On the calendar today …
- LEG HEARING: Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife beginning at 9am. Click here for the agenda and remote access links.
- MEETING: State Water Resources Control Board beginning at 9:30am. Agenda items include Current Hydrologic Conditions and Response, Informational item to provide an update on the implementation of the Central Valley Salt and Nitrate Control Programs, Public Workshop to receive input on the Intended Use Plans for the clean water and drinking water state revolving funds. Click here for the agenda and remote access instructions.
In California water news today …
Proposed standard for hexavalent chromium includes schedule that helps small systems comply
“Reaching another milestone in the process of creating a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for hexavalent chromium, the State Water Resources Control Board formally proposed to set the level at 10 parts per billion (ppb), which would bring a new standard of public health protection for the state’s drinking water. The proposal includes a three-stage compliance schedule that would provide small water systems with more time to acquire and implement the necessary water treatment technologies to meet this standard. Small systems with fewer than 10,000 connections often serve disadvantaged communities and have a smaller customer base for distributing improvement costs. As a result, they may struggle with the financial and technical challenges of installing new treatment technology for hexavalent chromium. … ”
When will El Niño peak?
“National forecasters made it official this month: El Niño is here. But we might not feel the effects of it just yet. “Historically El Niño events during the summer tend to have very weak impacts over the United States,” explained National Weather Service meteorologist Michelle L’Heureux. “Another way of phrasing that is that El Niño’s impacts can often be unreliable in the summer, and not repeat from one El Niño event to the next El Niño event.” But as the year goes on, El Niño is expected to build strength until it peaks in winter, between December and February. That’s when we’re most likely to feel “typical” El Niño effects. … ” Read more from KTLA.
Photos show dramatic difference in water levels at Lake Oroville from 2021 to today, now at 100% capacity
“California’s Lake Oroville, one of the many important reservoirs in the West that reached critically low levels during the height of the megadrought, is now filled to the brim. Before and after images of Enterprise Bridge offer a sharp comparison for Lake Oroville between July 22, 2021, and June 15, 2023, after the reservoir, the second-largest in the state, reached full pool for the first time since 2012 — and only the second time in the past 15 years, according to the California Department of Water Resources. … ” Read more and view pictures from ABC News.
California awards $35 million to four regions to improve groundwater sustainability
“California’s latest drought-flood cycle has shown the need for local and regional strategies to manage and store floodwaters in wet periods to help ensure stable water supplies during times of drought. Today, the California Department of Conservation’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program awards $35 million to regions that are adapting land use to improve sustainability of groundwater basins. Across Santa Cruz, Merced, Stanislaus, Kings, San Benito, Monterey, and Fresno counties, four regional organizations will receive grants to increase regional capacity to repurpose agricultural land, thereby reducing reliance on groundwater and increasing groundwater sustainability. … ” Read more from the Department of Conservation.
As CA faces massive snowmelt, experts call for better flood management
“Snowmelt from this winter’s heavy storms threatens significant flooding – and conservation groups are calling for large-scale restoration of wetlands to help absorb excess water. In April, the Biden administration recommended more than $60-million go to projects in Northern California. Janelle Kellman, founder of the nonprofit Center for Sea Rise Solutions, said the escalating climate crisis with its weather whiplash poses a serious threat. “This funding could serve as a critical resource, enabling communities to construct resilient infrastructure that will safeguard today against rising sea levels, but also in the future around the increased storm intensity that we are now experiencing,” she said. … ” Read more from the Public News Service.
There is a conflict brewing in CA between environmentalists and environmentalists
“Last month, Governor Newsom attempted to turbocharge California’s efforts to combat climate change with big infrastructure projects: he proposed a package of no less than eleven bills to speed up the approval of clean energy, water, and transportation projects focused on achieving the State’s climate goals. That sounds good, right? Unfortunately, the bills amount to a significant rollback of the State’s environmental laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Moreover, in an effort to fast-track the bills through the legislature, the Governor proposed them as “trailer bills” to the budget, which would minimize the opportunity for review and comment. … ” Read more from the National Law Review.
Biden, in California, seeks to shore up support from environmentalists
“Touring a coastal wetland here Monday, President Biden sought to tout his environmental record and offer assurances that bills he signed during the first two years of his presidency would help communities protect themselves from natural disasters for decades to come. “The impacts we’re seeing from climate change are only going to get more frequent, more ferocious and more costly,” Biden said Monday, during a visit to the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and Preserve, adding that his efforts to boost resilience would turn “peril into progress.” During brief remarks, Biden announced more than $600 million for climate adaptation projects as part of his visit to the San Francisco Bay Area, a three-day trip that also was slated to include several political fundraisers. … ” Read more from the Washington Post.
Biden announces funding to combat climate change, raises campaign money, during swing through California
“On his first trip to California since announcing his reelection campaign, President Biden on Monday announced $600 million in federal funding to fight the effects of climate change after touring a Northern California nature reserve with Gov. Gavin Newsom. The financial commitment from the president is expected to only enhance Biden’s strong political support in California and among Americans concerned about the environment, two constituencies critical to the president’s bid for a second term. A top Biden rival in the 2024 presidential race, Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, was also in California during a fundraising tour, and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at a Juneteenth celebration in Los Angeles — an indication of the outsize role the state may play in the election. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Western states may avoid the worst of wildfire season this year — here’s why
“Above-average snowfall and rain in the West this year, combined with an infusion of federal funds for forestry and fire prevention work, has afforded the region a reprieve from intense wildfires as the season begins, and as Canada experiences what is on track to be its worst fire season on record. Weather has played a key role. The West has experienced heavy snowfall and precipitation, including a series of nine atmospheric rivers in less than a month, according to information from the National Integrated Drought Information System. As of mid-June, observed water runoff in the West has been above normal, and forecasts indicate these conditions will persist. Meanwhile, in Canada, the weather is hotter and drier than average for this time of year— causing wildfires to kindle quickly and spread with more intensity. So far this year, more than 400 wildfires are burning across Canada, kindled by warmer and drier conditions. … ” Read more from the Washington Examiner.
In regional water news and commentary today …
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Humboldt-Toiyabe Forest proposes treating invasive weeds with aerial application of herbicides
“The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is seeking public comment on a project to authorize the use of aircraft in the treatment of invasive plant populations across National Forest System lands in Nevada. The Invasive Plant Control Project Using Aerial Application of Herbicides Project would help facilitate control of rapidly expanding invasive plant populations that outcompete native plant populations and carry fire across the landscape and into rural and urban communities. “Expanding populations of invasive plants like cheatgrass and medusahead are contributing to very large fast-moving fires we have seen across the state,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “The ability to use airplanes, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles for herbicide application will allow us to increase the pace and scale of our work with partners to treat these infestations, reducing wildfire risk and protecting native ecosystems.” … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Corning recipient of state water resources grant to drill well
“Corning is receiving a $2 million grant to construct a new well and pipeline to help serve approximately 25 homes currently relying on domestic wells that are going dry, reported the state Department of Water Resources (DWR). Supporting small communities through climate shifts, DWR announced its 10th round of funding through the Small Community Drought Relief Program. In coordination with the State Water Resources Control Board, the program identified 11 projects to benefit underserved communities in Tehama, Fresno, Lake, Marin, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tulare and Tuolumne counties, including one Native American Tribe. The selected projects will implement solutions such as pipeline replacement, well rehabilitation and infrastructure upgrades. … ” Read more from the Appeal-Democrat.
Roseville moves to basic water conservation stage as snowpack and reservoirs thrive
“Roseville is in a good situation with water right now because we had a lot of snow and rain during the winter. This means the state has plenty of water in our reservoirs, including Folsom Lake where Roseville gets its water supply. We used to be in a drought stage where we had to be careful with our water use, but now we have moved to a basic water conservation stage. Even though we have enough water now, we still need to be smart about how we use it because we never know when the next drought will happen. “The snow and rainfall we experienced was a welcome sight after experiencing continued dry conditions for a number of years,” said George Hanson, water utility manager. “Even though the drought is over for now, we still want our customers to use water efficiently, given the changing water supply conditions we’ve experienced over the years.” … ” Read more from the City of Roseville.
BAY AREA
Commentary: Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority focused on improving forest health while reducing fire hazards
“This winter’s record precipitation ended years of drought, filled reservoirs and quenched forests, as well as grasslands. As a retired wildland firefighter and forester, avid hiker and past board president of the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA), I appreciate the renewed beauty, but am also alarmed by the stark realities of our vast forested landscapes. Their health and flammability have been adversely affected by fire suppression, climate change and recent rains producing excess vegetation that will soon become fuel for wildfires. Fortunately, Marin is taking the right steps to improve forest health and reduce fire hazards. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
Fence removal signal future of agriculture in California area
“In recent years, this fence has come to symbolize the range war between environmentalists and ranchers here in the Pt. Reyes National Seashore. But what happens to the fence may well signal the future of agriculture in this area. Ten days ago, the National Park Service sent out a press release that shocked everyone in the fight over the Tule Elk Reserve at Tomales Point, announcing a proposed change to the general plan. “The proposed action would include removal of the Tule Elk fence and temporary water systems installed during the most recent drought,” the press release spoke. It seems no one on either side saw this coming. … ” Read more from KYMA.
Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Committee on Sea Level Rise created
“On May 16, 2023, the Board of Supervisors cemented Contra Costa County as a local leader in sea level rise adaptation and resilience efforts with the establishment of the Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Ad Hoc Committee on Sea Level Rise (“Committee on Sea Level Rise”). The Committee on Sea Level Rise’s work will focus on developing Contra Costa County sea level rise adaptation and resilience project recommendations for the full Board’s consideration. The Committee on Sea Level Rise furthermore provides a dedicated space for Contra Costa County to consider how local sea level rise adaptation and resilience efforts can complement regional efforts happening across the San Francisco Bay. Supervisor John Gioia will serve as chair of the Committee on Sea Level Rise and Supervisor Diane Burgis will serve as vice-chair. The Committee on Sea Level Rise will be staffed by Department of Conservation and Development staff and funded through Measure X. … ” Read more from Contra Costa News.
CENTRAL COAST
Ventura County Grand Jury calls for changes to prevent water shortages during wildfires
“The Ventura County Grand Jury has called for local agencies to do more to prevent water shortages during wildfires – a list of recommendations that includes adding backup power for all critical equipment. The citizen panel said it investigated policies at 15 public water providers in the county and found some lacking, according to the report released last week. During fires, “an adequate supply of water is essential,” but backup power to keep equipment running is not always available, the report states. The panel said only a third – or five of 15 – of the agencies interviewed had permanent backup power for all critical equipment. Only one of the 15 had written procedures for how to respond when the National Weather Service issues watches and warnings of critical fire weather. … ” Read more from the Ventura County Star.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Lathrop moving toward releasing treated waste- water in San Joaquin River
“The City of Lathrop is one step closer to discharging its treated wastewater into the San Joaquin River. Earlier this month, the Lathrop City Council accepted the public improvements recently made by Teichert Construction to create a river outflow structure and two sections of pipeline that discharge water from Lathrop’s consolidated treatment facility directly into the San Joaquin River. The city has spent years working to secure the permits necessary to discharge treated effluent water – thus freeing up the spray fields that it has to use to discharge water currently for potential future development. … ” Read more from the Manteca Bulletin.
Grant helps Modesto remove more lawns. Do other cities pay residents to save water this way?
“A $3.2 million state grant will expand Modesto’s efforts to replace lawns with water-saving surfaces. Most of the money, $2.36 million, will go to 21 parks where some of the turf is little used by visitors. The rest will supplement a rebate program for homeowners and businesses. The funding came from the Urban Community Drought Relief Grant Program at the California Department of Water Resources. … ” Read more from the Modesto Bee.
Hanford town hall event examines drought, flooding and sustainable water practices
“Water was on the menu at a town hall meeting held in Hanford Friday night. The Kings County Democrats hosted a non-partisan town hall event centered around water issues at the Civic Auditorium — those issues ranged from the many long droughts the state has endured to the Valley’s current state of being retaken by the waters of Tulare Lake and the dilemmas the state faces from both extremes. The event’s keynote speaker was Valley journalist Mark Arax, the award-winning author of “The Dreamt Land: Chasing Water and Dust across California” and the co-author of “The King of California: J.G. Boswell and the Making of a Secret American Empire.” … ” Read more from the Hanford Sentinel.
Milking California Dry: California town fights back against dairy expansion
“Rita Rodriguez had prepared everything for her 57th birthday, a backyard family cookout with wine, hot dogs, popcorn, kebabs and a projector to watch Pete’s Dragon under the stars. Then came the smell of manure. “It just hits and you can’t really do anything about it,” Rodriguez says, recalling how they were forced to move inside because of the industrial Hillcrest Dairy nearby. “It was just so toxic that we couldn’t sit out there.” When Hillcrest Dairy arrived in Merced County in 2002 — originally permitted for a herd of 3,885 cows — lifelong residents Rita and husband David thought nothing of it. By 2012, though, the number of cows had more than doubled. Now Hillcrest is looking to expand again, one of dozens of dairies with similar plans in the San Joaquin Valley, the middle portion of California’s fertile Central Valley. More cows means more money for farmers, but for neighbors they mean unbreathable air and increased pressure on California’s most critical resource: water. … ” Read more from In These Times.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sick sea lions, dolphins overwhelming Southern California rescue organization
“Sickened marine mammals poisoned by an algal bloom in Southern California waters are overwhelming a local rescue organization. Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute responds to beached sea lions and other sick mammals, evaluates their condition and, if needed, attempts to nurse the animals back to health. But a recent algal bloom off the coast of Southern California is leading to more and more marine mammals getting sickened by a type of poison that is growing ever more prevalent: domoic acid toxicity. … ” Read more from KTLA.
SAN DIEGO
Helix Water District wins $10.3 million grant from state
“The Helix Water District has been awarded $10.3 million in grant funds by the California Department of Water Resources for the district’s drought resilience and drinking water supply reliability project. The district was one of 26 California agencies, and the only one in San Diego County, to receive a portion of the $217 million in grants awarded in this round of funding. The project involves four upgrades to infrastructure needed for the East County Advanced Water Purification project. This will purify recycled water to provide a drought-proof water supply for up to 30 percent of East County’s needs. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union Tribune.
Along the Colorado River …
Interior Department works on strategies to protect the Colorado River
“The guidelines and strategies set in place to protect the stability and sustainability of the Colorado River, which supplies more than one-third of Phoenix’s water, are set to expire at the end of 2026. This has prompted the Department of the Interior to initiate the formal process on Thursday, where the Bureau of Reclamation will work to develop the post-2026 Colorado River reservoir operational guidelines and strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. “Developing new operating guidelines for Lake Powell and Lake Mead is a monumentally important task and must begin now to allow for a thorough, inclusive and science-based decision-making process to be completed before the current agreements expire in 2026,” Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton said in a statement. … ” Read more from the Arizona Mirror.
Catholics are sounding the alarm on dwindling Colorado River
“When renowned science fiction author Robert Heinlein wrote in his apocalyptic 1952 short story “The Year of the Jackpot” that “the Colorado River was at a record low and the towers in Lake Mead stood high out of the water. But the Angelenos committed communal suicide by watering lawns as usual,” such a scenario was still the stuff of fantasy. But imagination sometimes has an uncomfortable ability to become reality. The American Southwest is in the grip of a megadrought that jeopardizes the Colorado River, and with it, water supplies for major U.S. population centers and farm producers. … ” Continue reading from Angelus.
Lake Mead water levels expected to reach 1,060 feet end of July with snowpack, report shows
“As the temperatures warm up across the West, all eyes remain on the water levels at lakes Powell and Mead. Experts say there is still plenty of snowpack to add to the Colorado River as well. Even on a windy Monday, people still want to visit Lake Mead. “From a far view, it is very beautiful,” said a student from California visiting Lake Mead, Ethan Gao. He says seeing how low the water is was a surprise. “After approaching, it is a shock to see how low it is,” he said. Despite the water levels appearing low to visitors, the water is actually going up. … ” Read more from Channel 13.
In national water news today …
The upper atmosphere is cooling, prompting new climate concerns
“There is a paradox at the heart of our changing climate. While the blanket of air close to the Earth’s surface is warming, most of the atmosphere above is becoming dramatically colder. The same gases that are warming the bottom few miles of air are cooling the much greater expanses above that stretch to the edge of space. This paradox has long been predicted by climate modelers, but only recently quantified in detail by satellite sensors. The new findings are providing a definitive confirmation on one important issue, but at the same time raising other questions. … ” Continue reading at Grist.
