within the California Natural Resources Agency and its boards, conservancies, commissions, councils, and departments to implement Cutting Green Tape, which are part of a broader set of improvements underway across other state agencies and non-state governmental partners.” Read the report here: Transforming Environmental Restoration: Progress on the Cutting Green Tape Initiative
Drinking water recovery after wildfires
“The more frequent wildfire disasters become, the less time communities will have to recover from each catastrophe. But it can take months for a town’s water to be safe to drink again after a wildfire. That’s why Andrew Whelton, a Purdue University professor of civil engineering and environmental and ecological engineering, has been regularly showing up to wildfires with his students and dozens of coolers for the past four years. Using these samples, Whelton guides a community on the best way to restore its water systems. “The faster we can decontaminate water systems, the faster communities can recover economically,” Whelton said. … ” Read more from Water World here: Drinking water recovery after wildfires
In commentary today …
Mandate water conservation rules in California — now
The San Jose Mercury News & East Bay Times editorial board writes, “What is Gov. Gavin Newsom waiting for? California is experiencing historically horrific drought conditions. The past three years are on pace to be hotter and drier than conditions during the peak of California’s 2013-15 drought, considered the most severe in state history dating back to 1850. And Californians learned Tuesday they are failing miserably at meeting the state’s voluntary conservation goals. The situation calls for the governor to impose mandatory water conservation rules. Now. Before reservoirs drop any lower. The mandate should include fines and penalties for cities and water districts that fail to comply. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Mandate water conservation rules in California — now
A wake-up call to our national leaders from a Western rancher
Patrick O’Toole, president of the Family Farm Alliance, writes, “Fifteen years ago, Family Farm Alliance leaders began ramping up efforts to convey the growing concerns many had with what they were seeing happen across the West. Agricultural water supplies were being reallocated to meet growing urban and environmental water demands. We started asking our political leaders pointed questions that we thought demanded answers. At what point will too much agricultural land be taken out of production? Do we want to rely on imported food for safety and security? We pointed out to policymakers that Europeans, who have starved within memory, understood the importance of preserving their food production capability. They recognized it for the national security issue that it is. And some of those countries still do. … ” Read more from the Capital Press here: A wake-up call to our national leaders from a Western rancher
Column: Finding water for salmon
Bill Lynch writes, “California is in its third straight year of drought, which means that all creatures, human and otherwise, are in for more hot, dry and possibly dangerous months. It’s especially bad for fish. Lack of water is only half the problem. The other is water temperature. California’s native fish like trout and salmon are not the tropical variety. They die when the water gets too warm. That’s why those in the business of preserving and protecting California fisheries are promoting the idea of actually moving fish to cooler waters in our state. This was the subject of a recent article by John McManus, president of the Golden State Salmon Association. The GSSA’s mission is to restore California salmon for their economic, recreational, commercial, environmental, cultural and health values. … ” Read more from the Sonoma Index-Tribune here: Column: Finding water for salmon
Column: What to do about the drought? She has some ideas
Jean Shirver writes, “From where I sit in the kitchen, I can look out at a bunch of green trees, tall and motionless on this bright and sunny day. Not a leaf stirs. A woodpecker darts from branch to branch, adding a note of bright color that contrasts with the green background. Not a cloud besmirches the blue of the sky. Now here’s a question for you — does this tranquil scene represent heaven or hell? On the one hand, it’s a gorgeous day for a picnic, a hike or a game of croquet. On the other hand, it’s one more day added to the worst drought since the Middle Ages. I bet that last statement stopped you in your tracks. Middle Ages? … ” Read more from the Daily Breeze here: Column: What to do about the drought? She has some ideas
In regional water news and commentary today …
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Ice House Reservoir to close for renovations this summer
“Eldorado National Forest has announced Ice House Reservoir recreation areas will be closed during the upcoming visitor season for renovations. … ” Read more from South Lake Tahoe Now here: Ice House Reservoir to close for renovations this summer
Tahoe Conservancy grants $1 million for local projects
“The California Tahoe Conservancy today announced $1,005,800 in grants to local government agencies. The grants will support projects to expand public access to Lake Tahoe, improve water quality, and increase resilience to climate change. “We’re excited to support these projects, which will improve water quality, restore natural places in our communities, and make it easier for everyone to access and enjoy Lake Tahoe,” said Conservancy Board Chair and El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel. As approved by the Conservancy Board, the grants include … ” Continue reading at the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Tahoe Conservancy grants $1 million for local projects
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Chico-Paradise sewer takes step forward
“The latest batch of updates surrounding the planned sewage line from Paradise to Chico came about Tuesday when Public Works Director of Operations and Maintenance Erik Gustafson gave a presentation on some of the ins and outs of the project. In December 2020, the Paradise Town Council unanimously went forward with a study on the Paradise Sewer Project and perform an Environmental Impact Report, or EIR, to determine the viability of the project. Because of this, the town of Paradise will be responsible for the EIR and its release once it is complete. … ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Chico-Paradise sewer takes step forward
Re-reclaiming the Mighty Sacramento
“Standing on the levee overlooking the Sacramento River as it flowed through the aptly named River Garden Farms, CalTrout Lead Scientist Jacob Katz gave the group a glimpse into the River’s life history. This place is on the ancestral lands of the Patwin Tribe, and prior to European settlement, the salmon ran in the hundreds of thousands, the banks blurring into marshland. To early settlers, the system was messy, unstable and unpredictable, alternating between drought and strong, destructive pulses of water. Fast forward hundreds of years to dams, developments, farms, levees, and canals —the river we saw flowed placidly by on a too sunny February afternoon. The Sacramento – sacred river – was indeed controlled, but at what cost? Does the loss of wild fish signal a larger collapse? How do we undo the harm this engineering caused while retaining the benefits it provided? … ” Read more from Cal Trout here: Re-reclaiming the Mighty Sacramento
NAPA/SONOMA
Sonoma County groundwater agencies hosts rate and fee study community meetings
“Sonoma County’s three groundwater sustainability agencies, Petaluma Valley, Sonoma Valley and Santa Rosa Plain, will hold a series of community meetings focused on funding options for implementing recently approved Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs). Presenters will also briefly review the GSP adopted in each basin and discuss basin conditions. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is the 2014 law requiring local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to form in California’s high and medium priority groundwater basins and requiring GSAs to develop and implement GSPs. … ” Read more from Sonoma County here: Sonoma County groundwater agencies hosts rate and fee study community meetings
BAY AREA
Stormy weather with chance of lightning and thunder to arrive in Bay Area on Saturday
“Weekend plans? A spring storm returns with wet weather to our neighborhoods on Saturday. The storm ranks on the higher side of a 1-Light storm on our Storm Impact Scale. Expect light to moderate rain followed by a chance of heavier showers containing lightning and thunder. Heavier showers also produced localized downpours and locally faster wind gusts. … ” Read more from ABC 7 here: Stormy weather with chance of lightning and thunder to arrive in Bay Area on Saturday
Mill Valley sewage tank project emits foul odor
“The operation of a recently renovated digester tank at the Mill Valley sewage treatment plant is causing an unpleasant smell to blanket the neighborhood. The 40-year-old tank, known as “Digester #1,” was renovated with a new cover and mechanical refinements earlier this year. The tank, which is 50 feet in diameter, was returned to operation this month processing sewage sludge. Plant director Mark Grushayev said the tank operates much like a human stomach. It is heated to 98 degrees Fahrenheit and maintains that temperature with several hundreds of gallons of sludge. It is designed to reduce the volume of sewage sludge and make it suitable for later use. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Mill Valley sewage tank project emits foul odor
Marin Municipal Water District bans new decorative turf
“The Marin Municipal Water District is prohibiting businesses and government agencies from installing new decorative turf. The ban, set to take effect on April 15, is aimed at reducing demand on local water supplies by the preventing the installation of decorative grass typically found in areas such as road medians or along sidewalks in strip malls and shopping centers. The restriction does not affect residential landscaping or recreational areas such as parks and athletic fields. “Even though the specific water supply benefits will be modest, I think this is an important first step to ensuring that we don’t continue with water wasteful practices,” district board member Cynthia Koehler said during the board’s meeting on Tuesday. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin Municipal Water District bans new decorative turf
State park near Antioch closing down due to ‘no resources’
“A California State Park based around a group of islands in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is closing temporarily, beginning April 1. Brannan Island State Recreation Area, located north of Antioch along Highway 160, is a popular place for boating, windsurfing and swimming and has 120 campsites and a marina. It is described as “a maze of waterways” with “countless islands and marshes with many wildlife habitats” by the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Utah-based property management company that has been maintaining the park since 2013, American Land and Leisure, opted not to renew its month-to-month lease with State Parks, the department said Thursday. “Due to the remote location of the state recreation area, there are no resources within State Parks to keep it open,” the department said. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: State park near Antioch closing down due to ‘no resources’
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
City of Madera secures $832k to beautify the Fresno River Trail
“The city of Madera has been busy making the Fresno River Trail Beautiful again, and it now has a helping hand in the form of an $832,000 state grant. The funding from the Clean California Grant Program will help bring new improvements to a four-mile stretch of the Fresno River adjacent to the Vernon McCullough River Trail. Madera City Manager Arnoldo Rodriguez says the grant targets an area of the river often used by residents. “Whenever a local community here in the Valley can try to capture some grant dollars, I think it’s good because high tide lifts all boats and we’re all the better off for it,” said Rodriguez. … ” Read more from GV Wire here: City of Madera secures $832k to beautify the Fresno River Trail
$5.5 million SAFER grant expands well testing, offers treatment for rural residents near Modesto
“In an effort to improve water quality and supply for private domestic well users in rural areas near Modesto, the State Water Resources Control Board awarded a $5.5 million grant from the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund to the Valley Water Collaborative to expand its testing program and provide treatment to more households facing contamination issues. State Water Board Member Laurel Firestone joined the Executive Director of the Valley Water Collaborative, Parry Klassen, at the Agricultural Center today to announce the award. … ” Continue reading at the State Water Resources Control Board here: $5.5 million SAFER grant expands well testing, offers treatment for rural residents near Modesto
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Authorities investigating tar washing ashore in Seal Beach, Newport Beach
“Tar balls are washing up at area beaches, first reported last week off Seal Beach and now Newport Beach’s coastline. The blobs of tar have authorities investigating the source, but so far tests indicate it is naturally occurring seepage officials said. Test results from samples collected so far don’t connect the tar to recent spills in the area, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Spill Prevention & Response team announced Thursday, March 17. “The samples are consistent with non-production, natural seep oil,” the alert posted on social media says. ... ” Read more from the OC Register here: Authorities investigating tar washing ashore in Seal Beach, Newport Beach
Orange County’s eroding beaches getting much-needed sand replenishment
“Sand is coming to parts of the Orange County coastline after years of erosion have thinned out beaches in the area. The weathering has created problems along train tracks in San Clemente and flooding during high tides. Many recreating in Orange County beaches, like surfer Aaron Bernstein, and locals, like Joe Zak, have noticed changes. Sand is coming to parts of the Orange County coastline after years of erosion have thinned out beaches in the area. The weathering has created problems along train tracks in San Clemente and flooding during high tides. Many recreating in Orange County beaches, like surfer Aaron Bernstein, and locals, like Joe Zak, have noticed changes. … ” Read more from the OC Register here: Orange County’s eroding beaches getting much-needed sand replenishment
SAN DIEGO
Carlsbad desalination plant shields region from megadrought
“As the worst drought in 1,200 years grips the West, the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant is protecting the San Diego region with 50 million gallons a day of drought-proof water. Completed in 2015, the plant was built before the period of increasing inflation that’s driving up prices for water infrastructure projects that are just starting. That means the desal plant is safeguarding the region’s economy and quality of life today at a lower cost than it would be to build now. … ” Continue reading at the Water News Network here: Carlsbad desalination plant shields region from megadrought
Along the Colorado River …
Nevada water supply faces Colorado River restrictions
“Southern Nevada will be getting at least 7% less water from the Colorado River, as the federal government restricts water allocations due to falling water supply. Scientists expect temperatures to continue to rise and water supply to decrease in the coming decades. Creative strategies and approaches will need to be applied to address the reduced supplies, three professors at the University of Nevada, Reno suggest in a series of blog posts about the Colorado River, the drought and its effects on Nevada. The professors study the climate and politics of water in Nevada and the drought impacts of the Colorado River. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Nevada water supply faces Colorado River restrictions
Arizona’s drought may not see any relief until this summer, new predictions show
“Arizona could be in for some surprises in the next 90 days. Forecasters from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center issued their predictions for the nation’s temperature, precipitation, and drought. NOAA’s findings show most of Arizona can expect an above-average chance of warmer temperatures. While Western Arizona has the highest percentage chance (70-80%) of having above normal temperatures through the middle of June, Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff have a 50-60% chance of above-normal temperatures. … ” Continue reading at Arizona Family here: Arizona’s drought may not see any relief until this summer, new predictions show
Arizona: Property owners can learn about their water rights with new map
“The Arizona Department of Water Resources created a new map to help property owners learn more about the water beneath their land, and what their rights to it are. The department said it created the map after it released the same data and received hundreds of inquiries, mostly from landowners with questions about their water rights. Millie Heffner at the department said the map shows what are called “subflow zones” for the Verde and San Pedro Rivers. “A subflow zone is underground water usually found bordering a stream that’s considered to be part of the surface stream, and it’s subject to the same laws as other types of surface water,” Heffner said. … ” Read more from Arizona Public Media here: Arizona: Property owners can learn about their water rights with new map
A shrinking county on the Western Slope wants to grow with the help of a new dam. Some say “No, thanks.”
“The Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District wants to build a dam across a gap in the mesas above an occasional stream called Wolf Creek. The 110-foot wall would back up a reservoir onto bone-dry soil, amid the worst Western drought in more than a thousand years. … From the state engineer to river conservation groups, others have sharply questioned just what the conservancy district needs the water for in a region that isn’t growing, amid a landscape where water is increasingly a mirage. And at a time when Western growth and climate change have strained the entire Colorado River Basin compact close to a breaking point. ... ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: A shrinking county on the Western Slope wants to grow with the help of a new dam. Some say “No, thanks.”
‘Unprecedented times’: Lake Powell hits lowest level in 60 years
“One of the most critical reservoirs throughout the American West reached a historically low level this week, and experts fear worsening conditions could raise longer-term issues when it comes to generating needed hydropower across the region. The water levels at Lake Powell dropped below the crucial threshold of 3,525 feet on Tuesday, according to The Associated Press, the lowest level since the lake, which is also a popular recreation destination, was created by the U.S. government in the early 1960s. Just last week, experts had warned that water levels at Lake Powell were in danger of reaching historic lows. … ” Read more from AccuWeather here: ‘Unprecedented times’: Critical lake hits lowest level in 60 years
In national water news today …
Half of U.S. waters don’t meet law’s base standards: report
“A lack of federal enforcement, outdated pollution standards and chronic budget cuts have kept EPA and states from reaching ambitious goals under the Clean Water Act for cleaning up U.S. waterways five decades after the landmark law was enacted, according to a new report. Despite EPA’s vow to ensure “fishable, swimmable” waters across the nation by 1983 and eliminate pollution flowing into navigable waters by 1985, an analysis of recent data released today shows the agency has not met those Clean Water Act obligations. … Overall, the report shows that more than half the nation’s lake acres that have been studied in recent years and 25 percent of the assessed bays and estuaries are impaired, meaning they cannot be used safely for one or more public uses, including swimming, fishing or as a source of drinking water. Indiana, according to the analysis, has the most impaired river and stream miles out of all states, followed closely by Oregon, South Carolina, Michigan and California. … ” Read more from E&E News here: Half of U.S. waters don’t meet law’s base standards: report
Spring Outlook: Drought to expand amid warmer conditions
“NOAA issued its U.S. Spring Outlook today and for the second year in a row, forecasters predict prolonged, persistent drought in the West where below-average precipitation is most likely. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center — part of the National Weather Service — is also forecasting above-average temperatures for most of the U.S. from the Desert Southwest to the East Coast and north through the Midwest to the Canadian border from April to June. “NOAA’s Spring Outlook helps build a more weather and climate ready nation by informing local decision makers and emergency managers of this spring’s hazardous weather, such as extreme drought,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “NOAA’s seasonal outlooks provide advanced warning of the conditions to come, enabling communities to make preparations that boost their resilience to these hazards.” … ” Continue reading from NOAA here: Spring Outlook: Drought to expand amid warmer conditions
Water conflicts worsen: New Pacific Institute analysis identifies hundreds of new instances of violence over water resources
“Last week, a few days into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian forces destroyed a dam blocking a water canal from Ukraine to Crimea, restoring flow that had been cut when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. The cut off of water at that time deprived Crimea of a critical source of irrigation water for agricultural production. These water conflicts are just the latest in a long history of violence associated with freshwater resources, tracked by the Pacific Institute for over three decades. Three hundred new instances of violence over freshwater resources have been identified in a new assessment by the Pacific Institute. The Institute today released a major update and expansion of the Water Conflict Chronology, the most comprehensive, open–source database on water conflicts around the world. … ” Read more from the Pacific Institute here: Water conflicts worsen: New Pacific Institute analysis identifies hundreds of new instances of violence over water resources
An atmospheric river of Saharan dust blankets Western Europe
“On March 15, 2022, a plume of Saharan dust was blown out of North Africa and across the Mediterranean into Western Europe. The dust turned skies orange, blanketed cities, impaired air quality, and stained ski slopes. The plume was driven by an atmospheric river arising from Storm Celia, which brought strong winds, rain, and snow to the Canary Islands. Atmospheric rivers, normally associated with extreme moisture, can also carry dust. “You can think of them as the confluence of a dust river and a water vapor river within a single storm environment,” said Bin Guan, an atmospheric scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the University of California, Los Angeles. “The same atmospheric dynamics that give rise to a water vapor river—specifically strong winds—can act to pick up and transport dust as the storm moves across desert areas.” … ” Read more from Science Daily here: An atmospheric river of Saharan dust blankets Western Europe
NASA Snow Report …
20220315_RT_SWE_ReportAlso on Maven’s Notebook today …
NOTICE: Lompoc Oil Field Aquifer Exemption Public Hearing Notice
RE-NOTICE of Temporary Water Right Permit Application T033279 to Appropriate Water from the Chowchilla Bypass in Madera County
DELTA eNEWS: ~~DPC Meeting~ DSC Meeting~ Oroville Dam~ Salinity Workshop ~~
