In California water news today …
Groundbreaking celebrates California’s largest tidal habitat restoration project
“Today, state, federal, and local agencies gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the largest tidal habitat restoration project in California history. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) and Ecosystem Investment Partners (EIP) are teaming up on the Lookout Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration and Flood Improvement Project in Solano County. It is a multi-benefit effort to restore the site to a tidal wetland, creating habitat and producing food for Delta Smelt and other fish species while also creating new flood capacity in the Yolo Bypass and reducing overall flood risk in the Sacramento area. “Drought and climate change have elevated the importance of these types of multi-benefit projects,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “This project will reduce flood risk for communities in the Central Valley and create much-needed habitat for Delta Smelt and other endangered and threatened fish species.” … ” Read more from DWR here: Groundbreaking celebrates California’s largest tidal habitat restoration project
A watershed moment with DWR’s Kamyar Guivetchi and Ajay Goyal
“Our partnership with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is the bedrock for expanding our climate-modeling scenarios and tools to four additional watersheds in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV.) We sat down with Kamyar Guivetchi, Manager of the Division of Planning, and Ajay Goyal, Manager of the Statewide Infrastructure Investigations Branch, to talk about DWR’s role in the watershed expansion, what big-picture water management looks like now in California, and what it could, and hopefully should, look like in the future. Q: Thanks for chatting with us, both! So, a broad question to start: why does DWR see the Merced pilot and the watershed expansion as important for California water management? A: Kamyar Guivetchi (KG): Well, your question goes to the heart of the matter: climate change and how it’s dramatically altering California water resources, and the way we need to operate and modernize our infrastructure. … ” Read more from Sustainable Conservation here: A Watershed Moment with DWR’s Kamyar Guivetchi and Ajay Goyal
DWR delivers $2 million for urgent drought relief projects
“The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is providing critical financial support to four urgent projects in Humboldt, Los Angeles, Modoc, Shasta, and Siskiyou counties through the Small Community Drought Relief Program. In coordination with the State Water Resources Control Board, DWR has awarded $2 million in funding to support four identified projects that will improve drought resilience and address local water needs. Conditions in the West are only getting drier and hotter, and the state is already planning for a fourth dry year. Today’s funding will provide the necessary resources to help our most vulnerable communities get access to clean, safe drinking water,” said DWR Deputy Director of Integrated Watershed Management Kristopher Tjernell. … ” Read more from the Department of Water Resources here: DWR delivers $2 million for urgent drought relief projects
Delta Plan Ecosystem Amendment Final PEIR certified and amendment adopted
“At its June 23, 2022 meeting, the Delta Stewardship Council certified a Final Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) and adopted the Ecosystem Amendment, consisting of revisions to Delta Plan Chapter 4 (Protect, Restore, and Enhance the Delta Ecosystem) and new and revised mitigation measures identified in the PEIR. The Council authorized staff to initiate rulemaking for new and revised Delta Plan policies and mitigation measures included in the Ecosystem Amendment and PEIR. Associated documents, including the Final PEIR and Notice of Determination, have been posted on the Delta Plan Amendments web page.” Visit the Delta Plan Amendments web page.
Democrats reject three Valadao amendments addressing Calif. drought
“U.S. House Appropriations Committee Democrats voted down all three drought-related amendments offered by U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) to the fiscal year 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations bill during the committee’s June 28 markup of the legislation. “The three amendments I offered today would improve water storage capacity, increase operational flexibility, and provide certainty for our farmers,” said Rep. Valadao on Tuesday. “It is extremely disappointing that the majority rejected all three of these amendments that would help my constituents who grow food for the nation.” … ” Read more from the Ripon Advance here: Democrats reject three Valadao amendments addressing Calif. drought
Senator Wiener’s legislation to ensure public schools and state agencies have safe drinking water passes the Assembly Education Committee
“Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco)’s Senate Bill 1144, the Safe and Efficient Water Act, passed the Assembly Education Committee by a vote of 5-0. It will now head to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. SB 1144 requires public and charter schools and state agencies to complete a water quality and efficiency assessment on their facilities. This bill ensures our public schools and state agencies have safe, drinkable water. Far too many school children and other California residents currently lack access to clean water. Under SB 1144, the water systems at public schools and state agencies must undergo testing to determine if lead is present. It will also require schools and agencies to test their water appliances and fixtures for water use efficiency. If any plumbing fixture is found to contain levels of contaminants beyond the legal limits, remediation methods such as filters, testing, or full replacement is expected at the earliest practice time, subject to funding. If any fixture or appliance is found to use more water than the current standards for water efficiency, the operating agency must replace the fixture with a more efficient equivalent at the earliest practical time, subject to funding. … ” Read more from Senator Wiener’s office here: Senator Wiener’s legislation to ensure public schools and state agencies have safe drinking water passes the Assembly Education Committee
Nation’s most sweeping law to phase out single-use plastics OKd by California lawmakers
“Striking a blow against a pernicious form of pollution, California lawmakers on Thursday passed the nation’s most far-reaching restrictions on single-use plastics and packaging, with Gov. Gavin Newsom expected to sign the bill. The legislation heads off a November ballot measure that many lawmakers and the plastics industry hoped to avoid, and it puts California at the forefront of national efforts to eliminate polystyrene and other plastics that litter the environment, degrade into toxic particles and increasingly inhabit human blood, tissue and organs. Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) has tried for years to get state legislators to tackle the growing plastic pollution crisis but has faced opposition from the plastics industry, some food container manufacturers and environmentalists who believe the law doesn’t go far enough. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Nation’s most sweeping law to phase out single-use plastics OKd by California lawmakers
SEE ALSO: Governor Newsom Signs Legislation Cutting Harmful Plastic Pollution to Protect Communities, Oceans and Animals, press release from the Office of the Governor
Will California’s offshore wind farms damage underwater life? Here’s what scientists are finding
“As sites for two massive wind farms are due to be leased soon off the California coast, conservationists are concerned whether renewable energy development can coexist with whales, seabirds and a lucrative fishing industry. That’s partly what scientists who spent five days on the research vessel Fulmar last week were trying to find out. They set out along the Big Sur coast on a foggy morning to collect underwater sounds of baleen whales, porpoises, dolphins and other marine mammals that call the area home. Their research is part of dozens of studies being done in anticipation of the lease of a 376-square mile site about 20 miles offshore Morro Bay for wind energy development. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Will California’s offshore wind farms damage underwater life? Here’s what scientists are finding
Today’s featured article …
MONTHLY RESERVOIR REPORT for July 1
Written exclusively for Maven’s Notebook by Robert Shibatani
As we enter summer’s anvil, where are we reservoir storage wise?
Relative to other years we have been fortunate in one sense since the excruciating heat waves that we have become all too familiar with have not emerged (… at least not yet). In fact, sporadic early summer storms have even provided some respite.
Click here to read the reservoir report.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Irrigators, tribes object to extending Klamath Project interim operations plan
“Farmers, ranchers and tribal members alike are urging the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation not to extend its interim operations plan for the Klamath Project, describing it as “unworkable and irrational.” The plan is a product of complex water management scenario in the Klamath Basin. It provides a formula for how much water will be allocated each year to irrigators, while balancing water needs for endangered fish in the Klamath River and Upper Klamath Lake. Brian Person, a senior adviser for the Bureau of Reclamation in Klamath Falls, said the current interim plan was formalized in March 2020 and was set to expire Sept. 30. … ” Read more from the Herald & News here: Irrigators, tribes object to extending Klamath Project interim operations plan
Oregon State partnering with Yurok Tribe to envision Klamath River after dam removal
“Oregon State University researchers will embark in July on a 3½-year partnership with the Yurok Tribe to study what the connections between river quality, water use and the aquatic food web will look like after four Klamath River dams are dismantled. “We want to fill in gaps in the Western science as well as gaps in how we make equitable decisions based on both ecological science and Indigenous knowledge,” said OSU’s Desiree Tullos, professor of water resource engineering and the project’s leader. “Our partnership with the Yurok Tribe aims to bring together multiple and complementary ways of understanding and making decisions about the Klamath system.” The joint project with the Yurok Tribe is the first attempt to represent tribal knowledge in decision processes in the Klamath Basin, she said. … ” Read more from Oregon State University here: Oregon State partnering with Yurok Tribe to envision Klamath River after dam removal
SEE ALSO: Tribe, OSU plan for Klamath dam removal, from the Western Farm Press
Chinook salmon season to open July 1 on portions of Klamath, Trinity Rivers
“Sport fishing for Chinook salmon in the Klamath River Basin is set to begin July 1 and will continue through the fall according to salmon quota and fishery regulations that were adopted by the California Fish and Game Commission during its May teleconference meeting. The season begins with a shortened spring-run Chinook salmon fishery enacted in response to the state listing of “Upper Klamath/Trinity River Spring Chinook Salmon” as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act. The truncated spring-run Chinook salmon recreational fishery will open July 1 and run through Aug. 14 on the lower Klamath River (downstream of the Highway 96 bridge at Weitchpec) and through Aug. 31 on the Trinity River (upstream of the confluence of the South Fork Trinity River). … ” Read more from CDFW here: Chinook salmon season to open July 1 on portions of Klamath, Trinity Rivers
The sea is rising. Will Humboldt rise to the occasion?
“The first mention of Sea Level Rise (SLR) in EcoNews was the February 1981 issue, so readers of this publication should be well aware of the concept and local implications of this phenomenon. The article in question quotes a report by the President’s Council on Environmental Quality (Ronald Reagan had just taken office, so we can assume that this report came out of the Carter administration) which warned that if we didn’t take immediate steps to reduce our CO2 emissions we could expect a 15 foot rise in sea levels by an unspecified date. As the methodologies used to predict SLR have been honed, it has been determined that Humboldt Bay can expect to see the highest sea level rise rate on the West Coast due to a combination of rising water levels and land subsidence in and around the Bay. ... ” Read more from the Northcoast Environmental Center here: The sea is rising. Will Humboldt rise to the occasion?
Commentary: Destroying Lake Pillsbury is an expensive gamble with our water supply
Eddie “E.J.” Crandell, chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors, writes, “The current narrative that dam removal in Lake County is the only viable solution is being pushed forward without proper scrutiny. No real weight is being given to the true potential financial costs and the very real threat to our regional water security. This narrative effectively ignores that the Eel River water diverted from Lake Pillsbury ultimately flows into the Russian River, where it is then routed into pipelines supplying it throughout Sonoma County and Marin County, into the taps of cities like Sonoma, Petaluma, and Novato. The North Marin Water District has stated the “Russian River, which provides approximately 70% of Novato’s water, originates in Mendocino County and derives supply from both the Eel River and the Russian River watershed.” Without understanding the history behind this, it is likely that many do not know what a gamble special interests are attempting to make with the water needs of 600,000 people as they urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to order the destruction of Lake Pillsbury. … ” Continue reading at the Lake County Record-Bee here: Commentary: Destroying Lake Pillsbury is an expensive gamble with our water supply
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Lower Long Bar Restoration Project: Groundbreaking!
“As the three forks of the Yuba converge, they create what is commonly referred to as the Lower Yuba River stretching 21 miles from Englebright Dam to Marysville before joining the Feather River. This 21-mile stretch of the Lower Yuba River is one of the most unique ecosystems in the Sierra as it is home to the last spawning grounds for wild threatened salmon and steelhead trout on the Yuba River. During the Gold Rush era, hydraulic mining sediments flooded the Lower Yuba River covering hundreds of acres of habitat under rocks and sediment. An estimated 634 million cubic yards of sediment enter the Yuba River, that’s about double the amount of earth removed to carve out the Panama Canal. Given the amount of disturbance the lower Yuba River was subjected to, many believed the river was too degraded to be restored. SYRCL was not one of those naysayers. And now the restoration project has begun. … ” Read more from the South Yuba Citizens League here: Lower Long Bar Restoration Project: Groundbreaking!
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Forestry project complete at Feather River reservoir
“It is called the Little Grass Valley Reservoir Watershed Protection Project and it should have a big impact when it comes to protecting local communities and valuable water infrastructure from wildfire. In an effort to safeguard the fourth largest water source in the Upper Feather River watershed and several small towns in the area, such as La Porte, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) awarded $500,000 to the Plumas County Fire Safe Council to conduct fuels-reduction on nearly 730 acres around the reservoir. Working through record-shattering 2020 and 2021 wildfire seasons, the Plumas County Fire Safe Council completed the treatments in the fall of 2021. … ” Read more from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy here: Forestry project complete at Feather River reservoir
Keynote remarks honoring Reclamation District No. 108 on the 150th anniversary of its formation
By Kevin O’Brien: “I’m not a farmer. I’m not a landowner in RD 108. I’m certainly not a member of the RD 108 Board of Trustees. But I have had a unique vantage point, over the past quarter century, to observe RD 108 in my role as District legal counsel. I’ve been closely involved in some very important—and at times very difficult—decisions. I’ve seen—up close and personal—how RD 108 goes about its business. And when I talk about RD 108 I don’t just mean the Board of Trustees. I mean the whole enchilada—the landowners, the farmers, the management, the staff, the consultants and, yes, the Board of Trustees. I’ve also worked with a number of other districts around the state. I have a pretty good basis for understanding how RD 108 is unique and I’d like to discuss that with you this morning. … ” Read more from the Northern California Water Association here: Keynote remarks honoring Reclamation District No. 108 on the 150th anniversary of its formation
What do increased releases from Folsom Dam mean for region’s water levels?
“Rising river levels? It’s been a surprising sight in recent days for people out along the American River. California is in year three of a severe drought and people are being asked to conserve, but water releases from Folsom Dam are being dramatically increased this week. Parts of the American River Parkway that had been dry ground just a few days ago are now covered with water, which is something surprising to many people along the shoreline. Releases from Folsom Dam have nearly doubled in the last week, causing levels on the lower American River to rise a foot and a half. … .So why is more water being released when we’re still in a drought? … ” Read more from CBS 13 here: What do increased releases from Folsom Dam mean for region’s water levels?
Yolo County groundwater may reach levels close to previous significant drought
“Due to the lack of surface water available in the region this year, the Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency is currently forecasting that fall groundwater elevations in Yolo County will be close to the 1976-77 drought. The 1976-77 drought is the most significant drought on record for groundwater levels and is used by the Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency (YGSA) as a minimum threshold for the groundwater sustainability plan. “That’s the low point of record and that’s the point we’d like to not exceed for more than two years,” explained Kristin Sicke, general manager of the Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. … ” Read more from the Woodland Daily Democrat here: Yolo County groundwater may reach levels close to previous significant drought
BAY AREA
‘Walking the walk’: Berkeley native begins 240-mile trek to East Bay’s water source
“Berkeley native Nina Gordon-Kirsch departed Tuesday on a 240-mile walk from her home in Oakland’s Longfellow neighborhood to the headwaters of the Mokelumne River, the primary source of the East Bay’s drinking water. Gordon-Kirsch, a 12th grade teacher, will be bringing a two-person film crew and hopes her journey will inspire students to think about issues of water conservation and reuse. The trek is her attempt to show “all the steps it takes” for water to arrive at our faucets. And so with one hand on her dog Petey’s leash and the other holding a canvas sign reading “Where does your water come from?” Gordon-Kirsch set off on day No. 1 of an expected one-month journey. The path, a mere warm up for the much more strenuous day packing she’ll soon be doing, included a relatively flat four-mile route from her home to Tom Bates field near the Berkeley Marina. … ” Read more from Berkeleyside here: ‘Walking the walk’: Berkeley native begins 240-mile trek to East Bay’s water source
Livermore planning commission moves ahead on vineyard sewer project
“On June 21, the planning commission gave their support for a a draft supplemental environmental impact report (EIR) for the construction of a South Livermore Valley sewer line. The sewer line project intends to provide sewer service beyond the city’s boundaries to help address groundwater issues from current septic systems and help revitalize the South Livermore wine region, according to the staff report. “Initially, when we adopted the (South Livermore Valley Area Plan), which I think was about 1990, there was a requirement that vineyards be planted.” said Stein. “Those are now getting to the end of life and we need to have some way of encouraging further expansion and replantings.” … ” Read more from the Livermore Independent here: Livermore planning commission moves ahead on vineyard sewer project
Mountain View latest Bay Area city to restrict water use as drought intensifies
“As California continues to deal with a worsening drought after three long years of dry conditions, Mountain View has become the latest city to approve new water restrictions for residents. At its Tuesday meeting, the Mountain View city council declared a water shortage emergency to restrict the wasting of water by residents and assigned specific irrigation days based on street address. Mountain View’s latest measures to curb water wasters come a month after Santa Clara County announced residents could face fines of up to $500 — and in extreme cases, $10,000 — for wasting water under new drought rules which are among the toughest of any urban area in California. … ” Read more from the Mercury News here: Mountain View latest Bay Area city to restrict water use as drought intensifies
CENTRAL COAST
State budget includes more than $60M for Central Coast projects
“More than $60 million for Central Coast projects — including a shelter for homeless women in Monterey, a floodplain and habitat restoration project in Carmel, a bus corridor project in Marina and water infrastructure projects for the region — is part of the $300 billion budget California lawmakers adopted Wednesday. “All of them were voted on last night and waiting for the governor’s signature,” said state Sen. John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, on Thursday. The budget includes $15 million to finalize the purchase of the Watsonville Community Hospital and retain it as a not-for-profit health care facility. Along with a $10 million funding request from Assemblyman Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, a total of $25 million is in the state budget to buy the facility from bankruptcy court. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: State budget includes more than $60M for Central Coast projects
Badly burned Big Basin to reopen next month — but reservations required
“The famous forests of Big Basin Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains will partially reopen to the public next month, allowing visitors to see some of the world’s tallest trees for the first time since the park was ravaged by wildfire two years ago. California state parks officials said in May that they had done enough post-fire rehabilitation to begin welcoming people back this summer, but just Thursday did they announce an opening date of July 22. Because much of the park remains strewn with charred, wobbly trees and services are limited, only small numbers of visitors will be granted entry through a newly established day-use reservation system. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Badly burned Big Basin to reopen next month — but reservations required
Groundwater sustainability fee adopted in Carpinteria by the Carpinteria Groundwater Sustainability Agency (CGSA) Board of Directors
“Since formation in 2020, the Carpinteria Groundwater Sustainability Agency (CGSA; Agency) has been operating on loans and cannot continue without a revenue source to support ongoing operations and administration. The CGSA was formed by a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the Carpinteria Valley Water District, City of Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County Water Agency and County of Ventura to ensure long-term sustainable use of the Carpinteria Groundwater Basin through monitoring, planning, and oversight. A fee study initiated in 2021 was designed to recover costs of the Agency while ensuring that the benefit received from sustainable management of the basin is proportional to the fees paid. Groundwater is a vital component of our local water supply, especially as resources are drying up due to drought, climate fluctuations and increased competition for all water resources in the state. ... ” Read more from the Santa Barbara Independent here: Groundwater sustainability fee adopted in Carpinteria by the Carpinteria Groundwater Sustainability Agency (CGSA) Board of Directors
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
‘Rivers are magical places’: Floating circus plans stop in Stockton
“An unusual sight is getting ready to make a splash on the San Joaquin River near Stockton‘s Louis Park this Fourth of July weekend. A wooden “ramshackle raft” called the “Flotsam” will float down the river giving a unique circus show on the water. While it might sound odd, for the show’s creator Jason Webley, the uniqueness of the Flotsam is what brings people together. … ” Read more from ABC 10 here: ‘Rivers are magical places’: Floating circus plans stop in Stockton
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Ribbon cut on 150-acre groundwater recharge project in Sun Valley
“Hailing it as an advancement that will bolster future water supplies, Los Angeles city officials Thursday cut the ribbon on a Sun Valley project that will dramatically increase the capacity of a stormwater recapture and groundwater-recharge system. “As L.A. continues to grow and our access to fresh water is at risk, it’s clear we have to improve our existing systems,” City Council President Nury Martinez said in a statement after the ceremony at the Tujunga Spreading Grounds. “Now these grounds have the potential to provide enough water to serve 64,000 households annually and this community has brand new walking trails, picnic tables, and outdoor classrooms. … ” Read more from The Patch here: Ribbon cut on 150-acre groundwater recharge project in Sun Valley
Malibu residents asked to cut water usage by 30%
“The city of Malibu is asking its residents to cut back their water usage by at least 30%. Like the rest of Southern California, the city of 10,000 residents is dealing with drought conditions.”Southern California is in deep trouble,” said Malibu Mayor Paul Grisanti. “Our sources of water have been shut off entirely or greatly restricted. The Colorado River water is no longer a factor for us. We all got to pull together on this so that we can survive until the next rainy season. We hope we actually have a rainy season this winter.” … ” Read more from KABC here: Malibu residents asked to cut water usage by 30%
Activist group sues aviation company for polluting the L.A. River
“On Wednesday, activist group Los Angeles Waterkeeper filed a complaint in the Central District of California against Hughes Brothers Aircrafters, Inc. for allegedly discharging polluted water from their aviation manufacturing facility in central California. Storm and sewage drains all meet in Los Angeles which flows out into Santa Monica Bay and across the West Coast, where companies like the defendant’s “discharge storm water […] contaminated with sedimental, heavy metals, trash, and other pollutants,” the complaint began. The defendant’s facility, according to the complaint, shapes, heats and treats various metals into aircraft parts and expels their waste into sewage channels with storm drain inlets that drain into the Los Angeles River. … ” Read more from Law Street Media here: Activist group sues aviation company for polluting the L.A. River
I drank recycled sewage to get a taste of SoCal’s water future
Erin Stone writes, “To state the obvious: California has a water problem. That’s why more than 6 million Southern Californians can water outside only once or twice a week as of June 1. But experts say conservation alone can’t solve our water woes. So what does water security look like in a drier future? This story focuses on one piece of the puzzle: recycling wastewater. Let’s dig in. I’m standing in front of a steel sink at the headquarters of the Orange County Water District, holding a cup of water. “This water,” said Mehul Patel, the operations director, “probably about 30 hours ago was raw sewage coming through the sewer collection system.” So why the heck am I about to drink it? … ” Read more from the LAist here: I drank recycled sewage to get a taste of SoCal’s water future
Watch: LA Times Today: A landscaping hack and more tips for California’s water restrictions
“A water shortage emergency has prompted limits on water usage for six million people in Southern California. For parts of L.A., Ventura and San Bernardino counties, outdoor watering is capped at one day per week. For those who pride themselves on keeping a perfectly manicured lawn, it’s a sacrifice for the greater good. But there’s a landscaping hack that’s keeping the grass green. L.A. Times utility journalism senior editor Jon Healy wrote about a more sustainable approach.” Watch video from the LA Times here: Watch: LA Times Today: A landscaping hack and more tips for California’s water restrictions
Ripping out his lawn made him a native plant fanatic
“For Georg Kochi, tearing out his Koreatown lawn has been as much about spiritual growth as water conservation — a deep and sometimes playful exploration into habitat, rebirth and decay on the property where he lived as a boy and returned decades later as a retiree. The parkway in front of his house in St. Andrews Square, for instance, was full of wildflowers this spring, but the colorful flowers have turned into dry, dirty-blond seed heads and stalks interspersed with clouds of blooming buckwheat, juvenile coastal live oak trees and waves of native grasses. And Kochi is just fine with that. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Ripping out his lawn made him a native plant fanatic
Golf clubs battle drought and public perceptions
“Thirty men gathered at the Casa Loma Hotel in 1896 to plan the Redlands Country Club. By 1922 the sport was played on a “skinned-type” course of nine holes that was 2,129 yards. It had oil-sand greens and dirt fairways. Given the severe drought conditions now and with Gov. Gavin Newsom calling on residents to ramp up water conservation or face mandatory restrictions, could non-grass golf courses be far in the future? Not likely in this part of California where area courses use non-potable (non-drinking) water. But the water issue and land use are hot-button topics throughout the state, based on media reports and recent letters to the editor in the Los Angeles Times. … ” Read more from the Redlands Community News here: Golf clubs battle drought and public perceptions
Commentary: Worried about drought? We have you covered
Lance Eckhart, general manager, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency, and Heather Dyer, general manager, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, write, “Gov. Gavin Newsom has again called upon residents to ramp up water conservation or face mandatory restrictions. The situation is dire, and some areas of Southern California are already experiencing mandatory water cutbacks. Fortunately, water users in the San Bernardino Valley and San Gorgonio Pass region have a sure water supply that will remain stable throughout the summer and beyond. It is worth noting that this reliability is no accident. It is due to thoughtful planning, partnerships, and past investments in our water supply system. Local water agencies — spanning the valley and the pass — have been collaborating for decades to prepare for exactly this challenge. The result? Our region has enough water in our groundwater basin “savings account” to continue meeting daily demand as well as future needs of the people we serve. ... ” Read more from Redlands Community News here: Commentary: Worried about drought? We have you covered
Idyllwild: New meters result in lost revenue
“The last week’s Idyllwild Water District (IWD) Board of Directors meeting, both General Manager Leo Havener and Chief Financial Officer Hosny Shouman told the board that a glitch in a software program resulted in the district losing about 20% of data while transferring from the old meter to the new meter system. The lost data the two said cannot be recovered, Shouman estimates, meant IWD lost between $25,000 and $30,000 in income. The total system “loss” for May was 29% or 330,116 cubic feet of water unaccounted for. “How many people didn’t get billed?” President Dr. Charles Schelly asked. Havener said everyone got billed but the readings were not all accurate. … ” Read more from the Idyllwild Town Crier here: New meters result in lost revenue
Newport Beach tightens up water use
“Newport Beach has taken steps to curb water use as California’s drought drags on, straining local and state supplies. The city council issued a level-2 water supply shortage this week, which means residents cannot use water from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in order to limit evaporation. Timers for landscape sprinklers must also be set for 10 minutes at a time. Mark Vukojevic, utilities director for Newport Beach, said there isn’t one single solution, but a series of them that includes education, diversified water sources and conservation. The city has also invested in technologies and staff who can fix water leaks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. … ” Read more from Spectrum 1 here: Newport Beach tightens up water use
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Lithium Valley: Calif. Legislature approves per-ton lithium taxes, hefty development funds
“California legislators voted late Wednesday to impose flat taxes on lithium producers, ranging from $400 to $800 per ton, based on how much is produced by the nascent extraction industry. The fees were fiercely contested by two start-ups that lobbied for a sales tax approach, but supported by energy giant Berkshire Hathaway’s renewables arm. Officials noted the fees — along with $400 million in state funds that were authorized for infrastructure, planning and environmental reviews — could bring sorely needed improvements and steady revenues to the state’s impoverished, often overlooked southeastern corner. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office was closely involved in negotiations on the package, and he is expected to sign it into law. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: Lithium Valley: Calif. Legislature approves per-ton lithium taxes, hefty development funds
SAN DIEGO
Oceanside’s crystal-clear vision for achieving greater water independency propels city to open first water purification facility in San Diego County
“California’s arid regions make accessing safe drinking water a real challenge. The state is in its third straight year of a severe drought, accentuating the need for new strategies to secure reliable water sources. Following the drought in 2008, Oceanside knew it was time to act to ensure residents had access to water in the future. “We set this very ambitious goal of 50% local water. Independence from the water authority,” Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez said. After nearly a decade of research, planning, and construction, the coastal city opened San Diego County’s first high-tech water purification facility in December 2021. … ” Read more at Western City here: Oceanside’s crystal-clear vision for achieving greater water independency propels city to open first water purification facility in San Diego County
Lake Hodges closed for summer due to dam repair project
“If you live by Lake Hodges or drive by the area often, you’ve probably noticed something unusual – the low water levels and lack of any summer recreation. “Usually the weekends are packed full of people with kayaks or fishing boats,” said Jeff Sigua, a frequent lake visitor. According to the city, the lake is closed due to an ongoing dam repair project. All fishing, boating and recreational activities are currently prohibited. On Thursday, some visitors were disappointed to have made the trek to the lake only to find the closure signs. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Lake Hodges closed for summer due to dam repair project
Coronado beaches could see new ‘warning’ signs for Tijuana sewage over Fourth of July weekend
“Public health officials are predicting ocean currents heading north, known as south swells, could carry plumes of raw sewage spewing from a defunct wastewater plant in Baja California as far as Coronado over the holiday weekend. However, visitors and residents may not see the familiar yellow “Beach closed” signs — which were posted in the sand from the border to Coronado as of Wednesday evening. County leaders are rolling out new signage starting Friday for some pollution events that give swimmers discretion over whether to get in the water. The blue placards will read: “Warning! Beach water may contain sewage and may cause illness.” … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Coronado beaches could see new ‘warning’ signs for Tijuana sewage over Fourth of July weekend
Along the Colorado River …
Photo gallery: ‘It’s such a strange thing to see’: Photos show Lake Mead on the verge of becoming a ‘dead pool’
“The sun began to set but the temperature hovered around 106 degrees. I was there to document one of the latest objects to emerge from Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, serving the needs of some 20 million people in the Desert Southwest. In recent weeks, lots of things have resurfaced, including dead bodies, formerly sunken boats and trash. “It’s a totem pole for the climate age,” said Sam Morris, as he photographed a battered power boat, its stern buried in the mud of the drying lake, its bow pointing sharply upward at the almost cloudless sky. “It’s such a strange thing to see.” ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: Photo gallery: ‘It’s such a strange thing to see’: Photos show Lake Mead on the verge of becoming a ‘dead pool’
Column: What will happen to the Colorado River? What we know about looming water cuts
Columnist Joanna Allhands writes, “The seven states that rely on the Colorado River must come up with a plan to cut 2 to 4 million acre-feet of water use. By mid-August. And if they don’t, the federal Bureau of Reclamation will act for them. It’s a massive amount of water to find in a short amount of time. And there are more questions than answers about what this entails. But let’s walk through what we know. … ” Continue reading at the Arizona Republic here: Column: What will happen to the Colorado River? What we know about looming water cuts
Humpback chub threatened by exotic fish slipping through Glen Canyon Dam
“Humpback chub in the Grand Canyon have flourished under long-running restoration efforts. But now, exotic fish that prey on chub and other native fish have begun to slip through Glen Canyon Dam. It’s an unprecedented problem caused by the drought-stricken low levels of Lake Powell. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny spoke with National Park Service fisheries biologist Melissa Trammell about her concerns. Q: Most people think of a dam as pretty effective barrier for fish. Can you explain why fish are able to potentially pass through the dam when the water level is low? A: Lake Powell has been declining over the last 20 years, due to reduced runoff… ” Continue reading at KNAU here: Humpback chub threatened by exotic fish slipping through Glen Canyon Dam
New USDA water investment will expand clean water access for Arizona tribes
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $1.2 million to expand access to clean water for many tribal communities located in northern Arizona, the department announced on Thursday. This is part of a $13 million investment the department is using to expand access to improved water infrastructure and economic opportunities for people in colonies, and rural and tribal communities, according to the USDA. “Access to water is easy to take for granted when it comes out of the tap already treated and free-flowing,” said USDA Rural Development Arizona state director, Charlene Fernandez. “However, this isn’t the reality in much of rural Arizona. Hauling water is a daily activity for too many of our rural residents. Today’s announcement will ensure more people in our state will enjoy easier access to safe, clean water.” … ” Read more from Channel 12 here: New USDA water investment will expand clean water access for Arizona tribes
Utah will soon have water judges. This is what they’ll do and why it matters.
“For the last 25 years that Scott Martin has been practicing water law in Utah, the concept of appointing water judges or creating a water court has been a topic of conversation many times. “And it’s always kind of just bubbled up and then it goes away,” Martin said, “now and then once in a while.” But as the finite resource becomes more scarce, the conversation of appointing water judges in Utah has turned into a reality. A new rule passed by the Utah Judicial Council that goes into effect on Nov. 1 will establish at least three district court water judges throughout the state. The district court judges will volunteer to be a water judge and then be approved by the Judicial Council. Kate Appleby, a senior judge with the Utah Court of Appeals who assisted in creating the new rule, says the judiciary recognized the growing need for specialized judges due to the complex nature and importance of Utah water law, especially as the state’s growth continues to outpace its water supply. … ” Read more from the Salt Lake Tribune here: Utah will soon have water judges. This is what they’ll do and why it matters.
Colorado’s water shortages are already here and getting worse, according to updated state plan
“Colorado’s water shortages are not relegated to the distant future. Water supplies cannot meet current demands in many communities, and are only likely to worsen as climate change heats up and dries out the state’s cities and farms. That message is front and center in the Colorado Water Conservation Board’s first draft of a comprehensive update to the Colorado Water Plan, originally passed in 2015. Its initial creation was spurred by then-governor John Hickenlooper. The plan anticipates a supply-demand gap of 240,000 to 740,000 acre-feet for cities and industries by 2050. One acre-foot is enough to meet the annual water needs of about two Colorado households. For agricultural users, shortages are already a way of life. The plan projects that an existing shortfall of 2.6 million acre-feet for farmers and ranchers could increase to 3.5 million acre-feet by the middle of this century. … ” Read more from KUNC here: Colorado’s water shortages are already here and getting worse, according to updated state plan
SEE ALSO:
- Colorado to release draft of new water plan, calling it a blueprint for the state’s future, from the Colorado Sun
- Water for Colorado Coalition celebrates the release of updated Colorado water plan, from The Fence Post
In national water news today …
High court hinders climate action but ‘clears the way’ for EPA
“The Supreme Court’s ruling yesterday does not strip EPA of its authority to regulate greenhouse gases. It is unlikely to change how the Biden administration regulates power plant emissions and will do little to boost the fortunes of a coal industry hamstrung by mounting competition from renewables. But the court’s 6-3 decision in favor of coal interests in West Virginia v. EPA could cast a long shadow over the administration’s wider attempts to combat climate change. The reason lies largely with how the court came to its decision rather than with its specific findings in the case, which focus on EPA’s implementation of the Clean Air Act, experts said. The result is a legal twist for American climate policy, one where the ruling has potentially less impact on the issues at stake in West Virginia than on other parts of President Joe Biden’s climate agenda. … ” Read more from E&E News here: High court hinders climate action but ‘clears the way’ for EPA
Supreme Court restricts EPA’s ability to go big on climate
“EPA’s ability to curb greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants was sharply curtailed, but not eliminated, by a Supreme Court ruling yesterday that underscores the challenges of achieving significant climate gains in the United States. In a 6-3 opinion on the most significant climate change case to reach the high court in a decade, the justices found that Congress did not give EPA the authority to impose a sweeping emissions rule like the Obama-era Clean Power Plan, a proposal that was never applied in the real world. That leaves the Biden administration — which had no plans to use the dormant Clean Power Plan — with fewer options to tackle the second-largest source of climate warming emissions in the country. The ruling is a “major setback” for EPA’s ability to address climate change, said Harvard University environmental law professor Richard Lazarus, who noted it “could hardly have come at a worse time.” … ” Read more from E&E News here: Supreme Court restricts EPA’s ability to go big on climate
A window on the progress, promise and realities of indoor agriculture
“Last week New York City was host to the Indoor AgTech Innovation Summit, an event which drew 600 attendees, featured 90 speakers and included representatives from 42 countries. For a sector with some history of hyperbole about its role in feeding the world, the presentations and discussions during this event featured an overall balance of optimism and pragmatism. Many different kinds of “indoor” facilities were being considered at this meeting ranging from basic greenhouses all the way to multi-level “vertical farms” of the type pictured above. Industry players prefer to call their sector “controlled environment agriculture” or CEA. That is in contrast to mainstream agriculture which has the advantage of free solar energy and rainfall, but which must also deal with all the variables associated with weather and the limitations determined by geography. … ” Read more from Forbes Magazine here: A window on the progress, promise and realities of indoor agriculture
National water and climate udpate …
The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces this weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S.
dmrpt-20220630Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
