In California water news this weekend …
Biden-Harris Administration and San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority approve plan for B.F. Sisk Dam Project, advancing water supply reliability and public safety in the Central Valley
One Central Valley dam project gets nearly $95 million in funding; two others still in proposal phase
“Three dam expansion projects could increase water storage for use in the Central Valley by a whopping 304,000 acre feet. Each of the projects would raise existing dams, not build new ones. The project that is furthest along would raise the B.F. Sisk Dam in Merced County to expand San Luis Reservoir storage by 130,000 acre feet. Two other projects are just at the proposal stages. One would raise the Buchanan Dam in Madera County to boost storage in H. V. Eastman Lake by 50,000 acre feet. And another would increase Pine Flat Dam in Fresno County to increase that lake’s capacity by 124,000 acre feet. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
SEE ALSO:
- Raising dam at San Luis Reservoir moving forward, from the Manteca Bulletin
- Feds OK plans for major expansion of San Luis Reservoir, from the San Joaquin Valley Sun
Chuck Bonham on what’s upstream for California salmon
“Due to low numbers of adult salmon returning to California’s rivers because of previous droughts, officials this year banned recreational and commercial salmon fishing for only the third time in state history. So few Chinook salmon swam up their last remaining strongholds in the Sacramento Valley — Butte, Deer and Mill Creeks near Chico — that scientists this month began capturing then bringing juvenile fish to an emergency hatchery at University of California, Davis. Chuck Bonham, the director of California’s Fish and Wildlife Department, oversaw the effort with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and called the hatchery a “Noah’s Ark.” Bonham spoke with POLITICO from his Sacramento office where he keeps a life-size cardboard cutout of the famous Los Angeles mountain lion P-22. He discussed the outlook for salmon in different regions of the state and what can be done for the sought-after species. … ” Read more from Politico.
Graphics: The atmospheric rivers of Water Year 2023: End of water year summary
Click on the graphic to view the full report from the Center for Western Weather & Water Extremes.
SB 389: New law sharpens the microscope’s focus on water rights
“On October 8, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 389 (“SB 389”) granting new water rights powers to the State Water Resources Control Board (“SWRCB”). With SB 389’s passage the Legislature has signaled a continued interest in increasing the State’s role with respect to water rights. As explained by the SWRCB, a “riparian water right is a right to use the natural flow of water on riparian land” and riparian land is “land that touches a lake, river, stream, or creek.” An appropriative right is held by “one who takes water for use on non-riparian land or who uses water that would not be there under natural conditions on riparian land appropriates water.” An appropriative right acquired before 1914 is know as a pre-1914 appropriative water right. Although riparian and pre-1914 appropriative water right holders do not need a water rights permit issued by the SWRCB, pre-1914 appropriative water right holders do need a permit if the use of water has increased since 1914. Riparian and pre-1914 appropriative water rights can only be confirmed by the courts. … ” Read more from Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud, & Romo.
Need help paying your water and sewer bill? California extended this assistance program
“The California Department of Community Services and Development is extending its program to help low-income residents pay their current or past-due water and sewer bills. The federally-funded Low Income Household Water Assistance Program was originally set to end in the fall, but will remain open through March 2024 — or until funds last. Here’s how to apply for one-time support paying your water and sewer bill, and who qualifies … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
Tribes and conservation groups file comments on updated California Water Plan
“A coalition of Tribal, fishing, and conservation organizations this week submitted official comments to the Department of Water Resources (DWR) on its 2023 Update of the California Water Plan (2023 Plan Update). The coalition includes Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, Defenders of Wildlife, Friends of the River, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, Golden State Salmon Association, Restore the Delta, Institute for Fisheries Resources, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, Save California Salmon, Sierra Club California, and Tuolumne River Trust. “DWR needs to drastically amend the 2023 Plan Update to bring water supplies and demands into balance to truly achieve equity for all, to strengthen watershed resilience, and create a plan for addressing climate urgency. The revised Plan Update 2023 must eliminate problematic policy proposals that undermine these goals such as the Delta Conveyance Project, Sites Reservoir, and the Voluntary Agreements and support the long-overdue update process of the Bay-Delta Plan. … ” Continue reading this press release.
‘California water conservation mandates do not rein in biggest water consumers’
“A proposed regulation supported by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) would impose permanent water conservation mandates on about 400 California cities and water agencies. State regulators claim the measure would save about 413,000 acre-feet of water annually, or enough to supply about 1.2 million households. However water policy expert Max Gomberg has said the new rule does nothing to rein in the biggest consumers of the state’s water: Central Valley agribusiness. Gomberg said agriculture uses 28 to 35 million acre-feet of water annually, which constitutes 80% of California’s developed water. … ” Read more from Fresh Plaza.
In commentary this weekend …
U.S. Park Service ignores evidence in misguided sequoia planting project
Jeremy Clar, chair of the Tehipite Chapter of the Sierra Club, and Chad Hanson, a research ecologist with the John Muir Project,writes, “Two years ago, a mixed-intensity fire burned through Redwood Mountain sequoia grove in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, including a few hundred acres of high-intensity fire. The National Park Service quickly assumed the high-intensity fire area was too hot, and few, if any, sequoia seedlings would grow. Believing no natural regeneration would occur, officials devised a plan to plant up to 400 sequoia seedlings per acre in designated wilderness areas. Nature did not cooperate. Now, the park service’s own data indicate incredible rates of new sequoia seedling regeneration. It turns out high-intensity fire is ideal for sequoia regeneration. In many places, tens of thousands of sequoia trees are growing per acre; a proverbial sea of new sequoia trees. Pictures barely do it justice. Unwilling to admit that they were wrong, the Park Service approved its replanting project on Oct. 5th, and the misguided project could begin any day. But little about this project makes sense. … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee.
In people news this weekend …
Promotions, passings, profiles – submit people news items to maven@mavensnotebook.com.
Obi Kaufmann explored California’s coasts and forests. Now he’s on a desert trip
“In the final installment of his trilogy of books about California’s landscape, Obi Kaufmann tackles terrain that’s far more diverse and lively than most Californians realize. “The Deserts of California: A California Field Atlas,” out this month from Heyday, takes readers from the Salton Sea to Mono Lake and beyond in an exploration of the eastern side of the state. Along the way, you’ll learn about plants endemic to the San Bernardino Mountains; the endangered California bighorn sheep of the Sierra Nevada; and the resilient pupfish populations found in spots like the Death Valley basin and Amargosa River. Kaufmann, who published “The Forests of California” in 2020 and “The Coasts of California” last year, opens the more than 500-page book with the proclamation, “This is an adventure story.” “That adventure is a call to understanding,” explains the Oakland-based artist and author on a recent phone call, “ultimately, how to then identify with being from California or, in this case, the California deserts.” … ” Read more from the OC Register.
Podcasts …
WE GROW CALIFORNIA: Darcy and Darcy out in the wild
This week, Darcy and Darcy were out in the wild! Darcy B shares her adventures on the Drought or Missed Opportunities Panel at the 15th Orange County Water Summit, where her name was mentioned as California’s Water Czar candidate! Not to be outdone, Darcy V. shares his experience at the Association of California Water Agencies Region 6 & 7’s San Joaquin Valley Forum on Groundwater. With the Tulare Groundwater Basin about to experience State Water Resource Control Board Probation Hearings, the information Darcy V. shares is eye-opening, and the conversation it sparks is worth tuning in for!
KQED’S CALIFORNIA REPORT: California now requires that coastal cities plan for sea level rise
For the first time in California history, all coastal cities are now required to plan for sea level rise, a looming climate impact yet to be fully experienced. A new law requires those cities to come up with strategies and recommend projects to address future sea level rise by 2034.
TAPPED: An unprecedented water line in an unprecedented place
In this Tapped episode, Danyelle Khmara delves into the Grand Canyon’s water infrastructure challenges and the extraordinary Transcanyon Waterline upgrade, highlighting the complexities of delivering clean water in this iconic natural wonder.
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING PODCAST: Protecting the Commons
Water is fundamental to our lives and environment. The thought of disruption or compromise of our water supply causes each of us to jump into action attempting to resolve the problem before it gets out of hand. 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 …
NAPA/SONOMA
Meandering Angler: Native fish, especially salmon threatened
“Michael Coats, whose Sonoma-based public relations firm represents the Golden State Salmon Association, sent me a news release recently from the GSSA about how the current climate crisis and the state’s current water policies are threatening our state’s native fish, especially the Chinook salmon runs in the rivers of our Central Valley like the Sacramento and San Joaquin. Most of us who fly fish for trout and steelhead who inhabit the same waters are aware of what’s happening, but it is an issue that affects everyone in the state. … ” Read more from the Sonoma Index-Tribune.
BAY AREA
The sea is rising and the clock is ticking
“The Bay Area will need an estimated $110 billion to combat sea-level rise in the coming decades, with the price tag for protecting San Mateo and Santa Clara counties reaching $11 billion and $8 billion respectively, according to a July study by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission-Association of Bay Area Governments (MTC-ABAG) and the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC). The jaw-dropping figures highlight a daunting challenge: how will cities pay to protect themselves? … ” Read more from The Almanac.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Scientists are racing to save birds from dying on California’s Tulare Lake
“Just south of the shores of this ancient lake, Evan King brings 15 sick birds to a makeshift animal hospital at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. Veterinarians with University of California, Davis, have converted a home into a facility capable of treating hundreds of birds infected with a disease known as avian botulism. Inside, veterinarians cradle tiny birds like infants, and feed them water and nutrients through small tubes in their beaks. “It’s one of those things where it just has to work its way out. The treatment is providing them supportive care,” Jamie Sherman, a veterinarian with the Oiled Wildlife Care Network, said. … ” Read more from KVPR.
EASTERN SIERRA
LA leadership recognizes low lake concerns
“Mono Lake has been the topic of important discussions in Los Angeles in recent months, focusing on the challenge of ensuring the lake rises to the 6392-foot Public Trust lake level. This level was mandated by the California State Water Resources Control Board to secure the lake’s ecological health, protect millions of nesting and migratory birds, end toxic dust storms, protect cultural resources, and ensure future generations can enjoy the lake. In April, Los Angeles Deputy Mayor for Energy & Sustainability Nancy Sutley convened a meeting with Mono Lake Committee and Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (DWP) leadership. The productive discussion focused on Mono Lake, the Public Trust lake level required in the City’s water rights, and the need to better understand what paths lead there. The meeting produced a commitment to assemble a technical group to explore, compare, and present a variety of stream diversion scenarios and evaluate their effectiveness in raising Mono Lake to the 6392-foot level. … ” Read more from the Mono Lake Committee.
Ridgecrest: Water District, GA have conflicting views on AB 779
“AB 779, a groundwater bill signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom Oct. 10, is “good news” for the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority, but the Indian Wells Valley Water District Board doesn’t agree. Council Member Scott Hayman called the development “good news” for the GA at the Ridgecrest City Council meeting Wednesday night. Hayman is the city’s representative to the groundwater authority. But the water district board — which is one of the parties currently involved in a comprehensive adjudication lawsuit against the GA — believes the new law is likely to increase costs and delay adjudication proceedings without providing additional safeguards not already in place. … ” Read more from the Ridgecrest Independent.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
LA equestrian facility protects rivers by getting horse owners to ‘scoop the poop’
“As a horse owner and general manager of the popular Hansen Dam Horse Park, Marnye Langer has spent years managing its 38-acre equestrian facility in Lake View Terrace. Nestled between the 210 and 5 freeways in Los Angeles on the edge of the Hansen Dam Recreation Area, the facility can board as many as 200 horses and is equipped with riding arenas, jumping rings and access to miles of trails. While running the busy park that hosts up to 50 horse shows each year, Langer recently ran into an unexpected problem: managing the horse poop. As CFO of Langer Equestrian Group, a parent company that owns the facility, Langer has heard about horse stables getting slammed with fines after failing to properly manage horse manure, and for committing stormwater discharge violations. But instead of spending millions of dollars on fancy catch basins and distilling equipment, she reached out to Duncan McIntosh, a consultant for Langer and the founder of the non-profit Earth-Riders. … ” Continue reading at the OC Register.
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Initial work begins on North Lake Salton Sea project
“A long-envisioned project that would create a separate lake along the north shore of the Salton Sea, providing recreational opportunities and habitat for fish and birds, is slowly inching closer to reality. Local and state officials gathered on Thursday to celebrate a key milestone on the North Lake Pilot Demonstration Project: the beginning of geophysical surveys to study the area’s soil, which will be used to make decisions on the project’s design. The project is still at least a year away from an official groundbreaking, but officials are keen to celebrate any progress on efforts at the Salton Sea, where the receding shoreline has left residents breathing in toxic dust for years while important bird and fish habitat also shrinks. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun.
SAN DIEGO
El Niño is expected to drive weather in winter. How San Diego may be impacted
“El Niño is anticipated to stick around across the country through winter for the first time in years, bringing with it seasonal weather that’s likely to be wetter than normal. The climate pattern is expected to be a stark change from the last three winters that have been dominated by La Niña, which typically means a dry winter in the southern half of the U.S. and colder, wetter conditions across the north. This year’s winter outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) forecasts that the southern states have the best chance to get heavier-than-average precipitation from December to February. … ” Read more from Fox 5.
Along the Colorado River …
How proposed long-term Colorado River protection plans affect Southern Nevada
“Federal officials are working on putting together new plans to protect the stability and sustainability of the Colorado River system. On Thursday, the Bureau of Reclamation published the Proposed Federal Action and a nearly 400-page Scoping Summary Report on how river operations will run after 2026. Current operating guidelines were created in 2007 and are set to expire. “The Colorado River Basin has come together over the past year to create a consensus path in the short term that now allows us to focus on the future,” said Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton. “As the range of alternatives is developed, Reclamation is committed to a collaborative, inclusive and transparent process with our partners, stakeholders and the public.” … ” Read more from Channel 13.
Colorado River water debate: Tribes weigh in on future agreements
““Please, from the bottom of my heart, prioritize tribal water rights and infrastructure,” Bridget Dorsey wrote. Dorsey was asking the U.S. government to honor commitments to Native Americans as it puts together a plan to manage the Colorado River. Her simple request is among the 268 pages of messages that have been indexed and filed as part of the “Scoping Report for Post-2026 Colorado River Reservoir Operations.” It’s a 390-page document. More than 15 tribes submitted comments that ranged from stern reminders of their right to govern themselves, reverence to nature and customs, and the need to be more involved in the decisions about the river. Messages like Dorsey’s aren’t lost in the mountains of legalese and governmentspeak. … ” Read more from KLAS.
Arizona lawmakers lash out at colleague for preventing groundwater regulation
“Upset with what he said are lies being told about his efforts to protect groundwater, the No. 2 Republican in the Arizona Senate is lashing out at a veteran House Republican who has for years bottled up various efforts to regulate rural pumping. In a memo to colleagues, Senate Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli said Rep. Gail Griffin misrepresented legislation he and Rep. Leo Biasiucci are trying to craft to let rural counties set up governing districts that could regulate how much water is pumped from the aquifers beneath them. … ” Read more from Arizona Daily Star.
Land, water and air report details key concerns, issues related to Utah’s natural resources
“A two-page spread showcasing a photo of light creeping over red rock outcroppings at Arches National Park is the first thing readers see when they open the third annual Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water and Air’s report to the governor and Utah Legislature. The report — compiled by Utah State University researchers and experts — is a snapshot of key issues and concerns related to Utah’s shared resources and provides context to these issues while highlighting areas that require further study. The report’s goal is to inform the public and Utah’s policymakers so they can be more equipped to make informed decisions regarding land, water and air. … ” Read more from KSL.
New head of state water board talks conservation programs
“The newly-appointed director of the state water board visited the Colorado River Water Conservation District in Glenwood Springs this past week, and their conversation focused on a topic that has long been a concern for the district: temporary, voluntary, and compensated water conservation programs. Lauren Ris, who took over as director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in August, replaces former CWCB director Becky Mitchell, who is turning her full attention to her position as the Colorado representative to the Upper Colorado River Commission and negotiating on behalf of the state on how to operate the Colorado River system. Ris, a water policy expert, had been deputy director of CWCB since 2017. … ” Read more from the Aspen Times.
A 1,200-year-old water concept flows through Colorado’s Costilla County
“In the small, idyllic town of San Luis, which sits near the foot of a fourteener, people grow their own food, a tradition that goes back generations, long before Colorado became a state. For residents who live in properties located in the heart of the community of 750 people, irrigation for the family gardens comes through a ditch, with each house plated on a strip of land, sometimes no more than 50 yards wide, that includes space for the home, outbuildings, the garden and livestock. The streets of San Luis, which boasts of being Colorado’s oldest continuously occupied town, are lined with homes on those strips of land, with the water channel in the backyard and sometimes in the front yard. But that water doesn’t belong to just one property owner who might hold a more senior right than a neighbor or someone further downstream. … ” Read more from Colorado Politics.
