In California water news today …
How America’s diet is feeding the groundwater crisis
“America’s striking dietary shift in recent decades, toward far more chicken and cheese, has not only contributed to concerns about American health but has taken a major, undocumented toll on underground water supplies. The effects are being felt in key agricultural regions nationwide as farmers have drained groundwater to grow animal feed. … Today alfalfa, a particularly water-intensive crop used largely for animal feed, covers 6 million acres of irrigated land, much of it in the driest parts of the American West. These transformations are tied to the changing American diet. Since the early 1980s, America’s per-person cheese consumption has doubled, largely in the form of mozzarella-covered pizza pies. And last year, for the first time, the average American ate 100 pounds of chicken, twice the amount 40 years ago. … ” Read more from the New York Times (gift article).
Who pays to get forever chemicals out of drinking water? It could be you
“Forever chemicals have shown up in drinking water across the country. Now they are appearing in homeowners’ soaring utility bills. Water systems are spending millions of dollars to filter out PFAS, the long-lasting compounds commonly known as forever chemicals, which have been linked to cancer and other health problems. Earlier this year 3M, DuPont, and two other companies agreed to proposed class-action settlements of contamination claims for up to $13.7 billion, but some water providers are already passing the cleanup cost on to customers. Communities including Hawthorne, N.J., Wellesley, Mass., and Wausau, Wis., have boosted their water rates by 13% to more than 50% after the discovery of PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, led them to build new filtration systems or buy water from other sources. … ” Read more from the Wall Street Journal (gift article).
Their land is sinking. But Tulare Lake farm barons defy calls to cut groundwater pumping
“Earlier this year, as floodwaters rushed toward the San Joaquin Valley city of Corcoran — home to roughly 20,000 people and a sprawling maximum-security state prison — emergency workers and desperate local officials begged the state for help raising their levee. Corcoran had been sinking, steadily, for years because of persistent overpumping of groundwater by major landowners in the Tulare Lake Basin that has sent the valley floor into a slow-motion collapse. And the levee raises made in 2017 — a multimillion-dollar effort funded by local property tax hikes and the prison system — were no longer up to the job. Ultimately, the state agreed to pour $17 million into another round of levee engineering in an effort to save the town. … Lost in the chaotic scramble was the fact that just months before the water began rising in the ancient Tulare lakebed, the local agencies responsible for managing groundwater pumping had insisted that subsidence — and the subsequent flooding and destruction it might cause — was not an immediate problem. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Central Sierra snowpack is a third of average, but researchers say there’s time for a turnaround
“Thirty seven percent of the historical average. That’s the current snowpack measurement at Donner Summit. Which stings a little more when coming off a near record-setting season. But when you have the perspective of more than 75 years, you know better than to write off the rest of winter, while understanding how the season has become much more challenging over time. “Even though we’re starting off in kind of a slow, and maybe a little bit of a precarious, spot with our snowpack, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll stay that way,” said Andrew Schwartz, the lead scientist at the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab, which measures precipitation, snowfall, snow depth, and air temperature. … ” Read more from Capital Public Radio.
California reservoir storage levels above average across most of state
“Most of California’s reservoirs remain above average in storage as the New Year arrives. Despite a slow start across much of California, there is still a good chance for a wet winter and a strong El Nino. It is a good news-bad news scenario, depending on how much rainfall we are likely to see in the next few months. If it is a low or an average rain year, the good news is we have water storage for carryover into 2024. The bad news is that if there is a repeat of the supersaturated storms that hit us last year – we may again face flooding issues. … ” Read more from the Visalia Times-Delta.
‘Conditions are deadly!’: Massive, dangerous Northern California waves predicted this week
“The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning for Bay Area beaches on Thursday, forecasting waves that could reach up to 30 feet. Much of the Northern and Central California coastlines were expected to see massive waves, the weather service said. In addition to large breaking waves, the swell was expected to bring rip currents and sneaker waves, the weather service warned. Such swells can be extremely dangerous, particularly when they catch swimmers off guard and pull them into deeper waters. National Weather Service Bay Area posted on X. “Never turn your back to the ocean,” the agency said. “These conditions are deadly!” … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
In commentary today …
Supporting the Delta Conveyance Project helps ensure a sustainable future
Gina Dorrington, GM of Ventura Water; Michael Flood, GM of Casitas Municipal Water District; Mauricio Guardado, GM of United Water Conservation District; and Tony Goff, GM of Calleguas Municipal Water District, write, “Ventura County’s mountain ranges, river valleys, and expansive plains provided an ideal setting for the dynamic towns and abundant agricultural operations we know and love. But we quickly outgrew the water resources our geography could provide, and sustainable water management — the delicate balance of maintaining our ecosystem and supporting the economic and social fabric of our region — has been a regional priority ever since. As a state, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance the sustainability of one of our critical regional supply sources, the State Water Project, via the Delta Conveyance Project. As a county, we need to stand united in our support. … ” Read more from the Ventura County Star.
The mighty coast redwoods are born to change. But can they evolve fast enough to survive climate warming?
“Coast redwoods — enormous, spectacular trees, some reaching nearly 400 feet, the tallest plants on the planet — thrive mostly in a narrow strip of land in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Most of them grow from southern Oregon down into Northern California, snugged up against the rugged Pacific coast. They have grown by slowly responding to moisture and rich alluvial soil over millenniums, combined with a genetic payload that pushes them to the upper limits of tree height. They are at risk — down to perhaps 70,000 individuals, falling from at least a half-million trees before humans arrived, but that’s not a new story, for we are all at risk. Redwoods, like all trees, are engineered marvels. People don’t tend to think of natural things as “structures,” leaving that term to stand in for buildings, bridges and dams. But although trees were not built by humans, they didn’t just happen. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
On the headwaters of the Klamath River, water shortages test tribes, farmers and wildlife
“Don Gentry stood under a pine tree on a late summer day overlooking the confluence of the Williamson River and Spring Creek. “We’re at the headwaters of the Klamath River, the spring creek that flows out of the ground up there,” said Gentry, pointing at the burbling waters that feed Upper Klamath Lake and eventually, the Klamath River. Gentry is the former chairman of the Klamath Tribes, who have been working to reclaim their reservation lands and waters in the Upper Klamath River Basin. They’re also trying to preserve the two fish species at the heart of their cultures. … ” Read more from USA Today.
Navigating the waters: Updates on the Russian River water forum and the future of the Potter Valley Project
“On December 7, 2023, the Russian River Water Forum Planning Group met in Ukiah, facilitated by Ben Gettleman, Jim Downing, and Henry DeRuff of Kearns & West. On December 5, the Sonoma County Supervisors and the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission voted to create a new Joint Powers Agreement to form the Eel-Russian Project Authority, an entity authorized to negotiate with PG&E regarding takeover of the Potter Valley Project diversion facilities. The proposed redesigned diversion will be called the New Eel-Russian Facility. The Eel-Russian Project Authority will be governed by a five-member board. … ” Read more from Mendo Fever.
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Early support from Sierra Nevada Conservancy leads to critical federal funding for North Yuba
“Just five years ago, the North Yuba River watershed was like many places in the Sierra Nevada, at high risk of suffering from a large and damaging wildfire and without a plan, or money, to meaningfully reduce that danger. Today, the risk remains, but, thanks to early funding from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC), and the dedicated focus and hard work of the North Yuba Forest Partnership, the Tahoe National Forest has a comprehensive plan to restore 275,000 acres—and $160 million of federal funding to do it. … ” Read more from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy.
BAY AREA.
Bay Area weather: Storm to bring strong wind and rain today
“A massive low-pressure system over the Pacific Ocean will unleash strong winds and rain across the Bay Area on Wednesday, with gusts up to 45 mph at the coast and 25 to 35 mph in San Francisco and Oakland. Several hours of rain are expected, totaling between a quarter- and a half-inch in the city, with heavier amounts in the North Bay and lighter totals to the south. While the area of low pressure is expected to remain hundreds of miles out to sea, the colossal size of the storm will promote strong winds all the way to the Bay Area. Wind will increase throughout the morning, peak during the afternoon and subside throughout the evening. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Inspectors pay surprise visit to Martinez oil refinery plagued by rash of problems
“Contra Costa Health officials began a surprise inspection at the embattled Martinez Refining Co. facility Tuesday, citing a series of emission problems over the last year and “misinformation” from the oil refining company. The PBF Energy-owned oil refinery in Martinez has reported 21 releases or spills of hazardous materials since November 2022, when the facility spewed at least 20 tons of an industrial dust called spent catalyst into surrounding neighborhoods. The company has also reported 46 incidents of flaring (an emergency process of burning off excess gases to prevent problems like explosions) over the last year, a rate of about once a week, officials said. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Pleasanton City Council reviews updates on Water System Management Plan
“The Pleasanton City Council received an update on the development of a Water System Management Plan on Tuesday, which outlined several short, middle and long term goals that staff said will ensure the city’s water system is modernized and functional. Staff’s presentation of the water system plan — which was originally set to be presented at the Dec. 5 council meeting but was continued to Tuesday — highlighted how even though the city already runs a solid water system, more work will need to be done in the coming years to continue to keep that high standard. … ” Read more from Pleasanton Weekly.
KQED’s MORNING REPORT: Conservationists help coho salmon return to Pescadero
“The town of Pescadero on the San Mateo County Coast was once known for fish. But a few decades ago salmon in Pescadero Creek went extinct. Now conservationists, with the help of farmers, scientists and federal money for combating climate change, are helping them come back.” Listen at KQED.
CENTRAL COAST
Two storms headed to Monterey County, expecting rainy New Year
“More rainy weather is headed to Monterey County this week, with rounds of rain and gusty winds expected to impact the area. A coastal flood advisory will go into effect from 9 a.m. Wednesday to 3 a.m. Friday and a high surf warning remains in effect from 3 a.m. Thursday to 3 a.m. Friday for the Northern Monterey Bay, Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast areas. The National Weather Service recommends people allow extra time for travel and to leave extra space in between vehicles when driving. Stormy weather with strong winds are also possible and could cause small trees and branches to fall, along with some flooding on the streets. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Local environmental groups petition wildlife commission for changes in protected coastal areas
“With the recovery of sea life seen in the last decade, environmental groups are petitioning the California Fish and Game Commission to now access Marine Protected Areas along Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar and Bolsa Chica for more research opportunities. The state’s program of Marine Protected Areas, or MPAs as they are commonly called, was created to help restore heavily fished and impacted sections of the California coastline that are now teaming again with marine life – they have become a model for addressing the degradation of sensitive areas globally. There are 124 MPAs scattered along the state’s coast, including 50 in Southern California. All rocky intertidal and reef habitats that provide sanctuaries for marine life are protected, and removing anything or altering them is prohibited in many of the MPAs. … ” Read more from the OC Register.
Along the Colorado River …
Officials propose historic agreement to permanently include tribes in Colorado River matters
“For tribal nations in the Colorado River Basin, repairing a century of exclusion is a crucial step in planning for the river’s future. A new proposal could grant them a permanent seat at the table. Collectively, the 30 tribal nations in the basin have rights to about 26% of the Colorado River’s average flow, but states and the federal government have repeatedly left them out of major decisions about how the river’s water is stored, divided up and distributed. … Tribal water concerns have been addressed through legislation, court decisions, contracts and more through the decades. However, tribal leaders say they are informed of decisions about how the river is managed, instead of being included in the decision-making process. … For the first time, six tribal nations are negotiating an agreement with four basin states and the federal government to give them a permanent voice at one important table. … ” Read more from the Colorado Sun.
2024 forecasts show less water will flow into Lake Powell. Don’t panic, experts say
“Federal forecasts for the Colorado River’s water supply – the water source for 40 million people – predict a substantial drop as the snow season limps into the new year. Water flowing into Lake Powell is forecast to be 79% of its historical average, according to a December monthly report from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. One major cause is the poor showing of snow in the Rocky Mountains, but it’s not time to panic yet, water experts say. “It’s December, we still have several months of accumulation potential,” said Russ Schumacher, Colorado’s state climatologist. “There’s no reason to freakout about solely the fact that snowpack is low at this point because there’s still time to make that up. But we also know that, as the climate has been warming, the snowpack that we do get doesn’t go quite as far.” … ” Read more from the Durango Herald.
‘Irresponsible boondoggle’: Conservation groups call on government to reconsider Lake Powell Pipeline
“While the Lake Powell Pipeline project is on hold as issues concerning the future water availability of the Colorado River between impacted states play out, a coalition of environmental groups is asking the United States Department of the Interior to kill the project once and for all. “The Lake Powell Pipeline is a paper dinosaur that needs to be shredded once and for all,” Zach Frankel, executive director of the Utah Rivers Council, said in a media release. “Forty million residents need the federal government to step in and stop Utah from wasting anymore tax money on this irresponsible boondoggle.” The Utah Rivers Council, along with the eight other groups, sent a letter to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland asking her to “direct the Bureau of Reclamation to eject the proposed Lake Powell Pipeline from its current permitting.” … ” Read more from the St. George Spectrum.
In national water news today …
A year of extreme weather, as seen from space
“This year will conclude as the hottest on record, with warming reaching new highs in the final months of 2023. Unprecedented heat helped fuel another year of extreme weather. From the worst wildfire season in Canadian history to the strongest cyclone ever recorded, 2023 saw record weather disasters worldwide. These satellite images, from NASA’s Earth Observatory, show the startling impact of extreme weather in 2023.” Check out the pictures at Yale e360.
As the Endangered Species Act turns 50, those who first enforced it reflect on its mixed legacy
“On Dec. 28, 1973, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act. “Nothing,” he said, “is more priceless and more worthy of preservation than the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed.” The powerful new law charged the federal government with saving every endangered plant and animal in America and enjoyed nearly unanimous bipartisan support. The Act was so sweeping that, in retrospect, it was bound to become controversial, especially since it allowed species to be listed as endangered without consideration for the economic consequences. In that way it pitted two American values against each other: the idea that Americans should preserve their incredible natural resources (the United States invented the national park, after all) and the notion that capitalism was king and private property inviolate. … ” Read more from the Associated Press.
