On the calendar today …
- MEETING: Delta Independent Science Board from 9am to 5pm. Agenda items include an open forum on the upcoming food webs workshop, Seminar on Decision making under deep uncertainty, discussion of wubsidence review, and presentation on “Following the Current from the Sea to the Delta” by Kaira Wallace (California Sea Grant State Fellow). Click here for the complete agenda and remote access instructions.
- SAFER: Administrator Policy Handbook Workshop from 9am to 11am. The State Water Resources Control Board will hold a public webinar workshop to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute towards the enhancement of the Administrator Policy Handbook. The Administrator Policy Handbook provides standards, terms, and procedures that apply to the selection and duties of appointed administrators for designated water systems, as required by Health and Safety Code section 116686. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: eDNA for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) from 11:30 to 12:30pm. This webinar will focus on the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) in harmful algal bloom monitoring and research. We will discuss recent advances to apply molecular methods, including quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital PCR (dPCR) and DNA metabarcode sequencing, to detect and identify harmful algal species and their toxin genes. We will discuss the application of these molecular methods from headwaters to the ocean, including in lakes, estuaries, and marine environments. Presenters: Dr. Susanna Theroux & Dr. Jayme Smith, Southern California Coastal Water Research Project. Microsoft Teams meeting: Click here to join the meeting
- HYBRID: Decision-Making Under Deep Uncertainty: Tools for decision-making from 1pm to 3pm. Robert Lempert, principal researcher at the RAND Corporation and director of the Frederick S. Pardee Center for Longer Range Global Policy and the Future Human Condition, will present examples of successful applications of tools for decision-making under deep uncertainty. Andrew Schwarz, the State Water Project climate action coordinator for the CA Department of Water Resources, will present on his department’s use of decision-making under deep uncertainty. Register to attend via Zoom or in person.
- WEBINAR: Implications of the Supreme Court’s Sackett Decision for Protection of Wetlands and Waters from 3pm to 4:30pm. On May 25, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision in Sackett v. EPA. The majority opinion establishes Justice Scalia’s “relatively permanent” analysis as the standard for determining when a wetland, stream, or other water is a “water of the United States” (WOTUS) protected by the federal Clean Water Act (CWA). This webinar will provide an overview of the decision and some of the ambiguities it contains, discuss the decision’s potential impacts on aquatic resource protection, and explore some of the potential next steps for states and tribes. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: Introduction to the Don Edwards SF Bay NWR from 6pm to 7:30pm. This introduction to the Refuge is perfect for those who are new to our National Wildlife Refuge here in the Bay Area or for the long-time visitor who just wants to know more. This program will cover a variety of topics, from the history of the Refuge, safely recreating in the Summer heat on the Refuge trails, pesticide-free garden maintenance tips for the warmer months, and an update on current trail conditions. If you have any questions, please email watershedwatchers@sfbayws.org. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
Charts show how unpredictable El Niño can be for California weather
“The official arrival of El Niño conditions raises fears for another wet California winter. But these conditions don’t guarantee that the state will face torrential downpours and floods, as it did during the infamous El Niño winters of 1982-83 or 1997-98, experts say. “That, I think, is one of the huge misconceptions,” said Jan Null, a meteorologist with Golden Gate Weather Services and adjunct professor at San Jose State University. Though El Niño typically brings wetter than average weather to California, and La Niña generally brings drier than average conditions, the opposing climate patterns don’t guarantee any particular weather, and individual years often buck the trend. Last winter, for example, coincided with La Niña but brought historic downpours and snow across the state. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle (gift article).
The promise and potential of solar canals
“California’s massive network of water canals, which totals about 4,000 miles, could be transformed into a renewable energy resource for the state—but not necessarily through hydropower. Rather, power could come from solar panels installed over the canals. Project Nexus, a research group formed by California’s state government, will work with Solar AquaGrid, the Turlock Irrigation District, and researchers at the University of California, Merced, to try out an innovative tool in California’s fight against climate change and drought: solar canals. The group will install 8,500 feet of solar panels over three sections of water canal in central California to determine the feasibility of installing solar canals across the state. Canals that have been covered with canopies of solar panels offer multiple benefits. … ” Read more from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute.
The staggering toll of California’s stormy winter on beloved state parks
“Nearly a third of California’s 280 state park sites were damaged by this year’s crushing winter storms, adding more than $200 million of needed repair work to the park system’s already billion-dollar-plus maintenance backlog, state records show. Parks along the Central Coast were the worst hit by the weather, with Seacliff State Beach in Santa Cruz County alone accounting for $100.2 million of the damage. The beach lost a historical pier and much of a campground to the pounding surf. Hearst Castle, in San Luis Obispo County, saw $19.2 million in losses. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Lake Oroville is 100% full as California reservoirs are revived by historic rain and snowmelt
“California’s second-largest reservoir is now completely full after a historic rainy season recharged reservoirs across the state following years of drought. Lake Oroville, fed by the Feather River about 80 miles north of Sacramento, is at 100% of its capacity, according to the California Department of Water Resources. Since Dec. 1, the lake’s water level has increased more than 240 feet thanks to more than 2.5 million additional acre-feet of water brought on by a series of powerful winter storms and the melting of a historically deep snowpack. That puts the reservoir at 127% of its historical average for the date, state data show. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
The hidden link between western water crisis and our food choices
“The Colorado River’s crisis is due to a Climate change-induced “megadrought,” which has caused higher evaporation rates and a drastic reduction in water supply. Lake Mead, along with Lake Powell, stores water for the lower states, Mexico, and around 20 Indigenous reservations. Currently, Lake Mead is at a meager 29% capacity. Although heavy snowfall in the Rocky Mountains will provide some relief, it won’t be enough to prevent the lakes from reaching “dead pool” status when water levels are too low to flow through the dams. To avoid this fate, the federal government has urged states to cut water usage. However, individual efforts to conserve water are unlikely to make a significant impact. Residential water use accounts for just 13% of water drawn from the Colorado River. Instead, the vast majority of water goes to farmers for irrigating crops. Surprisingly, 70% of the river’s water is used to grow alfalfa, hay, corn silage, and other grasses for cattle and dairy production. This finding highlights the environmental impact of meat and dairy production. … ” Read more from One Green Planet.
Water, farm bill drive talks at food and agricultural summit
“The outlook for California’s agricultural economy shows some signs of improvement after several years of supply-chain constraints, high input costs and a multiyear drought that forced farmers to fallow acres and remove orchards. Drenching storms that hit the state early this year turned the tide, contributing to a more positive outlook for agriculture this year, an economic analyst told attendees during a food and agriculture issues summit in Sacramento last week. “A year ago, we were discussing logistical bottlenecks and elevated fertilizer prices in the middle of an exceptional drought,” said David Magaña, a Rabobank vice president and senior analyst based in Fresno. “Now, we see port congestion getting better, availability of containers is improving and the water situation is better as we go from zero water allocation to a 100% water allocation.” … ” Read more from Ag Alert.
The hidden cost of gasoline
“The Arco station has a long history of leaking, with petroleum products discovered floating in the septic tank beneath it in 1990. After decades of efforts to remove and break down that pollution — a host of contaminants including lead, benzene, and the suspected carcinogen methyl tertiary-butyl ether — trace amounts remain, with some highly polluted patches in the soil. One sample taken late last year showed levels of gasoline-related compounds 72 times higher than Washington state’s allowable limit. This Arco station is hardly unique. Almost every gas station eventually pollutes the earth beneath it, experts told Grist. The main culprit: the underground storage tanks that hold tens of thousands of gallons of fuel, one of the most common sources of groundwater pollution. … ” Read more from Grist.
Conservation groups ask for big changes to CA budget bills
“Conservation groups are asking the California Legislature to pull a number of budget “trailer bills” they say amount to a backroom deal to loosen environmental standards in order to facilitate infrastructure projects. The deadline to pass a budget is this Thursday. Gov. Gavin Newsom contends the state needs to streamline environmental reviews in order to meet deadlines to apply for federal matching funds for infrastructure projects. Ashley Overhouse, water policy advisor for the California program at the nonprofit Defenders of Wildlife, said big policy changes should be handled instead as regular bills in the next legislative session in January. “We all agree that our planet is indeed facing a climate crisis, and that we need to move forward with climate infrastructure quickly,” she said. “However, there is no reason why legislation to tackle these important issues must be moved through this ‘trailer bill’ process instead of the regular process.” … ” Read more from the Public News Service.
Valadao, Costa introduce legislation to improve drinking water quality, forest health
“Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) introduced the Headwaters Protection Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation increases investment to improve the health of watersheds and ensure private investments benefit downstream communities. “Water is the lifeblood of the Central Valley,” said Congressman Valadao. “Ensuring our rural communities have access to safe, clean, and reliable water is my top priority. Valley communities who are often forced to rely on surface and groundwater will benefit from increased investments to improve our watersheds and prevent pollution.” … ” Read more from Congressman Valadao.
California Congressmembers urge EPA to support prescribed fire
“The smoke from wildfires that bathed the Eastern Seaboard in recent days prompted officials to issue air quality alerts and refocused wide attention on the issue of fire pollution. It’s also the urgent backdrop to a letter congressional leaders from California sent to the Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday, pressing regulators to amend their update of the Clean Air Act. While specifying their support for cleaner standards, the members of Congress want the implementation of the EPA’s new rule to support, rather than hinder, the use of prescribed burns. “A lot of our colleagues from other parts of the country [are] finally getting an appreciation for a very real challenge that we’ve had in California for many years,” said Sen. Alex Padilla in an interview with KQED. … ” Read more from KQED.
Congressman Valadao’s legislation to combat wildfires passes out of House Natural Resources Committee
“Today, the House Natural Resources Committee advanced Congressman David G. Valadao’s bill, H.R. 3389, the Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act, out of a full committee markup. The bipartisan legislation would dramatically increase the number of available airlift assets for wildfire emergencies by updating deployment protocols for Containerized Aerial Fire Fighting Systems (CAFFS). “Wildfires have devastated California homes, businesses, and ecosystems – displacing entire communities and destroying critical infrastructure across the state. As we approach fire season, we must ensure our firefighters have every tool available to combat these deadly wildfires and protect our communities,” said Congressman Valadao. “Thank you to Chairman Westerman for his leadership on this critical issue.” … ” Read more from Congressman Valadao.
In commentary today …
Water bills will increase costs to ratepayers
The Southern California New Group editorial board writes, “Due to the torrential rains earlier this year, California is enjoying a rare period with little drought. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of June 6, the last date posted, 71% of the state is not in a drought, compared to just 27% in March. This is a good time to get water policy right. California water law is incredibly complex. But any changes ought to move toward more property rights, not fewer. Unfortunately, the Legislature is advancing three bills that would reduce property rights for water owners, increasing the costs to ratepayers. All three bills passed in their houses of origin on May 30. Assembly Bill 1337 is by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland. In the bill’s language, it would “expand the instances when the diversion or use of water is considered a trespass,” meaning the government itself would exert more control. It passed 45-20. … ” Read more from the OC Register.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Yurok Tribe collects 500 square miles of lidar data in Yurok Territory
“The Yurok Tribe received a contract from U.S. Geological Survey – 3D Elevation Program to collect and process 320,000 acres of lidar data on biologically diverse forests and salmon-bearing streams in Yurok ancestral territory. “This project will benefit the Tribe in many different ways. In addition to strengthening our sovereignty, the data we collected will enhance ongoing efforts to holistically manage our landscape, mitigate for climate change and create a prosperous tribal nation,” said Yurok Vice-Chairman Frankie Myers. “I would like to thank USGS, North Coast Resource Partnership and the California Natural Resources Agency for partnering with us on this project.” USGS’s 3D Elevation Program, also known as 3DEP, is a nationwide effort to collect a baseline of consistent high-resolution topographic elevation data that can be used to inform critical decisions ranging from immediate safety of life, property, and environment to long term planning for infrastructure projects. … ” Read more from the USGS.
Kingsley F-15 removed from canal, water deemed safe for irrigation
“A U.S. Air Force F-15D was removed from a Bureau of Reclamation irrigation canal at the south end of the runway at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore. today, May 26, 2023. The aircraft was involved in a ground mishap following a routine training mission, May 14, 2023. Upon landing the aircraft left the paved surface of the runway and came to a stop in the canal. “This was a challenging undertaking due to all of the unforeseen contingencies that are associated with the mishap,” said Lt. Col. Victor Knill, Director of 173rd Fighter Wing Emergency Operations Center. He noted the weight of the plane, as well as the location, being the biggest factors. “The land around the canal, especially on the south side, is very soft and narrow, not capable of supporting an extraction,” said Knill. “Additionally, we had to procure a crane that was large enough to extract the water-logged aircraft.” … ” Read more from Klamath Falls News.
Potter Valley water forum nearing deadline
A group of diverse interests met yesterday to try to nail down exactly what it wants as the Potter Valley Project movies into the surrender process.
Indian Valley Reservoir open again
“Yolo County has declared that Indian Valley Reservoir is now open to fishermen and boaters. The county had originally closed the lake for all of 2023. Down through the years I have been to the reservoir hundreds of times, dating back to when the lake was first formed, and I’m always amazed at the beauty of this place. It’s truly one of the jewels of Lake County. This year the lake is full and the water color is beautiful. What is strange is that many of Lake County’s residents have yet to discover this fishery. That’s a shame because it is one of the best fishing lakes in Northern California. … ” Read more from the Lake Record Bee.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
El Niño has started in the Pacific, but that doesn’t guarantee another wet winter for Sacramento
“Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) last week declared the beginning of an El Niño. El Niño is marked by warmer-than-average surface water temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean, specifically along the equator. … During an El Niño, the jet stream over the southern United States tends to become more active, leading to higher chances of relatively cool and wet conditions in the Southwest and warmer, drier conditions in the Northwest during the winter months. That connection holds up for some regions better than others. In Northern California, the connection is relatively loose. … ” Read more from KCRA Channel 3.
NAPA/SONOMA
Inflatable dam going up on the Russian River signals advance of warm weather months
“A sure sign of summer, unnoticed by most people, appeared on the Russian River this week, as the Sonoma County Water Agency began inflating its rubber dam near Wohler Bridge in Forestville. The seasonal dam — a kind of long, skinny water balloon, according to one agency official — is part of the region’s water supply system. It is used to increase production on nearby wells to meet consumer demand during warm weather months. The deflated dam lies flat on the river bottom in winter but once the river settles into summer flows — usually in May or June — it is filled with water over several days. Despite abundant winter rain, that time has come, though cool weather and remaining ground moisture have kept irrigation needs low so far, according to Don Seymour, Deputy Chief Engineer for Sonoma Water. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
BAY AREA
What it takes to restore and maintain an urban creek
“Codornices Creek carries water from the North Berkeley Hills west to the Bay. Along the way, it passes between private homes and through public parks. In Live Oak Park, it curves through a shady grove of trees. Julie Dennison and Claire McDowell are lifelong best friends and Berkeley natives, and they’re chatting at a picnic table next to the creek. Julie has fond memories of Codornices Creek from her childhood. She grew up in a home just east of the park in the sixties. She says, “The creek was our playground, and just, there was no fences, so the neighborhood kids would just all kinda gather to the creek, run up and down the creek building forts, building dams.” … ” Read more and view pictures from KALW.
Iconic East Bay tower to get major, critical makeover
“An iconic water tower in Contra Costa County is about to get a major makeover that experts say is critical. The Lafayette Reservoir has a 170-foot-tall water tower standing tall since 1929. It acts as a spillway to help control reservoir levels, but East Bay Municipal Utility District says the tower could sustain serious damage in the event of a major earthquake due to a combination of its height and a lack of steel reinforcement in the concrete. … ” Read more from NBC Bay Area.
Valley Water completes project to protect Milpitas residents and businesses from flooding
“Later this month, Valley Water will be hosting an event to celebrate the completion of the Lower Penitencia Creek Improvements Project in Milpitas, one of many projects we are working on to help protect residents and businesses from flooding. … Our agency built a new levee and floodwalls and raised an existing levee along a one-mile stretch of Lower Penitencia Creek from its confluence with Coyote Creek to San Andreas Drive in Milpitas. Although Valley Water completed some flood improvements in the existing channel in the 1980s, we needed to increase the creek’s capacity to carry water. During the rainy season, water flows from Berryessa Creek into Lower Penitencia Creek. Valley Water is currently working on flood improvements along Berryessa Creek, resulting in greater storm flows in Lower Penitencia Creek. … ” Read more from the Milpitas Post.
CENTRAL COAST
Pajaro Water Agency kicks off water pipeline project
“Although work has already begun on the College Lake Integrated Resources Management Project, a group of dignitaries and a cast from the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (PVWMA) gathered Friday for a ceremonial groundbreaking to herald in the project, which is expected to bolster water supplies and slow groundwater extraction from the critically over-drafted Pajaro basin. The project by PVWMA will utilize the naturally-occurring lake—which historically has been drained in the summer to make way for crops—as a permanent source to supply 1,700 acre-feet of water annually to local growers. … ” Read more from Good Times Santa Cruz.
In California’s Monterey Bay area, a proposed desalination plant divides wealthy communities and poorer ones
“Few people would argue that California’s decade-long drought has been anything but a disaster. As in all disasters, there are some who seek to help—and others who are looking to capitalize. On the picturesque Monterey Peninsula, critics accuse a private utility of trying to do the latter and profit off the area’s water scarcity. They say that the local water utility, California American Water (better known as Cal-Am), is pushing an expensive and largely unpopular desalination plant that, they complain, has pitted wealthy communities against poor ones. Last November, the California Coastal Commission approved a permit for a sprawling, $330 million seawater desalination facility in Marina—a blue-collar city of 22,500 residents that is located about 15 minutes north of the more affluent community of Monterey. If approved, Cal-Am’s desalination plant would produce 4.8 million gallons of freshwater per day and would be the first seawater desalination plant constructed in California in nearly a decade. … ” Read more from the Sierra Club.
Deceased marine mammals on Central Coast beaches raises concerns about ocean water quality
“After a social media post showing a deceased dolphin on Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara, multiple other sightings were also listed. The public comments report deceased dolphins, sea lions or seals in areas including Padaro Beach, Haskells, and along the Rincon. No official causes of death have been released by marine mammal experts. The Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI) has been receiving calls since the middle of May. … ” Read more from KEYT.
Paso Robles welcomes representatives from World Bank, Turkey
“Paso Robles recently welcomed a delegation from the American Water Works Association that included engineers visiting from Turkey and representatives of the World Bank, according to the most recent edition of the City of Paso Robles Economic Newsletter. The purpose of the visit was for the delegation to learn more about how Paso Robles is managing local water resources and planning for future sustainable growth. The visit to Paso Robles was hosted at the J. Lohr Winery where the winery’s state-of-the-art water system was presented by Jerry Lohr. … ” Read more from the Paso Robles Daily Press.
Goleta community updated on Platform Holly, removal of other oil production infrastructure
“Members of the Goleta community attended a town hall meeting last week to learn the latest updates on the decommissioning and removal of oil production infrastructure along the coast, including Platform Holly, Piers 421, leaking wells near Summerland Beach, and more. The work of restoring this coastline “to pre-oil era conditions is a monumental effort,” Goleta City Councilman Kyle Richards said. “For nearly a century, our region has dealt with oil and gas extraction, including environmental disasters from spills and leaks, onshore and offshore, along with sensitive marine coastline,” Richards added. … ” Read more from Noozhawk.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
San Joaquin River three times higher than a year ago
“What a difference a year makes. On June 12, 2023 the San Joaquin River at the Airport Way bridge crossing south of Manteca was at 7.86 feet; Mammoth Mountain ski resort southeast of Yosemite National Park had no snow; and Oroville Lake — the state’s second largest reservoir, was at 32 percent of average capacity for the date. Today the San Joaquin River at Airport Way is at 25.6 feet; Mammoth Mountain has 97 inches at its base — or almost 8 feet; and Oroville Lake is at 127 percent of average capacity for this date meaning it is basically at 100 percent of its 3.5 million acre foot design capacity. … ” Read more from the Manteca Bulletin.
Public Health: Use caution as potentially harmful algae detected in Isabella Lake
“Algae has been identified in certain areas around Lake Isabella, with county officials urging lake users to exercise caution. “Public Health is urging boaters, dog owners, and other recreational lake users to exercise caution and observe signage related to active algal blooms when visiting certain areas within Lake Isabella,” said Michelle Corson, spokeswoman for Kern County Public Health. … ” Read more from the Bakersfield Californian.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
State awards $17.5 million to Palmdale Water District for Palmdale ditch conversion
“The state Department of Water Resources (DWR) has announced that Palmdale Water District (PWD) will receive $17,580,000 for the conversion of the Palmdale Ditch to a closed pipeline. The funding from the DWR’s Urban Community Drought Relief Program, along with a $5 million grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will cover the entire cost of the $22,580,000 project. “We are very grateful to DWR for recognizing the importance of modernizing the Palmdale Ditch that was built in the 1880s,” said PWD Board Director Scott Kellerman. “A closed pipeline will reduce water loss and save on maintenance costs. The Board applauds staff for getting this project fully funded and saving money for our customers.” … ” Read more from ACWA’s Water News.
New research shows water quality, availability and cost among top concerns for Southern Californians
“A majority of Southern California consumers are concerned about the availability and safety of their drinking water, and about half are willing to pay higher rates for investments that address supply issues, according to a recent Metropolitan Water District survey. Following one of the state’s wettest winters, 77% of respondents said they are continuing to make an effort to save water through a variety of conservation actions in their homes and yards. In addition to identifying top water issues of concern, the poll of 1,000 residents across Metropolitan’s six-county service area focused on the public’s opinion of how Metropolitan and local water agencies are performing, the taste and quality of tap water, preferences on bottled water use and residents’ commitment to conservation. … ” Read more from Metropolitan Water District.
California ranch stormwater system uses water conservation tech
“Rancho Los Cerritos is a 4.7-acre historic site and museum in Long Beach. Built in 1844, the two-story Monterey-adobe style home and grounds illustrate the local history of various Spanish, Mexican and European cultures that have come through this area. In summer 2022, the Rancho broke ground on an advanced stormwater reclamation system that will capture, store and reuse rainfall on site. Studio One Eleven’s project to developing this new stormwater system should help minimize water waste and demonstrate ways California and other drying climates can adapt to climate change-related droughts or alternating dry and wet periods of weather. … ” Read more from Inhabitat.
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Local growers commit to growing for Sugar Valley Energy
“Sugar Valley Energy (SVE), an advanced low-carbon sugarcane-to-ethanol and power facility, has secured letters of intent with local Imperial Valley farmers to grow 12,000 acres of sugarcane to support its initial feedstock production schedule, California Ethanol + Power (CE+P) President/CEO Dave Rubenstein announced in a CE+P press release, Tuesday June 13. “Local farmers who were interested in a profitable and stable long-term crop represented the driving force behind the Sugar Valley Energy project,” Rubenstein said in the release. “We are pleased to see the overwhelming local support for an economically viable crop processed in our community for the benefit of the region’s economy and our country’s energy security.” “The interest continues to be as strong in 2023 as it was in 2013 when the project was first envisioned, if not more so,” Rubenstein said. … ” Read more from the Desert Review.
SAN DIEGO
Lake Hodges reopens for boating and fishing after dam repairs completed
“Lake Hodges has reopened for boating and fishing after a one-year closure to repair deteriorating concrete on the upstream face of its century-old dam. “We are excited to be able to once again offer this beautiful fishing and recreational resource to the community,” said Arian Collins, San Diego’s supervising public information officer, in June 1 email. “Initial reports are indicating this could be one of the best fishing seasons in recent years, and we encourage San Diegans to visit,” Collins said. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Along the Colorado River …
Imperial Valley farmers await water deal
“California, Arizona and Nevada reached a long-sought consensus last month on how to conserve water and prevent the Colorado River from running dry. Under the plan for states to reduce their water use by 13% through 2026, farmers in the Imperial Valley are expected to shoulder much of the burden. But growers in the valley, who are entitled to more than a third of the water in the river’s Lower Basin, say they have had to delay plans to fallow crops and save water this summer. That’s because details on compensation have yet to be worked out between the Imperial Irrigation District and the federal government, which pledged to make $1.2 billion available for impacted water users. … ” Read more from Ag Alert.
Colorado River water managers have done remarkably little on pushing for policy action
“Climate change is robbing the Colorado River of water and threatening water security for 40 million people living in the Southwest. But prominent Colorado water managers, citing political concerns, are shying away from action on climate, favoring instead adaptation to rising temperatures and sustainability in their own operations. The climate news surrounding the river is often grim. And it is predicted to get worse. Yet, despite a clear recognition of the scale of the climate problem, Colorado water managers have done remarkably little when it comes to pushing for climate action on a main cause of water shortages: rising temperatures caused by humans burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. … ” Read more from Vail Daily.
Deadpool Diaries: “Crisis on the Colorado River – From short-term solutions to long-term sustainability”?
John Fleck writes, “I learned stuff at last week’s Getches-Wilkinson Center Colorado River conference at the University of Colorado Law School. I learned: The bodacious snowpack means the chance of Lake Mead dropping below elevation 1,000 is zero; We still need to cut 1.5 million acre feet of Colorado River water use, at least. We still have no plan to do that; We remain at risk of river flows past Lee’s Ferry dropping low enough by 2026 to trigger a legal argument about what the Upper Basin really owes the Lower Basin; We have what was called a “historic accord” to reduce Lower Basin use in the short run, which muchly revolves around paying people to not use water; The “historic accord” does not take any steps toward resolving longstanding tribal and environmental inequities; and The problem of what economist Gordon Tullock called “the transitional gains trap” is a very real obstacle to moving forward on the Colorado River. … ” Read more from the Inkstain blog.
A Colorado water policy group goes rafting to watch the Colorado River system refill
“Climate change is predicted to shrink the Colorado River. But right now, there’s more snow melt than the river has seen in decades. That’s good for fish, birds and people who enjoy rafting.”
Colorado River deal must empower conservationists on the ground
Sarah Jensen, a policy associate for the American Conservation Coalition, writes, “If we hope to solve our country’s most pressing natural resource challenges, we must go straight to the source: Americans on the ground who know firsthand what is needed to solve them. The historic Colorado River agreement reached last month temporarily secures access to clean water in the West. All Americans deserve clean air and clean water, but unfortunately, the challenges confronting the Colorado River puts access to this vital resource in jeopardy. The region is experiencing a decades-long drought caused by a warmer climate, which has significantly reduced water flows in the Colorado River by approximately 20%. … ” Read more from the Reno Gazette-Journal.
How Arizona stands between tribes and their water
“The Dilkon Medical Center, a sprawling, $128 million facility on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, was completed a year ago. With an emergency room, pharmacy and housing for more than 100 staff members, the new hospital was cause for celebration in a community that has to travel long distances for all but the most basic health care. But there hasn’t been enough clean water to fill a large tank that stands nearby, so the hospital sits empty. The Navajo Nation has for years been locked in contentious negotiations with the state of Arizona over water. With the tribe’s claims not yet settled, the water sources it can access are limited. The hospital tried tapping an aquifer, but the water was too salty to use. If it could reach an agreement with the state, the tribe would have other options, perhaps even the nearby Little Colorado River. But instead, the Dilkon Medical Center’s grand opening has been postponed, and its doors remain closed. … ” Read more from Pro Publica.
In national water news today …
Q&A: Dr. Peter Gleick calls for a new, more resilient ‘Third Age of Water’ in new book
““The Three Ages of Water,” the new book by Pacific Institute Co-Founder and Senior Fellow Dr. Peter Gleick, was released today. The book comes at a critical time when our relationship with water is undergoing massive changes, many of them intensifying due to climate change. In this Q&A, he gives us a thought-provoking exploration of the water challenges we face today, while offering a hopeful vision of the future. In the “Third Age of Water,” Gleick envisions an era where we harness the benefits of previous advancements and rectify their unintended consequences to ensure a sustainable, resilient, and equitable water future—for all. … ” Read more from the Pacific Institute.
