In California water news today …
Rain, snow and chilly air take aim on West Coast this weekend
“The massive storm forecast to cross the country, bringing blizzard conditions and severe thunderstorms to the central and eastern U.S. early next week will get its start in the West this weekend, where it will arrive amid chillier air, AccuWeather meteorologists warn. “Another in a lengthy series of storms will come ashore in the Northwest this weekend along with a cold front,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heather Zehr. Beginning Friday night, the storm will come ashore with some rain and gusty winds, as well as bring snow to the higher elevations, where snow levels—the elevation at which rain changes to snow—will fall through the weekend. The storm will be a continuation of a parade of storms that began early this week and will continue with another system next week. … ” Read more from AccuWeather.
‘Change your plans’: Whiteout conditions forecast for California’s Sierra
“What forecasters are calling a the biggest snow storm California has seen since the start of the season is expected to bring heavy snow and whiteout conditions to California’s Sierra Nevada Range, including the Tahoe Basin, this weekend. “Difficult to impossible travel is possible in the Sierra,” the National Weather Service said in a Thursday social media post. “Change your plans if possible.” “For the Sierra, this will be the strongest we’ve seen yet,” Eric Kurth a forecaster with the weather service told SFGATE. … ” Read more from SF Gate.
SEE ALSO:
- ‘Heavy snow’ prompts winter storm warning for California mountains, from the San Francisco Chronicle
- Snowstorm to bring whiteout conditions to Tahoe, Sierra, from the San Francisco Chronicle
- Storms to bring heavy snow, powerful winds to the North State mountains this weekend, from the Redding Record Searchlight
Where did the snow go?
“Almost no one in the United States experienced a white Christmas. Ski areas in the West are closed. The Great Lakes began the year with the lowest amount of ice in at least 50 years. Midwesterners are jogging in T-shirts in the dead of winter. Record warmth and changing precipitation patterns mean most of the United States is not getting its usual snowfall. The balmy start to winter isn’t just hurting skiers and ice fisherman: The snow that blankets mountain ranges in winter serves as a vital reservoir, cooling rivers, propelling hydropower systems and feeding irrigation channels needed for the nation’s apples, blueberries and almonds. It is also giving many a new appreciation for living in a time of rapid planetary warming. … ” Read more from the New York Times.
Mountains in the West have a lot less snow than they should right now
“It’s the heart of winter, but the Mountain West is mired in a widespread snow drought. Although snow season started strong in some spots, it has since flatlined. Resorts in Utah are running on limited terrain. Idaho and Montana mountains are hurting for snow. So is the Pacific Northwest. The Sierra just picked up some to open the year, but it needs a good deal more to get out of the rut. Some areas have less than a third of the amount of snow that they should have in January. And many individual stations are registering record low snow numbers, according to Dan McEvoy, a climatologist for the Desert Research Institute and the Western Regional Climate Center in Reno, Nev. … ” Read more from the Washington Post.
SEE ALSO: Is California headed for drought after dry start to water year? What climate experts say, from the Sacramento Bee
California’s new water conservation rules too stringent and costly, analysts say
“California’s legislative advisors today lambasted the state’s ambitious proposal to regulate urban water conservation, calling the measures costly and difficult to achieve, “in many cases without compelling justifications.” The proposed rules, unveiled in August, call for more than 400 cities and other water suppliers serving about 95% of Californians to meet conservation targets beginning in 2025. The state Legislative Analyst’s Office suggested significant changes to the State Water Resources Control Board’s proposal, warning that the regulations would set “such stringent standards for outdoor use that suppliers will not have much ‘wiggle room’ in complying.” They also warn that the added costs will ultimately be borne by customers. “Whether the benefits of the new rules ultimately will outweigh the costs is unclear,” the report says. “These doubts are particularly worrisome given we find that suppliers will face notable challenges complying with these requirements.” … ” Read more from Cal Matters.
Report reveals deficiencies in California plan to boost urban water conservation
“In 2018, the California Legislature passed parallel bills to improve urban water conservation. Now, the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office suggests the laws should be modified to make the regulations less complicated, less challenging and costly to implement — and less onerous for lower-income households. Senate Bill 606 and Assembly Bill 1668 aim to conserve water in the face of drought — which the state has experienced in 9 of the past 11 years — decreased snowpacks and climate change. Other state plans call for more water recycling, desalinating ocean water, stormwater capture and expanding above- and below-ground storage capacity, all of which the state has plowed a billion dollars into over the last decade. The bills require the State Water Resources Control Board to draft policies that specifically target reductions in urban water use — the water that 95% of residents use for drinking, bathing and watering their lawns. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service.
Delta tunnel moves one step closer to fruition
“The Delta tunnel project, a proposed overhaul of the infrastructure that services the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, is one step closer to getting underway following approval from the Department of Water Resources on Dec. 21. The next step involves the Department of Water Resources (DWR) seeking federal and state permits for the project. “The Delta Conveyance Project is a proposal to modernize water infrastructure in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta by making physical improvements to how we capture and move water during wet years for use in dry years with a tunnel system,” the project’s website explains. … ” Read more from the Brentwood Press.
Delta Levees Investment Strategy becomes California state law
“The new year has brought new flood protections for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The Delta Stewardship Council has successfully amended the Delta Levees Investment Strategy (DLIS), a tool the state uses to prioritize investments in Delta levee operations, maintenance and improvements, thus reducing the likelihood and consequences of levee failures. The amendment assigns very high, high, or other priority to islands or tracts within the Delta and Suisun Marsh and directs the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to fund levee improvement projects by order of priority. Additionally, it requires the DWR to submit an annual report to the Council describing Delta levee investments relative to the established priorities. The amended regulation took effect on January 1, 2024. … ” Read more from the Contra Costa Herald.
Press release: Sites Reservoir project will improve water dependability for SoCal residents
“As two of the top three investors in the Sites Reservoir Project, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA) and San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (SBVMWD) were critical partners in the approval of the project which will benefit Pass Area communities by capturing and storing water for later use. The Sites Reservoir Project is a 1.5 million acre-foot off-stream water storage project that will improve water reliability throughout California. Located north of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the project would provide water supply and environmental benefits during dry periods. The Sites Project Authority, as the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act, certified the project’s final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and approved the project at a meeting in November 2023. SGPWA and SBVMWD were present at the meeting, with SGPWA General Manager Lance Eckhart making the first motion to certify the EIR, followed by a second from SBVMWD General Manager Heather Dyer. “We are proud to be part of such a historic move to strengthen our state’s water resources,” said SGPWA President Larry Smith. … ” Read more from the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency.
In commentary today …
Prioritizing equity in statewide water management
Rick L. Callender, Esq., President of the NAACP California/Hawaii State Conference, writes, “Climate change exacerbates California’s extreme wet and dry conditions, disrupting water delivery systems designed for historical seasonal precipitation patterns. As state and local water managers grapple with these challenges, the needs of Black, Brown, and disadvantaged communities cannot be ignored as it relates to access to water. Where we see the greatest threat to disadvantaged communities is in water rates. One of the most affordable sources of water in the state comes from the State Water Project, which serves more than 27 million people, including 8 million disadvantaged community members spanning from the Bay Area to the border with Mexico and communities in between. Securing the reliability of the State Water Project is key to affordability. … ” Read more from Capitol Weekly.
In regional water news and commentary today …
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Tahoe National Forest acquires 982-acres of critical meadow habitat thanks to Truckee Donner Land Trust
“Tahoe National Forest has acquired 982-acres within Perazzo Meadows located northwest of Truckee, Calif. after Truckee Donner Land Trust donates the land to the forest. The 982-acres includes 16 adjoining parcels of an old subdivision in which developers had previously planned high-end residential development. The land trust purchased the parcels in 2008, permanently protecting the land from development. … ” Read more from Yuba Net.
More than 600 pieces of plastic found polluting popular Lake Tahoe areas, new study finds
“The world’s largest alpine lake and a California jewel is being littered with plastic. In a study published late last year in the journal Applied Spectroscopy, scuba divers found 673 pieces of plastic in the lakebed of Lake Tahoe at five different locations, raising concerns about the extent of plastic pollution across the lake. Researchers found that the greatest source of pollution was degraded pieces of plastic followed by food containers, bottles, plastic bags and toys. The highest concentrations of plastics were found in recreation areas such as Hidden Beach and South Sand Harbor. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
No harm, no foul, no suit in fight over Sacramento River pollution
“A federal judge ruled Thursday an environmental group that sued a Woodland, California, company over contaminated water in the Sacramento River lacks standing to bring its case. Central Valley Eden Environmental Defenders sued Champion Home Builders this past June. Eden claims stormwater flows over Champion’s facility, collecting sediment, metals and other contaminants and then flows into a canal and creek that feeds into the Sacramento River. Champion makes modular homes and buildings at its Woodland site, about 20 miles northwest of Sacramento. … ” Continue reading from the Courthouse News Service.
New salmon successes
“Within weeks of a $3.6 million Water Forum project completion in October, giant chinook were spawning in new gravel beds beside Ancil Hoffman Park. At the peak of the fall American River salmon run, biologists commissioned by the Forum counted more than 100 new redds (nests) in river reaches that have been less than hospitable for spawning for decades. Salmon were digging nurseries when this reporter joined the survey of six augmented acres at Upper River Bend. After salmon, steelhead will use the same breeding habitat. Another species benefitted by the project is Pacific Lamprey, that breed in the same habitat. “Monitoring is important” explains Kirsten Sellheim, senior scientist for Cramer Fish Sciences. “We bring what we learn into the next project design. In spring, we’ll do more monitoring here to learn how juvenile fish are using side channels that were part of this project. … ” Read more from the Carmichael Times.
NAPA/SONOMA
Napa’s main reservoirs see some refill from storms
“Recent rainfall in California has started refilling reservoirs, and that includes Lake Hennessey, the city of Napa’s primary water source. The reservoir holds up to 31,000 acre-feet of water — one acre-foot of water is equivalent to about 325,851 gallons. As of Jan. 4, Lake Hennessey was at 78.6% of its capacity, with 24,395 acre-feet, according to city data. Water levels last year dropped to a low of 23,350 acre-feet, or about 75% capacity. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
BAY AREA
A deep dive into Pleasanton’s new water rates
“After countless city meetings, public discourse and deliberations this past year, Pleasanton ratepayers will see the first of two rate increases this month in their water bills that the City Council approved back in November. An average single-family home will experience a 30% increase in their water portion of their utility bill, and the same homes will then see another 12% increase take effect in January 2025. Those who use more water will be seeing more than a 30% increase in 2024 under the variable structure, as will most commercial and multi-family residential customers. … ” Continue reading from Plesanton Weekly.
CENTRAL COAST
County rushed to clear culverts after 2020 Carmel Fire; it’s unclear they’ll get reimbursed.
“In August 2020, in wake of the Carmel Fire, the County of Monterey hurried to clear culverts along Cachagua Road, much of which was burned over in that fire. The County Board of Supervisors had already approved a major disaster declaration with respect to that fire and the nearby River Fire. Such a declaration is intended to expedite work on the ground by, in theory, removing a lot of bureaucracy and environmental review, It also comes with the hope of reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But with respect to the county’s work on the road to clear the culverts – work the cost about $1.5 million – FEMA denied the county’s request for reimbursement in September, citing concerns about a lack of environmental review for impacts on California tiger salamander and California red-legged frog, both of which are protected under the Endangered Species Act. … ” Read more from Monterey Weekly.
City of Santa Barbara water supply report available for public review
“The City’s Annual Water Supply Management Report is available for public review. This document summarizes the City’s water production and water use over the past water year (October 2022 – September 2023), water supply outlook, and conservation efforts. The draft report is scheduled for review and approval at City Council on January 23. The City of Santa Barbara operates the water utility to provide water for its citizens, certain out-of-City areas, and visitors. Santa Barbara has an arid climate, so providing an adequate water supply requires careful management of water resources. … ” Read more from Edhat.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
15,000-gallon sewage spill forces water closures at beaches in Long Beach
“Swimming areas west of Belmont Shore are temporarily closed for water contact because of a sewage spill in San Gabriel, Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis said Wednesday. About 15,000 gallons of sewage spilled into Rubio Wash, which leads to the Los Angeles River, according to a report received early Wednesday afternoon from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. A grease blockage in the San Gabriel sewer main line caused the spill, the report said. While the origin of the spill is more than 25 miles away, the sewage will eventually make its way to Long Beach shores via the Los Angeles River, Davis said. … ” Read more from the Long Beach Post.
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Local groundwater plan to boost stores
“The Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) for the Coachella Valley – San Gorgonio Pass Subbasin was approved by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) this fall, a vital step toward maintaining the stability of the subbasin for the local residents who rely on it. The subbasin encompasses about 35,965 acres and is a water source for several local communities, nearly all in disadvantaged or severely disadvantaged communities. The GSP is designed to balance water demand with available water supply by 2042, protecting future water reliability. The plan identifies six projects that will improve groundwater conditions, including stormwater capture, recharge programs, new pipelines, increased imported water access and spreading, and municipal water conservation measures, such as rebates. … ” Read more from the Record-Gazette.
SAN DIEGO
Why are San Diego’s beaches shrinking?
“Another day of high surf for San Diego on Thursday didn’t mean what it did last week. As lifeguards pointed out on Thursday, though, San Diegans might notice something different besides the waves. Oceanside Lifeguard Sgt. Jonathan Chesne said there’s less sand on the beach after the recent king tides and high surf. “So, definitely impacted,” Chesner said. Chesner said that people who know a particular stretch of the coast well know that it’s no stranger to sand erosion. … ” Continue reading from NBC 7.
Gastrointestinal issues increase in South Bay with possible ties to transboundary flows
“An increase in gastrointestinal issues has led Dr. Matthew Dickson and Dr. Kim Dickson of South Bay Urgent Care to worry about what is in the air residents are breathing and the water they are drinking. The clinic, which sees patients from many areas of South Bay — Imperial Beach, Coronado, National City, San Ysidro, and Otay — has noticed a trend in gastrointestinal problems and respiratory issues among patients, which coincide with spikes in transboundary pollution. But the most interesting fact is that patients have not been in contact with the ocean since beaches are closed in Imperial Beach and Coronado. Instead, there is a distinct possibility that the air South Bay residents are breathing is making them sick. … ” Read more from the Eagle & Times.
Along the Colorado River …
Snowfall is below average in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. That’s bad news for the Colorado River
“Last year, the drought on the Colorado River was eased some by generous rain and snowfall throughout the Southwest. But, so far this winter, we’re seeing what some are calling a “snow drought.” Snow totals across the West are lower than average for this time of year, ski resorts are making snow to get skiers on the slopes, and all of it has big implications for the shrinking Colorado River, which flows to about 40 million people across the Southwest. Alex Hager, who covers the Colorado River basin for KUNC, joined The Show to tell us more about it. … ” Read transcript or listen at KJZZ.
Will Arizona close a loophole that lets developers build without water?
“When a small Arizona community called Rio Verde Foothills lost its water supply one year ago, forcing locals to skip showers and eat off paper plates, it became a poster child for unwise desert development. The rural neighborhood of about 2,000 people north of Phoenix had relied on trucked-in water deliveries from the nearby city of Scottsdale, but the city elected to stop deliveries to conserve its own water amid a climate-fueled drought on the Colorado River. Last month, after months of public debate over how to resolve the crisis in Rio Verde Foothills, the state government approved a deal that will restore permanent water access to the beleaguered community, albeit with much higher bills than residents are used to. But when the new legislative session begins next week, the Republican-led chamber may actually weaken the standards that govern new development, rather than tightening them, clearing the way for thousands more homes to pop up on water-insecure outskirts of Phoenix and Tucson. “The broader solutions are tougher, and people may not be ready to contemplate what really fixing the problem would require,” said Priya Sundareshan, a Democratic state senator who represents part of Tucson. … ” Continue reading at Grist.
