On the calendar today …
- EVENT: Southern California Water Coalition Quarterly Luncheon: Rethinking our approach to landscape and building design for water efficiency from 12pm to 2pm in Long Beach. Attend the luncheon at the Long Beach Yacht Club so you can get all the information on the latest in water smart design for a resilient future. Click here for more information and to register.
In California water news today …
Deepening drought prompts readoption of curtailment regulation for the Delta
“With three consecutive years of drought reducing state and federal water project reservoirs to historic lows, the State Water Resources Control Board on Wednesday readopted measures for the Delta to protect drinking water supplies, prevent salinity intrusion and minimize impacts to fish and the environment. The State Water Board decision updating an emergency curtailment and reporting regulation authorizes staff to determine the amount of water available to certain right holders during the drought, preserving drinking water for 27 million Californians and the irrigation supply for more than three million acres of farmland. … ” Read more from the State Water Board here: Deepening drought prompts readoption of curtailment regulation for the Delta
Photo gallery: Shasta Lake at 38% capacity heading into the hottest months of the year
“Shasta Lake, one of the state’s largest reservoirs, is currently at 38% capacity, a startling number heading into the hottest months of the year. Part of the State Water Project [Central Valley Project], a roughly 700-mile lifeline that pumps and ferries water all the way to Southern California, the reservoir is the driest it has been at this time of year since record-keeping first began in 1976. … ” Read more and check out the pictures at the LA Times here: Photo gallery: Shasta Lake at 38% capacity heading into the hottest months of the year
Taking a big leap to solve California water problems: How uncommon partners are finding common ground on the water
Ann Hayden, Associate Vice President of EDF’s Climate Resilient Water Systems, writes, “There we were, 19 of us on the stony shore of the Tuolumne River, feeling a bit stranded like the crew of Gilligan’s Island. Our “Finding Common Water” rafting excursion was planned around “no water Wednesday,” when river releases are held back for water conservation and infrastructure maintenance. The trip’s goal: Get off our desk chairs and onto rafts, out of the ordinary and into an extraordinary setting — a hot, highly regulated, wild and scenic river — to push us out of our comfort zone and get to work on addressing real water problems. Working with All-Outdoors whitewater expeditions, EDF and UC Merced teamed up to create the trip. Our premise was that paddling a raft together — and yanking each other back into the boats by our life vests — can build camaraderie and help find areas of agreement in ways that Zoom meetings just can’t. … ” Continue reading at EDF’s On the Waterfront here: Taking a big leap to solve California water problems: How uncommon partners are finding common ground on the water
All things considered: California’s water restrictions aren’t impacting people equally
“California cities are tightening water restrictions as the state’s drought drags on. While some neighborhoods are turning into landscaping graveyards, others are as lush as they’ve ever been.” Listen to podcast or read transcript from NPR here: California’s water restrictions aren’t impacting people equally
Public comment period opens for re-submitted Groundwater Sustainability Plans with ‘incomplete’ determinations
“On January 21, 2022, the Department released four Incomplete determinations on groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs) developed by local agencies to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). These basins were given 180 days to address deficiencies and resubmit their revised GSPs to the Department for review. The revised GSPs in response to the Incomplete determination have been re-submitted to the Department and are now posted on the DWR SGMA Portal. These plans are open to public comment for 60 days after the posted date. … ” Read more from DWR here: Public comment period opens for re-submitted Groundwater Sustainability Plans with ‘incomplete’ determinations
Los Angeles may be the first city in California to put recycled water directly in your tap
“Water has always been recycled. The water molecules in your shower or cup of coffee might just be the same molecules that rained on dinosaurs more than 65 million years ago. With the technological advancements in water recycling, however, the water that went down your sink this morning might be back in your tap sooner than you think. The city of Los Angeles and agencies across Southern California are looking into what’s known as “direct potable reuse,” which means putting purified recycled water directly back into our drinking water systems. This differs from indirect potable reuse, where water spends time in a substantial environmental barrier such as an underground aquifer or in a reservoir. ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: Los Angeles may be the first city in California to put recycled water directly in your tap | Read via Yahoo News
L.A.-based developer to build water-saving homes in the Southwest
“Los Angeles-based homebuilder KB Home has announced plans to build every home in California, Arizona and Nevada to the Environmental Protection Agency’s latest “WaterSense” specifications, cutting water consumption by 30% from typical new construction. Almost half of the 13,472 homes the company built in 2021 were in those three states, public filings show. To date, KB Home has built over 18,000 WaterSense-labeled homes and installed over 900,000 WaterSense fixtures. The company estimates that these homes and fixtures together conserve approximately 1.6 billion gallons of water annually. … ” Read more from the Riverside Press-Enterprise here: L.A.-based developer to build water-saving homes in the Southwest
Water infrastructure cybersecurity
“Officials from several western states are looking into the future of their water supplies because of the historic drought hitting almost the entire region. California state senator Melissa Hurtado says it may sound like something from a spy movie, but officials need to upgrade their cyber-infrastructure to help protect the state’s shrinking water supply. Hurtado… “Part of looking at the future of water is examining some of the weaknesses and vulnerabilities we face. We know and have a good understanding of how water shortages and drought make our state vulnerable. We haven’t discussed how we’re vulnerable from a cybersecurity perspective. … ” Read more from Ag Info Network here: Water infrastructure cybersecurity
In commentary today …
Water conservation is a demoralizing exercise
Stephen Marks, the Elden Smith Professor of Economics at Pomona College, writes, “As our water crisis wears on, our household is demoralized. My wife asks, “Why should we conserve? They’re just going to take it to build more.” My sentiments exactly. A May 31 Los Angeles Times article noted “state leaders” are planning on a lot more development, particularly in major urban areas, and cited a water expert who said that there will be plenty of water for everyone if we just use water efficiently. A couple comments. One, this seems like part of the plague of denial in our country that Senator Mitt Romney referred to in a recent Atlantic article — though with respect to water he stopped short of mentioning development, and blamed it instead on golf courses, lawns and thirsty crops. … ” Read more from the Claremont Courier here: Water conservation is a demoralizing exercise
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
“Rally for the C’waam and Koptu” brings awareness to plight of endangered Klamath fish
“Citizens of the Klamath Tribes will host a two-day community event, “Rally for the C’waam and Koptu”, highlighting the importance of these endemic fish, also known as the Lost River suckerfish and shortnose suckerfish. This free event will take place this Friday July 22 and Saturday 23 in Chiloquin with a caravan rally to nearby Klamath Falls on Saturday. “July 18th, 2022 marks 34 years since the C’waam and Koptu were classified as Endangered Species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Klamath Tribes have not stopped fighting for the survival of our sacred fish,” said a release from the Klamath Tribes. … ” Read more from KRCR here: “Rally for the C’waam and Koptu” brings awareness to plight of endangered Klamath fish
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
‘Keep Our Waters Clean’ campaign kicks off to protect Sacramento, American rivers
“Boaters and river users are being asked to help keep our area waterways clean during these hot months. The city of Sacramento is kicking off its annual “Keep Our Waters Clean” campaign to help protect the Sacramento and American Rivers. The two rivers are the primary drinking water source for the region. “The ultimate goal of the program is for people to understand why it is important to protect our source water,” said Jessica McCabe, program manager. “Our rivers provide drinking water for millions of Californians.” … ” Read more from KCRA here: ‘Keep Our Waters Clean’ campaign kicks off to protect Sacramento, American rivers
NAPA/SONOMA
Bodega Bay salmon fishing ‘very productive’ so far this season, thanks to cold waters. How long will the boom last?
“On a late morning in early July, Dick Ogg stared off into a sea of gray. The 69-year-old Sonoma County local had just departed from Bodega Bay for five days of commercial salmon fishing off the coast. Heavy fog, rough waves and strong winds made this a bad time for a phone call with a reporter. He was able to talk for a few minutes though. Ogg, vice president of the Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Marketing Association, has lived in Sonoma County for 62 years and has fished for crab and salmon along the coast for more than 40 of those years. “The ocean conditions right now are probably the best we’ve seen in the last 10 years,” he said. Though the wind made it difficult to fish, a spurt of particularly cold water temperatures have attracted more salmon. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Bodega Bay salmon fishing ‘very productive’ so far this season, thanks to cold waters. How long will the boom last?
BAY AREA
37 million gallons and counting: Marsh Fire ‘drastically’ less active as firefighters flood marsh in East Contra Costa County
“Firefighters and air quality experts are cautiously optimistic that a plan to flood the stubborn Marsh Fire with millions of gallons of Delta water could finally end a two-month nightmare for several eastern Contra Costa County cities perpetually shrouded in a fog of acrid smoke from the long-simmering blaze. ConFire crews flipped on three additional water pumps Tuesday, bringing to five the number of pumps pulling water from nearby Mallard Slough onto the 200-acre property outside Pittsburg, which has been burning since late May. But several major questions remain, including how long it will take to sufficiently saturate deep layers of peat in the drought-stricken marsh and whether it can finally bring a measure of relief to nearby residents. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: 37 million gallons and counting: Marsh Fire ‘drastically’ less active as firefighters flood marsh in East Contra Costa County
New eco-friendly San Jose car wash uses minimal amount of water
“When you drive into the Future Wash car wash at Santana Row in San Jose, there’s one thing you won’t see and hear: the spraying of running water. “There’s no loud noises. There’s no water flying all over the place. There’s no water going down the drain like a lot of car washes, we don’t have to deal with any of that,” said Future Wash owner Michael Dennison. Dennison claims his car wash is practically waterless. There are two buckets half filled with water to keep the microfiber towels wet. Workers use pint-size spray bottles with a mixture of water and a special cleaning solution to wet cars with a fine mist. … ” Read more from CBS Bay Area here: New eco-friendly San Jose car wash uses minimal amount of water
CENTRAL COAST
In the wake of wildfire, Big Basin Redwoods State Park partially reopens to the public
“Big Basin State Park is not the lush, shady ancient forest it once was. In August 2020, 97 percent of the old-growth forest nestled in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains burned in the devastating CZU Lightning Complex fire. Eighteen thousand acres burned, and the iconic park visitors center, lodge, staff homes, and other buildings were reduced to ash. An eerie silence hung over the scorched earth and skeletal trees. Teresa Baker was shocked when she saw what remained a few months after the catastrophe. “It seemed like a warzone,” says Baker, an advocate for diversity in the outdoors who serves on a committee advising the reimagining of Big Basin. “I didn’t hear any birds. I didn’t see any green. Nothing.” Nearly two years later, Big Basin will partially reopen to the public this weekend on Friday, July 22. … ” Read more from Bay Nature here: In the wake of wildfire, Big Basin Redwoods State Park partially reopens to the public
Low income households can apply to water assistance program
“Federally funded program offers one-time payments to help pay past due water, wastewater bills. Some Paso Robles residents may be eligible for a one-time payment to help with past due water bills through a new federal program. The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded program that offers a one-time payment to help you pay your past due water or wastewater bills. … ” Read more from the Paso Robles Daily News here: Low income households can apply to water assistance program
Rep. Carbajal secures $16.6 Million for county projects
“Congressman Salud Carbajal announced that he had secured $16,621,540 in direct federal funding for community projects to benefit residents of Santa Barbara County in the federal funding bills drafted and passed yesterday by the U.S. House of Representatives. The funding bills, written to cover federal spending for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2023, provide funds to help expand 101 carpool lanes and support upgrades to public spaces in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria. … ” Read more from Edhat here: Rep. Carbajal secures $16.6 Million for county projects
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Environmental Protection Agency Investigates Ocean Dumping Site in California
“The Environmental Protection Agency recently launched a new website sharing information about their investigation into Southern California Ocean Disposal Site #2, It outlines the history of pollution at the site and ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges. From the 1930s until the early 1970s, multiple government agencies approved ocean disposal of domestic, industrial, and military waste at 14 deep-water locations off the coast of Southern California. While EPA and our federal, state and local agency partners have been aware of these disposal practices over the years, the significant depth (up to 1000 meters or 3200 feet) and distance from shore of these disposal sites have historically posed significant challenges to assessing the sites for potential threats to human health or the environment. With renewed public interest in these challenges, EPA, NOAA, and several other federal, state, and local agencies began working together to see if advances in technology enable a new look at this issue. Learn more about these ongoing efforts on the Environmental Protection Agency website.”
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Senate advances Feinstein, Padilla bill to improve Salton Sea air, water, wildlife quality
“Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) applauded the Energy and Natural Resources committee for advancing their Salton Sea Projects Improvements Act, which would increase federal investment in ecological improvement projects at the Salton Sea and significantly expand federal partnerships with state, local and Tribal governments to address the public health and environmental crises at the Salton Sea. “For years the Salton Sea has been receding, threatening the local ecosystem and creating toxic dust clouds that are harming the surrounding communities,” said Senator Feinstein. “The Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced our bill that will make it easier for every level of government to work together to address the problem and provide the resources necessary to protect public health and restore vital habitat.” … ” Read more from Senator Feinstein’s office here:Senate Advances Feinstein, Padilla Bill to Improve Salton Sea Air, Water, Wildlife Quality
SAN DIEGO
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve celebrates 30th anniversary
“Since its opening in 1992, the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve has evolved into one of San Diego County’s most precious natural resources. Celebrating its milestone 30th anniversary, the reserve, or EFRR, was originally developed when the Olivenhain Municipal Water District partnered with the San Diego County Water Authority and the Bureau of Land Management as part of the regional Emergency Storage Project. Over the past 30 years, OMWD has managed the safe operations of EFRR to provide visitors with recreational, educational, and environmental experiences. The 784-acre reserve in the heart of San Diego County offers 11 miles of hiking, biking, equestrian trails, picnic areas, and scenic viewing points. It is the central hub of more than 20,000 acres of contiguous open space with fully protected wildlife in perpetuity. Its facilities provide educational experiences for visitors of all ages. … ” Read more from the Water News Network here: Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Along the Colorado River …
Lake Powell and Lake Mead could collapse without more water cuts along the Colorado River, a new paper explains
“Without significant, permanent cuts to water use in the Colorado River basin, both Lake Powell and Lake Mead may be headed for collapse. That’s according to a new, peer-reviewed paper published in the journal Science this week that analyzed how current agreements between basin users would fare if the 23-year trend of below-average runoff in the basin continues. The short answer is not well, despite layers of drought contingency plans that have been added in recent years to trigger increasing cutbacks for certain users as Lake Mead’s level drops. ... ” Read more from MSN here: Lake Powell and Lake Mead could collapse without more water cuts along the Colorado River, a new paper explains
Proportionate limits may float Colorado River users through water crisis
“If Colorado River stakeholders continue using water at current rates, researchers warn, water levels in lakes Mead and Powell may soon drop too low to produce hydropower. While the solution — use less water — is painfully obvious, how to actually implement changes across the seven states and Mexico which depend on the river remains a turbulent policy issue. “We’re 23 years now into the manifestation of a really serious problem on the Colorado River that’s a combination of both overuse and climate-induced flow reductions,” said Brad Udall, senior water and climate research scientist at Colorado State University. “Water is the one natural resource that really ties us all together, and you cannot make decisions about it as individuals,” Udall added. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: Proportionate limits may float Colorado River users through water crisis
Deep cuts loom on the Colorado River as water levels plunge. Who will feel the pain most?
“The federal government’s demand that Colorado River water users rapidly scale back water use to stabilize plunging reservoir levels has touched off debate about which states should conserve the most, and at what cost. Headwaters states, whose snow supplies most of the river but who have yet to use the share they were promised a century ago, signaled their position this week that most cuts must come from users downstream of Lake Powell, including in Arizona. At the same time, Yuma farmers began discussing a plan that would ask the state to compensate them handsomely for a major but temporary reduction in their use, perhaps on hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland. Whatever the various states propose, others are poised to counter with offers that would maximize their own share. But the government’s directive has made clear there’s no more time to delay. … ” Read more from the Arizona Republic here: Deep cuts loom on the Colorado River as water levels plunge. Who will feel the pain most? | Read via Yahoo News
Colorado River stabilization requires major rethinking, experts say
“A series of drastic consumption cuts and difficult management decisions will be necessary to stabilize the Colorado River system amid a 23-year-long “Millennium Drought,” regional experts argue in a new policy paper. The paper, published in Science on Thursday, dissects how lawmakers and agency administrators might save a cross-border resource that supplies water to more than 40 million people and irrigates nearly 5.7 million acres of agriculture. Stabilizing the system could occur by accelerating certain policy changes that right now might “seem like a political impossibility” but could become inevitable if current conditions continue, the authors state. … ” Read more from The Hill here: Colorado River stabilization requires major rethinking, experts say
Dramatic NASA photos reveal Lake Mead water levels at lowest point since 1937
“Recent satellite images from NASA show the dramatic water loss that has occurred over the last 22 years at drought-stricken Lake Mead, the nation’s largest reservoir and a lifeline for California, neighboring states and Mexico. The images show how a deep blue strand of water snaking through the Nevada desert in August 2000 has drastically receded and narrowed amid the parched landscape by July of this year. Lake Mead and much of the Colorado River Basin are in the midst of a 22-year drought. Water levels at Lake Mead — formed by the Hoover Dam — are at their lowest levels since 1937, when the reservoir was being filled. As of July 18, the lake was at 27% capacity, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Dramatic NASA photos reveal Lake Mead water levels at lowest point since 1937
SEE ALSO: NASA images show extreme withering of Lake Mead over 22 years, from The Guardian
What will Arizona do as its share of Colorado River water diminishes?
“Water worries continue to escalate throughout the southwest. As a federal deadline looms weeks away, state officials are starting their plan to keep a water shortage from becoming so severe that it damages the state’s economy and way of life. This week’s episode of The Buzz begins with a look at the [mid-August deadline set by federal officials that requires Arizona and the six other Colorado River Basin states to again cut their usage of river water. As the states figure out how to allocate a cut in the available supply of Colorado River water, Arizona lawmakers are moving forward with efforts to solve the crisis. … ” Read more from Arizona Public Media here: What will Arizona do as its share of Colorado River water diminishes?
Lake Powell’s water level rebounds before another fall
“For months water levels at both Lake Mead and Lake Powell have been falling, causing concern for millions of people who rely on the water for drinking and irrigation. However, there has been some good news out of Lake Powell over the last two months. The water level for Lake Powell has been on the rise steadily since the end of April. By the beginning of July Lake Powell’s water level had risen almost 20 feet. … ” Read more from Channel 8 here: Lake Powell’s water level rebounds before another fall
National water and climate update …
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-20220721Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
NOTICE: Correction to July 19 Weekly Update on Curtailment Status of Water Rights and Claims in the Delta Watershed
