State Water Project allocation increases, drought restrictions rolled back
California wrings out months of rain to ease drought restrictions
“Coming out from one of California’s wettest winters on record, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an order Friday to rollback some water restrictions that the state put in place during the height of a drought two years ago. One voluntary initiative now falling to the wayside called for counties across the state to decrease their water use by 15%. Another provision from 2022 ordered urban water suppliers to level up what are known as Water Shortage Contingency Plans. “We’ve been waiting for some time to ask the rhetorical question and answer it. Are we out of the drought? Is the drought over in the state of California?” Newsom said, standing in front of farmland in rural Yolo County, an agricultural area near Sacramento, “while I want to affirm your instinct that it should be. It feels like it is. It is, and continues to be, complicated.” … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service.
California lifts target for 15% water conservation as yet another storm approaches
“With the Sierra Nevada smothered in snow, large swaths of the Central Valley underwater and many Californians weary of water, state officials announced today that they are lifting some drought-related provisions on water use. “Our water supply conditions have improved markedly,” said Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. The state is rescinding its request for voluntary 15% water conservation statewide, which was issued in July 2021, and instead, Crowfoot said, shifting to an approach of making conservation a “way of life.” “We need to maintain our vigilance,” he said. “It’s not about going back to normal anymore. It’s really adjusting to a new normal.” Some of the state’s emergency provisions were ended and some were left in place. .. ” Continue reading at Cal Matters.
What new state water allocations mean for valley farmers
“While an increase in the California State Water allocations is good news, most of the central valley farmers rely on federal water allocations, to water crops. “ Right here in the prime of the San Joaquin Valley, we are very dependent on federal water allocations,” said Ryan Jacobsen CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. Friday’s announcement by Governor Newsom is likely a good sign when the federal allocation is announced in a couple of weeks. “This state water project announcement is at least an indication of what we may see when it comes to the federal water allocation announcement,” said Jacobsen. … ” Read more from Your Central Valley.
Gavin Newsom says end to California drought isn’t cut and dry. Why experts are still worried
“After months of continuous rain and snow, many of California’s once bone-dry reservoirs are filled to the brim — and Gov. Gavin Newsom is lifting drought measures Friday as he signals a near end to the three-year plight. California depleted its reservoirs during the drought and high temperatures only exacerbated the situation. After 12 atmospheric river storms in three months, more than half of California’s major reservoirs are at least 70% filled, according to the California Department of Water Resources. “It would be nice to have a governor say that the drought is over,” Newsom said in a briefing beside flooded Yolo County wetlands. “But unfortunately, complication requires nuance.” A major part of this equation: The state’s reservoirs and groundwater. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee
EXPLORE MORE COVERAGE:
- Press release: Governor Newsom Eases Drought Restrictions, from the Office of the Governor
- Press release: Harnessing Series of Winter Storms, California Increases State Water Project Allocation to 75%, from the Department of Water Resources
- California ends some water limits after storms ease drought, from NBC News
- Gov. Gavin Newsom Announces Ending State Water Restrictions, from the California Globe
- California water allocations soar as Newsom rolls back drought measures, from the San Francisco Chronicle
- Gov. Newsom relaxed water restrictions in drenched California. Why didn’t he end the drought emergency?, from the San Jose Mercury News
- Newsom rolls back California drought restrictions after remarkably wet winter, from the LA Times
Reactions …
Dave Eggerton, Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA)
“ACWA appreciates the governor’s responsiveness to current conditions, which demonstrates the nimble leadership California needs as we continue adapting to more intense swings between climatic extremes. “His Executive Order lifts certain drought restrictions within his drought proclamations from 2021 and recognizes the value of local water management, which reflects unique conditions affecting water supply in each region of our state. “ACWA also appreciates the governor’s continued emphasis on streamlining the regulatory approval process for critical water infrastructure projects and his commitment to making groundwater recharge a priority, which supports the hard work of many ACWA member agencies toward attaining groundwater sustainability.”
Kern County Water Agency
“We are extremely appreciative of the California Department of Water Resources’ diligence in analyzing updated hydrologic conditions and increasing the SWP allocation to 75 percent, especially after three very dry years,” said Agency Board of Directors President Ted Page. “It is disappointing, given the current hydrology, that the allocation increase wasn’t more than 75 percent, but DWR making Article 21 water available helps to augment SWP supplies.” Unfortunately, even in wet years, it is extremely unlikely to reach a 100 percent allocation, due to restrictions on the SWP imposed by the federal government. Federal rules intended to protect Delta smelt and salmon continue to limit water supplies for both the SWP and the Central Valley Project. These pumping restrictions, coupled with aging and inadequate infrastructure, underscore the need for a comprehensive solution to the State’s longstanding water crisis.
Adel Hagekhalil, Metropolitan Water District
“We appreciate Gov. Newsom’s leadership to help address and adapt to the dynamic conditions brought by climate change. Today’s action builds on his long-term strategy to bolster water resilience and reliability. The increased state allocation will provide much-needed relief to our stressed water supply conditions. After the three driest years in state history, we’ve just experienced one of the wettest winters. Next year could bring a return to extraordinarily dry conditions. But this is a powerful reminder of our new reality and the climate extremes we must adapt to quickly and responsibly.
“As we swing from one weather extreme to another, we must store as much available water as possible during wet conditions in preparation for the next inevitable dry period. That requires Metropolitan and other water agencies to capture and distribute water into diverse storage accounts, and it requires everyone across Southern California to maintain water-efficient habits. After depleting our reserves, we must work together to rebuild our savings. We also must prepare for a future in which this weather whiplash puts our water reliability at greater risk. That means investing in drought-proof supplies like recycled water, cleaning up our groundwater basins for storage, and improving the flexibility of our water systems. This wet winter, which has led to a large increase in our SWP allocation, is not a signal that we can relax, it is an alarm to act and accelerate our efforts to respond to rapidly changing conditions, including conservation, storage, recycling and reuse.”
Sandra Kerl, San Diego County Water Authority
“Extraordinary amounts of rain and snow this winter have dramatically improved water supply conditions across California, and we support the Governor’s decision to end some statewide water restrictions. However, the past three years of extreme drought have highlighted fundamental challenges with water management statewide. We cannot and should not lose the urgency created by the drought to improve water transfer markets, increase state investments in water infrastructure, and continue adoption of low-water landscapes.
“And we must not forget that the Colorado River remains mired in decades of hot, dry weather that require new thinking about water use and conservation across the West. Fundamentally, we are no longer talking about drought but an entirely different reality than we were in decades past – the era of climate-driven impacts to our natural resources. Every person in San Diego and the western U.S. must continue to eliminate water waste, adopt low-water landscapes, capture rainwater, and take other steps to adapt to a hotter and drier future. It will not be easy or cheap. But the alternative is a return to more drought-related emergencies like California experienced over the past three years.”
Charley Wilson, Southern California Water Coalition
“History tells us that wet years like this are critical for water agencies in managing supplies for the millions of Southern Californians who depend on them. Especially recent history, where we’ve seen such dramatic results with a more variable climate,” said Charley Wilson, executive director of the Southern California Water Coalition. “Sound water use management, storage, and a means of transporting their water efficiently when it materializes, are all important actions and strategies for the near and long–term future.” Southern California relies on water from the State Water Project as a part of its water supply mix that includes water from the Colorado River, local sources such as groundwater, recycled water, stormwater capture, and desalination. Read full press release here.
Jennifer Pierre, State Water Contractors
“We are pleased that the recent storms have provided an opportunity for the state to increase its much-needed water supplies after three very dry years,” said Jennifer Pierre, General Manager of the State Water Contractors. “California’s climate whiplash shows how critical it is to make investments in infrastructure to ensure that when we have these sporadic periods of snow and rain, we are well-positioned to move and store it for the inevitable future dry periods. We’ve experienced our 12th atmospheric river of the season and our current reservoir levels are high. Storage projects such as Sites Reservoir and groundwater recharge combined with the Delta Conveyance Project and improved San Joaquin Valley conveyance are necessary for us to reliably manage our water — in all conditions — for the benefit of the environment and California’s cities, farms and businesses. Investments and action on these projects are needed now.”
Congressman David Valadao
“For years, my constituents in the Central Valley have suffered from drought conditions, burdensome regulations, and below adequate water allocations,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Governor’s announcement is welcome news and a relief to farmers and rural communities throughout the Valley. Unfortunately, it does not change the fact that we’ve wasted a seemingly immeasurable amount of water because we do not have the proper storage. For years, I have stressed the dire need to increase water storage, but extreme environmentalists and Sacramento bureaucrats have grossly mismanaged our water and prevented these projects from getting off the ground. While I am grateful for this rain and the Governor’s temporary relief, California’s water problems are far from over.” Read full press release here.
John L. Varela, chair of Valley Water
“Today’s announcements from Governor Gavin Newsom and the state’s leadership regarding the drought and increased water supply is welcome news in Santa Clara County. While the governor did not declare the drought over for the entire state, he announced that Californians will no longer be asked to reduce their water use by 15%. … I would like to thank Governor Newsom for his leadership throughout the drought. We stand in solidarity with the governor in asking our residents to make water conservation a way of life. With climate change, we know droughts will become more frequent and more severe in the future. I would also like to thank all our residents, businesses and farmers who took steps during the past three years to reduce their water use. Your actions made a difference in helping us navigate through some record-dry years. Please continue to say yes to saving water and making a difference in your community.” Click here to read the full statement.
In other California water news this weekend …
Chilly weather to precede another significant storm in California
“A chilly weather pattern is expected to bring a damaging frost and freeze to portions of California this weekend, ahead of another storm packed with heavy rain, snow and strong winds next week, according to AccuWeather forecasters. The subfreezing temperatures on both weekend mornings could have agricultural impacts and damage blooming fruit trees and budding vines in areas away from the coast and in interior valleys in central and northern parts of the Golden State. That cold will set the stage for another chilly, moisture-packed storm to move into the state beginning late Monday and Monday night before more significant impacts commence on Tuesday. Those impacts will include a renewal of flooding concerns due to downpours, several fresh feet of mountain snow and locally damaging wind gusts, disrupting travel and everyday life. … ” Read more from AccuWeather.
The cure for winter flooding might be in this swamp — if California actually funds it
“Matt Kaminski stood on a road scarcely higher than the floodplain, glassy pools on all sides stretched out like something from a dream. In the distance, a storm lumbered over the Coast Ranges. The marsh all around him, Kaminski said, was a window into the Central Valley’s past. Back then, the waterways that twist down from the Sierra Nevada mountains would flood unrestricted by the current thicket of dams, canals and levees. The more you know about rivers, the less confidence you have in a mapmaker’s static squiggle. Kaminski, a biologist from Ducks Unlimited who helps oversee the floodplain and, when it dries out, the grasslands, explained that when “the state of California was wild, it had a lot more wetlands.” … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee. | Read more from Yahoo News.
Drone video of the flooded Yolo Bypass between West Sacramento and Davis
Watch a drone video of the Yolo Bypass on Monday, March 20, 2023 during a break in rainy weather in the Sacramento region. Through a system of weirs, the bypass diverts flood waters from the Sacramento River away from Sacramento and other communities.
Satellite images show devastating impacts of flooding across California
“Floods devastated communities across California this winter, particularly in coastal areas and the Central Valley, as repeated torrential downpours overwhelmed the state’s drought-ridden terrain. The floods’ far-reaching impacts can be seen from above by satellites orbiting the earth. The images below, captured by the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 satellite, show some of the places in California that have been most impacted by flooding. … ” Read more and view pictures at the San Francisco Chronicle.
California’s atmospheric rivers are getting worse
“California is no stranger to big swings between wet and dry weather. The “atmospheric river” storms that have battered the state this winter are part of a system that has long interrupted periods of drought with huge bursts of rain—indeed, they provide somewhere between 30 and 50 percent of all precipitation on the West Coast. The parade of storms that has struck California in recent months has dropped more than 30 trillion gallons of water on the state, refilling reservoirs that had sat empty for years and burying mountain towns in snow. But climate change is making these storms much wetter and more intense, ratcheting up the risk of potential flooding in California and other states along the West Coast. … ” Read more from Wired Magazine.
DWR announces interagency drought task force members planning resources for counties
“With swings between extreme weather patterns becoming more intense, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) is proactively collaborating with local communities and interagency partners to strengthen drought resilience and better prepare for future dry conditions. In accordance with Senate Bill 552 of 2021, DWR has released a suite of resources to assist counties in planning for future water shortage events. It has also launched a 26-member interagency drought task force that will help address drought planning and emergency response. “The recent storms have provided a huge improvement to the state’s surface water supplies. But our state’s groundwater basins are still recovering, and if these shifts between extreme weather patterns have taught us anything, it’s to be prepared for an eventual return to dry conditions,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “We’re prioritizing collaboration among local county governments and diverse water users to help empower communities with the tools and resources they need to plan for future drought events and response. … ” Read more from DWR News.
‘Two-Eyed Seeing’ off the California coast
“Fifty miles west of Santa Barbara, a rocky headland juts out into the churning Pacific Ocean like a hitchhiker’s thumb. Here, at a landmark called Point Conception, life encounters a crossroads. Known as Humqaq by the Chumash Peoples who have inhabited the region for 20,000 years, this dynamic zone marks a sacred site of spiritual passage for Chumash ancestors as well as a place where weather, currents, and distinct marine ecosystems converge. In 2015, Humqaq and 7,000 square miles of surrounding ocean became the first area to be tribally nominated as a national marine sanctuary. To better understand biodiversity across the proposed sanctuary and assess the effect of sanctuary protections, Northern Chumash Tribal leaders and marine scientists from Stanford University and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) are now designing a collaborative approach to monitoring marine life in the area. … ” Read more from Stanford News.
California’s escalating water crisis galvanized composer Reena Esmail’s new work
“Reena Esmail acknowledged the irony that we were talking about her new choral work — “A Requiem for Water,” inspired by California’s water crisis — in the midst of a deluge. She was wearing galoshes, as were many members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, at an evening rehearsal earlier this week in a Glendale church, where dozens of dripping umbrellas were propped against the walls. But, she pointed out with a laugh, the official title of her piece is “Malhaar,” which is the name for a subset of ragas — a form of Indian classical music — “that are supposed to beckon rain. So in the Sunni tradition,” Esmail said, “the lore goes that when you sing malhaar, rain comes.” An Angeleno who studied Western classical music at both Juilliard and Yale, the composer is also the daughter of Indian immigrants, and for the last decade, she has been conjuring a musical river that draws from two disparate cultures. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
In commentary this weekend …
Water trading can help farms, cities and environment
State Senator Shannon Grove writes, “An unusually wet winter has provided Californians with relief from the dry conditions that have led to fallowed farms and water rationing. From the snowpacked Sierra to swollen rivers and streams, many once-dry statewide reservoirs are nearing capacity. Most of the state no longer is facing a severe or extreme drought. While catastrophic floods have swept through our local communities, and have disrupted our lives, the state can rest assured that there’s plenty of water for the time being. Unfortunately, California policymakers have a tendency to rely on Mother Nature rather than plan ahead to assure that we store enough water in wet times to get us through the dry ones. That’s why I’ve led efforts to invest in long-neglected water infrastructure. Creating a sustainable water future, however, involves a variety of approaches. … ” Read more from the Bakersfield Californian.
In people news this weekend …
Promotions, passings, profiles – submit people news items to maven@mavensnotebook.com.
New Lund endowment will support next generation of water management leaders
“Jay Lund, distinguished professor of civil engineering, and his wife, Jean Lund, have given $800,000 to endow graduate student fellowships at the Center for Watershed Sciences, or CWS. It is the largest gift in the center’s history and will encourage interdisciplinary water management research in student dissertations. “California will always have big water challenges that require insights and scholarship from more than one field,” said Lund, who is the vice director of CWS. “This endowment will fund students who are writing dissertations that combine ideas from several fields to help solve water problems in the state and globally.” A member of the UC Davis faculty since 1987, Lund is a world-renowned expert in water management and has co-authored several books on the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta. He has advised government agencies and organizations on water management issues, and his models and research have impacted water management policies worldwide. … ” Read more from UC Davis.
Westlands Water District names Allison Febbo as new general manager
“Today, the Board of Directors of Westlands Water District (District) named Allison Febbo as the next General Manager. With nearly 25 years of experience in natural resources, hydrology, and water operations, Ms. Febbo will be the first woman to serve the District as General Manager. “We are thrilled to welcome Allison Febbo to the Westlands Water District team,” said Jeff Fortune, Board President. “Allison is a pragmatic, collaborative leader with a proven track record of bridging the gap between science, engineering, and policy related to California’s complex water resource systems. She brings technical expertise and civic mindset needed to ensure a sustainable water future for the environment and the hard-working families that continue to feed the world.” As General Manager, Ms. Febbo will be responsible for directing, coordinating and reviewing the activities and operations of the District, and serves as the administrative head of the District in its relations with the public, legislative bodies, Federal and State governments, and local public agencies. … ” Continue reading at Westlands Water District.
Appointments
Samantha Arthur, of Sacramento, has been appointed Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy at the California Natural Resources Agency.
Arthur has been Working Lands Program Director for Audubon California since 2019. She was Conservation Project Director at Audubon California from 2016 to 2019 and Conservation Project Manager there from 2014 to 2016. Arthur was a Land Protection Specialist with Big Sur Land Trust from 2010 to 2012. She is a member of the California Water Commission. Arthur earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $163,008. Arthur is a Democrat.
Sandra Matsumoto, of Davis, has been reappointed to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy
… where she has served since 2018. Matsumoto has been Director of the California Water Program at the Nature Conservancy since 2020, where she was Associate Director from 2015 to 2020 and Project Director from 2004 to 2015. She was Project Manager at the Los Angeles Community Design Center from 2003 to 2004 and a Project Analyst at Mintz Levin from 1997 to 1999. She is an advisor to the Public Policy Institute of California’s Water Policy Center and a board member of the Water Education Foundation. Matsumoto earned a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Management. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Matsumoto is a Democrat.
Gloria Cordero, of Long Beach, has been appointed to the Colorado River Board.
Cordero has been President of Long Beach Utilities since 2015 and represents the City of Long Beach on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board of Directors. She is also a member of the board of the DigDEEP Navajo Water Project. Cordero was a Partner at ABC Advocacy from 2007 to 2011 and served as Director of Community Outreach in the City of Long Beach Mayor’s Office from 2007 to 2011. She was Director of Government Affairs at Long Beach City College from 2000 to 2001 and the Region Manager of Public Affairs at Southern California Edison from 1983 to 2000. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Southern California. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Cordero is a Democrat.
Jordan D. Joaquin, of Fort Yuma, Quechan Indian Reservation, has been appointed to the Colorado River Board.
Joaquin has served as President of the Quechan Tribe since 2019, having been re-elected for a second four-year term in December 2022. He was a Council Member with the Quechan Indian Tribe from 2008 to 2010. Joaquin retired as a Sergeant from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office in 2017 after 28 years of service. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Joaquin is a Democrat.
Frank Ruiz, of Riverside, has been appointed to the Colorado River Board.
Ruiz is Salton Sea Program Director for Audubon California. He earned a Master of Education degree in Religion from La Sierra University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Ruiz is a Democrat.
Podcasts …
WATER TALK: Environmental Justice in the San Joaquin Valley
A conversation with Nayamin Martinez (Central California Environmental Justice Network) about environmental public health issues and activism in the San Joaquin Valley.
WE GROW CALIFORNIA: Innovation at Ingomar Packing Company
Darcy and Darcy welcome Greg Pruett, Ingomar Packing company’s ’s Sales and Energy Manager. Ingomar and piloted a condensate water capture project. Working with Botanica Water Technologies, Ingomar’s pilot program produced enough drinking water for 34 California households. Listen in and learn more about this innovative program and its potential.
LA TIMES: The flooding in Pajaro, Calif. — and how it all could have been avoided
This year’s historic storms have hit communities of color like Pajaro, Calif., especially hard. It’s a recurring problem that could’ve been avoided entirely. Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times investigative reporter Susanne Rust.
SEI WATER STORIES: Water, sustainability, and leadership in challenging times
In this episode, our guest is Camille Kirk, Director, Campus Sustainability Planner at UC Davis, California. We discuss with our guest the essential role of the leaders in the sustainability sector, water and women, stakeholders, and why sustainability has to be a long-term strategy.
RIPPLE EFFECT: Beaver Dam Analogs
Rose Smith, Stream Ecologist and Lead on the Sageland Collaborative’s Riverscape Restoration Program discusses her work with Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs). BDAs are a surprisingly simple solution to landscape change and bringing watersheds back into balance. By slowing the flow in the watershed BDAs can assist with sedimentation issues in reservoirs, fire mitigation, and water quality gains. A fun conversation with a colleague doing interesting and impactful work.
WATER LOOP: 50 years of restoring rivers
For 50 years, American Rivers has worked to protect and restore waterways across the country. During the organization’s existence and through its efforts, many rivers have improved, such as the Neuse and Elwha, while others are in tough shape, like the Colorado and Snake. The progress and challenges are discussed in this episode with Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of American Rivers. Tom also talks about the goal of protecting one million miles of rivers and removing 30,000 dams by the year 2050, as well as how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act can help with the work.
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING: Framing Water
Hold up your open hands to your eyes and frame your view of life. Photographer Jeff Fricker has done this and has recorded the cultural reflection that water has contributed as a resource, utility, and recreational marvel. 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
In regional water news this weekend …
NORTH COAST
World’s largest salmon restoration project underway on Klamath River
“Work has officially begun on removing the four dams that comprise the Lower Klamath Hydropower Project, according to a news briefing held on March 23. “Crews are already in the field doing the preliminary work for dam removal,” explained Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) Chief Executive Officer Mark Bransom said in a press statement before the briefing. “This work includes bridge upgrades, new road construction to access the dam sites more easily, worksite development, and more.” The plan to remove the lower four Klamath River dams and restore the 38-mile river reach to a natural free flowing condition stems from an agreement between previous dam owner PacifiCorp, the states of California and Oregon, the Karuk Tribe, the Yurok Tribe, and a host of conservation and fishing organizations. The plan was formally approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission late last year. … ” Read more from the Daily Kos.
Historic investments to benefit Klamath Basin refuges for future generations
“In 1908, the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge was established by President Roosevelt as the nation’s first waterfowl refuge. This 46,900-acre refuge provides feeding, resting, nesting and rearing habitat for waterfowl, making it a key stop-over for migrating birds. Tule Lake and Upper Klamath refuges were later established in 1928. … But the Klamath Basin refuges have been facing a significant water crisis due to drought conditions and lack of water allocations, resulting in the loss of habitat for waterfowl and other species. However, through partnerships and funding opportunities from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, the Service is working to mitigate this crisis and ensure that the Klamath Basin’s unique natural resources are protected so they may be enjoyed by future generations. In 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invested $26 million in the Klamath Basin for 33 ecosystem restoration projects to improve fish and wetland habitats throughout this unique landscape. … ” Read more from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
Hoopa Valley Tribe fails to block winter flow project on Trinity River
“A federal judge for the second time in two months rejected a bid by the Hoopa Valley Tribe to stop the Bureau of Reclamation from releasing more water during the winter months in the Trinity River that runs through the tribe’s territory in Northern California. U.S. District Judge Jennifer Thurston on Friday denied the tribe’s request for a preliminary injunction to halt the bureau’s winter flow variability project on the Trinity that began on Feb. 15. The judge wasn’t persuaded that the alleged harm to tribe’s fisheries outweighed the environmental benefits the government claimed for adjusting the timing of the water that is released annually to restore the river. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service.
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Winter storm remains on track to dump up to 3 feet of snow at Tahoe
“A winter storm remains on track to impact the Lake Tahoe region early next week, possibly bringing multiple feet of snow, widespread travel difficulties and snow load issues. The National Weather Service in Reno issued a winter storm watch that will go into effect at 6 p.m. Monday, March 27, and last through 5 p.m. Wednesday. The advisory is calling for 8 to 16 inches in the Tahoe Basin and 1 to 3 feet above 7,000 feet near and west of State Route 89. Winds could gust up to 45 mph in valley locations and triple digits along Sierra ridges. The service said the highest snowfall rates and strongest winds are anticipated from late Monday night through Tuesday afternoon and snow showers may continue into Wednesday with periods of locally intense snowfall. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
Snowpack in southern Sierra hits all-time record levels. How deep is that?
“After years of extreme drought and dismal snowpack, California has had a remarkably wet winter and is now veering into record-setting territory for snowfall. As of Friday, the snowpack in the southern Sierra Nevada was at 286% of normal — the highest figure ever, easily eclipsing the region’s benchmark of 263% set in 1969. In a tweet, the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab said this year recently surpassed 1982-83 as the second-snowiest on record since measurements began in 1946. “We’ll get closer over the next week” to the top spot on the list, the lab said. Its measured season total was 677 inches of snow, or 56.4 feet, so far. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Tahoe ski resort will stay open into July — and it will be a bit different than usual
“Tahoe-area ski resorts are extending their winter sports season as heavy snow has been blanketing Northern California mountains, with one stretching out to mid summer. Palisades Tahoe announced it will be keeping Alpine open through July 4 this year due to Lake Tahoe experiencing its second snowiest winter on record. The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab recorded more than 56 feet of snow so far this water year, which started on Oct. 1. As of March 20, Tahoe-area resorts received snow ranging from 500 to 700 inches. In the last 24 hours, Palisades Tahoe received 5 inches of new snow, according to a tweet from the resort. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
The big freeze: Emerald Bay and its frozen history
““The Lake of the Sky” is grabbing attention this winter for more than one reason. Emerald Bay froze completely, including the inlet, for the first time in many years. “It’s incredible to usher in the first week of spring with a frozen Emerald Bay,” said Laura Patten, senior science policy analyst with the League to Save Lake Tahoe. “The cold temperatures and endless storms we’ve experienced so far this year, juxtaposed with last year’s hot, long and dry summer, demonstrates the extremes the Tahoe Basin faces from climate change.” David Antonucci, civil/environmental engineer, writer, who lives in Tahoma, told the Tribune, it’s not extremely rare, since it froze over, or mostly froze, before.” … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
What Sierra hikers can expect this summer after California’s onslaught of storms
“Every June, Californians tired of being cooped up pull on their hiking boots and head for the High Sierra, bound for the famed John Muir or Pacific Crest trails, the cables up Half Dome or the vistas around Tuolumne Meadows. But this year, the huge amount of snow is likely to leave trails in the High Sierra buried for months, and make those hikes even more dangerous and crowded than usual even after they thaw. The snowpack, which normally would be starting to melt about now, is not only deeper than usual but is still growing as storms continue to slam California. And it’s likely to linger in the High Sierra — not just atop its peaks — through June, into July and possibly into August. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Yuba City could get $682,500 from water sale, transfer
“During a March 14 special meeting, the Yuba City City Council approved the sale and transfer of up to 3,999 acre feet of water to the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency, a decision which the city expects to result in as much as $682,500 in revenue. The water that was authorized for sale and transfer is considered “surplus carryover water,” the city said. “Carryover water is the amount of permitted water allocation that is unused in a water supply system at the end of a water year after all water demands have been met. This water is typically stored in reservoirs, lakes, or underground aquifers and can be used to meet future water demand. … ” Read more from the Appeal Democrat.
BAY AREA
Marin Municipal Water District seeks $200K grant for desalination study
“Marin Municipal Water District is seeking a $200,000 federal grant to study the possibility of building a brackish water desalination plant on the Petaluma River. The district’s board voted 4-0 on Tuesday, with Jed Smith abstaining, to retroactively authorize an application to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the study. The district submitted the grant application in late February. While the district has studied a desalination plant on San Francisco Bay in the past, officials said a plant in brackish water on the Petaluma River is a newer concept that has not been examined. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
Cargill ponds at center of multi-million dollar SF Bay Area pipeline proposal
“From above, the Cargill salt ponds in the southern reaches San Francisco Bay, look something like a giant checkboard. A crisscross of levees, turning evaporating sea water into mountains of high-quality salt. But recently, several environmental groups have raised concerns about the material in two of those ponds. There is concentrated bittern left over from the salt-making process, which they argue could present a threat to nearby wildlife, in the case of a release. “The agencies need to go out and inspect these ponds and make sure we’re not on the verge of a catastrophic toxic spill into San Francisco Bay,” said David Lewis, executive director of Save the Bay. Those concerns come as Cargill is rolling out a major proposal that could transform the way the company stores and process the bittern, also known as mixed sea salts. It is a plan that would ultimately dispose of them back into the bay. … ” Read more from ABC 7.
CENTRAL COAST
Monterey spent one-fifth what Santa Cruz did on Pajaro River flood control. Did that contribute to catastrophic levee break?
“Twelve miles of levees were built to hold back the Pajaro River — a waterway with Monterey County on one side, Santa Cruz County on the other. But a Bay Area News Group review reveals there had been significantly less flood control work on the south bank where the levee failed this month, catastrophically flooding the small farming town of Pajaro, than along the north bank, where the city of Watsonville escaped a similar fate. That may help explain why the nearly 75-year-old south levee crumbled March 11, despite the river never rising to levels historically associated with disastrous floods — or even topping flood stage. It could almost be called the Tale of Two Levees. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News.
Age, drought, rodents and neglect weaken California levees, heightening flood danger
“The levee breach that left an entire California town underwater this weekend is putting a spotlight on how the state’s vital flood control infrastructure is being weakened by age, drought, climate change, rodents and neglect — leaving scores of communities at risk. On Friday night, the swollen Pajaro River burst through the worn-down levee, flooding the entire town of Pajaro and sending its roughly 3,000 residents into what officials are now estimating to be a multi-month-long exile. A second breach was reported Monday. For decades, the levee was ignored by the federal government — never rising to the status of a fix-worthy project — despite repeated pleas, breaches, floods and even two deaths. “Yeah, the money wasn’t there because the prioritization wasn’t there,” said Mark Strudley, executive director of the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency. … ” Read more from Lookout Santa Cruz.
SEE ALSO: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and the Pajaro Flood, from the California Globe
Water service in Pajaro will resume on March 25; “do not drink” water is still in effect.
“Crews finished emergency repair on the high-pressure pipeline under the bridge of Highway 1 over the Pajaro River on March 24 at 3am and are monitoring to ensure there is no leak on the pipeline. If not, it means the water service will follow soon. If that is the case, Pajaro Sunny Mesa Community Services District will resume its water service on March 25 at 8am. Access to water, however, will take up several hours to reach homes. The “Do not drink” warning continues and it could last up to two more weeks to determine if the water is potable, said Judy Vazquez, a Pajaro Sunny Mesa representative, during a press conference. Vazquez noted they hadn’t tested their well for contamination. “We have not received any indication that the water is contaminated,” Vazquez said, “but we’re assuming that it was because our water system is in a flood zone.” … ” Read more from Monterey Weekly.
Monterey County agriculture: Flooding is watering down the bottomline
“While it will be a few weeks at least before the local agriculture industry has a firm grasp of the mess left by torrential rain and repeated flooding this year, the meter is running. According to unofficial estimates, some 20,000 acres of local farmland flooded in recent storms, threatening a costly road to recovery. Not catastrophic, in the grand scheme of Monterey County’s 366,000 acres of productive farmland, but far from insignificant either, with impacts already felt industry-wide and more surely on the way as slowly receding flood waters reveal just how much havoc winter weather wreaked over the past three months. Waiting to see how damages tally up, some county officials and local agricultural leaders have come to their own wary but educated guess on the final economic blow, once fields are dry and consequences are apparent. Appraisals start in the 10-digit range. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald.
New study uncovers unprecedented declines in iconic kelp forests along Monterey Peninsula, with glimmers of hope in Oregon and Mexico
“A new study provides novel documentation of kelp forest decline along the west coast of the U.S. and Mexico in response to the 2014–2016 record-breaking marine heatwave, along with evidence of regional recovery. Using Kelpwatch.org, an open-source web tool used to visualize and analyze nearly 40 years of kelp canopy dynamics data derived from satellite imagery, the study uncovers a north-to-south pattern in kelp decline and recovery from the marine heatwave, for both giant kelp and bull kelp canopies. The study, a collaboration between The Nature Conservancy, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the University of California Los Angeles, documents an unprecedented and sustained decline in canopy-forming kelps along the Monterey Peninsula, as well as reasons for hope with recovery in other regions such as Rogue Reef in Oregon and Bahía Tortugas in Mexico. … ” Read more from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
How did San Simeon run out of water during a rain storm??
“Amid pounding rains, San Simeon Community Services District staff asked residents to curtail their water usage because of a water “quantity” issue. By quantity, district officials were referring to a lack of clean water. Working to have drinkable water 12 months a year, in 2016 the district constructed a water purification facility. At that time, the district planned to primarily run the unit during the winter because of high chloride levels and turbidity. After weeks of rain caused dirt and debris to flow down Pico Creek from Rocky Butte, the rainiest spot in San Luis Obispo County, the cloudy water needed to be run through the district’s water purification facility. However, the facility’s three filters needed to be changed to handle the higher level of turbidity, filters the district did not have in stock. … ” Read more from Cal Coast News.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Valley salmon are riding high in the high flows of the San Joaquin River
“Life is good for spring-run salmon in the San Joaquin River. As Friant Dam in Fresno County dumps excess water into the river, salmon are going to be able to traverse the entire waterway, a rare occurrence because of dams, drought and other obstructions that have hindered the natural path of the fish. The excess water from the 12 atmospheric rivers that have slammed California, is offering a good opportunity for the San Joaquin River Restoration Program to collect data and study the effects of high flows, said Don Portz, manager of the restoration program. “These are the years that really boost populations normally, and we’re counting on years like this to create habitat and push the fish out into the delta and into the ocean, ” said Portz. “This is a blessing for us right now.” … ” Read more from SJV Water.
Turlock: What a difference a few months make
“Visit the U.S. Drought Monitor website and peruse a map of California from Oct. 4, 2022 — the start of the current water year — and you’ll see it colored mostly in orange, red and dark red, the three colors that indicate the greatest drought severity. Pull up the most recent map, released to the public Thursday, and you’ll see California bathed mostly in white, the color that indicates no drought conditions, and yellow, the color that indicates dry (not drought) conditions. It’s an amazing comeback story for a region that just six months ago was the driest in the nation. … ” Read more from the Turlock Journal.
How long could a re-filled Tulare Lake stick around? The answer lies in the Corcoran clay
“For modern-day residents of the southern San Joaquin Valley, the sight of floodwaters collecting in the former Tulare Lake basin over recent days is a jarring reminder of what happens when more rain falls than dams can contain, soil can absorb or farmers can utilize. Several factors are conspiring to suggest that the fertile farmland of the old lake bed may remain submerged for as much as a year or longer: a record snowpack just waiting to melt with runoff flowing to the Valley floor this spring and summer; an ancient and impervious layer of soil known as the Corcoran clay that keeps water from draining effectively; and land subsidence from overpumping the underground water table, deepening the lake bed over the recent decades. … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee. | Read via Yahoo News.
SEE ALSO: Flooding, water problems will be a ‘battle’ in Fresno County until summer, sheriff says, from AOL News
Flooding out other farmers was “premeditated” by the powerful J.G. Boswell Company, one farmer asserts
“By the time Erik Hansen had a moment to sit down in a Corcoran pizza parlor on a recent afternoon, the 5th generation farmer was tired, detached and a little defeated looking. He talked matter-of-factly of his family’s losses so far: At least 3,000 acres are under water, some orchards will die, his cousin’s house is destroyed and his own family had to evacuate to his dad’s place in Visalia. “It’s devastating,” he said. “We’ve spent the last 10 days, or however long, trying to get things out of our houses, equipment out of the shop. We’re trying to save the shop now but I doubt we will.” And more water is coming with the snow melt, he said. And more water is coming with the snow melt, he said. … Flooding over miles of farmland north and east of the old Tulare Lake bed has sparked questions and angry accusations by farmers against one of the area’s biggest farming operations, the J.G. Boswell Company. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
Column: ‘It’s going to flood everywhere.’ Worries rise in Corcoran as once-dry Tulare Lake refills
Columnist Marek Warszawski writes, “For more than a year, the Lake Bottom Brewery in Corcoran has been running a “Pray for Rain” promotion on Facebook and Instagram. Pints cost $3. Owner Fred Figueroa Jr., born and raised in the Kings County city of 22,000 that is being encroached by flood waters from swollen rivers and creeks in multiple directions, pulled the plug this past week. “I don’t think it’s a good promotion no more,” Figueroa said. “Now we’re praying for it not to rain.” The combination of too much rain and foothill snow has led to this: Thousands of acres of farmland surrounding Corcoran — orchards, row crops, dairies and ranches — engulfed by water. Streets that used to run for miles now vanish into muddy liquid. Large houses, telephone poles and barns way off in the distance sit submerged. … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee.
California ramps up help as Tulare Lake floods farms, homes
“The director of the California Department of Water Resources was in the southern San Joaquin Valley today. And as KVPR’s Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado reports, the state has ramped up its assistance in flooding that has overtaken farms and homes. Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth said the state has provided flood fighters, snowpack data and information about levees and waterways to local counties. Nemeth said water managers in the southern San Joaquin Valley opted out of the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan, so the region relies on local flood protection districts instead. But flooding and the re-formation of Tulare Lake has been too much to handle — and local counties requested the state’s help. … ” Read more from KVPR.
Water Summit held in Bakersfield discusses Central Valley drought recovery
“Coming off a year of exceptional drought, 14 atmospheric rivers have quenched the thirst for water in the Central Valley since December. Amid the influx, the Water Association of Kern County hosted its 7th Annual Summit on Friday, March 24 to discuss the county’s critical water issues. The speakers say the rainfall means good news for Central Valley farmers. “The last two years, the State Water Project allocation has been 5 percent, but this year, just announced today, 75 percent allocation,” said Peter Nelson, a member of the Colorado River Board in California. This increase represents about 750,000 acre feet of the State Water Project water for Kern County this year. … ” Read more from Channel 23.
Tehachapi: Water, water everywhere as state increases SWP allocation in epic year
“Friday afternoon’s announcement that the California Department of Water Resources increased allocations from the State Water Project to 75 percent was not surprising.Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District is among water agencies that rely on imported water from the SWP. …Water district board President Rob Schultz said the increased allocation was an improvement and in line with reservoir levels and snowpack, but still conservative. “I believe that we should have a 100 percent allocation or better,” Schultz said Friday afternoon, shortly after the increase was announced. “The state should be making every attempt to deliver this water and encourage the recharge of aquifers all over the state rather than letting the higher flows simply run off into the ocean.” Water district General Manager Tom Neisler agreed. … ” Read more from the Tehachapi News.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
‘We’ve lost the aqueduct’: How severe flooding threatens a Los Angeles water lifeline
“For more than 100 years, the Los Angeles Aqueduct has endured earthquakes, flash floods and dozens of bomb attacks as it wends and weaves through the canyons and deserts of the eastern Sierra Nevada. But earlier this month, record storms accomplished the unthinkable when floodwaters undermined a 120-foot-long section of aqueduct in Owens Valley, causing its concrete walls to crumble. “We’ve lost the aqueduct!” a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power inspector told his superiors by cellphone. As he spoke, chocolate-colored runoff and debris undercut the aqueduct just west of Highway 395 and the community of Olancha. It was the first time in history that the 200-mile aqueduct had been breached by extreme weather, threatening water deliveries to 4 million ratepayers in Los Angeles. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
ABC7 Solutions: City of Camarillo looks below the surface for water
“Downtown Los Angeles has seen roughly 12 inches of more rain than in a normal season, but of the 10 driest seasons since 1877, four came within the last decade. That’s one reason why Camarillo spent $66 million to save money on water, looking below the surface for a new water source. The long-running debate of desalination plants along the Southern California coast generally centers on the energy needed to process seawater and the potential damage to marine life. But Camarillo has avoided those pitfalls with their new de-salter plant, capable of producing almost four million gallons of drinking water per day. … ” Read more from ABC 7.
West Valley Water District holds groundbreaking event for big new project
“The West Valley Water District (WVWD) joined government and community leaders to break ground on the Oliver P. Roemer Water Filtration Facility (Roemer) Upgrade and Expansion Project on March 18. The project will secure the long-term security of WVWD’s water supply by increasing its treatment capacity by 7.2 million gallons per day, which is enough to supply water to more than 10,000 homes, the district said in a news release. The expansion will increase Roemer’s total treatment capacity to 21.6 mgd and will upgrade critical facility components. This expansion and upgrade project will provide ratepayers with an even more reliable and cost-effective water supply, ensuring that WVWD will meet rising peak summer demands and future growth, the news release said. … ” Read more from the Fontana Herald News.
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Double trouble: water and workers in California’s Imperial County
“California’s Imperial Valley, which harvests two-thirds of the winter vegetables (e.g., lettuce, celery, cilantro, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, carrots) available across the U.S., faces double trouble. The region’s agricultural bounty that depends on a single supply of water from the Colorado River is at-risk. … Consequently, the potential impact on the area’s workforce whose unemployment rate is four-fold higher than average in the Golden State is fraught.Against this backdrop, the main driver of Imperial County’s water woes is competition for this precious resource from the Colorado River. The competitive interests vying for a dangerously dwindling supply of Colorado River water range from seven U.S. states to Mexico. Interpretation of water rights is a site of struggle for these interests, given multiple interstate water compacts, federal laws and court decisions. … ” Read more from Center Square.
SAN DIEGO
Women in water conference fosters workforce diversity
“San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra Kerl is the keynote speaker at the 2023 Women in Water Conference at Cuyamaca College Wednesday, March 29. This year’s theme is “Building Resilience In Post-Pandemic Times.” Kerl’s remarks will focus on the conference theme of building career resilience in a new post-pandemic work environment. The conference starts at 11 a.m. followed by a reception and professional networking at The Water Conservation Garden from 5 to 7 p.m. Conference topics include interview tips; advocating for needs in the workplace; working with diverse teams of differing personalities; and becoming a leader of influence and change. Participants can have a professional headshot taken at the start of the conference and visit exhibit booths featuring organizations from the industry. … ” Read more from the Water News Network.
EPA financing for Carlsbad desalination plant saves water ratepayers up to $54 million
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $170 million low-interest loan to reduce financing costs for environmental upgrades that enhance the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant. U.S. Rep. Mike Levin, who represents coastal communities including Carlsbad, helped secure the funds that will save ratepayers up to $54 million compared to alternate financing strategies. “As we continue to confront increasingly frequent and intense droughts, today’s announcement is an exciting step in our efforts to provide sustainable, reliable water supplies for San Diego County,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “This low-interest federal loan will not only allow the Carlsbad Desalination Plant to improve its efficiency and environmental practices but will also save local water ratepayers tens of millions of dollars. I will never stop fighting to improve our region’s water security at the most affordable price for ratepayers.” … ” Read more from the Water News Network.
Along the Colorado River …
Snow readings give reprieve to Colorado River shortage
““It’s snowing!” is how Imperial Irrigation District Water Manager Tina Shields began her hydrology report at the March 21 regular meeting. The water manager’s monthly reports have taken a turn to the positive after years of dire Lake Mead elevation readings. … Turning back to the Colorado upper basin that supplies the bulk of the water for the lower basin, she said the numbers are looking positive, even if not as high a percentage as Central California. Traditionally, April 1 is the Upper Basin snow peak and then the numbers decline. More snow is forecast so that date will be pushed back. Ironically the measured water inflows to the reservoirs are below average, but according to Shields that is because the water is still in the snow. Not until the snow begins to melt will anyone know how that will affect water levels at lakes Mead and Powell. … ” Read more from the Desert Review.
In national water news this weekend …
Researchers develop method to permanently destroy toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in water supply
“Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known as “forever chemicals” because they last in the environment for thousands of years. They are found in a range of products, from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware, cosmetics and raingear, and have made their way into the water supply. They have also been found in the blood of every American who’s been tested. PFAS end up in drinking water mostly when the products that contain them leach into rivers, lakes, soils and groundwater, which can contaminate wells. PFAS can also be transported through the air into lakes and rivers used to supply drinking water. But what if PFAS weren’t forever at all? University of British Columbia (UBC) engineers have come up with a new water treatment that safely, efficiently and permanently removes PFAS from drinking water, according to UBC News. … ” Read more from EcoWatch.
UN head says survival depends on how people manage water
“Humanity’s survival depends on how people manage water, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday at the end of a three-day conference on global water resources during which developing nations made urgent calls for help with cleaner drinking water and better sanitation. “All of humanity’s hopes for the future depend, in some way, on charting a new course to sustainably manage and conserve water,” Guterres said in his closing remarks. This includes rational use of water for agriculture and more aggressive action against climate change, he said, and water “needs to be at the center of the global political agenda.” … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service.
Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …
NOTICE of Comment Period and Board Consideration – Draft Amended Proposition 1 Groundwater Grant Program Guidelines
UPCOMING WORKSHOP: Delta Island Adaptations Public Workshop #3
