On the calendar today …
- WEBINAR: Clean Water, Complicated Laws: Water Quality 101, from 10am to 10:30am. Join BB&K’s leading water quality attorneys for a webinar series as presenters provide practical guidance on water quality issues, laws and regulations. Once a month, we will explore the major concerns wastewater, stormwater, and recycled water managers face, and dive into the many complicated issues that arise regarding water quality.Click here to register.
- PUBLIC HEARING: Army Corps Delta Conveyance Project DEIS from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The public draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for the Delta Conveyance project is available for public review and comment from December 16, 2022 through February 14, 2023. The notice and the draft EIS are available here. Three public meetings to receive comments from the public on the project and the draft document will be held on zoom. This is the second of the three meetings. Click here to access the meeting or call 1-833-548-0276 (Toll Free) Webinar ID: 845 9532 6247 Passcode: 414957
California storms …
‘A very significant emergency’: California’s deadly, record-setting storms are about to get an encore
“The historic storms devastating much of California have turned entire neighborhoods into lakes, unleashed sewage into floodwater and killed at least 18 people. And there’s more to come. About 5 million people were under flood watches Wednesday as yet another atmospheric river is bringing more rain to California. “The state has been experiencing drought for the last four years, and now we have storm upon storm,” California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis said Wednesday. “We’ve had six storms in the last two weeks. This is the kind of weather you would get in a year and we compressed it just into two weeks.” It had already been “one of the deadliest disasters in the history of our state,” Brian Ferguson, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services spokesman said Wednesday before the 18th death was reported. … ” Read more from CNN here: ‘A very significant emergency’: California’s deadly, record-setting storms are about to get an encore
California storms: Reservoirs are filling quickly, boosting water supplies after years of drought
“Across the Bay Area and California, the past two weeks of soaking storms have brought mudslides, floods and power outages. They’ve also brought something not seen in years — billions of gallons of water rushing into reservoirs, renewing hopes that the state’s relentless drought may come to an end this spring. Six atmospheric river storms since the end of December have dumped half a year’s worth of rain on San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento and other Northern California cities in two weeks. The ferocious weather has saturated soils and bolstered runoff while also smothering the Sierra Nevada in snow, leaving the statewide snowpack Wednesday at a breathtaking 226% of its historical average and setting up reservoirs to receive more water when it melts later this spring. “There’s no getting around it. This is great for reservoir storage,” said Jeffrey Mount, a professor emeritus at UC Davis and senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California’s water center. “It will clearly help the drought. We are likely to have full reservoirs this spring because there’s such a huge snowpack.” ... ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: California storms: Reservoirs are filling quickly, boosting water supplies after years of drought
‘Endless stream’ of new storms hits California again this week. What to expect
“The seventh atmospheric river storm since Christmas hit California on Wednesday, and more flooding is possible as two more are forecast through the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, officials said. Speaking to reporters in hard-hit Capitola, a beach town east of Santa Cruz devastated by storm damage, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday warned about more destruction to come. By Wednesday, the number of confirmed storm-related fatalities rose to 19. “We’re not out of the woods,” Newsom told reporters. “This place is soaked. … These conditions are serious, and they’re deadly.” ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: ‘Endless stream’ of new storms hits California again this week. What to expect
Why California is being deluged by atmospheric rivers
“California is taking a beating from what the National Weather Service has called a “seemingly never ending parade” of strong storm systems, which started late last December and are still coming. Called atmospheric rivers, they are long, narrow currents of exceptionally wet air that shoot across the ocean, capable of dumping massive volumes of rain or snow on landfall. Although these storms deliver much of the West’s precipitation, they also cause most of the region’s flooding, with associated economic damages as high as $1 billion a year. … More atmospheric rivers are predicted in the coming days, raising fears of flash floods across California—and of catastrophic mud and debris flows where recent wildfires have created 21 burn scars around the state. … To learn more about why these storms are hitting California, as well as their potential dangers and benefits, Scientific American spoke with extreme weather expert Katerina Gonzales, who studied atmospheric rivers as a graduate student at Stanford University and is now a postdoctoral associate at the University of Minnesota. … ” Read more from Scientific American here: Why California is being deluged by atmospheric rivers
EXPLORE MORE STORM COVERAGE:
Storms soak California:Unrelenting storms have inundated the state, delivering soil-saturating rain, from NASA Earth Observatory- Storm Update: 5 million Californians remain under flood watch; death toll at 17, from the Sacramento Bee
- Heavy rain is still hitting California. A few reservoirs figured out how to capture more for drought, from NPR
- California’s onslaught of storms is far from over. Will it ever end?, from the Washington Post
- Visuals: Videos: 5 incredible videos that captured the ferocity of the atmospheric river, from AccuWeather; California Floodwaters Spotted From Delta Flight, from The Weather Channel; Ellen DeGeneres’s Flooded Backyard, Highway Sinkholes, And 23 Other Images From The Flooding In California, from Buzz Feed; NOAA’s satellite images show how atmospheric rivers smacked West Coast, from the San Francisco Chronicle
Storm-related stories …
Is California’s drought over? Here’s what you need to know about rain, snow, reservoirs and drought.
“The year 2023 began with a historic bang — record precipitation and disastrous flooding throughout much of California. Parched watersheds soaked up the first rains, but soon became waterlogged. Runoff accelerated. Sodden hillsides collapsed. Rural levees burst and rivers spilled their banks. Towns went underwater. People died. Meanwhile, the Pacific Ocean continued to whip up more atmospheric rivers and “bomb cyclones,” and one after another, these intense storms pummeled California. Abruptly, a state emerging from the dust of three painfully dry years was inundated with more water than it knew what to do with. But the wet and wild weather over the past dozen days won’t end the drought, at least not yet, and it won’t undo the driest period in the West in the past 1,200 years. About 71% of California is still experiencing “severe” drought, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: Is California’s drought over? Here’s what you need to know about rain, snow, reservoirs and drought.
SEE ALSO:
- Will storms end California’s drought? That may be the wrong question, from the New York Times
- Will the atmospheric rivers drenching California beat back devastating drought? “It’s very unpredictable,” from CBS News
- Will the West Coast storms mean the end of California’s drought?, from Fast Company
- Extreme drought nearly eliminated in California in wake of atmospheric rivers, from ABC News
- California’s has drought eased significantly due to heavy rains, federal government concludes, from the San Jose Mercury News
- California suddenly has so much snow. But even this extraordinary bounty isn’t enough, from the LA Times
- California’s snowpack, aided by atmospheric rivers, could help drought, from the Washington Post
California snowpack outpacing highest year on record
“California’s snowpack levels continue to rise, now sitting at more than 225% of the average for this time of year. It’s welcome news to a state slogging through a prolonged drought, and with more winter storms headed this way, that number is sure to climb. Snowpack levels in the Sierra Nevada approached 200% of the yearly average on Monday, driven by multiple atmospheric rivers over the last several weeks. On Wednesday, that total continued to climb to 226% of the yearly average for Jan. 11, according to the National Weather Service. ... ” Read more from KTLA here: California snowpack outpacing highest year on record
SEE ALSO: California snowpack skyrockets to two-decade high, putting ‘serious dent’ in drought, from the San Jose Mercury News
Calif. flushed 95% of incoming Delta water to Pacific Ocean during Monday’s massive storm
“After several years of severe drought, the intense storms over the last week would seemingly be a godsend to California and go a long way toward fixing the state’s water problems. But the opposite is happening as the state is flushing out the vast majority of the incoming water into the ocean. The big picture: Monday’s unrelenting rainfall resulted in 101,433 cubic feet per second of water inflow into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, according to data provided by the Bureau of Reclamation. The rainy first week of the year averaged around 85,000 cubic feet per second of water inflow. … ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Calif. flushed 95% of incoming Delta water to Pacific Ocean during Monday’s massive storm
Why can’t we store all the rainwater from the storms?
“Why Guy is getting many questions about why we can’t store all the rainwater we’re getting. California is still officially in a drought and we need water for drinking and agriculture and other basic needs. Even though it’s been dumping rain like watery gold, we can’t seem to store it all. We have reservoirs and dams that do much of the water storage, but most of the rain we’ve been getting is flowing into the Pacific Ocean. It’s wasted. The rain is also falling so quickly that we can’t store it and what we want to do with it is get it out of here to clear our roadways and landscapes as soon as possible. … “Now is the time to be banking this water as this storm series rolls through. Roseville is doing its part to build a reliable water system for customers and the Sacramento region,” said water expert Jim Peifer of the Regional Water Authority. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Why can’t we store all the rainwater from the storms?
Heavy rain is still hitting California. A few reservoirs figured out how to capture more for drought
“Despite several weeks of torrential rain and flooding, California is still facing a severe multi-year drought. That has many people thinking about how to better capture winter floodwaters to last through the dry season. An innovative approach at two California reservoirs could help boost the state’s water supply, potentially marking a larger shift from decades-old water management approaches to a system that can quickly adapt to precipitation in a changing climate. At issue are rules that, at face value, seem perplexing to many Californians. Even in a chronically dry state, reservoirs are not allowed to fill up in the winter. … ” Read more from NPR here: Heavy rain is still hitting California. A few reservoirs figured out how to capture more for drought
Who’ll stop the rain? California’s got nowhere to put it
“After several weeks of rain, Southern California remains under advisories for flooding, high winds, and high surf. Early this week, 90% of California was under a flood watch. L.A. County — which has received 2 to 6 inches of rain along the coast and in coastal valleys and about 8 inches in the mountains — could see an additional .5 to 1.5 inches, with more expected at higher elevations, meteorologists say. Here, Kurt Schwabe, the associate dean of the School of Public Policy and a professor of environmental economics and policy, addresses the infrastructure deficits this spate of rain had laid bare. Q: Can the California stormwater drainage and flooding infrastructure handle this level of rainfall? Schwabe: Based on what we’re seeing and observing in terms of the destruction these past few storms have created, it’s clear that our stormwater and flooding infrastructure is falling short of what we should expect given California is the seventh largest economy in the world. But, the “losses” are significantly more than this when one considers how much of this water we are not storing or capturing to help refill aquifers and reservoirs. … ” Read more from UC Riverside here: Who’ll stop the rain? California’s got nowhere to put it
Atmospheric Rivers: What are they and how does NOAA study them?
“You may have heard of atmospheric rivers in the news lately due to the intense rainfall and flooding along the U.S. West Coast. These naturally occurring air currents can bring both severe disruption and great benefit through the heavy rain and mountain snows that contribute to regional water supply. On average, about 30 to 50 percent of annual precipitation in the west coast states occurs in just a few atmospheric river events. NOAA studies atmospheric rivers to improve forecasting capabilities as well as to improve our understanding of atmospheric river impacts on communities and the physical environment. Atmospheric rivers are long, concentrated regions in the atmosphere that transport moist air from the tropics to higher latitudes. The moist air, combined with high wind speeds, produce heavy rain and snow upon landfall, especially over mountainous terrain. These extreme precipitation events can lead to flash flooding, mudslides, and catastrophic damage to life and property. … ” Read more from NOAA here: Atmospheric Rivers: What are they and how does NOAA study them?
What excess rain means for California’s burn scars
“As atmospheric rivers continue to drench California, officials worry about the impact the rain will have on the state’s burn scars. Wildfire dangers are not over once the fire is out. Atmospheric rivers that produce ample rain bring another risk, as burn scars from the enormous summer fires leave nearby communities at risk for sudden and deadly debris flows. Burning trees and other vegetation release soil-sealing wax making the ground almost waterproof across a burn scar. ... ” Read more from Yahoo News here: What excess rain means for California’s burn scars
Torrential rains wreaking havoc on California communities proving beneficial for state’s forests
“California’s precious trees are receiving a much-needed reprieve from the extreme drought conditions they have been experiencing for several decades. The same atmospheric river storm system that is bringing devastating flooding to communities all over California is providing relief to the state’s forests, according to experts. Data released last week by the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that regions in California and Nevada that were previously in “exceptional drought” status the week before — the highest level of concern — have been alleviated as a result of the rounds of heavy rain that have been walloping the coast. The plethora of extra moisture is likely to stave off a mass die-off of trees in the West, Jim Randerson, a professor of earth system science at the University of California Irvine, told ABC News. ... ” Continue reading at ABC News here: Torrential rains wreaking havoc on California communities proving beneficial for state’s forests
One thing the California storms are good for: vineyards
“California is weathering another wet, stormy week. Many communities across the state are struggling with severe flooding. At least 17 people have died. And the rain is far from over: Another series of atmospheric rivers is expected to hit before early next week. Given the widespread devastation, it’s hard to spin these storms as anything other than bad news. And yet, for one sector of California, these storms have been almost uniformly good news. I’m talking about vineyards. “We are delighted to get this rain,” said Claire Ramey of Healdsburg’s Ramey Wine Cellars. “We’ll take as much rain as we can get.” ... ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: One thing the California storms are good for: vineyards
California storm losses estimated at more than $30 billion
“California’s flooding rains and heavy snows that killed at least 17 people have likely caused more than $30 billion in damages and economic losses, according to AccuWeather. The Pacific storms, known as atmospheric rivers, are estimated to have caused $31 billion to $34 billion of economic impacts through major flooding, widespread power outages, landslides, fallen trees and road closures, the commercial weather forecaster said Wednesday. “A substantial portion of the damage to homes and businesses occurred as a result of mudslides and landslides as well as water damage caused by the serious flooding,” Accuweather said. … ” Read more from the East Bay Times here: California storm losses estimated at more than $30 billion
In other California water news today …
Congressman Valadao requests Newsom, Biden waive pumping restrictions and prioritize water storage
“Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) led members of the California Republican congressional delegation to President Biden and Governor Newsom urging them to waive impediments to Delta pump operations to ensure none of the current storm flows in California go to waste. The lawmakers also urged President Biden and Governor Newsom to prioritize and expedite water storage projects that would help the state be better prepared for future storm events. “Government regulations should not and must not deny our constituents critical water from these storms. While we cannot make it rain, we must take advantage of opportunities to store water when it does and maximize what can be moved at all times through the Delta for the duration of these storms,” the lawmakers wrote. Congressman Valadao was joined in the letter by Reps. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), John Duarte (CA-13), Ken Calvert (CA-41), Jay Obernolte (CA-23) and Tom McClintock (CA05). ... ” Read more from Congressman Valadao’s office here: Congressman Valadao requests Newsom, Biden waive pumping restrictions and prioritize water storage
Congressman LaMalfa introduces the ‘Protect Our Water Rights’ Act
“Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R – Richvale) introduced H.R. 289, the Protect Our Water Rights (POWR) Act. This bill will give certainty to agriculture producers and irrigators during dry years and hold the Bureau of Reclamation accountable for proper water delivery. “Building water storage, delivering irrigators their water that is lawfully theirs, and ensuring fresh water is not wasted are the priorities of rural California. This is especially critical in California agriculture, where severe water mismanagement has exacerbated the crippling drought. Responsible water management means higher food production and lower prices for all Americans, while keeping farmers in business. I’m looking forward to passing this bill and protecting our water rights,” said Congressman LaMalfa. … ” Read more from Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s website here: Congressman LaMalfa introduces the ‘Protect Our Water Rights’ Act
NEW LETTER: Harder demands in-person public hearings on latest delta tunnel report
“Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) sent a letter to the Lieutenant General Scott A. Spellmon of the Army Corps of Engineers demanding his body reverse its’ decisions not to host in-person public hearings on the proposed Delta Tunnel project and extend the public comment period by an additional 60 days. At present, the Army Corps of Engineers, state, and federal agencies plan to host no in-person hearings on the 700-page draft Environmental Impact Statement concerning the project and will accept written public comment only through February 14th. The letter is also signed by Reps. Garamendi, DeSaulnier, and Thompson. “Today, I’m calling on the Army Corps of Engineers to reverse its unthinkable decision and hold a real, in-person public hearing on the greedy water grab that is the Delta Tunnel,” said Rep. Harder. “Building the Delta Tunnel will rob our farmers and put our whole community at risk. I promise that the politicians in Sacramento and Washington are going to hear from us on this project, whether they like it or not.” … ” Read more from Congressman Josh Harder’s office here: NEW LETTER: Harder demands in-person public hearings on latest delta tunnel report
In extraordinary move, California mulls crackdown on Los Angeles’ water draws at Mono Lake
“Even as a storms shower California with rain and snow, state water regulators announced this week that they’re revisiting their effort to protect Mono Lake from the ravages of drought, agreeing to review how much water the city of Los Angeles is taking from the basin and whether it’s too much. … Almost three decades ago, one of the biggest environmental campaigns in U.S history succeeded in forcing Los Angeles to reduce the amount of water it pipes from the basin to faucets in Southern California. Still, state regulators have told The Chronicle that the 1994 reductions haven’t raised Mono Lake to the point it should be at, nor will the recent storms and a potentially very wet year. The State Water Resources Control Board has scheduled a public workshop for Feb. 15 to reopen discussion of the problems at Mono Lake and water diversions by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: In extraordinary move, California mulls crackdown on Los Angeles’ water draws at Mono Lake
Something fishy is happening inside the ears of Delta smelt
“Conservationists have spent decades trying to prevent the extinction of the delta smelt, a tiny transparent fish that smells vaguely of cucumbers. The funky fish is native to California’s San Francisco estuary, a series of bays and river deltas covering more than 4,000 square kilometers between Sacramento and the Golden Gate Bridge. The delta smelt was once the most abundant fish in the estuary but is now approaching extinction, with few fish left in the wild. … In December 2021, researchers at the University of California, Davis, started to experimentally release hatchery-reared delta smelt into the wild. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), which oversees the project, hopes the experiment will boost numbers, giving people more time to address the root causes of the fish’s decline, which include pollution, invasive species, and habitat loss caused by dams and agriculture. However, mere months into the project, fish ecologist Levi Lewis and laboratory technician Jonathan Huang, both then at the University of California, Davis, noticed something fishy about the hatchery-reared delta smelt that raises questions about the project’s effectiveness. … ” Continue reading at Hakai Magazine here: Something fishy is happening inside the ears of Delta smelt
The pollution causing harmful algal blooms
“It is the “smell of decay and death”, says Beth Stauffer, from the University of Louisiana. “It has a physical presence. This layer of very striking greens and blueish greens…when you put your paddle in it, you can feel it.” She’s describing the harmful algal blooms (HABs) that used to be more associated with marine environments. But in recent years they’ve been moving further inland and affecting freshwater systems, too. And scientists such as Stauffer are trying to find out why. HABs occur when certain kinds of algae grow very quickly due to increased nutrients in the water – typically when artificial nitrogen and phosphorus applied to farmers’ fields wash out in the rain and enter waterways. The algae receive a meal on a scale they would never get naturally, and a bloom is formed. Sometimes this is harmless. But at scale, many types of algae can turn toxic and harmful to humans and animals. And this scale can be extraordinary. … ” Read more from the BBC here: The pollution causing harmful algal blooms
The battle against invasive plants in California
“Giving up his time to hunt invasive plants doesn’t feel like work to Glenn Perelson. He’s a volunteer for the San Diego River Park Foundation, working to remove the harmful plants around the El Capitan Reservoir in San Diego County. “Don’t look at me, look at the view,” Perelson laughed as he hiked to join other volunteers. “It’s such a beautiful spot. It’s nature. It’s largely pristine, untouched.” The San Diego River Park Foundation has been using a grant to remove invasive plants near the reservoir. Their two main targets are Tamrisk, a type of tree, and Arundo, a giant reed. ... ” Read more from Spectrum 1 here: The battle against invasive plants in California
The impact of Governor Newsom’s proposed budget on water projects
“On January 10, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom announced his $297 billion budget proposal for 2023-2024, which includes a $22.5 billion budget deficit. Despite environmental/climate change programs facing $6 billion in cuts, Governor Newsom’s proposed budget includes relatively few negative impacts to water projects. In fact, the drought response and water resilience section, which includes the vast majority of water-related funding, only faces a cut of two percent, from $8.7 billion to $8.6 billion. That two percent reduction is the lowest of any environmental category. ... ” Read more from Nossaman’s California Water Views here: The impact of Governor Newsom’s proposed budget on water projects
SEE ALSO: Newsom Announces Proposed Budget With Funding for Water Categories, from ACWA Water News
In commentary today …
From parched to flooded: Making sense of California’s weather whiplash
Columnist Marek Warszawski writes, “Water, water everywhere. So much it makes you think. Only two months ago our parched state was staring down the empty flask of another dry winter. Then December arrived with a splash, and since the calendar flipped California has been wringing in the new year. All this rain is a welcome sight, but please not all at once. Caused by the onslaught of atmospheric rivers — everybody’s favorite new meteorological term — thousands of homes have been evacuated while dozens of roads are closed by flooding and rockfalls. At least 14 people have died. In times like this, it feels a little callous to gawk at rainfall totals and monitor reservoir levels while pondering big-picture questions (“Is California still in a drought?”) that can’t truly be answered till we see what February, March and April bring. Nevertheless, a couple weeks of rain are all it takes for certain parties to start making hay. … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee here: From parched to flooded: Making sense of California’s weather whiplash
Thanks to radical environmentalists, not even a ‘bomb cyclone’ can fix California’s drought
Tristan Justice, western correspondent for The Federalist, writes, “Poseidon answered California’s prolonged drought crisis with a “bomb cyclone” pouring enough water over the state to temporarily replenish residents’ parched reservoirs. … According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, California’s surface area that’s under drought conditions has dropped to just more than 71 percent since the storm hit, down from 85 percent a month ago. That number might be far lower had the state been adequately prepared to capture the gift from the sky. California hasn’t built a new dam in four decades. An estimated more than 80 percent of the state’s winter rainwater is annually wasted. Most of this week’s precipitation is finding its way back to the Pacific, where environmentalists have blocked efforts to desalinate. ... ” Continue reading at The Federalist here: Thanks to radical environmentalists, not even a ‘bomb cyclone’ can fix California’s drought
In regional water news and commentary today …
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Weekend storm headed to Tahoe could dump multiple feet of snow
“Another strong winter storm is headed to Lake Tahoe this weekend that is expected to drop multiple feet of snow and cause extended travel disruptions. A break in the stormy weather on Thursday through Friday morning may be a good time for Tahoe residents to restock supplies and clear snow and ice from gutters and drains before the next set of storms blow into the region. The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a winter storm advisory for the region through the weekend and early next week. A winter storm watch is in effect from 4 a.m. Saturday through 4 p.m. Tuesday. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Weekend storm headed to Tahoe could dump multiple feet of snow
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Grants, collaboration between agencies results in river channel open to fish
“In an example of increasing cooperation between public agencies, restoration teams have completed excavation of the Kapuska 1B Side Channel off the Sacramento River near Redding. The work was finished Friday, opening the channel at noon at the abandoned aggregate mine now called the Kapusta Open Space Area. Restoration was possible due to $10 million channel restoration grants from the federal Bureau of Reclamation as well as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Those agencies implemented the project, through a cooperative agreement to Chico State Enterprises — the nonprofit auxiliary of Chico State — and project partners Sacramento River Forum of Red Bluff, California Department of Water Resources, River Partners, the Yurok Tribe and Tussing Ecological Sciences of Red Bluff. … ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Grants, collaboration between agencies results in river channel open to fish | Read via the Red Bluff Daily News
Northern California’s incredible Phantom Falls is gushing with water
“In the backyard of Chico, some three hours north of San Francisco, is Phantom Falls, a picturesque waterfall that tumbles off sharp cliffs in the Northern California hills. Reaching the waterfall is a complex journey that entails navigating the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve north of Oroville. There are no maintained trails (cattle dominate the region), signage for directions is lacking, and the rugged, steep terrain is hazardous. The hiking area blossoms during wildflower season, but the falls are gushing due to the rainfall from this month’s ongoing storms. Mike Manzone, a Butte County-based landscape photographer, recently made the trek to Phantom Falls and shared a striking photo online. ... ” Read more from SF Gate here: Northern California’s incredible Phantom Falls is gushing with water
State allocates up to $4M for ‘critical repairs’ on Sutter Bypass levee
“Officials announced Wednesday the signing of a partnership between the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency (SBFCA) and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) for the design, environmental and permitting work that will be needed for critical repairs to four areas of the Sutter Bypass east levee. Even though more than $300 million already has been invested by local, state and federal agencies in repairs to the west Feather River levee since 2010, properties south of Yuba City are still vulnerable to potential flooding from other sources, such as the Sutter Bypass, officials said. In order to address that issue, the partnership between SBFCA and DWR was made official. ... ” Read more from the Appeal Democrat here: State allocates up to $4M for ‘critical repairs’ on Sutter Bypass levee
Rain, flooding concerns to last until early next week
“With the recent storms already taking their toll on the state and region, National Weather Service officials said Wednesday that concerns related to more rain and flooding could last into early next week. As of Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service said that periods of moderate to heavy rain in the foothills and high mountain snow with renewed flooding concerns were expected throughout the day on Wednesday and into today. Moderate risk levels of flooding also were expected in the entire Sacramento Valley on Saturday and early next week. In Yuba County, officials on Wednesday were responding to a “sinkhole” that had opened along Hammonton-Smartsville Road between the Doolittle Gate at Beale Air Force Base and South Golden Parkway at Gold Village. The road was temporarily closed as a result. … ” Read more from the Appeal Democrat here: Rain, flooding concerns to last until early next week
Fremont Weir will flow for several days to help reduce flooding
“The Fremont Weir near Sacramento is flowing once again in an effort to reduce flooding. California Department of Water Resources officials forecast the weir to flow for the next five days, as it is designed to do. Weirs are low dams designed to help manage floods. Weirs move water when it reaches a specific height into a flood bypass to relieve pressure on mainstream levees. Whenever water in Sacramento River exceeds the height of Fremont Weir, the excess flow runs into the lower Yolo Bypass floodway, reducing the risks of flooding Sacramento.”
Here’s what to know about weirs and how they’re used in Sacramento
“If you’re driving north of downtown Sacramento on Highway 5 or 99, you may notice flooding in off-road areas that seem a little unusual. What you’re likely seeing is one of many weirs in the Sacramento region that help prevent flooding during intense weather. Since New Year’s Eve, many weirs in the area have diverted water that would have otherwise overflowed out of the American, Sacramento and Feather rivers, among others. Unlike dams or levees, weirs aren’t created to store water or hold it back. Instead, weirs divert water. When a river begins to overflow, like it might during a storm with a lot of rain, a weir carries that excess water from the river elsewhere. Aside from the Sacramento Weir, which has a gate, most weirs don’t require anyone to operate them, passively diverting flow only after water levels in a river rise enough to pass over the weir structure. … ” Read more from Capital Public Radio here: Here’s what to know about weirs and how they’re used in Sacramento
What’s next for Sacramento rain and river levels? Here’s the latest forecast
“Rain, rain is in fact not going away. Wet weather is sticking to Sacramento forecasts for the next few days. Rain is expected during the day Wednesday with a high near 52 degrees and wind gusts up to 34 mph. You can expect 0.25 to 0.50 inches of precipitation, according to the National Weather Service. Rain will likely start again before 10 p.m. Lows are near 48 with gusts as high as 33 mph. Flooding continues to be a concern for most of northern California, near Shasta County and the Coastal Range — areas parallel to the Pacific coast. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: What’s next for Sacramento rain and river levels? Here’s the latest forecast
NAPA/SONOMA
3 more atmospheric rivers headed for Sonoma County. What’s driving the storm train?
“January is typically atmospheric river season in California, but since the start of the new year Sonoma County has been hammered by an almost nonstop series of them — an unusual occurrence, which experts are attributing to the jet stream that is surging over the Pacific Ocean. Literally described as rivers in the sky, three more of these moisture-laden events are being carried by winds toward the Golden State, according to meteorologists, who expect more storms to begin Wednesday night. While the presence of atmospheric rivers has barely raised alarms among weather forecasters, what has stood out is that they’re happening in such quick succession. The Bay Area is usually hit by about a dozen atmospheric rivers during the winter, according to the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office in Monterey. But including the two that occurred after Christmas, the region — and Sonoma County in particular — have already been hit by at least six of them. “If I had my wish, I would like to spread these out more,” Hecht said Tuesday. ... ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: 3 more atmospheric rivers headed for Sonoma County. What’s driving the storm train?
Flood threat persists in battered Calif. North Coast
“The fallout from two weeks of punishing storms across the North Coast is beginning to become clear even as forecasters warn of new rainstorms and potential flooding ahead. Though the Russian River began receding Tuesday after peaking just below flood stage in the early morning, another round of sustained rainfall predicted to come through Wednesday and Thursday is expected to drive it upward again and reach just above the 32-foot flood stage in Guerneville. That somewhat unwelcome news came as Sonoma County officials announced an initial $11 million estimate in damage to local roads and infrastructure from the storms. ... ” Read more from Government Technology here: Flood threat persists in battered Calif. North Coast
Remote failure risks lurk as Lake Hennessey fills to capacity
“There’s something of a rare sight to see right now in the hills north of Napa. Thanks to a string of atmospheric river storms, Lake Hennessey has risen high enough to reach the dam’s spillway, something celebrated by more than a few locals. Joy Eldredge is deputy utilities director for the City of Napa, which owns the reservoir. “First of all, it hasn’t spilled for four years, so we’re pretty happy that we have reached the point of spilling, right? On the water supply side, that’s a good thing, everyone is welcoming that, at this point.” ... ” Continue reading at Northern California Public Media here: Remote failure risks lurk as Lake Hennessey fills to capacity
BAY AREA
Two more storms are headed to the Bay Area — here’s when to expect the heaviest rain
“After 16 days of relentless Pacific storms, including a bomb cyclone, and a constant stream of atmospheric rivers, most of the Bay Area is slated to see a comfortable break in the wet pattern Thursday. This is thanks to a shift in the flow of air thousands of feet above the ground — the jet stream — its winds gradually shifting north in the coming days, meaning the storm door will finally begin to close. But before it does, two more storms will roll into far Northern California this weekend and into early next week. Some of the rain and snow will spill into the rest of the Golden State, raising the risk for light to moderate bands of rain in areas that are filled to the brim from all the recent storms. ... ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Two more storms are headed to the Bay Area — here’s when to expect the heaviest rain
Marin drenching continues, but winds and outages ease
“Marin County is still dealing with dangerous roads and waterways as a weekslong series of storms continues to bring wind and rain. The county endured another wet period between 3 p.m. Monday and 3 p.m. Tuesday, with Mill Valley getting 2.01 inches of rain, Kentfield 2.28 inches, Point Reyes Station 0.59 inches, Woodacre 1.63 inches and the middle peak of Mount Tamalpais 2.12 inches, according to the National Weather Service. The wind died down from the triple-digit gusts the county has had in recent days, with just a few locations recording gusts in the 40s since early Wednesday morning, according to the weather agency. The agency predicted another round of heavy rain Friday, with thunder, lightning and hail possible Friday and Saturday. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin drenching continues, but winds and outages ease
Editorial: Heavy rain gives Marin Municipal Water District all the more reason to push for change
The Marin Independent Journal editorial board writes, “With its reservoirs nearly full and three newly elected directors, the Marin Municipal Water District has an enviable opportunity to plan ahead – to increase its storage capacity and expand use of recycled water – and be better prepared for the inevitable return of another drought. Recent storms have been filling MMWD’s chain of mountain reservoirs, bolstering the district’s supply which only two years ago was perilously low. As of Tuesday, all MMWD reservoirs were spilling at 100% and the stream of storms in this “atmospheric river” promised to dump more rain on the region. The 2020 storms relieved worries that the storage levels in MMWD’s reservoirs were running low. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Editorial: Heavy rain gives Marin Municipal Water District all the more reason to push for change
Reservoirs serving Berkeley, Oakland are filling up after consistent rain
“The parade of storms that has drenched California over the past several weeks has gone a long way toward replenishing the reservoirs that provide Berkeley and Oakland with drinking water. East Bay Municipal Utility District reservoirs, which serve 1.4 million customers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, were filled to 84% of their capacity as of Tuesday, up from 68% in September, before the rainy season began. The region’s biggest source of drinking water, the Pardee Reservoir east of Lodi, is 96% full, with more rain in the forecast over the next several days. And the Mokelumne River watershed that EBMUD draws from also has more water banked up in the Sierra Nevada snowpack, which state and utility data show is currently more than double its historical average. ... ” Read more from Berkeleyside here: Reservoirs serving Berkeley, Oakland are filling up after consistent rain
3,000 gallons of ‘toilet mixture’ and human waste flood Highway 4 after spill
“Highway 4 in Antioch was flooded with toilet mixture and human waste Wednesday after a spill near the Somersville Road exit, Contra Costa Health Services said. A HazMat team responded to clean up the spill, but it does not pose a threat to the public, county health services said. The waste was contained in an area that collects stormwater, and the county is developing a plan to dispose of it in the sewer system. … ” Read more from MSN News here: 3,000 gallons of ‘toilet mixture’ and human waste flood Highway 4 after spill
Dam spillover not anticipated through week in San Mateo County
“San Mateo County has announced it and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission are not expecting dam spillover from Crystal Springs Reservoir due to flooding through at least Jan. 17. However, major storms pose flooding risks, with the county urging residents along the creek to take precautions if their property has flooded in the past, according to a county press release. Significant rainfall from this series of storms is raising the levels of the Crystal Springs Reservoir and there remains a 25% risk of reservoir spill later in January. If a spill occurs, rainfall flowing into the reservoir would flow out in addition to rainfall downstream resulting in high levels in San Mateo Creek. … ” Read more from the San Mateo Daily Journal here: Dam spillover not anticipated through week in San Mateo County
CENTRAL COAST
Monterey County storm: New evacuation orders issued along Salinas River
“Monterey County was hit hard by a series of powerful storm systems over the last week of December and the first two weeks of January, with the strongest system taking place on Monday and Tuesday. The storms caused widespread damage and disruption, due to the heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds that they brought. In a press conference on Wednesday, Sheriff Tina Nieto announced that the county is preparing for the Monterey Peninsula be cut off from the rest of the state due to on-coming flood waters if the Salinas River continues to flood. If the Salinas River goes under Highway 68 and Highway 1 on its way to the Monterey Bay. During extreme flooding, the river can block people from moving on or off the peninsula by blocking both highways. This last happened in 1995. … ” Read more from KSBY here: Monterey County storm: New evacuation orders issued along Salinas River
Officials issue an urgent reminder to abide by evacuation orders, describe Monterey Peninsula at risk of becoming an ‘island.’
“The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued new evacuation orders on Wednesday, Jan. 11, for communities located along the Salinas River near Monterey Bay—with Sheriff Tina Nieto warning that the Monterey Peninsula “may become an island” amid continuing storms that are expected to cause more flooding in the coming days. The Sheriff’s Office upgraded evacuation warnings into evacuation orders for communities straddling the Salinas River between Highway 68 and the lagoon that forms the river’s mouth, south of Moss Landing, into Monterey Bay. Speaking at a press conference at the Sheriff’s Office headquarters in Salinas on Wednesday evening, Nieto said the flooding would be “a slow-moving event” but would likely commence beginning around noon Thursday, Jan. 12, and extend into Friday “if the predictions are accurate.” … ” Read more from Monterey Weekly here: Officials issue an urgent reminder to abide by evacuation orders, describe Monterey Peninsula at risk of becoming an ‘island.’
Flooding may turn Monterey peninsula into an ‘island’ as water cuts off roads, sheriff warns
“Residents of the Monterey peninsula may soon find themselves trapped — with no way in or out of the tourist destination as storms continue to batter Northern California, officials warned. Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said Wednesday that there’s a possibility that the peninsula — which includes the towns of Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach and Carmel — could become an island due to flooding of roads leading in and out of the area. “Unfortunately the ground is really saturated and everybody knows that and there’s no where for the water to go except for the rivers and our waterways,” Nieto said at a news conference. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Flooding may turn Monterey peninsula into an ‘island’ as water cuts off roads, sheriff warns
Winter storms wreak havoc — and also remind us nature is still in charge.
“In modern, urban life, it can be easy to forget we have built many of our neighborhoods on top of waterways. Especially in California’s long dry seasons – coupled with a years-long drought – creeks and rivers can come to resemble ditches. But they are always there, a landscape of rivers and creeks, waiting to gush with water when water is there. That humans have constructed bridges, roads and homes is irrelevant to powerful, surging water. And when years go by without a major winter storm, people can forget how fast and fierce moving water is, hence the relentless drumbeat of advisories from public officials in the past two weeks: Be ready, and heed evacuation warnings. … ” Read more from Monterey Weekly here: Winter storms wreak havoc — and also remind us nature is still in charge.
San Luis Obispo County reservoirs swell after rain storms. How much did water levels rise?
“Recent storms have caused water levels at local reservoirs to swell dramatically after years of drought shriveled the important resources. One San Luis Obispo County lake was overflowing as of Wednesday, while another nearly doubled in capacity. “This is fantastic news,” said Shane Taylor, Arroyo Grande’s utilities manager. “This is just what we needed.” An incredible amount of rain has fallen over San Luis Obispo County in December and January — which are typically some of the rainiest months of the year. ... ” Read more from the San Luis Obispo Tribune here: San Luis Obispo County reservoirs swell after rain storms. How much did water levels rise?
Rains pumping up Santa Barbara County reservoirs; Cachuma at 68% capacity
“The major storm that battered Santa Barbara County on Monday set creeks and rivers flowing and pumped up reservoirs with runoff from ground already saturated after more than a week of rain. That influx of water will help alleviate the drought that has gripped the area for years, and more rain is on the way, although not in the volumes seen Monday, officials said during Tuesday’s Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting. County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig said Eric Boltz, meteorologist for the National Weather Service Office in Oxnard, told him the 6 inches that fell on the South Coast Monday and more than 12 inches on the mountain peaks set records. … ” Read more from the Santa Maria Times here: Rains pumping up Santa Barbara County reservoirs; Cachuma at 68% capacity
‘Vitamins for the clouds.’ Santa Barbara County turns to cloud seeding to boost rainfall
“Mother Nature can be fickle when it comes to delivering rainfall to Santa Barbara County, and sometimes she gets a technological nudge to deliver a bit more precipitation to help replenish local reservoirs. That’s done through a process known as “cloud seeding,” and accomplished under a program overseen by the Santa Barbara County Water Agency. “Any cloud seeding program is just enhancing rainfall,” Matt Scrudato, a senior hydrologist for the Water Agency, told Noozhawk. “It’s designed to make it rain more.” … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: ‘Vitamins for the clouds.’ Santa Barbara County turns to cloud seeding to boost rainfall
‘The margins are so minimal:’ Ventura County farmers take stock of damage after latest storm
“A crawdad unfurled from its hiding place, planting eight legs in the silty muck left behind by the floods, and brandished its pincers. Displaced from the Santa Clara River several dozen yards away, the little warrior staunchly defended its new home: a 6-inch deep puddle of water around Anthony Bibian’s strawberry field near Ventura. This week’s rainstorms blocked roads, flooded buildings and took out a train bridge in the hills ringing the county. As the floodwaters poured through the Santa Clara watershed, they also overwhelmed the banks of the river, flooding fields along the river’s edge and wiping out crops and livestock operations. Damages could be in the millions of dollars. ... ” Read more from the Ventura County Star here: ‘The margins are so minimal:’ Ventura County farmers take stock of damage after latest storm
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
California braces for fourth year of drought as groundwater drilling frenzy ensues
Madera farmers push back on tighter pumping restrictions, county agrees to keep status quo
“Facing heated pushback from growers, Madera County officials decided to maintain current groundwater pumping allotments for the next two years rather than reduce allocations over that time. At its Jan. 10 meeting, Board of Supervisors also considered increasing penalties for growers who exceed pumping allocations in the Madera, Chowchilla, and Delta-Mendota subbasins as part of an effort to raise money for projects geared toward bringing more water into the critically over drafted region. Madera County has been the site of an escalating battle over how to reduce groundwater pumping and who should pay for new water projects. … ” Read more from SJV Water here: Madera farmers push back on tighter pumping restrictions, county agrees to keep status quo
Water, SGMA is vexing Madera Co. Here’s what’s on the table for farmers.
“Madera County water users will not see a change to their allocations through the Madera County Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) in the near future. Along with passing on changing the allocation amount per acre-foot, the Madera County Board of Supervisors is also looking to increase the penalty amount for those who extract water in excess of their allocation. The backstory: In December, the Madera County Superior Court issued a preliminary injunction against collecting fees for projects (GSP fees) in the Madera Subbasin of the county GSA. The GSP fees would have funded projects that would obtain new water supplies for the subbasin. … ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Water, SGMA is vexing Madera Co. Here’s what’s on the table for farmers.
Entire California town remains under evacuation order amid flooding
“An onslaught of rain from a California atmospheric river caused severe flooding in Merced County on Tuesday, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. Planada remained under an evacuation order Wednesday even as waters began to recede, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office said. Rushing waters spilled over the banks of Bear Creek and Miles Creek in the Central Valley, flooding parts of the city of Merced and neighboring Planada, a small agricultural community along a highway leading to Yosemite National Park. Neighborhoods were under water with cars submerged up to their roofs. Residents ordered to evacuate carried whatever they could salvage on their backs as they left in the rain. ... ” Read more from SF Gate here: Entire California town remains under evacuation order amid flooding
Evacuation orders in place throughout parts of Merced County
“This week’s major storms continue to impact residents of Merced County as evacuation orders are in place due to drastic flooding. Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke also issued a stern warning to anyone thinking about ignoring the evacuation orders and staying behind. Driving the news: One of the major factors in the evacuation orders surrounded around Bear Creek overflowing and threatening thousands of homes. ... ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Evacuation orders in place throughout parts of Merced County
Inspection reveals no damage to Schafer Dam following 3.2 quake
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District conducted a series of inspections of Richard L. Schafer Dam and the Tule River Spillway following a magnitude 3.2 earthquake January 10 at Lake Success. “After performing a post-earthquake inspection of the dam and its associated appurtenances, there were no findings of concern to report,” said Charlie Mauldin, USACE operations project manager at the dam. Mauldin added that dam operators will continue to perform routine inspections and report any findings. … ” Read more from the Army Corps of Engineers here: Inspection reveals no damage to Schafer Dam following 3.2 quake
Levee breach drains more than 28K gallons of water into Hanford-area neighborhood
“Residents on Camino Ramon off South 10th Avenue woke up to two feet or more of water flooding their street Tuesday after a nearby levee was reportedly cut. “I noticed the basin starting to collect water around 4 o’clock (Monday) when I got off work,” said Peggy Munoz, who lives on the street in an unincorporated area of Kings County. “Trenches had been cut into our water catchment basin, which is designed for our street alone, because it’s a private cul-de-sac.” Munoz said she measured about five feet of water near the foundation of her house by 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. ... ” Read more from the Hanford Sentinel here: Levee breach drains more than 28K gallons of water into Hanford-area neighborhood
EASTERN SIERRA
Indian Wells Valley Water District to hold public hearing to discuss proposed rate increases
“The Indian Wells Valley Water District will conduct a public hearing on the proposal to adjust and increase its water rates, charges, and other fees. The hearing will be held on Feb. 27, at 6 p.m., in the board room of the District office located at 500 W. Ridgecrest Blvd. During the hearing, the District will hear and consider all protests, if any, to any adjustments. The proposal will affect both current and future customers of the District, and thus could possibly affect all property within the District’s boundaries. The proposed monthly water rate is comprised of a Fixed Monthly Charge (Ready-to-Serve Charge & Arsenic Charge) and a Commodity Rate which is a usage charge per each HCF (hundred cubic feet) of water consumed. … ” Read more from the Ridgecrest Independent here: Indian Wells Valley Water District to hold public hearing to discuss proposed rate increases
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Southern California gets storm reprieve but rain returning this weekend
“With the recent, massive storm moving on, Southern Californians can expect days of sunshine — even as some residents continue to clean up and dig out from the mud. That reprieve will be brief: The National Weather Service says the region will likely see some rain on Saturday and Sunday and then a repeat of the storm on Monday and Tuesday. With that heavier rain, residents can expect more dangerous flooding and mudflows. “People should just be aware that potentially hazardous weather is coming again,” said Casey Oswant, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service. “When there’s rain, there’s always potential for flooding — it’s just a matter of how widespread it will be.” … ” Read more from the OC Register here: Southern California gets storm reprieve but rain returning this weekend
Metropolitan advances project to deliver new water supplies to communities hit hardest by drought
“Construction will begin soon on the first of several projects to bring additional water to Southern California communities hit hardest by the state’s record drought, following a vote by Metropolitan Water District’s Board of Directors this week to award a contract for the project’s construction. The suite of projects will reengineer Metropolitan’s water delivery system to help bring much-needed water from Metropolitan’s Diamond Valley Lake – the largest reservoir in Southern California – to parts of eastern Los Angeles County and western San Bernardino County that have been under unprecedented mandatory conservation measures since last June because of limited access to water supplies. Southern California imports about half of the water used in the region from the Northern Sierra, through the State Water Project, and the Colorado River. But because of infrastructure limitations, some communities – home to more than 6 million people – are heavily dependent on State Water Project supplies. And when the drought slashed these supplies, they were required to dramatically reduce their use. … ” Read more from Business Wire here: Metropolitan advances project to deliver new water supplies to communities hit hardest by drought
Here are the parts of L.A. County most likely to be hit by catastrophic flood
“Nearly 105,000 Los Angeles County residents live within the designated 100-year flood plain, according to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These people live in the 3.9% of county land that could flood in a 100-year storm — defined as a very large storm that has a 1% chance of happening each year. A map of the flood plain shows which areas would be affected and includes the Venice Canals, coastal Long Beach, a large swath of Santa Clarita and an area just east of the Los Angeles River near Chinatown. ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: Here are the parts of L.A. County most likely to be hit by catastrophic flood
California storms boosting OC’s water supply past capacity to capture all that rain
“California’s recent storms have provided a big boost to Orange County’s water supply, with so much rain falling that it’s exceeding the county’s ability to capture all of it. With a forecast of more rain coming this weekend, some of the captured water will actually have to be released briefly into the Pacific Ocean, county officials say. The storms are keeping the Orange County Water District busy, as the agency collects rain water to help supply northern and central OC. Most of the rain that has made its way into the Santa Ana River since this past November will be put to use, according to Greg Woodside, executive director of planning and natural resources at the OCWD. ... ” Read more from KABC here: California storms boosting OC’s water supply past capacity to capture all that rain
Beaches battered by storms and surge, but spared major damage
“With a break in the storms, crews are cleaning up the mess left behind following the recent big surf and heavy rains that battered the region in the past week. The north end of Bolsa Chica State Beach’s parking lots, closed for nearly a week following a flooding of seawater that stretched across the sand and into Pacific Coast Highway, will reopen by Thursday, Jan. 11, following extensive clean-up efforts, said State Parks Superintendent Kevin Pearsall. Crews worked 17-hour shifts in recent days to remove debris and sand, he said, from the lots and the multi-use trail after the rain storm that hit last Thursday mixed with extreme high tides and a hefty swell to overwhelm the shore. “It’s insane the amount of trash and debris and driftwood,” Pearsall said. “We’re asking people to be cautious and courteous of the cleanup process and so far everyone has complied.” ... ” Read more from the OC Register here: Beaches battered by storms and surge, but spared major damage
SAN DIEGO
San Diego farmers say rain will let them go weeks without irrigation
“Vendors at the Ocean Beach farmers market are singing rain’s praises after a series of storms that have passed through San Diego. “I love it, we love it,” exclaimed farmer Mario Pasqual. “We definitely need the water. You know, we haven’t had a lot of rain,” fellow farmer Eduardo Valdivia said. While farmers say the rain makes their fruits and vegetables pop, they say it also helps them save money and the environment. “We turn everything off for at least — if you keep running this way — for five weeks easily,” Valdivia said. Pasqual said the farm he works for could save a couple grand from being able to turn off the irrigation system. … ” Read more from NBC 7 here: San Diego farmers say rain will let them go weeks without irrigation
Along the Colorado River …
Water leaders to lawmakers: No ‘silver bullet’ in Arizona’s water crisis
“The day after Gov. Katie Hobbs delivered her first State of the State, outlining plans to address the state’s growing water crisis, the heads of the state’s water agencies stood before lawmakers to deliver an at times grim reality of the state’s water future. “I do not believe that any of the (Active Management Areas) are at a safe-yield,” Tom Buschatzke, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, told the House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee on Jan. 10. Active Management Areas, generally referred to as AMAs, were created in 1980 in an effort to help the state manage its groundwater resources as the state continued to grow. Only the AMA in Tucson is near a safe-yield, meaning the amount of water withdrawn is balanced with the amount recharging it, but Buschatzke said that Tucson has reached that by storing large amounts of Colorado River water delivered by Central Arizona Project. … ” Read more from the Arizona Mirror here: Water leaders to lawmakers: No ‘silver bullet’ in Arizona’s water crisis
Arizona says developers lack groundwater for big growth dreams in the desert west of Phoenix
“A newly released state report on groundwater supplies under the desert west of Phoenix signals difficulty ahead for developers wishing to build hundreds of thousands of homes there. It also signals the start of an effort by Arizona’s new governor to shore up groundwater management statewide. Gov. Katie Hobbs released the modeling report Monday afternoon, and it shows that plans to add homes for more than 800,000 people west of the White Tank Mountains will require other water sources if they are to go forward. The Arizona Department of Water Resources had developed the model showing inadequate water for much of the development envisioned as far-west suburbs, but had not released it during then-Gov. Doug Ducey’s term. … ” Read more from Arizona Central here: Arizona says developers lack groundwater for big growth dreams in the desert west of Phoenix
Tucson harvesting rainwater as part of its 80 year water master plan
“With all the water now pouring through California, it’s too bad it can’t be harnessed and utilized in an extreme drought. Some Californians, like the Sierra Club, are talking about new and expensive infrastructure to harness it, store it in big reservoirs and use as needed. “Rainwater falls into our laps,” said Tucson City Council member Kevis Dahl during a discussion of the city’s new One Water 2100 plan. The one water 2100 a plan to that will treat rainwater as equal to CAP water and groundwater and recycled water., all water will have equal value regardless of its source. … ” Read more from Channel 13 here: Tucson harvesting rainwater as part of its 80 year water master plan
In national water news today …
As planet warms, water risks abound
“Water still matters. Last year was evidence that forgotten threats to global prosperity and safety can re-emerge. Covid flared in China as the country abandoned its isolationist policy, a reminder that the pandemic continues to burn. Russia’s saber-rattling against Ukraine lifted the possibility of a major nuclear conflict to levels not seen since the cold war. A fevered planet, meanwhile, continued to make its own noise. A third of Pakistan was submerged in late summer after horrendous monsoon floods. Drying rivers from Europe to North America impeded commercial traffic along the Rhine and Mississippi. Parts of Somalia are on the verge of famine. And thousands of drinking water wells went dry in California, even as the state today is being pummeled by winter storms. … ” Read more from the Circle of Blue here: As planet warms, water risks abound
2023 is ushering in new wave of PFAS limits for drinking water, industrial operations
“One of the most pervasive and concerning drinking water contaminants on the planet is set to receive significant restrictions across the country as the new year begins. “Laws and regulations restricting ‘forever chemicals’ in more than a half dozen states are entering effect in 2023, including the start of a timeline for a first-in-the-nation ban on PFAS in all products in Maine,” Bloomberg Law reported. “Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of chemicals that don’t naturally break down, so they accumulate in water, soil, and in the human body. Studies have shown that high levels increase the risk of cancer and other adverse health effects.” ... ” Read more from Water Online here: 2023 is ushering in new wave of PFAS limits for drinking water, industrial operations
RELATED: PFAS 101: Everything You Need to Know About ‘Forever Chemicals,‘ from EcoWatch
