DAILY DIGEST, holiday weekend edition: Dual storms to renew flooding, landslide risk; No more Delta smelt? The Delta tunnel project threatens their extinction; Taxpayer group delivers petition regarding Blue Triton to USFS; Key Colorado River negotiator says talks must shift away from status quo amid ‘crisis’; and more …

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On the calendar Friday …

• MEETING: Central Valley Water Board beginning at 9am. Agenda items include consideration of numerous WDR and NPDES permits. Click here for the full agenda.

In California water news this weekend …

Dual storms to renew flooding, landslide risk across California

“Two consecutive storms slated to move into California this weekend into early next week will renew travel concerns and the threat of flooding across the state, AccuWeather meteorologists say.  After a brief dry stretch during the day Friday across the West Coast, the first of the two storms will arrive along the Northern California and southwestern Oregon coast Friday night then spread inland through Saturday night. The heaviest precipitation will focus across Northern and Central California, where a general 0.50-1.50 inch of rain can fall with localized amounts as high as 3 inches in some of the higher terrain near the coast. … ”  Read more from AccuWeather.

California storm pattern returning with flood, mudslide threats beginning Saturday

“California is facing another multi-day siege of stormy weather for several days starting Saturday, which could result in the potential for flooding rainfall, landslides, heavy mountain snow, strong winds and coastal flooding.  A series of low pressure systems will approach the West Coast beginning Saturday. Multiple atmospheric river events are possible, which will increase flooding concerns. Heavy flooding rain, mountain snow, gusty winds and coastal flooding are expected. … ”  Read the full forecast at The Weather Channel.

SEE ALSO:

• A trio of storms will deliver another soaking to California, from the Washington Post
  
• California’s next big storm is on its way. Here’s a timeline for heavy rain and snow, from the San Francisco Chronicle

California’s chain of storms continue, replenishing reservoirs

“While intense snow and rain can be a serious challenge, the silver lining is the color of abundant clear, clean water.  Snowpack-wise, the UC Central Sierra Snow Lab reports California is now at 88% of the historical amount of Sierra rain and snow for this date. But, the water content in the snowpack is only 57%.  The reservoirs are in far better shape with a lot more rain coming provided that it keeps coming.   “It’s great to see this stream of storms because even to get up to average condition, we need four or five big storms during our winter wet season,” said UC Merced Water professor Roger Bales. … ”  Read more from KTVU.

California-Nevada drought status update: Atmospheric rivers turn around a dry start to the water year

“A warmer, drier start to the water year was at first buffered by carryover (e.g., soil moisture, reservoir storage) from the wetter-than-normal Water Year 2023.  More recently, atmospheric river events alleviated water year precipitation deficits throughout parts of the region. The February 4–7 event brought 20% to over 40% of water year normal precipitation for parts of southern California. Snow drought conditions are improving, but the Sierra Nevada snowpack remains below normal.  This ongoing wet pattern is expected to continue over the coming days and weeks. Temperatures will be key in determining the extent of snowpack building and snowmelt rates going into spring and summer. … ”  Read more from NIDIS.

California’s wet winter leaves groves susceptible to disease, waterlogging

“The El Niño cycle bringing wet weather to California is one of the strongest such cycles on record, according to researchers from the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA).  Their assertions are corroborated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s climate prediction center, which also reported a 62 percent chance El Niño would continue from April through June with historically strong conditions early in the year.  Record-shattering rains poured over sections of California this week, with rainfall totals as high as ten inches (25 centimeters), bringing widespread flash floods. As atmospheric rivers pound California, olive growers face the challenge of potential diseases and problems that may ensue. … ” Read more from the Olive Oil Times.

No more Delta smelt? The Delta tunnel project threatens their extinction for good

“A project to move water from the Sacramento region down to Southern California was recently approved by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). The $16 billion Delta Conveyance Project is causing major controversy around environmental concerns.  This is a very complex issue, Californians are in need of water all over the state. But with a project like the delta tunnel, environmentalists say the 50 species of fish in the delta are at risk as well as the wildlife and people who depend on the fish.  “I don’t think it’s gonna make the situations we already have goin’ any better i think it’s probably gonna make it worse,” said recreational fisherman Hayden Kell. … ”  Read more from CBS Sacramento.

PRESS RELEASE: US Forest Service Chief allows company to drain water from San Bernardino National Forest. Taxpayers demand answers.

“Corporate accountability group Ekō installed a giant billboard and hand-delivered over 85,000 petition signatures at the US Forest Service headquarters in Washington DC today. Ekō staff also attempted to meet with US Forest Service Chief Randy Moore, but were denied entry to the building. The petition demands that the Forest Service deny bottled water giant BlueTriton’s permit to occupy public lands and order the company to remove all pipes, boreholes, and tunnels from the San Bernardino National Forest.  When Ekō Sr. Campaign Manager Lacey Kohlmoos attempted to enter the Forest Service headquarters office for the routine petition delivery, security officers stopped her and told her to leave the building immediately. She requested that they call the US Forest Sevice office to send someone down to accept the signatures, but her request was denied.  After calling and emailing the staff members whom Kohlmoos had previously contacted about the petition delivery, the Forest Service office finally sent down a member of the communications team to accept the petition on the sidewalk in front of the building. … ”  Continue reading this press release from Ekō.

Almonds: the nut we love to hate – a California grower’s perspective

Aubrey Bettencourt, third- generation California farmer and the President and CEO of the Almond Alliance, writes, “Hating on almonds is nuts. Let me explain.  As a California almond grower, I’m part of the community that produces 80% of the world’s almonds and 100% of the supply for the United States. Despite their clear benefits, almonds have unfairly been smeared, entangled in an outdated and misplaced narrative. It’s time to illuminate the truth behind this much-maligned nut.  The criticism surrounding almond water usage has often overshadowed the remarkable steps the industry has taken toward sustainability and environmental responsibility. A decade ago, a Mother Jones article painted a grim picture, but the almond industry today is in a much different place. We’re not merely adapting. We’re leading – with advancements in irrigation technology, such as micro-irrigation systems and moisture sensors, making almond cultivation more efficient than ever. Since then, almond farming has reduced water usage by over 50 percent, a testament to our commitment to sustainability.  For us, sustainable farming is not merely a catchphrase – it’s a deeply ingrained practice. … ”  Read more from the California Globe.

SEE ALSO:  The politics of Almond Day, in a nutshell, from Politico

After shutting down, these golf courses went wild

“There was scraggly grass in one sand trap and wooden blocks and a toy castle in another, evidence of children at play. People were walking their dogs on the fairway, which was looking rather ragged and unkempt. This was only to be expected.  Nowadays, these grounds are mowed just twice a year, and haven’t been doused with pesticides or rodenticides since 2018, which was when this 157-acre stretch of land stopped being the San Geronimo Golf Course, and began a journey toward becoming wild, or at least wilder, once again. A small number of shuttered golf courses around the country have been bought by land trusts, municipalities and nonprofit groups and transformed into nature preserves, parks and wetlands. Among them are sites in Detroit, Pennsylvania, Colorado, the Finger Lakes of upstate New York, and at least four in California. … ”  Continue reading at the New York Times (gift article).

Wheat fields or walkable city for Solano open space?

“California’s two-lane State Route 12 passes through rolling hills where farmers grow wheat without irrigation and where critically endangered mountain plovers and threatened Swainson’s hawks over-winter and breed. For Solano County residents like me, it’s a place for bird watching, marveling at ancient creatures in Jepson Prairie’s vernal pools, talking to farmers whose ancestors settled the land more than a century ago, and appreciating the tule fog draped hills. Even the wind turbines have a certain kind of grace.  But this state of grace in our county’s rolling hills was shaken last summer by a proposal for a 17,500-acre new sustainable city in the same landscape. Now, after several months of forums, town hall meetings, opposition organizing, and national press coverage (with much more to come), Solano County voters will likely decide whether to embrace or reject what is now called the “East Solano Homes, Jobs, and Clean Energy Initiative” in November 2024. … ”  Read more from Knee Deep Times.

SEE ALSO:  California Forever developers could create their own de facto government, lawmakers warn, from the San Francisco Chronicle

ACWA-sponsored legislation aimed at further reforming Proposition 218 process

“When ACWA builds strong coalitions, we give our advocacy the best possible opportunity to succeed in benefiting our members. And this year, we’ve hit the ground running by launching a coalition in support of an ACWA-sponsored bill that could inject some badly needed common sense into the Proposition 218 process for setting rates.  We’ll depend on member agencies joining this coalition by signing onto a letter and engaging with their local legislators. A recent Outreach Alert contains all the information your agency needs to get behind this effort. … ”  Read more from ACWA’s Water News.

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In regional water news this weekend …

NORTH COAST

World’s biggest dam removal project changing a California river: What’s at stake with the world’s largest dam removal project.

Taking down four dams to restore the environment means huge impact for California indigenous tribes and salmon spawning grounds on the Klamath River.  Watch video below or read story.

KRRC marks end of drawdown, highlights restoration efforts

“The Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) marked the end of its initial drawdown phase on Thursday. The draining of Iron Gate, Copco and J.C. Boyle reservoirs is complete, according to the KRRC.  During a press conference on Thursday morning, the KRRC and a restoration manager reviewed the timeline for the project, which is still running according to plan.  With the initial drawdown phase complete, KRRC CEO Mark Bransom said the progress being made is “inspiring.”   “The Klamath is now reconnected for the first time in a century,” Branson stated in a press release. “While we are in the very earliest stages of restoring this important waterway, we can envision a bright future for what was once the third most productive salmon bearing river on the West Coast of the lower 48 states.” … ”  Read more from Channel 12.

Initial drawdown complete, Klamath Basin restoration has begun ahead of historic dam removal this fall

“With the largest dam removal project in U.S. history mere months away from its scheduled completion, work has officially begun on restoring the Lower Klamath Basin to conditions not seen for more than a century.  Up to 20 billion seeds comprising 98 different species are now being spread across newly exposed landscapes that have sat mostly underwater for the past 100 years.  In a project update presented via Zoom Thursday morning, Klamath River Renewal Corporation CEO Mark Bransom said the reservoirs have been drained behind the four dams slated for removal: JC Boyle, Copco No. 1, Iron Gate and Copco No. 2, which was already brought down last month. … ”  Read more from the Lost Coast Outpost.

SEE ALSO:

• Klamath Basin Tribes, Project Irrigators Sign Landmark Agreement on Ecosystem Restoration, from KRCR
• As the Klamath River dries, tribal nations and farmers come to rare agreement, from Grist
• Klamath, Yurok, Karuk Tribes working on restoring Klamath Basin ecosystem, from KOBI 5
• Commentary:  Klamath Dam Removal Project Creates Super-Fund Site?, at the Siskiyou Daily News

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

President’s Day weekend: 3 feet of new snow forecast for Lake Tahoe ski resorts

“The Sierra Nevada will see another round of storms just in time to load the slopes with fresh snow for the three-day President’s Day weekend.  The first of two storm systems moves in Saturday followed by a more significant system Sunday night.  Saturday night’s snowfall will be measured in inches, but by Sunday start counting in feet, suggested meteorologist Matt Chyba with the National Weather Service in Reno.  According to Chyba, Saturday’s storm should leave about 6 inches in the mountains. But by Sunday night into Monday morning, snow could start falling at a rate of 2 to 3 inches an hour, leaving up to 3 feet in the higher elevations. … ”  Read more from the Reno Gazette Journal.

SEE ALSO:  Tahoe snow: Back-to-back storms to impact holiday weekend travel, from the San Francisco Chronicle

About dam time: A century-plus of the Tahoe Dam

“Rain and snowmelt flow down 63 tributaries into Lake Tahoe, but just one river runs out of the alpine lake — the Truckee River. But many visitors to the famed lake may not realize that 400 feet downstream sits the Tahoe Dam, a 110-year old concrete structure in Tahoe City controlling the top six feet of water stored in Big Blue.  Spanning roughly 192 square miles across California and Nevada and with a maximum depth of 1,645 feet, Lake Tahoe’s massive size makes it an important water source for the region. The water flowing through the Truckee River is vital for the communities downstream, provides invaluable habitat for wildlife and fish, and irrigates thousands of acres of cropland in western Nevada.  But how the water was going to be used wasn’t always so clear. The first dam on the Truckee River was reportedly constructed in the early 1870s, according to the California Department of Water Resources. … ”  Read more from the Sierra Sun.

South Tahoe PUD to address water, sewer infrastructure needs

“Most of South Lake Tahoe’s water and sewer systems were built in the 1950s and 1960s. Additional investments are needed to continue repairing and replacing old water and sewer facilities to avoid costly emergency projects and prepare for the next wildfire.  On Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 6 p.m. South Tahoe Public Utility District will host a public meeting to discuss costs associated with future capital improvements and possible increases to water and sewer rates.  The District’s complex water, sewer, and recycled water systems need ongoing maintenance, replacement, and improvements. The District has identified the following needs to be addressed over the next five years … ”  Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Protection of Shasta County ranch provides agricultural, educational, wildlife, and climate resiliency benefits

“Ross Ranch is an 854-acre working ranch that lies within the City of Redding’s sphere of influence, or the identified expansion area for the city. The property is leased to cattle ranchers and beekeepers, with 30 acres used by neighboring Shasta College for cattle grazing. In 2018, the California Strategic Growth Council awarded the Shasta Land Trust an approximately $5.6 million Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) grant to acquire an agricultural conservation easement that permanently protects Ross Ranch from development. Match funding came from Shasta Land Trust donors and from the McConnell Foundation, the owner of the property. … ”  Read more from California Climate Investments.

Vitalizing healthy rivers, landscapes, and our communities in the Sacramento River basin

By: Bryce Lundberg, Chair, Board of Directors, and David Guy, President of the Northern California Water Association, write, “The Northern California Water Association (NCWA) Board of Directors recently approved its 2024 Strategic Priorities–a new riverscape vision for the Sacramento River Basin that blends the wisdom of leading scientists and local knowledge to better understand and take various actions to integrate our wonderful rivers and creeks with our landscapes and communities in a way that will bring the entire region to life through our precious water resources.  NCWA and water leaders in the region continue to adapt to our climate reality by vitalizing our healthy rivers, landscapes, and communities in the Sacramento River Basin from ridgetop to river mouth. We look forward to working hard in 2024 with our many collaborators to advance multi-benefit water management to cultivate a shared vision in the region for a vibrant way of life. … ”  Read more from the Northern California Water Association.

NAPA/SONOMA

A landscape made to flood in Sonoma

“Wooden fence posts poking just above the surface and tall oaks with their trunks submerged are sure signs that the land is flooded. That word, “flooded,” has a negative connotation, an association with destruction. But here it is positive – even protective. And if the San Francisco Estuary Institute, Sonoma County Water Agency, and Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation get what they want, more water, not less, is destined for this place.  The Laguna de Santa Rosa drains much of urban Sonoma County, a watershed of 250 square miles, and is the largest tributary of the mighty Russian River. The more water that this creek and its floodplain can slow and absorb, the less water will rush downstream to threaten truly catastrophic flooding in Guerneville, Monte Rio, and Rio Nido. … ”  Read more from Knee Deep Times.

BAY AREA

Marin Municipal Water District adopts five-year strategic plan

“The Marin Municipal Water District has adopted a five-year strategy after months of planning around how the agency can improve.  Targets for water supply, drought resiliency, land stewardship, fiscal responsibility and organizational excellence are wrapped into the plan that will chart the course of action through 2028.  “We’re finishing the strategic plan, but this really is just the beginning of the next step, which is implementing the plan,” Ranjiv Khush, president of the district board, said Tuesday. “This is a small part of what we’re trying to accomplish.”  Ben Horenstein, general manager of the district, said officials ensured that the plan is an “actionable document.” … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.

A fix for old drains, old trees with new rainfall

“Navigating El Camino Real (State Route 92) through the city of Burlingame has been challenging — and sometimes nerve-wracking — for drivers and pedestrians alike for decades. The pavement is uneven and heavily cracked, and the massive eucalyptus trees that line the four-lane highway crowd the road, impeding sightlines and occasionally shedding branches, while their root systems buckle the narrow sidewalks. Flooding occurs during virtually every storm, thanks to an ancient drainage system and uneven pavement. Now, a CalTrans project to rehabilitate 3.6 miles of El Camino promises to remedy many of these issues, improving safety and climate resilience.  The El Camino Real Roadway Renewal Project will completely replace the pavement, including underground structures, between Millbrae and San Mateo, and upgrade sidewalks to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. … ”  Read more from Knee Deep Times.

CENTRAL COAST

Soquel Creek Water eyes rate increase while some voice criticism

“As the sustainability outlook for a major freshwater basin in Santa Cruz County evolves, a local provider in the Mid County region is moving toward a rate increase it says will even the financial playing field and pave the way to a more manageable future.  But the rate proposal has some customers questioning if the agency’s plan holds water.  The Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors is set to consider final approval of a new rate adjustment schedule, its first since 2019, at a meeting and public hearing set for 6 p.m. Feb. 20 in the City Council Chambers, 420 Capitola Ave., Capitola.  The meeting caps off a nearly year-long effort led by the Water Rates Advisory Committee — a group of 10 district customers and two board members — tasked with providing oversight and feedback throughout the process of developing a water rate study that was ultimately used to provide the recommendation to the board. … ”  Read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Central Valley expands CV-SALTS program

“Three years after the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board launched a novel program that has brought replacement drinking water to more than 1,200 households with nitrate-impacted wells in designated areas of the Central Valley, the regional board is expanding the program to new areas in eight groundwater basins, according to a press release from the California State Water Resources Control Board.  The Central Valley Water Board recently mailed 938 Notices to Comply to permit holders in these areas, known as Priority 2 management zones within its Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) program. Collectively, these notices affect dischargers — growers, dairies, industrial facilities and wastewater plants — in the following basins: Delta-Mendota, Eastern San Joaquin, Madera, Merced, Kern County (Poso), Kern County (West-side South), Tulare Lake and Yolo. … ”  Read more from Water World.

Fresno farmers have one more day to apply for irrigation project money

“Farmers in the Fresno Irrigation District have through February 16 to apply for federal money to pay for irrigation projects on their land.   The WaterSMART program, administered by the Bureau of Reclamation and the National Resources Conservation Service, is sending money to farmers to update water systems and make them more resilient and conservation-focused. The program funds microirrigation systems, irrigation ditch lining, reservoirs, cover crops, well decommissioning and more.  FID serves 200,000 acres in Fresno County, including the cities of Fresno and Clovis. It was selected by the government as a priority area for the WaterSMART project thanks to its background of working with the Bureau on other water and energy efficient grants, said Kassy Chauhan, special project manager for FID. … ”  Read more from SJV Water.

EASTERN SIERRA

Water District considers paying for cost analysis study on imported water pipeline

“At the Indian Wells Valley Water District board meeting on February 12, the Water District board discussed a proposal by Clean Energy Capital to provide a cost analysis study on the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority’s imported water pipeline project. The board made no decision about the study, but plans to set an agenda item for a future meeting to make a decision in the coming months.  The IWVGA is responsible for ensuring sustainability of local groundwater, and the imported water pipeline is a central part of the IWVGA’s groundwater sustainability plan. Building, maintaining, and running that pipeline will come at a cost, some of which will be covered by grants but the rest of the cost will ultimately flow down to local businesses and agencies. … ”  Read more from the Ridgecrest Independent.

LADWP’s first snow surveys of 2024 confirm recent winter storms boost snowpack

“LADWP hydrographers set out into the cold from January 25 to February 3 to conduct the first LADWP snow surveys and measurements of the year, bringing back the news that the atmospheric river (as of February 6) brought one-fourth of an average year’s snowfall in less than a week of storms! The precipitation from the February 4 storm is on trend with the highest day totals from the January and March storms of 2023.  As of February 13, 2024, LADWP Eastern Sierra Current Precipitation Conditions reported 12.1” of water content, 71% of normal to date, and 54% normal of a typical water year ending April 1.  Continuing monthly through April 1st, LADWP’s snow surveys and Mono Lake staff gauge measurements will show how the February storms and historically unpredictable March precipitation nicknamed “Miracle March” will affect spring and summer water runoff and water supply projections for the Los Angeles Aqueduct.”

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

‘Significant flooding’ possible as storm hits Southern California early next week

“A high-impact storm bringing several inches of rain is expected to hit Southern California beginning on Sunday evening, according to forecasts.  While most of the weekend appeared to be on track for a dry, yet chilly outlook, the term all Californians have come to learn over the last several years looks to make another appearance in the form of an “atmospheric river.”  The last atmospheric river storm struck Southern California early last week, torrential rain, flooding and mudslides.  “This atmospheric river won’t be as strong as the last one but I almost don’t even like using that comparison because that last storm we had was epic,” KTLA meteorologist Henry DiCarlo said early Friday morning. “So to compare any storm that follows to that one is doing storms like this weekend’s a little bit of an injustice.” … ”  Read more from KTLA.

Why did L.A.’s last big storm cause landslides in only some areas?

“The last round of atmospheric river storms drenched Southern California with historic rainfall, and by one measure, it came close to beating a record for the most rain over a three-day period.  While the rain was widespread, damage — including landslides — was focused mostly on certain hillside neighborhoods. Why didn’t the storms cause catastrophic landslides across a greater swath of the region?  We spoke with the U.S. Geological Survey to answer that question. Here are some key takeaways … ”  Read more from the LA Times.

A system of dams, percolating ponds, rubber barriers saved 95% of torrential rain

“Do you ever wonder what happens to the stormwater that starts out as rain during a monster deluge in Southern California?  If you answered, “It all flushes down to the Pacific Ocean,” you would be wrong, according to flood control and water supply managers in Los Angeles County.  About 90% to 95% of rainwater is captured behind 14 dams and then slowly released into the Los Angeles and San Gabriel rivers. The captured water pools in 27 permeable “spreading grounds” where it percolates into natural underground basins called aquifers, said Sterling Klippel, interim assistant deputy director of L.A. County Public Works. … ”  Read more from the LA Daily News.

SAN DIEGO

City of San Diego loses access to water from Lake Hodges

“CBS 8 is Working for You to investigate the Lake Hodges water supply, after receiving a huge response to our report on the release of more than 600 million gallons of water into the ocean.  Now, CBS 8 has learned, the city of San Diego has lost its access to Lake Hodges water, due to a state order by the Division of Safety of Dams, which shut down a pipeline operated by the San Diego County Water Authority.  The city of San Diego is under the state order to keep Lake Hodges water levels low – at 280 feet – because Hodges Dam was found to be unsafe. … ”  Read more from CBS 8.

Slew of storms add billions of gallons of water to San Diego’s reservoirs

“San Diego’s winter season is once again shaping up to end up on the wetter side, with recent storms dumping a historic amount of rain on the region.  While the precipitation has wrecked havoc on communities, it has almost entirely replenished the water supply stored in most of the area’s reservoirs, pushing levels well above the where they were around this time last year — then considered some of the highest in years.  It continues a two-year recovery to statewide water supplies that were depleted to concerningly low levels by the summer of 2022 amid persistent drought conditions.  As of Feb. 12, five of the city of San Diego’s nine reservoirs — Barrett, Miramar, Murray, Lower Otay and San Vicente — were around three-quarters to 100% full, marking a 36% increase compared to last year. … ”  Read more from Fox 5.

Trust between Southeastern San Diego flood survivors and local government is dead

“On Wednesday, I sat under a carport in Shelltown with several flood survivors. A few weeks earlier, four generations of family members escaped through the window of the house; they huddled together on top of that exact carport. But at this moment, I was reading them the second sentence of an email Mayor Todd Gloria sent out this week.  “My team and I have been on the ground in the impacted communities since day one,” I read out loud.  There was a brief pause. Then they all burst into laughter.  The idea that local leaders have been there, that they have been leading recovery efforts, that they even care is so opposite to these people’s experience that Gloria’s statement hit them like a wave of the absurd. … ”  Read more from the Voice of San Diego.

Company and owners plead guilty to violating the Clean Water Act

“Brothers Robert and Filip Sulc, along with their company Bio-Edge Inc., pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting they discharged methanol-contaminated wastewater to the sewers at their San Diego-based facility in violation of the Clean Water Act in June of 2023.  Bio-Edge, a company located on Nancy Ridge Drive in San Diego, produced polymeric additives. The company used methanol, both as part of its manufacturing process and to clean glassware.  In violation of both federal pretreatment standards and Bio-Edge’s permit with the City of San Diego, Robert Sulc instructed Bio-Edge employees to collect their methanol-contaminated wastewater, treat it with salt to prevent drain clogs, dilute it with water, and dump the wastewater down the drain into the municipal sewage system. … ”  Read more from the Department of Justice.

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Along the Colorado River …

Key Colorado River negotiator says talks must shift away from status quo amid ‘crisis’

“As Colorado River Basin stakeholders scramble to formulate a long-term water conservation plan, the Centennial State’s main negotiator urged those at the table to be adaptable to change in an increasingly arid West.  “Some may like to continue the status quo or some version of it,” Becky Mitchell, Colorado’s Upper Colorado River commissioner, said at a Thursday webinar.  “We can’t do that,” Mitchell said.  The negotiations in question involve mandatory revisions to the Colorado River’s 2007 Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages — set to expire at the end of 2026 — which detail the quantities of water that users must conserve and when they must do so. … ”  Read more from The Hill.

Lake Mead’s water levels measure highest since 2021 after ‘Pineapple Express’ slams California

“Amid a historic water shortage, Lake Mead’s water levels rose this week to the highest point in nearly three years.  According to measurements taken at the end of January by the Bureau of Reclamation, Lake Mead’s water levels were reported to be 1,072.67 feet, the highest levels since May 2021, when they were measured at 1,073.50 feet.  California experienced heavy rain, winds and snow last week from an atmospheric river, also known as a “Pineapple Express,” although experts told Newsweek that it would depend on the previous storm and future storms to fill the reservoirs in Lake Mead and Lake Powell in Utah and Arizona. … ”  Read more from the USA Today.

Nevadans are worried about water in 2024, poll finds

“More than 70 percent of Nevadans consider water supply and lowering river levels a serious issue, but only a little more than half believe climate change is, a Colorado College poll released Wednesday shows.  Water continues to be a hot-button issue for voters who are looking for leaders who can best address diminishing water availability as the Colorado River faces historic challenges. Nevada, the driest state in the nation, is second only to Arizona among Western states for concern about water.  The 2024 Conservation in the West Poll randomly sampled 428 registered voters across Nevada, proportionally choosing them from different parts of the state. … ”  Read more from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

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In national water news this weekend …

States fear being bilked as funds flow to replace lead pipes

“The Biden administration is doling out billions of dollars to fulfill its promise of removing lead from drinking water, but some states are concerned that the money isn’t being directed to where it’s most needed.  The bipartisan infrastructure law included a record amount of federal funds to replace lead-based water pipes, which scientists say pose a major threat to public health. Totaling $15 billion, the money is an important tool for states and water providers to meet the administration’s plan to largely phase out lead contamination within a decade.  Yet a handful of states, environmental advocates and a national group that focuses on drinking water funds have raised the alarm about potential flaws in the process for divvying up the pot of money. … ”  Read more from E&E News.

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California hydrology update …

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