DAILY DIGEST, weekend edition: What will it take to escape drought?; Distrust of satellite monitoring delays Madera County’s plan to penalize growers for over pumping; Your house vs. climate change? A new site offers risk forecast for next 30 years; and more …

In California water news this weekend …

What will it take to escape drought?

“A rare September storm brought wetting rains to the region, with the storm bringing much above normal rain totals in September for California. The storm was not nearly enough to quell drought conditions in the state. California finds itself in a third year of drought and desperately in need of a soaking winter.  A rare third year straight of La Nina could make this difficult. …  With summer now over and California’s wet season approaching, it begs the question: What will it take to escape the drought? According to Jim Peifer, Executive Director of the Regional Water Authority in Sacramento, it’s a bit of a trick question. He offered to phrase the question in a different way. “Perhaps the question is… what will it take to soften the severity of the current drought emergency,” said Peifer. … ”  Read more from Channel 10 here: What will it take to escape drought?

Distrust of satellite monitoring delays Madera County’s plan to penalize growers for over pumping

“Fear and confusion over a new groundwater monitoring technology pushed back the “penalty phase” of Madera County’s attempt to get a handle on its pumping problem.  The Madera County Board of Supervisors was supposed to have voted on penalties for growers who pump more than they’re allowed at its Sept. 13 meeting. But after three hours of debate and hearing from more than 15 members of the ag community about whether the county’s new water monitoring system – Irriwatch – is working properly, supervisors pushed the decision off to Sept. 27.  The meeting was tense with Supervisor David Rogers even calling Irriwatch “junk,” despite multiple verification efforts from universities that have shown the technology is largely accurate. … ”  Read more from SJV Water here:  Distrust of satellite monitoring delays Madera County’s plan to penalize growers for over pumping

CA State Water Board issues “Denial of Request for Reconsideration” on Delta Plan Implementation

“Represented by the Environmental Law Clinic at Stanford, California Tribes and Delta environmental justice organizations this week received a Denial of Request for Reconsideration from the State Water Resources Control Board in response to the coalition’s Request for Reconsideration of the Board decision in June 2022 of denying the coalition’s Petition to Review and Revise the Bay-Delta Water Quality Standards.  The Request urged the Board to address its decades-long failure to update water quality standards as required under state and federal law and its failure to set forth a pathway to remedy the discriminatory effects of that inaction on Indigenous Peoples, communities of color, and other vulnerable groups in the Delta. … ”  Read more from Restore the Delta here:  CA State Water Board issues “Denial of Request for Reconsideration” on Delta Plan Implementation

The Delta Plan Ecosystem Amendment: Updated vision and guidance for restoration

Environmental Scientist Annie Merritt and Environmental Program Manager Dan Constable with the Delta Stewardship Council write, “At its June 23, 2022 meeting, the Delta Stewardship Council adopted an amendment to Delta Plan Chapter Four (Protect, Restore, and Enhance the Delta Ecosystem), referred to as the Ecosystem Amendment. The Ecosystem Amendment is the result of a multi-year, iterative effort of public and agency outreach and coordination, and it leverages decades of research and planning to identify a path forward, increase coordination, and work toward a common vision for a restored Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem.  While the main objective of amending the Delta Plan was to provide a framework for achieving restored, protected, and functioning Delta ecosystems, an important component of this framework is ensuring that ecosystem restoration is implemented in a way that enhances the Delta as a unique place — promoting and protecting the Delta’s human communities, including its cultural, recreational, and agricultural values, along with the Delta’s natural resources. ... ”  Read more from the Delta Stewardship Council here: The Delta Plan Ecosystem Amendment: Updated vision and guidance for restoration

FIELD teams up with Cadiz to teach sustainable water management in desert

“As California’s drought continues, with fewer fields planted because irrigation water isn’t available, one company is promoting an unlikely source for water — the Mojave Desert. And FIELD — the Farmworkers Institute of Education & Leadership Development headquartered in Tehachapi — has teamed up with owners of a desert ranch to provide a new program to teach sustainable water management and conservation. Cadiz Ranch is a 45,000-acre property in what some might call the middle of nowhere. The ranch is about 190 miles southeast of Tehachapi in San Bernardino County, south of the Mojave National Preserve and northeast of Joshua Tree National Park.  The ranch is owned by Cadiz, Inc., a self-described natural resources company “dedicated to pursuing sustainable projects through the responsible stewardship of our land and water resources.” … ”  Read more from the Tehachapi News here: FIELD teams up with Cadiz to teach sustainable water management in desert

DWR program assists Tribal and underrepresented communities with groundwater challenges

“Within the State of California, Tribes and underrepresented communities face many challenges accessing clean, affordable water supplies such as groundwater – especially during droughts. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is offering technical assistance services to Tribal and underrepresented communities to help address these challenges and support local Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) implementation.  DWR’s Underrepresented Community Technical Assistance program identifies communities throughout California with water supply issues such as dry groundwater wells, water shortages, or poor water quality. … ”  Read more from DWR News here: DWR program assists Tribal and underrepresented communities with groundwater challenges

Nevada farmers shake up traditional water rights with a new way to fight scarcity

“On a hot summer morning in Diamond Valley, Nevada, hay farmer Marty Plaskett stood next to a large rotating sprinkler system at ground level as it watered his green alfalfa field.  “This water here is spraying mainly in the crop canopy, so it’s spraying directly to the ground,” said Plaskett, noting how the low-elevation sprinklers reduce his water use — and waste. … This valley can’t afford to waste any water. For decades, water use in Diamond Valley was so high it caused groundwater levels to drop by an average of 2 feet every year. And without water?  “Your land value is zero. You have no livelihood. See you later,” Plaskett said. “So that wasn’t an option for us.”  Faced with that threat, farmers got together in an attempt to shoulder the burden. … ”  Read more from Marketplace here: Nevada farmers shake up traditional water rights with a new way to fight scarcity

Here’s how California’s canals could advance the state’s renewable energy goals

“Amid intense heat waves that strained the California energy system this month, attention has been placed on efforts to build on renewable energy in the country’s most populous state.  At the state level, California is gradually taking steps to run on carbon-free electricity by 2045, and legislation pushing for that calls on retail and state-run electricity sold to come from renewable sources. The transition has reached the automotive industry, with recent legislation pushing for more electric vehicles to be sold and the slow phasing out of sales of gasoline-powered cars. … ”  Read more from PBS News Hour here: Here’s how California’s canals could advance the state’s renewable energy goals

This technology helps keep grass green while still conserving water

“Water conservation is a focus across California, but is there a way to keep large fields of grass green when water restrictions are leaving homeowners with dying grass?  Elaine Sibert, the CEO of Rain Systems, believes it’s possible and could make a huge difference for all of us.  “The cumulative savings with all of these different large turf areas would make an astronomical change in how much water is being used,” she said.  Rain Systems is a local company providing customers like Cal State Northridge with a 50-70% reduction in water needs for the spaces treated with their patented technology. Turf areas that remain green through our harsh summer. … ”  Read more from ABC 7 here: This technology helps keep grass green while still conserving water

Your house vs. climate change? A new site offers risk forecast for next 30 years

“Nearly two-thirds of properties in Riverside are expected to be at risk from wildfires as climate change worsens over the next 30 years.  Los Angeles and Anaheim are most at risk to be hurt by drought during that time, while San Bernardino residents face the most elevated risk among major Southern California cities for extreme heat as the planet continues to warm up.  These projections are part of a new database from Berkeley-based ClimateCheck Inc. The firm — a partnership between data, climate science and real estate experts — aims to drive home the effects of the global climate crisis by quantifying the potential risks posed to specific properties, cities and states, and then sharing those assessments with the public. … But the data also offers detailed and specific risk assessments. Residents can enter an address on the firm’s website and get a score, on a scale of 1 to 100, that describes and measures the potential for various climate-related risks for that property. … ”  Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Your house vs. climate change? A new site offers risk forecast for next 30 years

California’s wildfire activity is running below average this year. But experts warn it’s not over

“Wildfire activity in California has been notably low this year, experts tell CNN, particularly compared to 2020 and 2021 when devastating wildfires erupted across the state and burned millions of acres by the time summer ended.  California has had several severe fires this year, including the Mosquito Fire, which continues to burn east of Sacramento.  However, after damp spring weather and cool temperatures delayed the onset of peak fire activity, the state’s overall wildfire activity has been “surprisingly benign,” said Craig Clements, director of San Jose State University’s Fire Weather Lab.  “But we’re not out of the woods yet,” Clements told CNN. Hot and dry offshore winds, often referred to as the Diablo or Santa Ana winds, can trigger an enormous wildfire threat, and the wind phenomena do not tend to start until the fall and winter. … ”  Read more from CNN here: California’s wildfire activity is running below average this year. But experts warn it’s not over

Return to top

In commentary this weekend …

Memo to lawmakers: Our future demands good water infrastructure

Jennifer Capitolo, executive director of the California Water Association, writes, “The record heat wave as well as the threat of wildfires and historic drought are reminders that climate change is shaping our future. These reminders are requiring new ways of preparedness to combat the challenges facing California.  In recent weeks, high temperatures and an unprecedented power demand caused California Gov. Gavin Newsom to call for a Flex Alert, a state of emergency.  Additionally, just a few weeks earlier, the governor held a press conference to share his long-term vision to support California’s water supply, sounding the alarm that our state’s supply will shrink by 10 percent given the continuation of warmer and drier conditions. … ”  Read more from Capitol Weekly here:  Memo to lawmakers: Our future demands good water infrastructure

In regional water news this weekend …

NORTH COAST

Prairie Creek restoration underway as part of transformation of former Orick mill site

“For workers with the Yurok Tribe Construction Corporation, creating new fish habitat as part of the restoration of Prairie Creek in their ancestral territory is more than just a job.  “They have a vested interest in restoration,” Yurok Fisheries Department Director Barry McCovey told The Times-Standard. “It’s not just a job to them. It’s something much deeper than that. They’re fulfilling their core value of restoring balance to the ecosystem and there’s no better people to be able to do that here locally.”  This is the second year the construction corporation and the Yurok Fisheries Department have been working on restoring the ecological integrity of Prairie Creek. The five-year $25 million restoration project includes redirecting the creek away from U.S. Highway 101 and getting as close as possible to recreating its original condition after being used as a lumber mill for decades. … ”  Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Prairie Creek restoration underway as part of transformation of former Orick mill site

Humboldt County coastline sees fastest erosion rates in the state

“Several of Humboldt County’s coastal cliffs rank among some of the fastest eroding bluffs in California, according to a recent study.  The cliffs on Centerville Beach and in the King Range ranked especially high on the list of California’s eroding coastal cliffs in the study, “Spatial and temporal trends in California coastal cliff retreat,” which found the Northern California coast is eroding at significantly higher speeds than the southern coastline.  The study noted that direct, quantitative relationships between cliff erosion and controlling factors are difficult to establish because of the inherent difficulty in measuring change in the rocks, especially since coastal erosion happens in spurts via landslides. … ”  Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Humboldt County coastline sees fastest erosion rates in the state

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

No herbicides detected in Tahoe Keys – final turbidity curtain removed

“The Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association (TKPOA) project to test innovative methods to control the largest infestation of aquatic invasive weeds in the Tahoe Basin reached another milestone this week. Monitoring showed that herbicides were no longer present in the Area A test location. On Thursday, divers removed the rubber barriers, called turbidity curtains, that since May had sealed off the test area to restrict herbicide movement. This ends all boating restrictions in the Tahoe Keys lagoons and marks the successful end of the herbicide portion of a rigorous, three-year Control Methods Test (CMT) project. The test is the first of its kind in the United States and must meet high standards of safety, due in part to the designation of Lake Tahoe as an Outstanding National Resource Water. … ”  Read more from South Tahoe Now here: No herbicides detected in Tahoe Keys – final turbidity curtain removed

Harmful algae detected in Tahoe Keys; Signs posted reflect various threat levels

“The presence of harmful algal blooms in the Tahoe Keys Lagoon has been detected and officials are asking people to stay out of the water within a specific area.  The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board on Friday announced that tests confirmed the presence of harmful algae and have posted signs in certain areas to coincide with potential health risks present.  Lahontan said it regularly monitors the lagoon at multiple locations and these multiple advisories exist due to the varying levels of toxin detections. The latest results from the HAB sampling indicate the highest levels have been detected at the corner of Venice and Alpine Drive, resulting in a danger advisory. … ”  Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Harmful algae detected in Tahoe Keys; Signs posted reflect various threat levels

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Butte Creek Ecological Preserve transferred to Mechoopda

“History was made Friday at the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve as the 93 acres of preserve land was turned back over to the Mechoopda Indian tribe of Chico Rancheria from Chico State Enterprises.  Leaders from the tribe and Chico State gathered at the preserve to announce and celebrate the agreement. They were joined by Northern California elected officials, local conservation nonprofit leaders and representatives of the Butte Creek Canyon community organizations for a celebration commemorating the occasion.  “The health of the preserve is important to all of us,” said Chico State President Gayle Hutchinson during the press conference. “The Mechoopda were the first stewards of the land.”  Friday was also California Native American Day, which Hutchinson mentioned in her speech. … ”  Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Butte Creek Ecological Preserve transferred to Mechoopda

NAPA/SONOMA

Wine Country is reeling from ‘mass attacks’ on trees. Here’s what is going on

“The loathed bark beetle has munched its way into the Wine Country hills.  The beetle, which recently caused a massive die-off of conifers in the Sierra Nevada, is doing the same thing in Napa County and nearby areas — stirring grave concerns about fire risk and ecological turmoil.  So worried is Napa County about its dying trees that officials recently declared an emergency.  … Jake Ruygt, a botanist who has been studying vegetation in Napa County since 1976, said the conifer impacts became obvious a few years ago. He has been studying vegetation in the region for more than 40 years and has never seen a bark beetle outbreak this bad.  “It’s pretty scary,” he said. The east side of the Napa Valley is particularly affected, he said, and “around Angwin, I’m seeing 15-25% die-off of conifers.” … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Wine Country is reeling from ‘mass attacks’ on trees. Here’s what is going on

St. Helena mayor alleges wildfire and contamination risks at Napa Valley landfill

“The mayor of St. Helena is asking the Napa County District Attorney’s Office to step in and investigate wildfire and contamination risks at a Napa Valley landfill and another dumpsite run by the waste management company Upper Valley Disposal Service.  In a consumer complaint, St. Helena Mayor Geoff Ellsworth, a longtime critic of the local landfill, accused the operators of “negligence and reckless endangerment toward public health and safety … related to significant and unnecessary fire and wildfire risk” at the dump. ... ”  Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: St. Helena mayor alleges wildfire and contamination risks at Napa Valley landfill

BAY AREA

After ‘heartbreaking’ closure, one of Bay Area’s favorite camping spots may reopen this year

“An announcement this spring that one of the top destinations in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta was abruptly shutting down caught everyone by surprise.When it was open, Brannan Island State Recreation Area was one of the largest and most affordable outdoor parks in the delta’s wild expanse — a 336-acre thumb of land on the Sacramento River a short drive from Antioch, hugely popular with camping groups, RVers, water-skiers and fishers. It has one of the biggest boat launches in the region, a small marina for overnighting boaters, 148 campsites and a small rustic wooden cabin for rent. Since opening in 1952, it had served as an easy escape from the Bay Area to freshwater fun. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: After ‘heartbreaking’ closure, one of Bay Area’s favorite camping spots may reopen this year

Caltrans favors elevating Highway 37 to address flood risks

“In an effort to protect Highway 37 from rising sea levels, a new state study calls for elevating the route onto a causeway within the next two decades.  Presenting its findings this month, Caltrans said its preferred solution is to build a 30-foot-high, four-lane causeway along the current alignment of the highway, a 21-mile corridor connecting Highway 101 in Marin County to Interstate 80 in Vallejo. The plan would include a pedestrian and bicycle path and might include an extension of SMART train service between Novato and Suisun City.  The announcement was celebrated by project proponents who say the causeway is the only way to adapt the highway to the threats from rising water and improve wetland habitats in San Pablo Bay. ... ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Caltrans favors elevating Highway 37 to address flood risks

Antioch to get new desalination plant

“Antioch is investing in its water supply future.  A new $110 million desalination plant is being built in Antioch. With construction underway at an existing water treatment facility, the new desalination plant will service the needs of Antioch’s population of more than 115,000 people, as well as help to improve its water supply reliability, city officials say. “This project is essential for ensuring our ability to provide a reliable drinking water source for our community, which has been reduced as a result of increased water diversions upstream of our intake, climate change, and severe droughts,” said Antioch Director of Public Works John Samuelson. “We estimate that it will cost $1,200 per acre-foot to create potable water using this new plant.” An acre-foot is about 326,000 gallons. … ”  Read more from The Press here: Antioch to get new desalination plant

Algae experiment fizzles along with algae

“An experiment to mitigate harmful blooms from Blue Green Algae has sunk due to communication and supply issues.  The experiment ran for six of the planned 12 weeks earlier this summer in Willow Lake, but when the manufacturer of the chemical being tested in the waters pulled their product, the operation was canceled. “It was supposed to be a three-month project, everyone was on board, $200,000 worth of product, and we started going,” said Jim Mattison, who brought together the necessary entities for the experiment. “Then the main company in Israel decided they didn’t want to use as much product as the project was originally slated for. So they decided to back out.” … ”  Read more from The Press here: Algae experiment fizzles along with algae

CENTRAL COAST

Lompoc to pay $263K to resolve wastewater discharge violations

“The city of Lompoc has reached a tentative settlement with the Environmental Defense Center in a Clean Water Act lawsuit that claimed the city’s Regional Wastewater Reclamation Plant discharges violated its permit limitations over the past five years.  EDC said, based on the city’s own reports, Lompoc has been discharging water contaminated with toxic pollutants into San Miguelito Creek and Santa Ynez River for more than 20 years.  Of more than 3,000 Clean Water Act violations alleged in the suit, the court — in granting part of the EDC’s motion for summary pretrial judgment regarding liability — found the city liable for 86 that occurred over the past five years. … ”  Read more from the Santa Ynez Valley News here: Lompoc to pay $263K to resolve wastewater discharge violations

Snipping green tape to cut water-wasting weed

“Sometimes environmental regulations make good environmental projects more difficult.  For example, everyone agrees giant reed, or arundo donax, should be removed from our rivers, but each removal project requires extensive permitting.  Now, that is about to change.  To trim the green tape preventing the cutting of giant reed stalks, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, in partnership with the Ventura County Resource Conservation District, obtained grant funding from Cal Fire to create programmatic permits. Such permits will enable the conservation district to serve as a sponsoring agency, an umbrella organization overseeing reed removal projects organized by the conservancy and others. … ”  Read more from the Ventura County Star here: Snipping green tape to cut water-wasting weed

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Tule River to finalize water rights after 100 years

“A century has passed since the Tule River Indian Tribe has sought water rights, and now years of advocacy may pay off if senate bill 4870 is approved. U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) introduced Senate Bill 4870, which would finally recognize the Tule River Indian Tribe’s water rights after 100 years of water claims. The bill would not only finalize the water settlement between the reservation and the U.S, but also give the Tule reservation $518 million for water projects, which would finally fulfill the federal government’s treaty responsibilities. The bill was introduced to the Senate on Sept. 19. … ”  Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: Tule River to finalize water rights after 100 years

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

‘The American lawn feels irresponsible’: the LA homes ditching grass for drought-friendly gardens

“A lush green lawn has long been a symbol of the perfect American home. But as a prolonged drought reshapes life in California, many residents are rethinking what a beautiful yard should look like.  In Los Angeles, which imposed sweeping restrictions on outdoor water use this year, thirsty lawns are out – and California native plants are in. From mansions in Brentwood to old family homes in Koreatown to neighborhoods in South LA, Angelenos are installing climate-friendly yards full of California buckwheat, toyon, sage, and succulents, and building in garden features to help conserve and retain the state’s limited rainwater.  The choice to conserve may be contagious. Starting this June, more than a thousand southern California residents a month made plans to replace their lawns with more drought-friendly landscapes, according to data from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. … ”  Read more from The Guardian here: ‘The American lawn feels irresponsible’: the LA homes ditching grass for drought-friendly gardens

Annual cleaning of the storm drain filters near Palisades Park brings big trucks to Santa Monica cliffs

“Have you wondered what the trucks are about in Palisades Park? The long ones with the hoses that go into a storm drain and down. 90 feet to the base of the world famous cliffs.  Those magnificent young men with their suction machines are clearing out the storm drains so that after the next rainstorm, less trash will make it out to sea. “We’re the last line of defense before the ocean ecology,” said Juan.  “There’s a guy 90 feet down, below that grate,” he said pointing. “He’s actually clearing trash that’s found its way to the storm drain terminus. We clean it every September,” he added. … ”  Read more from the Santa Monica Observer here: Annual cleaning of the storm drain filters near Palisades Park brings big trucks to Santa Monica cliffs

Long Beach boaters step in to restore native oysters

“On Sunday, Sept. 18, Long Beach boaters helped improve water quality and defend against rising seas with the help of nonprofit Orange County Coastkeeper and local marine biology students.  In May 2022, dozens of Long Beach Yacht Club members collected strings of oyster shells to hang off their docks. Four months later, they returned their strings, hoping to find Olympia oysters attached to the shells. After inspection by Cal State Fullerton and Long Beach marine biologists, these native oysters will be transferred to their restoration site in the Jack Dunster Marine Biological Reserve.  Olympia oysters are the only oyster species native to California’s coast. Orange County Coastkeeper uses these oysters and native eelgrass to create “Living Shorelines” projects. … ”  Read more from The Sun here: Long Beach boaters step in to restore native oysters

Construction underway in Riverside and Jurupa Valley for repairs to Santa Ana River levees

“Crews have begun repairing about 2.5 miles of levees along the Santa Ana River in Jurupa Valley and Riverside.  “Anytime there’s rain in the community, a lot of that rain drains into the Santa Ana River,” said Juliana Adams with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. “And so, to provide the cities and the region flood protection, the levees are being used every year, and every time it rains.” … ”  Read more from KVCR here: Construction underway in Riverside and Jurupa Valley for repairs to Santa Ana River levees

Beaumont: A symposium offers more sagacity for the water-wise

““Whiskey is for drinkin’, and water is for fightin’,” an adage that San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency board Vice President Mickey Valdivia used to kick off the PassEDA’s Sept. 15 water discussion hosted at Noble Creek Community Center in Beaumont.  Whether it is Banning’s longstanding fight to maintain water rights from its complex flume issue or the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency’s 61-year effort to bring water from the State Water Project to the Pass area, the water municipalities and players involved understand the necessity to preserve water rights and infrastructure.  Five representatives from the industry addressed more than 30 constituents: Pass Water Agency’s General Manager Lance Eckhart, South Mesa Water Co. General Manager David Armstrong, Yucaipa Valley Water District General Manager Joe Zoba, Banning’s Public Works Director Art Vela and Dan Jaggers, general manager of the Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD). … ”  Red more from the Record Gazette here: A symposium offers more sagacity for the water-wise

SAN DIEGO

San Diegans could soon pay much more for water, now that a long-delayed rate analysis is moving forward

“San Diego officials say they will complete a long-delayed comprehensive analysis of city water rates this year that could lead to sharp increases to pay for major infrastructure projects such as the Pure Water sewage purification system now under construction.  The last time San Diego completed such an analysis in 2015, city officials voted to raise water rates by 40 percent over a four-year period. … ”  Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: San Diegans could soon pay much more for water, now that a long-delayed rate analysis is moving forward

Return to top

Along the Colorado River …

Another La Niña could be more bad news for the Colorado River

“Our third La Niña weather pattern in three years seems almost certain, and one climate expert says that could be bad news for the already overtapped Colorado River.  La Niña winters typically mean drier, warmer weather in the Southwest that can, although doesn’t always, spread as far north as Colorado’s Southern Rockies, which would clearly drive down Colorado River flows.  The last two to three years, in particular, have seen fairly low to very low river flows in the basin, at the same time La Niña conditions were present.  Daniel Swain, a UCLA-based climate scientist, said he believes three straight La Niña years could spell trouble for the river in the upcoming fall and winter.  However, an official of the federal agency that makes forecasts for river flows into Lake Powell, a major Colorado River reservoir, said the agency hasn’t found a strong relationship between La Niña conditions and river flows into the lake. … ”  Read more from Tucson.com here: Another La Niña could be more bad news for the Colorado River

Queen Creek nearing completion of big water deal

“Queen Creek is dotting i’s and crossing t’s in a $21-million deal to purchase Colorado River water from GSC Farm in Cibola that will yield 2,033 acre-feet of water annually for the town through the Central Arizona Project canal system.  That would satisfy the water needs of at least 4,066 homes a year and possibly as many as about 6,000.  The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation this month cleared the way for Queen Creek’s purchase, which has been under consideration since 2019 and it already has been approved by the Arizona officials. … ”  Read more from the East Valley Tribune here: Queen Creek nearing completion of big water deal

For Mormons, a perfect lawn is a godly act. But the drought is catching up with them

“In June 2021, Marlene and Emron Esplin stopped watering their front lawn. Given that the Esplins live in Utah, where maintaining lush green turf is often associated with the fulfillment of a biblical prophecy, the decision to let their grass go brown was a radical act.  “I just felt like it was morally wrong to be watering our yard so much,” says Marlene who, along with her husband, is a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. … For many Mormons in Utah – who make up two-thirds of the state’s population of 3 million – the concept of being a good steward is wrapped up in a pioneer nostalgia that favors an artificial, irrigated landscape over the natural desert environment. This Mormon version of Manifest Destiny is at the heart of why Utahns suck up so much municipal water as well as why the state is moving at a dangerously glacial pace to deal with the climate crisis. … ”  Read more from The Guardian here: For Mormons, a perfect lawn is a godly act. But the drought is catching up with them

Commentary:  It is time for the federal government to further reduce Glen Canyon Dam releases

Eric Kuhn, John Fleck, and Jack Schmidt write, “With most forecasts pointing toward another below-average winter of precipitation in the Rocky Mountains in 2022/2023 and with total basin-wide reservoir storage now less than 20 maf (less than 17 months of supply at the rate water has been consumed in the basin since 2000), it is time for the federal government to announce immediate, major reductions in Lake Powell releases for the coming water year (October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023).  The importance of this leadership by Interior is pressing, because discussions among the basin states to cut their 2023 consumptive uses are at a stalemate and the Bureau of Reclamation is struggling to move the negotiation process along. An announcement by Interior, made no later than the 2022 Colorado River Water Users meeting in December, should set the annual release from Lake Powell for Water Year (WY) 2023 at approximately 5.5 million acre-feet (maf), 20% less than the 7.0 maf releases in water year 2022 and more than 30% less than the long-term release of 8.23 maf. Reductions in monthly releases to accomplish this objective ought to begin in January 2023. … ”  Read more from the Inkstain blog here:  Commentary:  It is time for the federal government to further reduce Glen Canyon Dam releases

Return to top

In national water news this weekend …

Loss of Arctic sea ice to give rise to more strong El Niños, study finds

“The loss of Arctic sea ice could yield more strong El Niños, in which unusually warm ocean waters fuel drought in the western Pacific and heavy rainfall in the eastern Pacific, new research finds. “Our study, for the first time, finds that large Arctic sea-ice loss directly influences global climate extremes, including an increase in the frequency of strong El Niño events,” Jiping Liu, a climate scientist at the State University of New York at Albany and lead author of the study, said in a statement. Over the past four decades, summer sea ice has shrunk by around 13 percent per decade in the Arctic, and by 2035, the region will likely be ice-free. To understand how the long-term decline of summer sea ice may impact weather, scientists ran computer models with varying levels of ice. With ice-free summers, strong El Niños grow one-third more frequent. The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications. … ” Read more from Yale e360 here: Loss of Arctic sea ice to give rise to more strong El Niños, study finds

Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …

NOTICE: Delta Conveyance Project Draft EIR Comment Period Extended to December 16

NOTICE: State Water Board Racial Equity Action Plan- Upcoming Board Workshop and Public Comment Period

PUBLIC COMMENT/WORKSHOP: Proposed Rulemaking Regarding the Delta Levees Investment Strategy

NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT: CV-SALTS Final Management Zone Proposals and Early Action Plans

The Delta Plan Ecosystem Amendment: Updated Vision and Guidance for Restoration

Refuel on the Run: Winter-Run Chinook Migration in a Changing River

Return to top