DAILY DIGEST, 3/21: Third year of drought strangling CA agriculture; Solar panels over California canals test possible joint-siting benefits; 3 of California’s 5 biggest water users are in the Coachella Valley. Who’s consuming the most?; and more …

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On the calendar today …

• WEBINAR: Crossings Amid Climate Change: Reconnecting California’s Landscapes from 12:30 to 1:45pm. California is one of the world’s biodiversity hot spots, with a remarkable richness of plants and animals. Many animals in our state, from cougars to salmon, are threatened by climate change and other stressors, including roads and infrastructure that fragment habitat. A movement is growing to reconnect habitat through wildlife crossings and habitat restoration as part of the state’s conservation efforts. Can we do what it takes to reconnect habitat at the scale and pace that the climate crisis demands? Join us for a conversation with leaders helping to answer these questions. Register on Zoom.

In California water news today …

As it enters a third year, California’s drought is strangling the farming industry

“The school is disappearing. Westside Elementary opened its doors nearly a century ago here in the San Joaquin Valley, among the most productive agricultural regions on earth. As recently as 1995, nearly 500 students filled its classrooms. Now 160 students attend and enrollment is falling fast. This was where the children of farmworkers learned to read and write, often next to the children of the farm owners who employed their parents. But the farms are also vanishing, as hundreds of thousands of acres of rich soil are left unplanted each year. The hard truth here, the one that fundamentally shapes the lives of those in the valley, is that water is disappearing. So is a way of life, a core of California economic culture, and a place that provides a nation struggling under the rising rate of inflation with a quarter of its food. … ”  Read more from the Washington Post here: As it enters a third year, California’s drought is strangling the farming industry

Drought year three in California, 2022

“2022 is another drought year, although we won’t know exactly how dry for about another month.  Precipitation and snowpack this year in California are below average.  In addition, the prolonged dry and warm months of January through March of this year’s “wet” season will have evaporated more water from watersheds and reduced snowpack, reducing runoff and groundwater recharge from this year’s modest precipitation and likely lengthening this year’s wildfire season.   Some reservoirs did refill during the wetter-than usual December, but many of the largest reservoirs remain significantly lower than at this time last year, in the 2^nd year of this drought.  This dry year already has more precipitation than 2021, and hopefully more runoff, but we enter this year with less stored water. … ”  Read more from the California Water Blog here: Drought year three in California, 2022

Farmers could be hit hard with less water available

“Farmers in the region could get hit hard by the reduction in available water.  Many farmers in the area rely on waterways like the Sacramento River for Irrigation, but with the recent cuts, they’ve had to make difficult decisions — And there will be ripple effects.  “Last year we got some water. It was better than nothing,” said Yolo County farmer and former county supervisor Duane Chamberlain. ... ”  Read more from KTXL here: Farmers could be hit hard with less water available

Drought Yo-Yo: Calif. officials announce hefty cuts to water deliveries

“Following an early preview of the possibility that they could – once again – zero out water supplies, California water officials announced a similarly drastic cut to contractors of the State Water Project on Friday.  In an announcement by the Department of Water Resources, California will now reduce allocations from the post-December high of 15 percent to 5 percent.  The move affects roughly 27 million people in the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California and just shy of 1 million acres of productive farmland reliant on water supplies delivered via the California Aqueduct. … ”  Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here:  Drought Yo-Yo: Calif. officials announce hefty cuts to water deliveries

Solar panels over California canals test possible joint-siting benefits

“This fall, a research, industry, and government coalition will break ground on Project Nexus, a pilot project to install open-sided solar panel canopies over select sections of California canals. The two main goals, collaborators say, are to generate renewable power and conserve water while squeezing a little extra value out of land already used as infrastructure.  The project, which has $20 million in funding thanks to a line item in the 2021-22 California budget, traces its origin to a study that investigated what benefits might come from covering the state’s canals with solar panels. The study, “Energy and water co-benefits from covering canals with solar panels,” was published last year in Nature Sustainability. … ”  Read more from Civil Engineering Source here: Solar panels over California canals test possible joint-siting benefits

Spring heat wave could challenge record highs in LA, San Francisco

“Heat more typical of the peak of summer will scorch much of the western United States this week and send temperatures to record-challenging levels during the first days of spring, AccuWeather forecasters say.  The heat wave could even set daily records in major cities in California such as Los Angeles, San Jose and San Francisco, as well as parts of Nevada and Oregon. Even where temperatures won’t quite flirt with records, they will still be well above average.  “An unusually strong area of high pressure aloft will start this week just off the West Coast, promoting plenty of warmth and sunshine,” explained AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heather Zehr. … ”  Read more from AccuWeather here:  Spring heat wave could challenge record highs in LA, San Francisco

New ways to improve urban wetlands

“Ahead of World Water Day (22 March 2022), new studies at Flinders University provide valuable insights into removing toxins from polluted waterways and improving filtration at urban wetlands.  One study found a wetland plant capable of reducing PFAS in soil and water, and another looked for better urban wetland water flow management during summer.  In a glasshouse experiment, the first study found a common Australian native wetland plant capable of tolerating and reducing major contaminant Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).  “We found the wetland plant Juncus sarophorus has a high tolerance to PFAS and capable of overall PFAS removal rates between 9% and 11% at a time, which could be increased with floating reed beds in the water column. … ”  Read more from Science Daily here: New ways to improve urban wetlands

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In commentary today …

Editorial: California’s drought response isn’t working. It’s time to order cuts in water use.

The Los Angeles Times editorial board writes, “California is in year three of a worsening drought and the situation is growing dire. After a wet and snowy December, California experienced its driest January and February on record. More than 93% of the state is now suffering “severe” or “extreme” drought, compared with 66% last month, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Sierra Nevada snowpack has dropped to 55% of normal for this time of year and reservoirs are depleted.  Gov. Gavin Newsom in July called for Californians to voluntarily reduce water use by 15% compared with 2020 levels, but the state has cut back by only about 6.5%. In January, urban water use increased by 2.6%, compared with the same month in 2020, heading in the wrong direction even as the drought deepens.  It should be clear by now that the governor’s voluntary pleas are not working. ... ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Editorial: California’s drought response isn’t working. It’s time to order cuts in water use.

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In regional water news and commentary today …

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

TERC Talk: Upwelling of Lake Tahoe showed water at the bottom is crystal clear

“This year, on January 5, there were high fives, whooping, and hollering on the UC Davis research vessel. New Year’s Eve had long gone. Everyone had driveways full of snow waiting to be shoveled at home. Why the festivities?  The reason for the celebration was “clear.” The first lake clarity measurement for 2022 was just taken and the Secchi disk was visible at an astounding 138 feet below the lake surface! That is the second deepest measurement recorded since routine monitoring started in 1968, the best being 142 feet on February 8, 1968. It is worth noting that a majority of TERC’s sampling team had not even been born at that time and the current, aging research vessel had yet to be built. … ”  Read from South Tahoe Now here: TERC Talk: Upwelling of Lake Tahoe showed water at the bottom is crystal clear

Storm dumps 9 inches of snow on 1 Tahoe resort, nearly twice as much as at other Sierra ski areas

“The Saturday rainstorm that passed quickly over the Bay Area came to a stop directly over Kirkwood Mountain Resort, dumping 9 inches of snow, nearly twice as much as at other Sierra resorts.  “There was a narrower band of heavier snowfall which lined up over the Kirkwood area and Highway 88,” said Mark Deutschendorf, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Reno.  Sunday morning broke in the mountains with temperatures in the 30s, and with the fresh snowfall came the skiers to Kirkwood. By 10:50 Sunday morning all in-valley parking lots and remote lots at Kirkwood were at capacity, the resort tweeted. By 12:30 the lots had re-opened but only on a first-come first- served basis. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Storm dumps 9 inches of snow on 1 Tahoe resort, nearly twice as much as at other Sierra ski areas

Warm and dry spring weather prevail for much of the week in South Lake Tahoe

“The first day of Spring is today, March 20, and the weather isn’t taking any time to fit the season. Temperatures will warm rapidly through the week with record temperatures near 80 degrees possible in the valleys and mid-to-upper 60s at Lake Tahoe. Warm temperatures will last through the week with another storm system possible by the end of the weekend or early the following week.  If the Reno Airport reached 80 degrees, it would be about a month earlier than its historical average of April 25 for the first occurrence in a calendar year, although not the earliest which occurred on March 12, 2007. For South Lake Tahoe, the average first date of the year to hit 65 is April 17, but in 2015, that day was the earliest ever on January 25. … ”  Read more from South Lake Tahoe Now here:  Warm and dry spring weather prevail for much of the week in South Lake Tahoe

Small Chinook salmon are schooling in Auburn Ravine after successful spawn

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Sacramento Valley temperatures may hit 90 way earlier than usual as drought intensifies

“In the latest sign that California remains gripped by drought and unseasonably high temperatures, forecasters warned Sunday that the Sacramento Valley could see temperatures as high as 90 degrees this week. The National Weather Service said that the high in the northern Sacramento Valley city of Red Bluff could hit 90 degrees Wednesday — at least a month earlier than normal. Historically, the first 90-degree day is in early to mid-May. There’s a 20% to 30% chance that Red Bluff could hit that mark midweek, the National Weather Service’s Sacramento office forecast Sunday on Twitter. ... ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Sacramento Valley temperatures may hit 90 way earlier than usual as drought intensifies

BAY AREA

Speier pushes $24 million in funding through for EPA’s SF Bay restoration projects

“When it comes to spending for climate change and the environment, San Francisco Bay’s ship may finally be coming in. Congresswoman Jackie Speier recently pushed through $24 million in funding for the EPA’s Bay restoration projects in the new federal budget. That’s roughly triple the normal amount, and long overdue according to David Lewis, of the nonprofit Save the Bay.  “Yeah, federal funding for San Francisco Bay has been a fraction of what Chesapeake and Puget Sound and other bays receive. This is a huge boost for accelerating wetland restoration and cleaning up water quality in the bay,” Lewis points out. … ”  Read more from ABC 7 here:  Speier pushes $24 million in funding through for EPA’s SF Bay restoration projects

CENTRAL COAST

Water quality monitoring programs play key role in clean water, healthy communities

“Santa Barbara Channelkeeper monitors and protects water quality in the Santa Barbara Channel and the creeks and rivers that feed it with the understanding that the health of our streams and ocean directly reflects the health of our community.  Last spring, when a concerned citizen reached out to the nonprofit environmental organization about a stream of water flowing from an agricultural facility, Channelkeeper sprang into action to investigate and identify the source.  The results show why Channelkeeper’s water quality monitoring programs, community engagement and efforts to clean up pollution sources are so essential. … ”  Read more from Noozhawk here: Water quality monitoring programs play key role in clean water, healthy communities

IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS

3 of California’s 5 biggest water users are in the Coachella Valley. Who’s consuming the most?

“Three Coachella Valley water agencies are among the state’s top five residential water users this winter so far, according to state data released last week amid growing concerns about serious drought. Tiny Myoma Dunes Water District — which serves Bermuda Dunes and a corner of La Quinta — ranked first in January, producing 217 gallons a day per residential customer. The Coachella Valley Water District, which serves Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Thousand Palms, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Thermal and the Salton Sea communities, came in third with nearly 188 gallons a day per customer. Desert Water Agency, which serves Palm Springs and Cathedral City, ranked fifth with nearly 178 gallons a day per customer. ... ” Read more from the Desert Sun here:  3 of California’s 5 biggest water users are in the Coachella Valley. Who’s consuming the most?

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Along the Colorado River …

Groundwater is a hidden oasis in the desert

“Much alarming is said these days about the Colorado River, and rightly so. That marvel of nature and lifeblood water source for 40 million people and innumerable creatures faces a third decade of megadrought that may be a new normal in the era of climate change.  But Tuesday marks the annual World Water Day, and the theme is Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible. So take a moment to reflect on the hidden bounty and beauty of Nevada’s groundwater, what it does for nature and our communities, and how we can protect it. … ”  Read more from the Las Vegas Sun here:  Groundwater is a hidden oasis in the desert

Lake Powell water crisis is about to be an energy crisis

“Stretching for 186 miles along the border of Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell serves as one of two major reservoirs that anchor the Colorado River. Last week, the lake reached a disturbing new milestone: water levels fell to their lowest threshold ever, since the lake was created by the damming of the Colorado in 1963.  The precipitous drop is the result of the decades-long drought in the American West that has ravaged the Colorado River for years, forcing unprecedented water cuts in states like Arizona. … ”  Read more from Grist here: Lake Powell water crisis is about to be an energy crisis

Colorado snowpack strong, but not yet enough to recover from drought conditions

“As wintry weather moves in Monday, forecasters are rooting for many more wet and snowy spring days to help the state recover from drought conditions.  The U.S. Drought Monitor shows, as of Thursday, much of the state is in moderate or severe drought, despite strong snowpack across Colorado. The snowpack is tracking close to average in critical basins that supply Colorado Springs, such as the Colorado River and Arkansas River basins. But it hasn’t been enough to make up for the compounding poor conditions that the state saw prior, said Greg Heavener, National Weather Service meteorologist. … ”  Read more from The Gazette here: Colorado snowpack strong, but not yet enough to recover from drought conditions

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More news and commentary in the weekend edition …

In California water news this weekend …

• California slashes State Water Project allocation as year begins with record dryness
• Reclamation and DWR seek temporary changes to Delta outflow requirements to preserve water storage amid extreme drought conditions
• UC Merced researchers, state leaders talk secure water future for the Valley
•     drought
• First-of-its-kind strategic plan looks to reduce, prevent microplastic pollution
• Commentary: Groundwater exports benefit Los Angeles, impact Mono Lake
• ‘A national treasure’: This law saved Tahoe 22 years ago. It’s still delivering.
• State and local organizations working to identify dangerous contaminants in rural wells
• LADWP urges conservation as State Water Project allocation reduced
• Arizona drought conditions are expected to worsen through the spring, forecast says
• And more …

Click here to read the weekend digest.

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Also on Maven’s Notebook today …

YOUR INPUT WANTED: Delta Islands Adaptation Project public survey

SAN FRANCISCO ESTUARY AND WATERSHED SCIENCE: March 2022

NEW REPORT: Benthic Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxin Monitoring in Northern California Rivers, 2016-2019

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