Caples Lake is a reservoir that is located near Kirkwood, California along Highway 88 (also called Carson pass). Caples creek meets up with the South Fork of the American River. Caples Lake is owned by the El Dorado Irrigation District (EID). Photo taken June 25, 2021 by Florence Low / DWR

DAILY DIGEST, weekend edition: Central Valley farmer’s bold water experiment setting example; Newsom proposes additional $2 billion for water conservation; Sea level rise is a threat to all Californians; PG&E granted annual license for the Potter Valley Project; and more …

In California water news this weekend …

Central Valley farmer’s bold water experiment setting example for California

A Central Valley farmer, whose bold experiment of flooding his vineyards and orchards with floodwaters in order to replenish the underground aquifer, has led other farmers in the drought-ravaged region to follow suit.  In 2011 Don Cameron — who for 40 years has run Terranova Ranch in Helm near Fresno — decided to re-route the year’s overflowing bounty of rain from the King’s River to his wine grape vineyard, allowing the vines to stand in more than a foot of water for five months.  His notion was that rather than allow the occasional floodwater to flow past farmlands during the crops’ off-season, he could pump the water onto his vineyard to protect against flood and at the same time re-feed the diminishing water table. Predictably, the reaction from his fellow farmers wasn’t enthusiasm. … ”  Read more from NBC Bay Area here: Central Valley farmer’s bold water experiment setting example for California

Newsom proposes additional $2 billion for water conservation

Governor Gavin Newsom spoke to farmers all across the state with current and future plans to address the ongoing drought in California at Lake Oroville this week. He touted $5 billion in investments already committed to support drought response now and build water resilience for the future, and $22.5 million in additional funding for drought response, including $8.25 million to increase water conservation outreach and education.  “With the climate crisis threatening communities across the West, we must double down on our work to build water resilience in our communities for the long haul,” said Governor Newsom. “All of us must do our part to tackle the intensifying drought conditions felt across the state. We’re investing critical resources to battle the drought’s impacts on our communities and ecosystems and finding innovative solutions to deal with these new realities.” … ”  Read more from the Turlock Journal here: Newsom proposes additional $2 billion for water conservation

Sea level rise is a threat to all Californians, whether they live near the coast or not

Sea level rise is one of the many threats we face as Earth’s climate changes. Global average temperatures are rising, and so are ocean temperatures, forcing the water itself to expand. Higher temperatures in the arctic have also led to rapid ice cap melting, further adding to ocean levels.  Climate models suggest that for every 1 degree Celsius of future warming, water levels could rise another seven and a half feet in some spots. Climate Central’s Coastal Risk Screen Tool shows what that could look like for Northern California. … ”  Read more from KCRA Channel 3 here: Sea level rise is a threat to all Californians, whether they live near the coast or not

How rising groundwater caused by climate change could devastate coastal communities

Fae Saulenas does not want your sympathy. Saulenas, along with her 46-year-old daughter Lauren, spent last winter—their covid winter—in Saugus, Massachusetts, in a house without a working furnace. Saulenas is in her 70s. Lauren, because of brain injuries she experienced in the womb, is quadriplegic, blind, and affected by a seizure disorder, among other disabilities. In winter, it’s not unusual for overnight temperatures in Saugus to dip into the teens. The two could not long survive without heat, so absent a furnace, they relied on a space heater. But the cost of electricity to power it was $750 in February alone, and it warmed only a single bedroom. Saulenas doesn’t tell this story to engender sympathy but, rather, as a warning. The water table, she says, is rising—seeping into gas lines and corroding furnaces from the inside out. That’s what happened to hers. And she wants you to know that if you live anywhere near a coast—even one, two, three miles away—that water might be coming for you too. … ”  Read more from MIT Technology Review here: How rising groundwater caused by climate change could devastate coastal communities

Late-season snowfall helps California in dry winter, drought

Heavy snow in Northern California has given a recent boost of moisture to a region grappling with drought.  The Central Sierra Snow Lab at the University of California, Berkeley said Friday that more than 16 inches (43 centimeters) of snow fell in the past day. “We are now at 61% of our normal #snow #water equivalent for this date,” said a tweet from the lab specializing in snow hydrology and climatology. The spring storm had triggered warnings from the Oregon border down through the southern Cascades and the northern Sierra Nevada. But the late-season precipitation was welcome after a dry winter. … ”  Read more from SF Gate here: Late-season snowfall helps California in dry winter, drought

How recent rains affected California’s drought and wildfire season

After the driest January, February and March in Northern California’s recorded history back to 1849, rains this past week finally brought some relief — and real benefits — across the Bay Area and other parts of the state.  But the wet weather was kind of like receiving wrinkle cream for your birthday, experts said Friday. Better than nothing. But not enough to celebrate.  Simply put, 2 to 3 inches of rain fell in the Santa Cruz Mountains, North Bay Hills and Big Sur over the past week. The Sierra Nevada received 1 to 3 feet of snow over the past week, depending on the location, the most since December.  That desperately needed moisture will delay fire season, experts say. … ”  Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here:  How recent rains affected California’s drought and wildfire season

Available Now: 2022-2026 Science Action Agenda

This Earth Day, the Delta Science Program is excited to release the 2022-2026 Science Action Agenda (SAA). Developed by and for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta science community, the 2022-2026 SAA builds on the progress of the 2017-2021 iteration to prioritize and align science actions to meet management needs, foster collaboration and coordination, and guide science funding. It will serve as a roadmap for the allocation and integration of investments through research, time, and resources.  The 2022-2026 SAA aptly reflects this year’s Earth Day theme, “Invest in Our Planet,” as the document is one of the ways in which the Delta Science Program invests in our planet through science to better understand and manage the Delta.  For more information, attend the Delta Stewardship Council’s April 28 hybrid meeting, visit the updated web page, read the new FAQs, and follow #ScienceActionAgenda on social media.

State launches nature-based strategies to fight climate change and protect biodiversity

The state [Friday] announced the launch of strategies to achieve California’s first-in-the-nation 30×30 conservation goal and better manage our natural and working lands to combat climate change and protect our communities and ecosystems.  Governor Newsom has put forward a historic $37.6 billion climate package – more than what most other countries are spending – to protect all Californians from the costs and impacts of climate change, while accelerating efforts to reduce the dependence on big polluters and fossil fuels.  “No challenge poses a greater threat to our way of life, prosperity, and future as a state than climate change,” said Governor Newsom. “With our rich natural heritage on the front lines of this crisis, California is building on our global climate leadership with bold strategies that harness the power of nature to fight climate change and protect our communities and ecosystems. Strong partnerships across the board will be critical to these efforts, and the project we’re lifting up today is an inspiring example of the kind of creative collaborations that will help us protect our common home for generations to come.” … ”  Read the full press release here: State launches nature-based strategies to fight climate change and protect biodiversity

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In people news this weekend …

Tracy Quinn appointed CEO of Heal the Bay

Environmental group Heal the Bay this week announced Tracy Quinn as its new CEO. Quinn joins the Santa Monica-based nonprofit from the Natural Resources Defense Council, where she served as the Director of California Urban Water Policy.  During her tenure, Quinn was a widely respected voice on how communities and industries across California must respond to unprecedented drought by improving water efficiency and investing in climate resilient supplies through stormwater capture and recycled water.  “I am honored and humbled to lead Heal the Bay into its next chapter as we tackle increasingly challenging environmental issues and work to ensure equitable outcomes for the communities in our watersheds,” Quinn said. “As California continues to adapt to a changing climate, Heal the Bay’s legacy of science-based activism makes it well suited to address the challenges in our region.” … ”  Continue reading at the Santa Monica Daily Press here: Tracy Quinn appointed CEO of Heal the Bay

Michelle Orr: From growing up by to restoring the Bay

Environmental engineer Michelle Orr’s life has been interwoven with the San Francisco Bay since childhood. “I grew up in Oakland with a view of the bay, and we went sailing and to the Emeryville mudflats,” she recalls. Back then, though, she had no inkling that this bond would lead to a career restoring the bay wetlands she cherishes.  Orr didn’t even major in science when she went to college. “I had always loved the outdoors and science but I also love people, so I wanted science with a social application,” she says. This led her to major in history of science at Harvard, which highlights the interaction of science and society. After graduating, Orr came back home to the Bay Area and began exploring a variety of careers through informational interviews.  When a parent of a friend suggested wetlands restoration, it felt like a perfect fit, sparking Orr to pursue a graduate degree in engineering at UC Berkeley. … ”  Read more from the Bay Area Monitor here: Michelle Orr: From growing up by to restoring the Bay

Appointments ….

State Water Board announces member updates: Nichole Morgan confirmed; Dorene D’Adamo reappointed

The State Water Resources Control Board recently had two notable developments regarding its membership, including a historic confirmation: Nichole Morgan, a civil engineer with an extensive background in water policy and regulation, was confirmed by the state Senate. And ViceChair Dorene D’Adamo, currently the longest tenured board member and an attorney with vast experience in environmental issues, was reappointed to another fouryear term by Gov. Gavin Newsom. … ”  Continue reading at the State Water Board here: State Water Board announces member updates: Nichole Morgan confirmed; Dorene D’Adamo reappointed

Julia Jackson, 34, of Healdsburg, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture

Jackson has been Founder of Grounded since 2018 and has been a second-generation Proprietor at Jackson Family Wines since 1988. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Jackson is a Democrat.

Doria Robinson, 48, of Richmond, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture

Robinson has been Executive Director of Urban Tilth since 2008. She was Creeks and Communities Program Manager for the Urban Creeks Council from 2008 to 2009, Community Programs Coordinator and Manager for the Watershed Project from 2005 to 2008 and Nutrition Educator for the University of California Cooperative Extension San Mateo County from 2004 to 2006. Robinson is a member of Cooperation Richmond, Richmond Our Power Coalition, Climate Justice Alliance, U.S., Food Sovereignty Alliance and the Richmond Food Policy Council. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Robinson is a Democrat.

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Podcasts …

WATER TALK: Water journalism and information flows

A conversation with Ian James (Los Angeles Times) about water journalism in the Western United States, developing stories, journalistic roles, sourcing data, and reporting on contentious water issues.


WATER STORIES: The voice of freshwater ecosystems in California

Ecosystems are critical elements of the global water cycle. In this episode, we talk with Marisa Escobar and Doug Chalmers, scientists from the Stockholm Environment Institute. They share with us the importance of freshwater ecosystems in California. We learn about the threats faced by aquatic species, especially salmon, from climate change. We also discuss allocating water for environmental flows and technology’s role in understanding trade-offs and opportunities involved in different water management options.


EYES ON EARTH PODCAST: Blue Oak Forests of California

In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we zero in on the use of USGS Land Change Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection (LCMAP) products to examine the effects of drought on California’s Blue Oaks. LCMAP datasets are built from Landsat data and reveal the land cover and change of every pixel in the conterminous United States, dating back to 1985. In this case, LCMAP helped identify areas of declines and losses of the Blue Oak trees that are native to California and found in the foothills surrounding the central valley and along the coast.


WATER LOOP PODCAST: Most endangered river 2022: The Colorado River

The Colorado River has been named the most endangered river in the U.S. by American Rivers, with the organization citing the challenges it faces from the impacts of climate change, outdated water management practices, overallocation of resources, and a failure to manage the river equitably.  These problems and the overall state of the Colorado River are discussed in this episode with Matt Rice, Director of the Southwest Region for American Rivers. Matt also talks about how to respond to the challenges, including through funding from the new infrastructure act, expansion of a wide range of water efficiency measures, and by fully involving tribes in decisions and management.


RIPPLE EFFECT: Evaluating conserved consumptive use in the Upper Colorado

A collaborative discussion with Dr. Perry Cabot of Colorado State University, Aaron Derwingson of The Nature Conservancy’s Colorado River Program, and Paul Bruchez, Farmer and Member of the Colorado Water Conservation Board discuss their large-scale depletion accounting pilot project. We discuss the role of Open ET satellite imaging to determine actual evaporative losses from crops as well as on-going on-farm mitigation and operational studies to promote farm health in the face of water shortage and drought.  This podcast is brought to you by the law firm of Clyde Snow and Sessions, based in Salt Lake City with offices in Oregon and California.

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In regional water news this weekend …

NORTH COAST

In Oregon, Klamath Tribes oppose water release for farmers

In the Klamath Basin, more than 1,000 farmers and ranchers draw water from the Klamath River, which flows through southern Oregon and northern California, from the Upper Klamath Lake to the Pacific Ocean. But they are far from the only ones who rely on it as a water source. Native species and tribes have long relied on it for day-to-day survival.  As the area heads into another year of extreme drought, the US government recently announced plans to release water from a federally regulated reservoir to downstream farms, in hopes of relieving the water shortage they are facing yet again. ... ”  Read more from Modern Farmer here: In Oregon, Klamath Tribes oppose water release for farmers

Water rights groups win lawsuit in Siskiyou County over environmental review

An environmental group and native tribe have won a five-year legal battle against the Crystal Geyser Water Company over its efforts to build a water bottling plant in the city of Mt. Shasta, Calif.  The group “We Advocate Through Environmental Review” and the Winnemem Wintu Tribe had challenged the environmental impact report prepared by the city and Siskiyou County. They argued county officials offered a misleading report, and failed to properly look at the impacts of the bottling plant on the environment.  The groups filed two lawsuits, one against the city and one against the county. ... ”  Read more from Jefferson Public Radio here: Water rights groups win lawsuit in Siskiyou County over environmental review

‘Everyone knew it was coming’: Eel River waters continue to be diverted as PG&E granted annual license for the Potter Valley Project

No one was surprised by Thursday’s letter granting PG&E an annual license to run the Potter Valley Project until April of next year. And, while a last-minute mystery application did provide a few moments of titillating speculation, the enigmatic Antonio Manfredini failed to generate any real suspense.  The 50-year license to operate the Potter Valley Project, which diverts water from the Eel River into the east branch of the Russian River to Lake Mendocino by way of a tunnel, a pair of dams and reservoirs, and a small hydropower plant, expired on April 14. A group of diverse environmental groups and local government interests from Humboldt to Sonoma county tried to gather $18 million to conduct the studies needed to apply for the license, but fell far short and never filed an application. The parties had pledged to find a way to operate the project in a way that would satisfy the demands of the endangered fisheries in the Eel River basin, as well as water users in the Russian River watershed. … ”  Read more from the Redheaded Blackbelt here: ‘Everyone knew it was coming’: Eel River waters continue to be diverted as PG&E granted annual license for the Potter Valley Project

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Powdery snow, warm weather expected in Tahoe this weekend, meteorologist says

At least for this weekend, spring showers are fading quickly in the Bay Area — but their marks will make for favorable ski conditions in the mountains.  In the flatlands, bluer skies and warmer conditions are on the horizon, weather forecasters say, and along the coast, the Bay Area will see high temperatures around the mid-60s. Inland areas like the East Bay and South Bay could see temperatures reach into the mid-70s by Sunday. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Powdery snow, warm weather expected in Tahoe this weekend, meteorologist says

South Tahoe utility requires rate hikes to fix aging infrastructure

In order to keep up with replacement of aging infrastructure and rising construction costs, South Tahoe Public Utility District is proposing water and sewer rate increases, the first increase since before the pandemic.  As with most infrastructure at Lake Tahoe, most of STPUD’s infrastructure was built in the 1950s and 1960s.  “While it worked for many years, it is now reaching the end of its lift,” said Shelly Thomsen, public affairs and conservation manager, STPUD. ... ”  Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: South Tahoe utility requires rate hikes to fix aging infrastructure

NAPA/SONOMA

Napa River dredging plan may bring up to 100 daily truck trips down South Jefferson Street

A plan to dredge the Napa River later this year could bring up to 100 daily truck trips to South Jefferson Street for the purpose of depositing 40,000 cubic yards of dirt in an area planned to eventually become a city of Napa park.  That’s according to a town hall meeting focused on telling community members about the plan held Thursday by representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. … ”  Read more from the Napa Register here:  Napa River dredging plan may bring up to 100 daily truck trips down South Jefferson Street

BAY AREA

Editorial: Marin needs more than rain, conservation to secure water supply

The Marin Independent Journal editorial board writes, “Last year’s rains provided some needed relief from Marin’s drought, but 2022’s weather pattern has mostly been the same prolonged dry spell that had prompted crisis-triggered water restrictions.  While its seven reservoirs are 90% full, a significant improvement compared to the half-full levels measured last April, there hasn’t been much rain since late fall and the Marin Municipal Water District is understandably cautious about making that supply last.  That’s why district leadership is considering tightening the restriction on sprinklers to  twice-a-week. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Editorial: Marin needs more than rain, conservation to secure water supply

East Bay MUD considers surcharges, penalties to curb excessive water usage

Despite the recent rain, the East Bay’s main provider of drinking water may act next week to curb water usage, officials with the East Bay Municipal Utility District said Thursday.  On April 26, EBMUD board members will decide whether to elevate the utility’s response to the drought and impose a surcharge on all customers to pay for more water and other costs associated with the drought.  Board members will also consider reinstating an ordinance that penalizes people for excessive water use. … ”  Read more from CBS San Francisco here: East Bay MUD considers surcharges, penalties to curb excessive water usage

Contra Costa County introduces water restrictions

The rain we got late last year and the small amounts of showers from this year haven’t been enough to address the ongoing drought. So instead, the Contra Costa Water District is now calling for customers to conserve 15% compared to what they used in 2020.  The board voted this week to move into stage two of its water shortage plan. … Aside from the new rules the Contra Costa Water District is considering more measures to conserve water. The district is proposing a temporary drought surcharge of up to 15% starting in July. … ”  Read more from Channel 4 here: Contra Costa County introduces water restrictions

San Mateo exploring recycled water treatment

San Mateo and local water agencies are examining the feasibility of a water facility project to expand recycled water supply in the area to offset increased demand and drought conditions.  San Mateo does not currently produce recycled water, but it has examined producing recycled water for freshwater use over the past few years amid a drought. San Mateo is part of a Potable Reuse Exploratory Plan with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency, Redwood City, Cal Water, and Silicon Valley Clean Water to explore water recycling options. … ”  Read more from the San Mateo Daily Journal here: San Mateo exploring recycled water treatment

CENTRAL COAST

Southern steelhead fish get broader protection as state studies endangered species status

The state Fish and Wildlife Commissio voted unanimously Thursday to give the Southern steelhead temporary protection under the state’s Endangered Species Act.  The decision means development in Ventura County and elsewhere along the coast may be required to take steps to lessen any impacts to the species.  On a 4-0 vote, commissioners granted a year-long protection for the native steelhead as state officials review whether the fish merits a state listing as “endangered” or threatened” with extinction. ... ”  Read more from the Ventura County Star here: Southern steelhead fish get broader protection as state studies endangered species status

Groundwater Desalter Improvement Project amended

The city council, Tuesday, April 19, approved amendment agreement A-8332 with SPI (Separation Processes Inc) for the Groundwater Desalter Improvement Project.  The approval executes a first amendment to the agreement in the amount of $263,702 for a new contract not to exceed $1.064 million for additional design work required for the groundwater desalter improvement project.  The deal also approves a $263,703 budget appropriation transfer from the Water Appropriations to the Capital Water Project.  City Engineer Tatiana Arnout presented the item to the council, and she said the original scope of work with SPI for the groundwater desalting project included solutions to operational issues that included submerging the RO Membranes, hydraulic restrictions, valves and actuators, air release valves, and getting traffic-related grating in key areas. … ”  Read more from the Tri-County Sentinel here: Groundwater Desalter Improvement Project amended

Camarillo: Greater water restrictions imminent

While December brought a decent amount of rain and record-setting snowfall, the subsequent three months were bone dry, causing water suppliers to move beyond their current shortage contingency plans to take more ambitious measures.  Locally, Calleguas Municipal Water District, which provides water to purveyors serving the east end of Ventura County— including Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks—has declared a stage three (six being the worst) shortage and is calling for all water users within its service area to reduce water use by 30%, though as of now, the reduction is not mandatory.  “We had December . . . but then we went into the driest three-month period on record,” said Dan Drugan, Calleguas’ manager of resources. “I think I can say this is the worst drought Calleguas has ever experienced since the importation of state water into the area, which first began in 1972.” ... ”  Read more from the Camarillo Acorn here: Camarillo: Greater water restrictions imminent

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Planning for change: New tools to support bird habitat in the Central Valley

How can water managers in California’s Central Valley make sure enough water is allocated to birds as the region faces changing climate patterns while still helping the state reach its ambitious 30×30 conservation goals? New planning tools are here to help.  The Central Valley of California is renowned globally as a critical part of the Pacific Flyway, yet the essential water resources it provides face threats. The Central Valley supports some of the largest concentrations of shorebirds and waterfowl in the world from fall to spring. This is made possible, in part, by managers flooding wetlands and croplands to create the open water habitat these waterbirds require for roosting and foraging. With water supply likely affected by climate change and land use pressures increasing, managers and decision makers want information about the future of this critical habitat. … ”  Read more from Point Blue Conservation Service here: Planning for change: New tools to support bird habitat in the Central Valley

The Call for the Kern: Local movement asking community for help in bringing back the river

On Monday, American Rivers released their annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers report. Not only did the Lower Kern River make the list, it ranked number 7 of 10 rivers nationwide.  Kern County grassroots movement Bring Back the Kern submitted an application on behalf of the river.  Amy Merrill, the interim director of the American Rivers California program, says the company creates this list after hearing from water rights advocates and grassroots groups. … ”  Read more from Bakersfield Now here: The Call for the Kern: Local movement asking community for help in bringing back the river

Tom Sawyer Lake: CSD continues efforts to resolve problems

Sixty years ago in January, developers of what was then known as Oak Knolls Ranch announced with pride that they had filled a 12-acre lake “using water available from one of the many wells on the huge tract.” By 1969, a new owner announced $200,000 in improvements to the subdivision, which was then (and now) known as Golden Hills.  … At the time the CSD bought the property, then General Manager Bill Fisher told Tehachapi News that rehabilitation of Tom Sawyer Lake, which has been plagued in recent years with a cycle of foul-smelling algae growth, was among top priorities. “We are going to be working hard to restore Tom Sawyer Lake, but it’s going to take time,” Fisher said in 2014. “It’s a big project and it is one that needs to be done right. There’s no quick fix for it.” That might have been the understatement of the decade. ... ”  Read more from the Tehachapi News here:  Tom Sawyer Lake: CSD continues efforts to resolve problems

EASTERN SIERRA

Owens Valley tribes honor a legacy of ‘beauty and suffering’ with historic site nomination

Spirits live here. That’s what Paiute and Shoshone tribal members say about the Owens Lake playa, an arid, eerily flat expanse along the eastern Sierra Nevada range that is prone to choking dust storms.  It is best known as the focal point of a historic feud that began in the early 1900s, when Los Angeles city agents quietly bought up ranch lands and water rights for an aqueduct to quench the thirst of the growing metropolis 200 miles to the south.  L.A. diverted so much water via the aqueduct system that the 110-square-mile lake dried up and it was nearly impossible for local farmers and ranchers to make a living — a scandal dramatized in the classic 1974 film “Chinatown.”  But a different history looms over this wasteland for Native Americans whose ancestors knew it as a kingdom of irrigated villages and plentiful game until the late 1800s — before U.S. troops were sent to protect local white settlers and the land and water they had effectively stolen. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Owens Valley tribes honor a legacy of ‘beauty and suffering’ with historic site nomination

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Water industry looks to increase water recycling as way to combat drought

“In Southern California, more than 66% of our water supply is imported from outside of the region. But as that supply continues to decrease, water experts say the demand for water is only increasing.  The industry is looking to increase water recycling as a way to combat drought, creating a supply stream that could significantly reduce Los Angeles’ reliance on imported water.  It can be a hard concept to wrap your head around, said Darryl Ramos-Young, an education and outreach specialist at the West Basin Municipal Water District: how is it possible that raw sewage can be turned into purified water, cleaner than tap? ... ”  Read more from Spectrum 1 here: Water industry looks to increase water recycling as way to combat drought

Long Beach commission may further limit watering yards amid drought

The Long Beach Water Commission may upgrade the city’s water shortage level next week, which would bring with it new restrictions on when residents can water landscaping.  Updating the city’s water shortage stage comes as California heads toward its third straight year of drought. The proposal to go to Stage 2, which would limit landscape irrigation to two days per week year-round, would take the city back to water conservation rules not seen since June 2016. The new stage would include already existing prohibitions like watering within 48 hours of rainfall or having excessive runoff from sprinklers or letting a hose run while washing a vehicle. … ”  Read more from the Long Beach Post here: Long Beach commission may further limit watering yards amid drought

SAN DIEGO

IBWC discusses TJ River Valley pollution lawsuit settlement

The U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) has discussed a settlement agreement signed this week following a four-year lawsuit over sewage and chemicals that were polluting local beaches.  The litigation was brought by cities near the border, regional and state agencies, and the Surfrider Foundation.  “We’re going to keep being a watchdog on the ground to make sure these infrastructure improvements are put into place,” said Surfrider Foundation Senior Legal Director Angela Howe. … ”  Read more from Channel 10 here: IBWC discusses TJ River Valley pollution lawsuit settlement

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Along the Colorado River …

Colorado River states agree to federal request to hold back water in Lake Powell

In a letter sent Friday, the seven states that use the Colorado River agreed with the U.S. Department of Interior and recommended that federal water managers take an emergency action aimed at stabilizing a dwindling Lake Powell, one of the main storage reservoirs on the river.  Earlier this month, federal water managers warned the states, including Nevada, that they were considering an emergency action to hold water back in Lake Powell, an attempt to stabilize the reservoir at serious risk of losing the ability to generate hydropower and deliver water to Page, Arizona, a city with roughly 7,500 residents, and the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation. … ”  Read more from the Nevada Independent here:  Colorado River states agree to federal request to hold back water in Lake Powell

The Lake Powell proposal decision is in, Lake Mead will receive less water

The decision is in, Lake Mead will be receiving less water from Lake Powell in an attempt to buffer the depleting water supply in Arizona. Starting almost immediately, Lake Mead will be getting even less water in an already historically long drought from Lake Powell.  The warning came from the Department of Interior on April 8th, saying the levels at Lake Powell were critical and if they got any lower, there was a possibility Arizona would lose the ability to produce power. … ”  Read more from Channel 13 here: The Lake Powell proposal decision is in, Lake Mead will receive less water

Commentary: A million-acre feet of water won’t save Lake Powell. But the deal is still a win

Opinion columnist Joanna Allhands writes, “The seven Colorado River basin states have a plan to temporarily stabilize Lake Powell.  It contains some pain and not a lot of gain.  Yet no one balked. And that’s a win.  That should signal how dire the circumstances have become.  The U.S. Department of the Interior noted in an April 8 letter to the basin states that the reservoir is dangerously close to hitting 3,490 feet of elevation, a level so low that power could no longer be generated at Glen Canyon Dam and water could no longer flow to the nearby city of Page and an adjacent Navajo Nation community. … ”  Read more from the Arizona Republic here:  Commentary: A million-acre feet of water won’t save Lake Powell. But the deal is still a win

Commentary: We’re still in the dark as western water framework unravels

David Schaller writes, ” … As Arizona’s Colorado River crisis becomes more intractable by the month, I wonder what it will take for some honest information on the extent of water shortage we’re facing. There has been little in the way of notice from the State Water Resources Department, the CAP leadership, or Tucson Water for that matter on what we can expect as this crisis worsens by the day.  With Interior’s ‘borrow from Mead to pay Powell’ scenario unfolding in the coming weeks, it is hard to see Arizona do anything but lose access to even more water from the Colorado. Yet we hear nothing from our water managers or elected officials. It would be nice to have a community conversation before the next tier of rationing hits. .. ”  Read more from the Tucson Sentinel here: Commentary: We’re still in the dark as western water framework unravels

City assures residents that Page’s water supply is ‘in no way compromised’

Page, Arizona, is not in danger of losing its water supply.  That’s the message from Page’s city manager after social media was abuzz earlier this week with inaccurate rumors that the water supply in Page and nearby LeChee could soon be “cut off” because of falling water levels in Lake Powell. … “The City of Page would like to let all residents know that they have been collectively working with the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure that our water supply is in no way compromised,” the statement said. … ”  Read more from the Lake Powell Chronicle here: City assures residents that Page’s water supply is ‘in no way compromised’

Stumbling toward “day zero” on the Colorado River

The Colorado River Basin is inching ever closer to “Day Zero,” a term first used in Cape Town, South Africa when they anticipated the day in 2018 that taps would run dry. Lakes Powell and Mead, the Colorado River’s two enormous reservoirs, were full in 2000, storing more than four years of the river’s average annual flow. For more than two decades water users have been sipping at that supply, watching them decline. Long-term drought and climate change is making this issue potentially catastrophic.  Today the entire Colorado River reservoir storage system is 2/3 empty.  Moreover, federal officials project that within two years, the water level in Lake Powell could be so low that it would be impossible for water to flow through the dam’s turbine intakes. When that happens, it’s clear the dam will no longer generate hydropower, but it’s also possible the dam will not release any water at all. … ”  Read more from Audubon here: Stumbling toward “day zero” on the Colorado River

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In national news this weekend …

From pollution to dams: here’s what is plaguing America’s 10 most endangered rivers

We depend on our rivers for a lot—drinking water, agriculture, biodiversity. But climate change, in combination with consequences of how natural resources are managed, can have a big impact on how well rivers can do their jobs. And according to a new report from the conservation nonprofit American Rivers, some of the US’s most fabled waterways are in dire need of support.  The annual list of the 10 most endangered rivers, which supply millions of people across the country, came out on Monday, and includes the Snake River, Mobile River, Maine’s Atlantic Salmon River, and Coosa River. But the biggest and most at risk is the Colorado River, which provides water to at least seven states across the Southwest as well as northern Mexico. … ”  Read more from Popular Science here: From pollution to dams: here’s what is plaguing America’s 10 most endangered rivers

Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …

Agenda now available for the April 26-27 Delta Salinity Management Workshop

INFO SHEET: A Primer on Delta Salinity: Natural and Human Influences

INFO SHEET: Delta Water Management and Regulations

INFO SHEET: Emergency Drought Barriers

INFO SHEET: Franks Tract Futures

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About the Daily Digest: The Daily Digest is a collection of selected news articles, commentaries and editorials appearing in the mainstream press. Items are generally selected to follow the focus of the Notebook blog. The Daily Digest is published every weekday with a weekend edition posting on Sundays.
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