In California water news today …
How can California boost its water supply?
“Over and over again, drought launches California into a familiar scramble to provide enough water. Cities and towns call for conservation and brace for shortages. Growers fallow fields and ranchers sell cows. And thousands of people discover that they can’t squeeze another drop from their wells. So where can California get enough water to survive the latest dry stretch — and the next one, and the next? Can it pump more water from the salty Pacific Ocean? Treat waste flushed down toilets and washed down drains? Capture runoff that flows off streets into storm drains? Tow Antarctic icebergs to Los Angeles? Every time another drought rolls around, an array of suggestions rise to the surface. We take a look at the strategies that could work — along with the more outlandish ones — and the obstacles they face. … ” Read the full story at Cal Matters here: How can California boost its water supply?
The Delta: Carbon credits versus the Big Gulp
“Twitchell Island, Sacramento County, California – Steve Deverel gazes out over a levee on the San Joaquin River to a buoy where half a dozen sea lions are barking. It’s a loud reminder that even here, 50 miles inland, some of California’s most productive farmland lies perilously close to the Pacific Ocean. At any moment, a weak spot in the more than 1,000 miles of earthen levees protecting islands in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta could unleash a salty deluge, threatening not just crops, but the drinking water for as many as 27 million Californians. Deverel, a Davis-based hydrologist, refers to this threat as “The Big Gulp,” a breach that would suck in tens of billions of gallons of river water, drawing ocean water in its wake. All it would take is some heavy rain, a moderate earthquake, or even hard-working gophers tunneling through earthen barriers first built in the late 1800s. It wouldn’t be the first time such a disaster happened. Deverel now hopes to save the Delta by flooding it before the Pacific can. And he wants to pay for it with carbon credits. … ” Read more from the Public News Service here: The Delta: Carbon credits versus the Big Gulp
They used to call California ocean desalination a disaster. But water crisis brings new look
“For decades, environmentalists have decried ocean desalination as an ecological disaster, while cost-savvy water managers have thumbed their noses at desal’s lofty price tag. But as the American Southwest barrels into a new era of extreme heat, drought and aridification, officials and conservationists are giving new consideration to the process of converting saltwater into drinking water, and the role it may play in California’s future. Although desalination requires significant energy, California’s current extended drought has revived interest in the technology. Experts are already experimenting with new concepts such as mobile desalination units and floating buoys, and at least four major plants will soon be operational along the state’s coastline. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: They used to call California ocean desalination a disaster. But water crisis brings new look | Read via Yahoo News
Official highlights spending on drought resilience
“Assistant U.S. Interior Secretary Tanya Trujillo wrapped up a two-day swing through California on Friday, Nov. 4, as she highlighted more than $25 million in federal funding for California groundwater and other projects. Trujillo, Interior’s assistant secretary for water and science, joined state and local officials on Nov. 3 to commemorate the Water Replenishment District (WRD)’s 60 years of using recycled water for groundwater replenishment and to celebrate a $15.4 million alloction from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for WRD’s Groundwater Reliability Improvement Program to help protect groundwater resources for 4 million people in the region. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Official highlights spending on drought resilience
SEE ALSO: Assistant Secretary Trujillo Highlights Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments for Drought Resilience in California, press release from the Department of the Interior
Why California fruit growers should tap into the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program
“Growers in California can once again expect the state to provide financial assistance to implement specified irrigation systems. The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) upholds two primary goals of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA): increase water use efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. “We do not have enough water in California for everyone that lives here and all the activities we do,” Ian Vietti, Government Funding Manager with farm cooperative Innovative Ag Services, said in a webinar sponsored by Tule Technologies. “Farming and ecological uses are kind of always tussling over what supplies we have. So, part of the reason that CDFA is incentivizing SWEEP is water conservation — to help us get more crop per drop.” ... ” Read more from Growing Produce here: Why California fruit growers should tap into the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program
The paradox of ‘use it or lose it’: The role of prior appropriation doctrine in preventing rural-to-urban water transfers
“The ‘Las Vegas Pipeline’ was an effort by an urban water authority to transfer, some might say ‘steal’, water from another basin. The project, however, was successfully blocked when a coalition of community groups (including American Indian tribes and ranchers) took the water authority to court and used water law based on the prior appropriation doctrine to prevent the water transfer from taking place. Here, Jared Whear explains how water rights protected water users in one basin. However, in a time of growing water scarcity, those same rights require those users to increase their profligate use of water in order to retain those rights.” Read the full essay at the Global Water Forum here: The paradox of ‘use it or lose it’: The role of prior appropriation doctrine in preventing rural-to-urban water transfers
Eco-tip: Flushable wipes? Not really. A state law clarifies labeling
“Three positive environmental changes emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. Two relate to cutting fuel consumption and air pollution associated with driving: More people work from home and more meetings are held virtually. A third change may not be as apparent, but it affects anyone whose wastewater involves a sewer system. The change concerns disposable wipes that are commonly marketed as “flushable.” Such products can actually cause problems for sewage pipes, pumps and other equipment. … ” Read more from the Ventura County Star here: Eco-tip: Flushable wipes? Not really. A state law clarifies labeling
White sturgeon: is an ancient survivor facing extinction in California?
“Sturgeons belong to an ancient family of fishes that once lived alongside dinosaurs. This resilient group of fishes survived a meteor strike, shifting seas and continents, and the onset of the Anthropocene. In California, sturgeon populations have persisted through periods of extreme overfishing, sedimentation and mercury contamination from hydraulic mining, species invasions, and alteration of rivers by dams and levees (Zeug et al. 2014, Gunderson et al. 2017, Blackburn et al. 2019). However, sturgeons remain highly vulnerable to human activities due to their long lifespans, late age-at-maturity, periodic reproduction, and long migrations between freshwater rivers and the ocean. Suddenly, the future of these ancient fish does not seem so secure. Between late August and early September, 2022, hundreds of sturgeon perished in the San Francisco Estuary. … ” Continue reading at the California Water Blog here: White sturgeon: is an ancient survivor facing extinction in California?
Yosemite glaciers among the endangered in new report of UNESCO World Heritage sites
“Glaciers in Yosemite National Park were included on a list of endangered glaciers that are “very likely” to disappear by 2050, according to a new study by UNESCO in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature. A third of the glaciers across 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Yosemite, are expected to disappear within the next 30 years, regardless of efforts to curb global warming, states the UNESCO report released this week. Its findings indicate the remaining World Heritage site glaciers might still be saved if temperature rises don’t exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to the pre-industrial period. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Yosemite glaciers among the endangered in new report of UNESCO World Heritage sites
Is California’s fire season over?
“California’s recent fire seasons have stretched unsettlingly late into the year, with devastating blazes breaking out in November and December. Tomorrow is the anniversary of the start of the Camp fire, the deadliest fire in state history. But this year, thankfully, the fire forecast looks much less grim. Recent rainfall and cold weather have already quashed fire season in Northern California, experts say. And a major storm that is expected to be unleashed across the state this week is likely to do the same for the southern half of California, said Craig Clements, director of San Jose State University’s Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center. “This is basically the end of fire season,” Clements told me. “It looks like very, very low risk across most of the state, if any risk.” … ” Read more from the New York Times here: Is California’s fire season over?
California storms …
Western US to remain unsettled with more heavy rain, mountain snow in the forecast
“Multiple moisture-laden storms and waves of colder air will combine to unleash a barrage of rain and mountain snow across the western United States into this week, according to AccuWeather meteorologists. The first of two potent storms began to impact the Northwest as the weekend commenced, but forecasters say the second storm will dig even farther south. This powerful second storm will send snow levels crashing for the Pacific Northwest as well as California and Nevada. The storm began to push into the Northwest early Sunday and will continue to pump moisture into the West. … ” Read more from AccuWeather here: Western US to remain unsettled with more heavy rain, mountain snow in the forecast
Whiteout conditions possible in the Sierra; widespread rain likely across Bay Area this week
“A fairly potent storm system is expected to hit Northern California early this week — likely dropping more rain over the Bay Area than any point since April, while supplying the Sierra Nevada with a healthy coating of powder. Low-lying parts of Bay Area — including Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose — could receive 1 to 1.5 inches of rain from late Sunday night through Wednesday, while the coastal ranges could get up to 3 inches of fresh precipitation, according to the National Weather Service. To the east, areas of the Sierra above 4,000 feet can expect one to four feet of snow, potentially offering ski resorts a chance to begin loading up with powder ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday rush. The direly-needed precipitation is owed to an upper-level low pressure system that is expected to move over Northern California over the next couple days. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Whiteout conditions possible in the Sierra; widespread rain likely across Bay Area this week
Storm was delayed but still on its way to Lake Tahoe – should be measuring snow in feet
“There was a delayed start to the incoming storm. It is reaching Lake Tahoe tonight with increasing winds into early Monday morning across the Sierra and western Nevada. Expect periods of heavy snowfall in the Sierra beginning this evening through Monday with light rain/snow for Western Nevada valleys. A second wave of heavy snow is expected across the Sierra on Tuesday which is when valleys will see their best potential to pick up a few inches of snowfall. Much colder temperatures will prevail behind the front and into the start of the weekend. A Winter Weather Warning is in effect for Lake Tahoe until Wednesday morning at 4 a.m. … ” Read more from South Tahoe Now here: Storm was delayed but still on its way to Lake Tahoe – should be measuring snow in feet
Rainstorm round three? More showers on tap for the Bay Area this week
“Heavy rain moved in across the Bay Area overnight as part of a low-pressure system centering along the Pacific Northwest coastline, a system that will bring strong winds, dangerous surf conditions, Sierra snow and periods of rainfall over the next couple of days. Embedded within the low pressure system is a weak shortwave — an area of upward motion — that aids in thunderstorm development and could mean small hail, brief heavy rain and gusty winds for the Bay Area, the Sacramento valley and the west slope of the Sierra. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Rainstorm round three? More showers on tap for the Bay Area this week
Southern California in for 3 days of rain, snow; flood watches issued
“A significant storm is headed to Southern California, with rain, mountain snow and gusty winds expected to last through Wednesday. Some light rain is possible after midnight Sunday, and most areas of Los Angeles and Orange County will experience substantial rainfall by Monday morning that will continue throughout the day and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Total rainfall could exceed 5 inches, according to the NWS’ Los Angeles office. A flash flood watch was announced for the Bond and Silverado fire burn scars in Orange County and mountain and valley communities in Los Angeles County from late Monday night through Tuesday evening. Flood watches were also issued for inland Orange County cities and foothill communities. … ” Read more from the OC Register here: Southern California in for 3 days of rain, snow; flood watches issued
Storm to hit San Diego County with widespread rain, gusty winds
“Following a tranquil weekend, a Pacific storm is set to descend on San Diego County and throughout Southern California Monday, bringing widespread precipitation and gusty winds. Showers should begin to arrive early Monday from the northwest and spread into all areas by Monday night, according to the National Weather Service. The storm was on track to bring heavy rainfall as well as gusty south and southwest winds on Tuesday, forecasters said. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Storm to hit San Diego County with widespread rain, gusty winds
In commentary today …
How climate change altered a longstanding Central Valley water reform
Congressman Jared Huffman and former Congressman George Miller write, “Thirty years ago, President George H.W. Bush signed an ambitious California water reform known as the Central Valley Project Improvement Act, or the CVPIA. The bill responded to a drought, crashing salmon runs, threats to Central Valley wetlands and antiquated water policies. California is again suffering from drought and low fish counts. The CVPIA’s successes and failures provide lessons to help ensure a healthy environment and more reliable water supplies. It is time to take the next steps. The CVPIA dedicated water to salmon and created a restoration fund to support salmon rebuilding projects. Unfortunately, rather than rebounding, salmon populations have declined since the law was enacted. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: How climate change altered a longstanding Central Valley water reform
Expand solar development in the desert, not San Joaquin Valley farms
Edward Ring, author and co-founder of the California Policy Center, writes, “Successfully coping with severe droughts in California and the Southwest requires tough choices, all of them expensive and none of them perfect. But taking millions of acres out of cultivation and replacing them with solar farms is not the answer. California produces over one-third of America’s vegetables and three quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts – more than half of which is grown in the San Joaquin Valley. According to the California Farmland Trust, the San Joaquin Basin contains the world’s largest patch of Class 1 soil, which is the best there is. Putting solar farms in more than a small fraction of this rich land will not only displace farming, but have a heat island impact in the enclosed valley. That would be unhealthy for the farms and people that remain, and could even change atmospheric conditions over a wide area, worsening the drought. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: Expand solar development in the desert, not San Joaquin Valley farms
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Refurbishing efforts on Trinity Dam set to start on Nov. 7
“Shasta-Trinity National Forest officials say that the Trinity Dam will be undergoing refurbishment starting Nov. 7. Officials say that the BOR and Advanced American Construction will begin to remove the existing intake cover sections and bulkhead assembly from the intake structure and refurbishing. The BOR, in a Facebook post, has said that they will “work diligently with the local public to ensure that we keep disruptions of public boat launching to a minimum.” … ” Read more from KRCR here: Refurbishing efforts on Trinity Dam set to start on Nov. 7
Mendocino column: Commercial well ordinance stuck in county counsel’s office
Columnist Jim Shields writes, “I want to share with you a letter I sent to Supervisors John Haschak and Glenn McGourty regarding a draft ordinance that would regulate private sector groundwater wells whose owners sell, or plan to sell water commercially, as well as individuals or entities that transport water from these commercial groundwater wells to customers. First I’ll give you a summary of the proposed ordinance, and then provide the letter that sets out a problem that no one was aware of. … ” Continue reading at the Ukiah Daily Journal here: Mendocino column: Commercial well ordinance stuck in county counsel’s office
Lady of the Lake: Superfund site — the Sulfur Bank Mercury Mine
“Dear Lady of the Lake, We just moved to a house near the Oaks Arm and I have heard there is concern with mercury on Clear Lake. Is it safe to go fishing and swimming? When will the mercury be cleaned up and how do I receive updates? — Musing about Mercury Dear Musing, Thanks for this question and for your concern. The history of Mercury and Clear Lake is complex. I could probably write several books about the Sulfur Bank Mercury mine (hereinafter referred to as “the mine”). Today’s column is really a brief introduction to the history of mercury in California, including in lakes and reservoirs, and Clear Lake, and the current efforts for clean-up by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or U.S. EPA. … ” Read more from the Lake County News here: Lady of the Lake: Superfund site — the Sulfur Bank Mercury Mine
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Butte County Supervisors to discuss Infrastructure Master Plan
“The Butte County Board of Supervisors will be unveiling, discussing and likely approving its 2023 Infrastructure Master Plan as compiled by its Public Works Department at its meeting Tuesday. Each year the board goes through this process to determine infrastructure needs. Previously, the annual update was called the Public Works Capital Improvement Plan, or CIP, but this year the name itself is being updated to the master plan. According to the related agenda item, the Neal Road Recycling and Waste Facility projects as well as a pavement preservation plan will be brought into the midst of the plan. Overall, the plan consists of a 5-year infrastructure project with a $109 million investment. It will come back to the board with updates every year. … ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Butte County Supervisors to discuss Infrastructure Master Plan
NAPA/SONOMA
These Sonoma County businesses aren’t just cultivating crops or raising livestock, they’re farming carbon
“Major studies of climate change, including decades of reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, conclude that pulling carbon out of the atmosphere has to be part of the solution to global warming. Some experts say Sonoma County is in a position to make a valuable contribution in this effort. Using techniques called carbon farming, local agriculture experts know how to draw carbon into plants and soil, and many farmers and ranchers are open to tackling the challenge, they say. The knowledge, skill and will are here, if financing can be found. “Carbon farming is one of our best opportunities to achieve our climate goals in this county. Farmers and ranchers are already being part of the solution, and that’s only going to increase,” said local ag expert Valerie Quinto. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: These Sonoma County businesses aren’t just cultivating crops or raising livestock, they’re farming carbon
BAY AREA
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to fund stormwater resiliency improvements
“As the Bay Area is greeted with the season’s first rain showers, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission announced that it wants to support efforts that protect properties from heavy rain damages. When San Francisco is hit with a large storm, that rainwater has few places to go, which can overpower the city’s sewer and stormwater system and begin flooding neighborhoods, said SFPUC. Eligible San Francisco residents can be reimbursed for up to $100,000 for implementing flood resiliency projects via the department’s Floodwater Grant program. … ” Read more from SF Gate here: San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to fund stormwater resiliency improvements
CENTRAL COAST
Coveted oceanfront land in Ventura County will become a nature preserve
“The scene from the privately owned ridgelines just northwest of Malibu is of untrammeled coastline where natural forces continue to unfold: Fog lifts off steep slopes scented with coastal sage that haven’t changed since Chumash Indians roamed them centuries ago. The only sounds are of surf crashing against the base of fortress-like mountains with panoramic views of dolphins, sea lions and gray whales swimming free about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. Legal disputes for decades put a cloud over the future of the 1,250 acres of land just northwest of the Ventura County line that biologists coveted as environmentally valuable, and developers saw as prime real estate in an area where the median price of a home is about $5 million. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Coveted oceanfront land in Ventura County will become a nature preserve
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
What causes the dangerous tule fog that blankets California’s valleys?
“Come to California for the sunshine? Unfortunately, there are several types of fog that can blanket the state and block out the sun all year round. In the spring and summer, we’ve got “May gray,” “June Gloom,” “no-sky-July” or “Fogust” – all of which are basically marine layers creating ground fog on California’s coast. But in the fall and winter, California, and especially the Central Valley, sees tule fog. According to KGET chief weather forecaster Kevin Charette, tule fog forms when ground moisture, usually after a heavy rain, is present and the air begins to cool, saturating the moisture and creating fog from the ground up. Overnight, you see the air cool, saturate and form fog. … ” Read more from KTXL Channel 40 here: What causes the dangerous tule fog that blankets California’s valleys?
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Lake Perris recreation industry says Newsom’s dam plan will sink it fast
“The Lake Perris Fairgrounds—one of America’s oldest public recreation destinations, just 70 miles from Los Angeles—is at the center of a bitter battle between the state and three entertainment businesses over the last phase of a retrofit to secure the neighboring Lake Perris Dam from the mother of all earthquakes. The owners of Perris Auto Speedway, the Latin music venue Toro Wapo Arena Event Center, and the Family A Fair Inc. concessions company, who lease the heavily-trafficked fairgrounds real estate, fear what will happen to the car races, rodeos and live music—and the people whose livelihoods depend on them—when construction resumes on yet another multi-year project at the nearby dam at Lake Perris. And while the locals and the state agree that upgrading the dam at Perris Lake is critical, the construction delays and disruptions are turning the nearby coveted Perris Fairgrounds into a legal no man’s land. … ” Read more from LA Magazine here: Lake Perris recreation industry says Newsom’s dam plan will sink it fast
Pasadena Water and Power reports to council committee on Pasadena’s drinking water
“Pasadena Water and Power is submitting its 2022 Public Health Goals (PHG) Report to the City Council’s Municipal Services Committee on Tuesday, Nov. 8, as required by the California Environmental Protection Agency, under the California Health and Safety Code, of community water utilities like PWP. The City Council is expected to conduct a public hearing and receive public comment on PWP’s recommended 2022 PHG Report in early December, before authorizing it to be forwarded to CalEPA. The PHG Report describes what’s in Pasadena’s drinking water: the ‘occurrence of constituents’ – including contaminants – in PWP’s treated water that have concentrations greater than the PHG levels established by CalEPA and the Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). … ” Read more from Pasadena Now here: Pasadena Water and Power reports to council committee on Pasadena’s drinking water
Long Beach to break ground on tidal channel project connecting Colorado Lagoon to ocean
“Long Beach will break ground on a massive project that will connect the Colorado Lagoon to Marine Stadium through a new open channel that will increase water circulation to the lagoon and require traffic detours until the project is completed in 2024. Improving water quality in the lagoon has been about a 20-year effort and a new $32.5 million effort will realign Marina Vista Park to make way for an 18-acre tidal channel that will replace the underground pipe that connects the lagoon to the ocean. New bike and walking paths, a public viewing area, two vehicle bridges and the reconfigured park area with new sports fields are part of the project that city officials believe will provide the type of water circulation the existing pipe could not. Better water quality could also help support the restoration of marine habitats. … ” Read more from the Long Beach Post here: Long Beach to break ground on tidal channel project connecting Colorado Lagoon to ocean
Sewage spill prompts closure of Newport Bay channel waters
“The water in several Newport Beach bay channels was closed to swimmers Sunday due to a sewage spill, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency. The nature and origin of the spill were not immediately disclosed. According to OCHCA, the closure affects the water in all west Newport Bay channels between 33rd and 43rd streets, as well as the bay water area east of the Newport Boulevard Bridge to the Lido Isle bridge, along with the projection of Pacific Cost Highway and Tustin Avenue. … ” Read more from the OC Register here: Sewage spill prompts closure of Newport Bay channel waters
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Lithium Valley: Hundreds of commenters on draft state report voice support — and concerns
“At the tail end of another marathon Lithium Valley Commission meeting last Monday, Jared Naimark, an organizer for an environmental nonprofit called Earthworks, asked a question: “When will commissioners discuss the public comments that were received on the draft report?” But the nearly four-hour meeting was adjourned with both that question and earlier comments Naimark made left unanswered. At the heart of his concerns was the fact that a comprehensive draft report the commission is preparing for state legislators had already been markedly changed three days after public comment closed, with no apparent consideration of that input. “I would just like to urge some clarity going forward as to how the public comments received will be reviewed and discussed by the commissioners,” said Naimark. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: Lithium Valley: Hundreds of commenters on draft state report voice support — and concerns
SAN DIEGO
Fallbrook, Rainbow would save on water bills by leaving San Diego wholesaler, report finds
“Farmers and other ratepayers in Fallbrook and Rainbow could see an average savings on their water bills of more than $20 a month by joining the Eastern Municipal Water District in Riverside County, according to a new report. However, the move may increase the cost of water for other San Diegans by more than $2 a month on average, according to the findings from the Local Agency Formation Commission, or LAFCO. The San Diego County Water Authority has been hostile to the idea of losing two of its 24 member agencies. The wholesaler has seen its water sales plummet by more than 40 percent since 2007, largely as a result of unanticipated drought conservation. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: Fallbrook, Rainbow would save on water bills by leaving San Diego wholesaler, report finds
Along the Colorado River …
International water researcher highlights Colorado Basin’s “disappearing” groundwater
“For the past 20 years, two small satellites orbiting 250 miles above Earth have tracked a stark reality about the nation’s groundwater supplies, including across the parched Colorado River Basin: The water underground is vanishing. The NASA satellites began gathering data in 2002. Since then, Colorado River Basin groundwater has depleted much faster than water storage in the nation’s two largest reservoirs, according to research that underscores concerns about the increasingly tight water supply in the drought-stricken West. “We pay a tremendous amount of attention to the disappearance of surface water because we can see what’s happening with the reservoirs, Lake Powell and Mead,” hydrologist Jay Famiglietti said. Meanwhile, he warned, “groundwater is quietly disappearing.” … ” Read more from the Colorado Sun here: International water researcher highlights Colorado Basin’s “disappearing” groundwater
Water hauler makes puzzling offer for Rio Verde
“A water hauling company owner says he can help Rio Verde Foothills homeowners after Scottsdale turns off the spigot Jan. 1, but the plan relies heavily on the city – which reported it is not even considering the offer at this time. Damon Bruns, owner of Dynamite Water, says he has struck a deal to purchase 65 million gallons of water – enough to meet the Rio Verde Foothills’ needs for a year – from the San Carlos Apache Indian Tribe. He hopes to negotiate an agreement with the city to treat the water so he can help the approximately 700 homeowners in the community northeast of Scottsdale that rely on water hauling. … ” Read more from Scottsdale Progress here: Water hauler makes puzzling offer for Rio Verde
In national water news today …
The scary big picture of having less water
“As a society we constantly hear the “drought warning.” Then we endure some water conservation efforts and a couple of years later everything seems to go back to normal. As a result, we have become numb to the word “drought.” Wildfires are brutal and get our immediate attention, but we expect they will also burn out. Sounding alarms can get immediate attention, maybe some awareness and even short duration actions. But most of the time, real fundamental changes, policy reversals or epic infrastructure planning shifts that are focused on long-term objectives are never achieved. As a society, we seem to only want to pay up once the damage occurs, a quick and easy monetary policy fix as we continue to put ourselves on a course of catastrophic failure. So, what is the bigger picture? What is the holistic viewpoint of having less water? … ” Read more from Water Finance & Management here: The Scary Big Picture of Having Less Water
The Water Tower, Arcadis host water innovation workshop
“The Water Tower (TWT), in partnership with global consulting firm Arcadis, hosted a group of international water and wastewater utilities on Oct. 18-19 for one of a series of three workshops to advance innovation initiatives in the water sector. More than 35 participating utilities and partners are contributing more than $465,000 in monetary and in-kind support to complete a one-year global research project with the goal of presenting utilities with a roadmap of best practices for successful innovation programs. A previous study led by the project team revealed that while utilities are seeing positive impacts from innovation programs, many struggle to clearly measure and communicate their value. The Water Tower and fellow research partners hope to change that. “We’re excited to be part of this team of water leaders investigating what it takes to help innovation programs succeed,” said Melissa Meeker, CEO of The Water Tower. “The project will ultimately guide water utilities in making the business case for innovation to benefit their communities.” … ” Read more from Water Finance & Management here: The Water Tower, Arcadis host water innovation workshop
More news and commentary in the weekend edition …
This weekend in California water news …
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Mt. Dana and Mt. Gibbs; Eastern Sierra, Hwy 395. Photo by Pacheco Wet and cool November pattern coming up, with abundant mountain snowfall
- How cold Bay Area weather will pave ‘moisture highway’ for upcoming rain
- Proposal to place solar panels over LA Aqueduct advances
- Supreme Court adds fight over Colorado River water rights to its docket
- Supreme Court will reconsider Navajos’ claim for more water from the Colorado River
- Proposed Central Valley dam likely to move forward after judge’s ruling
- Historic drought threatens water reserves at California’s Lake Shasta
- Sierra Club continues to fight the Doheny Desalination Project in OC
- California native fish species decline as drought continues and climate change impacts increase
- Eyes on the horizon: Deer Creek “Fire Flume” has potential to threaten Nevada City, Lake Wildwood and Cascade Shores – more than 7,400 residents
- California Coastal Commission staff recommend support of proposed desalination facility on the Monterey peninsula
- What you need to know about all those water agencies on your ballot
- And more …
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
NOTICE: Temporary Suspension of Some Curtailments in the Delta Watershed
NOTICE: Oil & Gas Groundwater Monitoring Update
