In California water news this weekend …
Heavy rain, wind, snow blows through California into Sierra
“A winter storm packing powerful winds, heavy rain and potentially several feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada shut down mountain highways, toppled trees and triggered flood watches and avalanche warnings on Saturday from the coast of Northern California to Lake Tahoe. More than 250 miles (400 kilometers) of the Sierra remained under a winter storm warning at least until Sunday night or early Monday from north of Reno to south of Yosemite National Park. As much as 4 feet (1.2 meters) of snow is expected to fall by the end of the weekend in the upper elevations around Lake Tahoe, and as much as 6 feet (1.8 meters) in more remote parts of the Sierra to the north and south. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: Heavy rain, wind, snow blows through California into Sierra
Will California keep getting hit with storms throughout December? Here’s what to expect
“The 2022-2023 wet season officially launched for California on October 1, but it may as well have started following mid-September’s historic rainstorms — these were the precursors that contributed to an early end to the 2022 fire season. The most recent deluge from back-to-back winter storms this December further highlights the active wet season that’s been at play over the Golden State, despite La Niña ’s attempts to promote drier conditions on the West Coast. Looking at the latest outlooks from the European weather model, which has done a good job at capturing storm tracks in Northern California since October, the extended range signals the potential for low-pressure systems to continue tunneling into the Bay Area, Sierra Nevada and Central Coast through the end of December. ... ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Will California keep getting hit with storms throughout December? Here’s what to expect
Stormy and cold pattern across California, and the broader West, through mid-December.
Dr. Daniel Swain writes, “As noted in the last blog post, a notably cool streak has continued across most of the Western U.S. over the past month. This has included some significant snowfall to near sea level as far south as Washington and parts of Oregon as well as persistently cold temperatures in other areas. In fact, in some parts of the interior Great Basin, the past 30 days appear to have been the coldest such period in the past 40 years or so. A couple of robust “good old” winter storms will affect essentially all of California over the next 7-10 days. The first and possibly strongest of which is due in this weekend: essentially taking the form of a moderate-strength, cold atmospheric river. This event will feature a classic cold frontal passage, complete with locally strong and gusty winds, moderate to heavy rain near the time of frontal passage, and perhaps some isolated thunderstorms along/behind the front. … ” Read more from Weather West here: Stormy and cold pattern across California, and the broader West, through mid-December.
SEE ALSO: Storm delivers punch to Northern California’s Sierra passes, flooding along Valley roads, from the Sacramento Bee
As state preps, residents make their case that the Delta Tunnel is an environmental crime story in full-view
“For Mark Massoni, it was hard to put words to what he was seeing and hearing as a crowd gathered in the Delta town of Hood on December 6. Massoni grew up on Clifton Court, a section of the estuary that’s south of Discovery Bay. His father and uncle were known as the Massoni Brothers, an industrious pair who were farming 1,200 acres of wheat, safflower and barely along San Joaquin River’s tributaries. The family bought the property in 1952 and then spent 15 years turning it into an agricultural success story. Massoni’s father was feeling so confident about the crops that he was planning to build a new house. In 1967, everything changed. The Massonis learned the meaning of the term ‘eminent domain.’ … ” Read more from the Sacramento News & Review here: As state preps, residents make their case that the Delta Tunnel is an environmental crime story in full-view
Trinity County votes to oppose Delta Tunnel, citing impacts to already stressed Trinity River
“On Dec. 7, the Trinity County Board of Supervisors in Northern California voted to oppose the Newsom administration’s Delta Tunnel project. The county joins Sacramento, San Joaquin, Yolo, Solano and Contra counties and a wide array of recreational fishing groups, Tribes, environmental organizations, family farmers, Delta residents, Southern California water ratepayers and numerous elected officials in opposition to the project. The Board officially endorsed the letter opposing the tunnel that was adopted by the Trinity County Fish and Game Advisory Commission. In the letter, Don Frasier, Chair of the Trinity County Board of Supervisors, said the Commission is “particularly concerned about the draw-downs to the Sacramento River and their potential impact on the already stressed Trinity River.” … ” Read more from the Daily Kos here: Trinity County votes to oppose Delta Tunnel, citing impacts to already stressed Trinity River
Are abandoned boats on the Sacramento River allowed to sink? Your question answered
“While on his usual bike ride on a path near Old Sacramento, Harry Starkey noticed something strange afloat the Sacramento River. A large, capsized aluminum boat was sitting on the bank. It’s been there for several years now, and Starkey wondered why someone doesn’t try to retrieve it. “There’s got to be value in it,” he thought. He took to Bee Curious, The Sacramento Bee’s community-driven series, asking: “Are the boats ever retrieved or are they allowed to just simply sink to the bottom eventually? Is there any record keeping of the amount of boats that are at the bottom of the Sacramento River?” Bee Curious spoke with Sgt. Darron Epperson of the Marine Enforcement Detail at the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Central Division and researched previous reporting to answer the following: Why boats get abandoned, how many are out there, who removes them, the cost, process and what to do if you discover one. Here’s what we found … ” Continue reading at the Sacramento Bee here: Are abandoned boats on the Sacramento River allowed to sink? Your question answered
How California was shaped by its longest river
“Cities and communities that make up the modern Sacramento Valley, including the city of Sacramento, probably would not exist had it not been for the mighty river that runs down Central California. The Sacramento River has provided the resources necessary for the cities and settlements that are at or near its banks, including the Native American tribes that inhabited the area for thousands of years. Below are some key factors that make the Sacramento River an essential artery for California. ... ” Read more from KTXL 40 here: How California was shaped by its longest river
How California’s drought is changing the politics of the nation’s largest, notoriously thirsty farming district
“Late in the afternoon on Nov. 14, a historic email landed in the inboxes of hundreds of California farmers whose land lies within the Westlands Water District, the largest agricultural irrigation agency in the country — and one of the most controversial. For decades, Westlands has led the fight against environmental rules that restrict the flow of water from California’s rivers to its farmers. It sued the government, lobbied friendly politicians and took on critics wherever it found them, even in Congress. “Where’s the outrage, that government decisions have created zero water supplies for communities in the San Joaquin Valley?” Westlands General Manager Tom Birmingham admonished a congressional committee in 2016. Tim Quinn, former executive director of the Association of California Water Agencies, says the leaders of Westlands “were pretty entrenched in adversarial decision-making. It was us versus them, and we were going to win and they were going to lose.” … ” Read more from KQED here: How California’s drought is changing the politics of the nation’s largest, notoriously thirsty farming district
Hurricane Hunters are flying into West Coast storms earlier than ever
“A storm fed by an airborne fire hose of water — known as an atmospheric river — is set to bombard California this weekend, dropping up to 5 feet of snow in the mountains, with rain falling everywhere else. At the same time, it will present another opportunity for scientists to better understand these phenomena — earlier in California’s wet season than in years past — by flying planes into them. Since 2016, Hurricane Hunter aircraft have been flying into atmospheric rivers from January to mid-March. But this year, such flights began in November — extending the window to collect vital data, at a time when these events can be particularly intense. … ” Read more from the Washington Post here: Hurricane Hunters are flying into West Coast storms earlier than ever
State Water Board re–ups ban on wasteful water uses amid drought
“As drought conditions continue throughout the state, the State Water Resources Control Board readopted an emergency regulation this week that bolsters California’s conservation efforts by prohibiting wasteful water practices like watering lawns when it rains. The regulation was originally adopted in January 2022 and is now extended until January 2024. It applies to all water users including individuals, businesses and public agencies, and can be enforced through warning letters, water audits or fines. Reducing water waste helps the state’s overall conservation efforts, a pillar of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Water Supply Strategy to replace supplies the state is anticipated to lose by 2040 due to hotter, drier conditions. “Extending the ban on these wasteful practices helps all of us make water conservation a daily habit,” said E. Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the State Water Board. “And, as we can see from the state’s recent double–digit conservation percentages during some of the driest months of the year, our emergency conservation regulations and actions by local suppliers are having a cumulative impact.” … ” Read more from the State Water Board here: State Water Board re–ups ban on wasteful water uses amid drought
State Water Board adopts new sanitary sewer systems waste discharge requirements
“After nearly four years of negotiations, the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) considered and unanimously adopted the Statewide Sanitary Sewer Systems General Waste Discharge Requirements Order Reissuance (SSS WDR) with late changes on December 6, 2022. The SSS WDR regulates sanitary sewer systems designed to convey sewage longer than one mile in length, and addresses reporting and other requirements in response to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). This renewed version of the SSS WDR will serve as the new regulatory mandate for operation and maintenance for those systems, superseding the State Water Board’s previous 2006 order, State Water Board Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ. The SSS WDR represents the culmination of years of collaborative development between State Water Board staff, the public, and stakeholders. The State Water Board began public outreach for the reissuance process in 2018, and issued an informal draft Order in February 2021, delineating more prescriptive requirements than appeared in the prior permit. … ” Read more from Downey Brand here: State Water Board adopts new sanitary sewer systems waste discharge requirements
Garamendi secures wins for Bay Area and Delta in House-passed Water Resources Development Act
“Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA), who represents over 200 miles of the Sacramento River and the California Delta, released the following statement on the passage of the “Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022” in the U.S. House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 350 to 80, The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate where it is expected to pass and be signed into law by President Biden in the coming weeks: “The biennial Water Resources Development Act strengthens flood protection, water resources, precious ecosystems, and more in communities across California and the nation. This soon-to-become law will upgrade our water infrastructure, strengthen climate resiliency, and restore aquatic ecosystems across the Bay Area, California Delta, and Sacramento Valley,” Garamendi said. “As a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I secured key provisions in the bill to support dredging the Mare Island Strait, prevent vessels running aground in the Carquinez Strait, build green water and wastewater treatment infrastructure in the Delta, enhance environmental restoration efforts at Lake Tahoe, and more. I expect President Biden to sign this bipartisan bill into law.” … ” Read more from Congressman Garamendi’s office here: Garamendi secures wins for Bay Area and Delta in House-passed Water Resources Development Act
Fresno Co. proactively tackled intense wildfire risk. Now, Sacramento is lauding their work. Here’s why.
“A Fresno County forestry group has been honored as one of the top forest management organizations in the state. Wednesday, the Fresno County Tree Mortality Task Force, along with firefighter Darin Quigly, received the prestigious Francis H. Raymond Award for Outstanding Contributions to California Forestry. The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection recognized the task force for its leadership in helping safeguard Fresno County with wildfire prevention and protection work. ... ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Fresno Co. proactively tackled intense wildfire risk. Now, Sacramento is lauding their work. Here’s why.
In commentary this weekend …
Dan Walters: Could the Pacific Ocean be California’s savior?
Columnist Dan Walters writes, “From the earliest exploration by European explorers of what became California, its position on the western coast of the North American continent has been its most important attribute. Its coastline allowed that exploration and the development of outposts while most of the continent was still a mysterious wilderness. It fostered the 1849 gold rush that hastened California statehood. Its beaches drew millions of visitors. It made California the arsenal and staging point for World War II’s Pacific Theater and, finally, it became a focal point of global oceanic trade. Could California’s coastal waters now become its savior, ending ever-increasing shortages of water and electrical energy that threaten the state’s economic and societal future? Yes it could, but only if California’s political and civic leaders overcome their tendency to muff big public works — as symbolized by the bullet train’s history of over-spending and under-performing, decades of foot-dragging on much-needed water storage projects, and crippling bottlenecks at the state’s ports. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: Dan Walters: Could the Pacific Ocean be California’s savior?
In people news this weekend …
Promotions, passings, profiles – submit people news items to maven@mavensnotebook.com.
Rosemary Menard’s ‘getting to yes’ strategy in Santa Cruz
“As we know, utility work is multifaceted. Just as every water utility needs a dedicated team of operators, lab technicians and field crews, it also doesn’t hurt to have a leader like Rosemary Menard who specializes in a different end of the business – interfacing with the local government and community to put projects in a position for success. It’s a skill perhaps even more critical in drought-stricken California, where Menard has served as water director for the City of Santa Cruz since 2014. In this position, she has helped guide the Santa Cruz Water Department through multiple droughts, wildfires, repair and replacement of aging infrastructure, a pending treatment plant upgrade, meter replacements and a plan to supplement the city’s water supply and prepare for the ongoing effects of climate change. … “I’ve always focused on how to design the process in such a way that you don’t get the answer you don’t want,” she says. A veteran of the water infrastructure sector, Menard has more than 40 years of experience, with more than 30 of those years as a water utility executive in three states. … ” Read more from Water Finance & Management here: Rosemary Menard’s ‘Getting to Yes’ Strategy in Santa Cruz
Journalist Ryan Sabalow leaves Sacramento Bee to join Ducks Unlimited
Ryan Sabalow writes, “I’m doing something I’d never thought I’d do. I’m walking away from journalism after 17 years as a reporter. My last day at The Bee will be Dec. 9. Starting Dec. 16, I’m going to become the communications coordinator for Ducks Unlimited’s Western Division, based out of Rancho Cordova. I get to work for an organization whose mission is singularly focused on waterfowl and wetlands. How on brand for me is that? When I’ve had a rough day and can’t sleep, I close my eyes and think of ducks and geese flying across all those wetland sunrises I’ve seen over the decades. I love these marshy places more than any other, and now I get to turn this passion into a career for an organization that shares my values. Plus, if I’m being honest, I’ve been burned out on newspapering for a while. … ” Read the full post at Facebook here: Journalist Ryan Sabalow leaves Sacramento BeeSonoma County dairy farm family wins Leopold award
“To preserve the land under their care for future generations, many farmers and ranchers employ sustainable practices to maintain natural resources. The Leopold Conservation Award, established in memory of conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes agriculturists who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat on private, working land. The 2022 award was presented to the Beretta Family Dairy of Sonoma County. “I’ve tried to be ahead of the curve for a number of years,” said Doug Beretta, who farms with his wife, Sharon, and adult children Ryan and Jennifer, with help from daughter Lisa and her son, Braydon. “The more conservation that I can do to make sure that this property stays in the family and stays as a farm, that’s the biggest thing for me.” … ” Read more from Ag Alert here: Sonoma County dairy farm family wins Leopold award
Podcasts …
WHAT ABOUT WATER W/JAY FAMIGLIETTI: A smarter way to water crops
“How can we measure water when it disappears into thin air? On this episode of What About Water? we’re looking at evapotranspiration, or “ET” for short. It’s the combination of water evaporating from the soil, combined with the measure of water transpiring through crops’ leaves. Accounting for this water loss helps farmers know exactly how much water they should apply across their fields, and new agricultural technologies and satellites are making it much easier. Jay sits down with California State University at Monterrey Bay Senior Research Scientist –and former student – A.J. Purdy, whose doctoral thesis looked at the advancement and applications of satellite-derived ET algorithms. We also hear what this looks like in real life, with Brett Baker, a sixth-generation California pear farmer and lawyer. With the ever-present risk of flood on his family’s land in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, Baker explains how OpenET is helping farmers like him and his father take better measurements of consumptive use.
THE LANDSCAPE: Photographer Pete McBride on the Colorado River
Renowned nature photographer Pete McBride joins Aaron and CWP’s Director of Campaigns and Special Projects Lauren Board on the pod to discuss his work documenting the Colorado River.
VOICES OF THE VALLEY: Carl Casale of Ospraie Ag Science on doing more with less
Carl Casale, Senior Agricultural Partner at Ospraie Ag Science, joins the podcast to talk about his company’s overarching goal in venture capital: to produce more high-quality food with less impact on the environment. “By 2030, half the world’s population is going to be middle class or wealthy and the other half of the population is going to have the same issue of needing more calories to meet their basic needs,” he says. “But for half the population – they aren’t going to need more calories, but they are going to care deeply about how those calories are produced.” To that end, Carl is exploring the potential for biologicals, biopesticides, soil testing and management that will allow ag to adapt to consumer preference and global regulations. But the bar for innovators in these fields has gotten higher this year, he says. “What we’re seeing as investors is that we’re immediately learning what’s good and what’s not,” Carl says. “Before, if there were 100 companies in a given space, the top 75 would get funded just because they’re along for the ride. Now you better be in the top quartile or you’re not getting any money. It’s the separation of the wheat from the chaff right now.”
VOICE OF SAN DIEGO PODCAST: The way of water
The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the American West. But its flow is inconstant and undependable — especially as climate change propels us into a dry abyss. Now the river’s use needs to be rethought. This week, we discuss environment reporter MacKenzie Elmer’s story on the new way of (Colorado River) water — and a how one group agreed to give up some of its water rights: Imperial Valley farmers.
PLACE AND PURPOSE: December
Greg Sarris and Obi Kaufmann continue their live, video-podcast from Sonoma Mountain.
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING PODCAST: Forecasting a River
Most of us have experienced the drama of rising rivers and streams overtopping a natural embankment or levee and then flooding the streets. Life’s daily activities halt as our homes and communities prepare for these disasters. Fortunately, we have enough time to button up the hatches and seek safe haven. This is possible because we hold a valuable trump card; the river forecaster. Water is a Many Splendor’ed Thing brings you another water relationship that has a personally significant impact to your life. Produced by Steven Baker, Bringing People Together to Solve Water Problems, water@operationunite.co 530-205-6388
WATERLOOP PODCAST: Pivot back to nature
During the last century, large engineering projects were used to control water resources. But in many ways, that man-made infrastructure is failing to meet challenges in the 21st century such as drought, flooding, pollution, and population growth.How can a pivot back to nature provide more sustainable solutions for water management?The nature-based approach is discussed in this episode with Sandra Postel, the author of Replenish and the Director of the Global Water Policy Project. Sandra discusses a variety of examples from across the U.S. of the benefits of nature-based solutions, including restoring the flow of rivers, putting watersheds to work, providing room for floods, and bringing down dams.waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard that identifies internal and external risks.
In regional water news this weekend …
NORTH COAST
What historic Klamath River dam removal and restoration project aims to accomplish
“A decision to demolish four dams and restore the Klamath River, which crosses the California-Oregon border, was celebrated Thursday by officials from both states, Native American tribes and the federal government. The plan approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will open up hundreds of miles of salmon habitat. It will be the largest dam removal and river restoration project in the world. The project would return the lower half of California’s second-largest river to a free-flowing state for the first time in more than a century. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: What historic Klamath River dam removal and restoration project aims to accomplish
Big Valley breaks ground on new water treatment plant
“The Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians has commenced work on a new water treament plant. Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians held a ground breaking Ceremony for their new Water Treatment Plant November 29-2022 at 11.00 AM at the Tribal Site located at 1135 Soda Bay Road. The grant funded project estimated at $7.23 million is funding from several donors including USDA, USEPA, Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and Indian Health Service (IHS). … ” Read more from the Lake County news here: Big Valley breaks ground on new water treatment plant
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Lake Tahoe a proving ground for emerging conservation technology
“Lake Tahoe is famous around the world for its crystal clear, blue waters. But, its beaches are known for something else: tourists and trash. This summer, a beach-cleaning robot, known as BEBOT, made its way to the shore of the lake to help solve this problem. This pilot project was a collaborative effort between ECO-CLEAN Solutions and The League to Save Lake Tahoe – and it’s already been deemed a resounding success. “In a few sites where it was man versus robot, in the sense that we marked off a 5,000 square-foot area, cleaned it by hand to the best of our ability with volunteers, essentially cleaning it until you can’t find any more trash, and then running the BEBOT over that exact same area,” said Jesse Patterson, chief strategy officer for The League to Save Lake Tahoe. “In each case where we did that, we found ten times the amount of items that we picked up by hand. But what it showed is there’s a whole lot [of trash] just below the surface.” ... ” Read more from the Sierra Nevada Ally here: Lake Tahoe a proving ground for emerging conservation technology
Sierra Nevada Conservancy awards $10 million in grants—projects include a return of tribal lands, a Sierra Valley trails plan
“At its December quarterly meeting in Mariposa, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy Governing Board approved more than $10 million in Sierra Nevada Watershed Improvement Program grants to vibrant recreation and tourism and strategic land conservation projects. The funds were awarded to 21 different projects throughout the Sierra Nevada and California’s Cascades. “The projects our board funded today will create more opportunities for people to enjoy California’s Sierra Nevada and Cascades and protect productive habitats and critical working lands,” said Angela Avery, Executive Officer at the SNC. “It’s always an honor to connect state funds with the innovative work our regional partners are doing, and I’m particularly excited about these projects that enhance economic opportunities in local communities and restore tribal ownership of culturally significant lands.” … ” Read more from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy here: Sierra Nevada Conservancy awards $10 million in grants—projects include a return of tribal lands, a Sierra Valley trails plan
Nevada County embarks on first-ever Recreation and Resiliency Master Plan
“Nevada County is embarking on the development of a countywide Recreation and Resiliency Master Plan. The plan is not only a first for Nevada County, but also one of the first of its kind in the state of California to comprehensively integrate solutions for adapting to extreme weather, wildfire, drought and other impacts as part of planning for parks, trails, open spaces and recreation amenities. Sierra Nevada Conservancy has awarded $200,000 through the Vibrant Recreation and Tourism Grant Program for this effort. Nevada County has also allocated $250,000 through American Rescue Plan Act funds. … ” Read more from The Union here: Nevada County embarks on first-ever Recreation and Resiliency Master Plan
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Congressman Mike Thompson secures Lower Cache Creek Flood Risk Reduction Project funding for Woodland
“Congressmen Mike Thompson, D-Yolo, and John Garamendi, D-Solano, secured the authorizations for the construction of the Lower Cache Creek Flood Risk Reduction Project in Woodland Thursday as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. “Flooding is a risk to our community in Woodland, and the Lower Cache Creek poses a significant economic threat if it floods the surrounding areas,” Thompson argued. “The Lower Cache Creek Flood Risk Reduction Project will make major improvements to the Lower Cache Creek levees and help to mitigate the risk of floods in Woodland. Proud to have secured the inclusion of this project in the NDAA and I look forward to seeing this project advanced.” … ” Read more from the Daily Democrat here: Congressman Mike Thompson secures Lower Cache Creek Flood Risk Reduction Project funding for Woodland
BAY AREA
Bay Area rain brings its share of problems
“The relentless rain hitting the Bay Area has brought its share of problems, especially in the North Bay. In Sonoma County, volunteer firefighters in Monte Rio were cleaning up the damage from the storm that left its mark in several ways. At least four homes were damaged Saturday. In one case, a tree landed on two houses and also fell on three cars, disrupting one group’s festive weekend. “We are here celebrating a good friend’s birthday and hiking in the redwoods and enjoying a little stormy weather until it was like an earthquake,” said Cynthia Cook. … ” Read more from KTVU here: Bay Area rain brings its share of problems
SEE ALSO: Round 2 of weekend storm will go until Monday; Long-term dry winter still in forecast, from KGO
CENTRAL COAST
Cal Am refuses to sign deal for Pure Water Monterey expansion
“Just days after state regulators gave the go-ahead for California American Water Co. to finalize an agreement to purchase water from the Pure Water Monterey Expansion recycling project, Cal Am is saying it won’t sign the contract unless regulators allow for the company to recoup additional money through rate increases for the costs it would incur to build out the infrastructure needed to distribute the water. In a Dec. 6 letter to the California Public Utilities Commission, Cal Am President Kevin Tilden on several occasions lauded the expansion project as a critical component of meeting the Monterey Peninsula’s water shortage and said Cal Am is “a long-time supporter” of the expansion project, which would be operated by Monterey One Water. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Cal Am refuses to sign deal for Pure Water Monterey expansion
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Manteca, Tracy, Lathrop SSJID water use up 46%
“South San Joaquin Irrigation District is on track to see a 46 percent increase in treated water sales since 2021. It reflects the fact the SSJID provides treated water to three of the five fastest growing cities in California — Manteca, Tracy, and Lathrop. That is on top of selling 1,800 acre feet in emergency water supplies to Mountain House which, if it were a city, would also be among the top five growing cities in the state. Almost all of the increased revenue reflects increased water use by the three cities. … ” Read more from the Manteca Bulletin here: Manteca, Tracy, Lathrop SSJID water use up 46%
Court pauses groundwater fees in Madera County; throws regional plans into question
“Farmers in Madera County successfully blocked a key groundwater fee that could upend plans to bring that region’s aquifer into balance per a state mandate. A Madera County Superior Court judge issued a temporary injunction on the county’s fee of $246 per farm unit acre on Dec. 7. That fee was the underpinning for a number of projects to curb groundwater pumping outlined in a plan by the Madera County Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA). The GSA was formed under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), which requires aquifers in overpumped subbasins be brought into balance by 2040. … ” Read more from SJV Water here: Court pauses groundwater fees in Madera County; throws regional plans into question
SEE ALSO: Injunction puts hold on GSP project fees, from the Madera Tribune
Local farmers experiment with new ag tech to boost crop yield, reduce water use
“A severe drought, skyrocketing temperatures and a global food crisis have transformed the fertile San Joaquin Valley into a haven for agricultural innovation, and the latest product used by Kern farmers filters sunlight to increase crop yield and reduce water use. At least six Kern County farmers have adopted Opti-Harvest’s technology that taps into red light or the “most photosynthetically active” wavelength to spur growth, Kwame Acheampong, the director of research and development, explained Friday. A study next year will test Opti-Harvest’s products on pistachios, a more drought tolerant crop Kern farmers increasingly seek to plant as forecasters don’t see an end to dry conditions. … ” Read more from the Bakersfield Californian here: Local farmers experiment with new ag tech to boost crop yield, reduce water use
EASTERN SIERRA
Mono Lake is in a state of emergency
“An emergency situation now exists for nesting birds and water quality at Mono Lake. The lake level has fallen a foot and a half since spring and is alarmingly low due to a legacy of Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (DWP) stream diversions, accentuated by recent drought. The Mono Lake Committee is responding with on-the-ground projects, and by asking DWP to contribute something only it can: water. In a recent letter to DWP, the Committee set forth the reasons action is needed. The lake’s current elevation is 6378.4 feet above sea level, an alarmingly low level that threatens the California Gull colony at Mono Lake. At this elevation, regardless of the outcome of this winter’s precipitation, Mono Lake will not be high enough to protect the gull colony from the threat of coyotes that cross the landbridge and wade or swim between emergent shoals, and across the narrow, shallow channel between the mainland and the nesting islets. The majority of Mono Lake’s nesting gulls are vulnerable if even just one coyote reaches Twain Islet. … ” Read more from the Mono Lake Committee here: Mono Lake is in a state of emergency
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Doheny desalination plant in Dana Point clears final regulatory hurdle
“State officials on Friday cleared the final major regulatory hurdle for the Doheny desalination plant, which aims to use the ocean to help shore up drinking water supplies for drought-ridden Southern California. The California State Lands Commission unanimously granted South Coast Water District a 20-year lease for land off Doheny State Beach, in Dana Point. The water district plans to build a $140 million plant there that will turn 5 million gallons of ocean water into drinking water each day. Before voting to advance the project, outgoing State Controller Betty Yee, who serves as chair of the commission, said she believes it can serve as a model to help desalination become part of California’s “water toolkit” going forward. … ” Read more from the OC Register here: Doheny desalination plant in Dana Point clears final regulatory hurdle
Heavy rain, high wind blanket Southern California as storm passes through region
“A storm front was passing through Southern California, bringing with it heavy showers, high wind, low visibility, and cold temperatures. Rain was falling about 0.25 inches per hour on Sunday with snow levels around 6,000 to 6,500-feet. One to three inches of rain was possible in the foothill areas. Winds were being recorded at 25 mph to 30 mph. By 1 p.m., conditions were expected to clear around the coast, though the storm was expected to remain through Monday. Forecasters say the storm was pulling in an atmospheric river in Central California that was increasing the amount of rain the state was expected to get by Monday. ... ” Read more from CBS LA here: Heavy rain, high wind blanket Southern California as storm passes through region
SEE ALSO: Rain, winds to wallop parts of Southern California, from the OC Register
Along the Colorado River …
As Colorado River flows drop and tensions rise, water interests struggle to find solutions that all can accept
“When the Colorado River Compact was signed 100 years ago, the negotiators for seven Western states bet that the river they were dividing would have ample water to meet everyone’s needs – even those not seated around the table. A century later, it’s clear the water they bet on is not there. More than two decades of drought, lake evaporation and overuse of water have nearly drained the river’s two anchor reservoirs, Lake Powell on the Arizona-Utah border and Lake Mead near Las Vegas. Climate change is rendering the basin drier, shrinking spring runoff that’s vital for river flows, farms, tribes and cities across the basin – and essential for refilling reservoirs. … ” Continue reading from Western Water here: As Colorado River flows drop and tensions rise, water interests struggle to find solutions that all can accept
Conservation talks expected at water users confab
“As western water managers get set to gather in Las Vegas this week, a long-sought deal to curtail water use along the cratering Colorado River still seems a ways off. Nearly six months have passed since Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton first asked the western states to come up with a plan to cut back on water use from the river next year by as much as 30 percent, but a cohesive proposal from the seven states that pull from the Colorado that supplies water to some 40 million people has yet to emerge. Things have only gotten worse along the river since Touton’s request, and that decline shows no signs of slowing down. … ” Read more from the Las Vegas Review-Journal here: Conservation talks expected at water users confab
A ‘big project’ won’t solve Arizona’s water woes, experts say. But there’s still hope
“De-salting the ocean, forcing clouds to snow, or a states-long pipeline from the Mississippi River won’t create a big enough “new bucket” of water to tackle the root cause of the Southwest’s worsening drought, experts said. Technologists’ dreams were dashed Monday when Arizona’s top water officials gathered at Phoenix’s Burton Barr Library for a town hall symposium on the water crisis. There, experts advocated for addressing the unsustainable ways Arizonans use water, rather than calling for new projects that would take billions of dollars and years to complete. Here are some of the highlights … ” Read more from Channel 12 here: A ‘big project’ won’t solve Arizona’s water woes, experts say. But there’s still hope
Commentary: Will Utah’s water ‘conservation’ go to fuel more growth?
Gary Wockner, Ph.D., director of Save The Colorado River, writes, “Water conservation is all the rage right now, especially because the federal government has now offered the Southwest U.S. $4 billion for water conservation to try and “save the Colorado River” and its failing reservoirs and hydropower plants at Lakes Powell and Mead downstream in Arizona. Additionally, the Utah Legislature is also bandying around $200 million for some types of water conservation in the state of Utah to protect Great Salt Lake. Municipalities and water districts that rely on the Colorado River and Great Salt Lake will likely respond to these state and federal incentives. At the same time, it’s important to critically analyze any proposed conservation program – and associated financial payouts – to see what the actual result may be. For example, will the program really help save the Colorado River or Great Salt Lake? Or will the program simply facilitate more growth in the number of houses and businesses that put a strain on all of Utah’s lakes and rivers? … ” Read more from the Salt Lake Tribune here: Commentary: Will Utah’s water ‘conservation’ go to fuel more growth?
The ‘power of aridity’ is bringing a Colorado River dam to its knees
“Deep in the bowels of the Glen Canyon Dam, an awful lot stays the same. Under the mass of concrete it’s pleasantly cool all year long, even when the Arizona sun beats down above. As the decades march on, the machinery inside remains unchanged, too. The dam’s innards are a time capsule of 1960s engineering. Bolts as thick as a forearm hold together the hulking metal casing for hydroelectric generators. Here, the Colorado River surges through turbines, producing power for about 5 million people across seven states. Now, the Colorado River is on the decline, and the dam faces threats that could soon render it useless after decades as a symbol of American engineering achievement. … ” Read more from KUNC here: The ‘power of aridity’ is bringing a Colorado River dam to its knees
Upper Colorado River officials release details of water savings program
“Upper Colorado River basin officials have released details of a conservation program that would pay water users to reduce their use of Colorado River water, with the goal of implementing it as soon as this summer. In July the Upper Colorado River Commission released its 5-Point Plan, designed to protect critical elevations at the nation’s two largest reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead. The first action listed in that plan was to restart the System Conservation Pilot Program, which ran from 2015 to 2018 and paid water users to cut back. The SCPP reboot comes with $125 million of federal funding through 2026, but no target for an amount of water to be saved through the temporary and voluntary program. The money comes from the $4 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funding for Colorado River projects. … “Read more from Aspen Journalism here: Upper Colorado River officials release details of water savings program
In national water news this weekend …
‘Buy America’ dispute boils over in the water sector
“The nation’s largest water lobbies are calling on the Biden administration to grant project developers a two-year reprieve from “Buy America” requirements — warning that failing to do so will put a chokehold on federal infrastructure dollars. Advocates say the administration has so far remained mum. At issue are provisions in last year’s bipartisan infrastructure law — officially known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — requiring that manufacturers use American suppliers, with rare and specific exceptions. The sweeping mandate applies to all federal aid programs for infrastructure — not just to funding in last year’s $1.2 trillion bipartisan package. “These new, across-the-board domestic content requirements present an unprecedented opportunity to support good-paying construction and manufacturing jobs while strengthening our industrial base and promoting American innovation for years to come,” the White House Office of Management and Budget, which houses the Made in America Office, said in a blog post. … ” Read more from E&E News here: ‘Buy America’ dispute boils over in the water sector
Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: DWR Launches Public Comment Period for LandFlex Program to Protect Drinking Water Supplies
NOTICE of Public Hearing and Public Comment Period – Proposed Changes to Sacramento River Watershed General Order
NOTICE: Grassland Bypass Project Stakeholder Meeting
EXTENDED! 2022 CA Water Data Challenge Project Submission Deadline
