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In California water news this weekend …
State hears from the public on potential take over of groundwater pumping in the Tule subbasin
“The Tule subbasin is next up to face the state in a groundwater probation hearing. Staff from the state Resources Water Control Board held a public workshop on Friday to go over its recommendations and hear from the public prior to the hearing on September 17. Subbasins put in probation could face pumping restrictions handed down from the state and will have to pay fees for every acre foot pumped as well as face steep fines for going over their allotted amount. The hearing is the outcome of the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which mandates that over drafted subbasins bring aquifers into balance by 2040. Regions were allowed to come up with groundwater plans locally but the Tule subbasin plan was twice found inadequate and now faces state enforcement. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
New canal project expands on UC Merced solar research
“Federal and state government officials journeyed to the western corner of Merced County on Thursday to announce a new project to place solar panels on the water in the Delta-Mendota Canal. The project is part of a $19 million investment through President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act announced by the Department of the Interior to install panels over irrigation canals in California, Oregon and Utah, with the aims of decreasing evaporation of critical water supplies and advancing clean energy goals. The Delta-Mendota Canal floating solar project is set to receive $15 million of this funding. The Bureau of Reclamation said the agency will collaborate with the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority and the University of California through a public-private-academic partnership to assess the impacts of floating photovoltaic solar arrays on the canal. … ” Read more from UC Merced.
PRESS RELEASE: California adopts health-protective goals for forever chemicals in drinking water
“Today, the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) adopted public health goals (PHGs) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in drinking water, providing important guidance to the State Water Resources Control Board to inform future drinking water standards. A PHG is the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant risk to health with lifetime exposure from all uses of tap water. The final public health goal for PFOA is 0.007 parts per trillion (ppt), and 1 ppt for PFOS, reflecting the best current science on their cancer-causing potency. “We know PFOA and PFOS can be harmful at low levels, and California is leading by adopting these scientifically rigorous and health protective goals to inform how water suppliers treat these chemicals in drinking water,” said OEHHA Director Lauren Zeise. … ” Read more from the OEHHA.
California’s salmon fishing season could face second year of total closure
“Fishing regulators are poised to potentially shut down California’s king salmon season for the second time in two years, and just the third time in history. The Pacific Fisheries Management Council kicked-off its annual meeting in Seattle, Washington where it will determine the upcoming season which normally begins in May. But still feeling the impacts of the recent drought which has decimated the salmon population, the council is considering either closing the season entirely, or allowing extremely limited fishing. “For the second year in a row we’re looking at very likely a full closure,” anticipated Jared Davis, owner of the Salty Lady charter fishing boat in Sausalito. … ” Read more from NBC 4.
Federal funding allocated for California 2023 salmon fishery disaster; CDFW seeks public input on spending plan
“On April 6, 2023, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) acted unanimously to recommend a full closure of California’s 2023 commercial and recreational ocean salmon seasons due to extremely low population estimates for Sacramento and Klamath river fall Chinook salmon. Within hours of the recommendation, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his administration’s request for a federal fishery disaster declaration to support impacted communities. The U. S. Secretary of Commerce approved this request on Oct. 30, 2023, which began the process of providing federal assistance to communities and businesses impacted by the disaster. On Feb. 15, 2024, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) was notified that $20,625,729 had been allocated by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration to respond to the disaster. Following the announcement of fund allocation, and with support and input from industry representatives, CDFW developed the draft 2023 Salmon Disaster Spend Plan to distribute these disaster funds. … ” Read more from CDFW.
Groundwater plays a critical role in ecosystem health
“Groundwater, a critical water resource around the globe, has been largely unstudied in its importance and role in sustaining ecosystems, especially in dry regions. However, a new study highlights the vital relationship between groundwater and ecosystems. The research team used satellite imagery and groundwater monitoring data to identify thresholds of groundwater depth and seasonal change that can support sensitive ecosystems throughout California under the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act framework. The study, led by Dr. Melissa Rohde from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), in partnership with the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), Cardiff University, and Desert Research Institute (DRI), was recently published in Nature Water. … ” Read more from Earth.com.
Despite legalization, California battles illegal marijuana farms
“”Sheriff’s Department! Search Warrant,” shout armed officers as they enter a property in the heart of the Californian desert, where they soon find hundreds of illegal cannabis plants. Marijuana was fully legalized in the state in 2016 following a public vote, in a move that proponents said would bring an end to a huge black market and the crime and nuisance associated with it. In reality, the sector has boomed, with illegal growers tempted by the promise of fat profits for operators who don’t have to worry about licenses, standards and even paying for their water. “Right around 2016, when laws started to change, there was a huge increase of illegal cultivations,” Sergeant Chris Morsch told AFP during a recent raid. “The model definitely was not perfect.” … ” Read more from Barron’s.
In commentary this weekend …
New legislation would prevent old policies from undermining Newsom’s “Salmon Strategy”
Russell “Buster” Attebery, chairman of the Karuk Tribal Council, writes, “Salmon are a cornerstone of my Karuk culture and the loss of salmon for my people cannot be overstated. Salmon are intertwined with our cultural identity and religion — what it means to be Karuk. Our ceremonies celebrate the annual migrations of salmon, and the harvest and preservation of salmon is central to community activities that have persisted for generations. In late January, Gov. Gavin Newsom released a strategic plan aimed at helping restore California’s dwindling salmon population. For Tribal Nations like the Karuk, the “Salmon-Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future” is a multi-year plan to help recover native salmon and steelhead. It includes removing obsolete dams, restoring riparian habitat and increasing flows to provide more water when fish need it most, and is a welcomed step toward species recovery. But absent common-sense legislation that deters harmful water use, the strategy is likely to fail. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
Why this year’s average California snowpack is no reason for celebration
Ned Kleiner, a scientist and catastrophe modeler at Verisk, writes, “Wearing snowshoes and aviator sunglasses, Gov. Gavin Newsom stood in a field near Lake Tahoe recently and listened as an engineer from the Department of Water Resources announced the results of California’s April snow survey, which is conducted every year when snow depths in the Sierra Nevada reach their maximum. The news was good: the manual survey, conducted by driving blue metal tubes into the ground, had measured 64 inches of snow — 13% above average for the location and time of year — all but guaranteeing that the state would not see severe drought this summer. This marked the second year in a row with above-average snowfall and was a huge turnaround from conditions at the beginning of 2024, when the snowpack across the state was barely a quarter of the historic average. But despite the cheerful tone, everyone assembled in that field — the governor, the engineers, the director of the DWR who declared that “average is awesome!” — was likely mindful of the long, dry years of the recent past and the worrying fact that the future of California’s mountain snowpack looks grim. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Podcasts …
RIPPLE EFFECT: All the water books!
Justin Scott-Coe, General Manager of Monte-Vista Water District, joins us to discuss his new Podcast and collaboration with Maven’s Notebook – the Water Shelf. The Water Shelf is the just the place for that certain co-hort of water lovers and book lovers. Justin talks us through the top 5 of his top 20 water books and we scheme future episodes: Western-Water Lit; Dystopian Future Water Lit; Water Thrillers; all the fun themes. A great discussion with more to be had!
ECONEWS REPORT: How do fish get counted, and why does genetic diversity matter?
This week on the EcoNews Report, we discuss how fish are monitored and counted. Our host Alicia Hamann from Friends of the Eel River is joined by Dave Kajtaniak from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Samantha Kannry from TRIB Research. Tune in to learn about the hopeful returns salmon returns on the Eel and why preserving genetic diversity is so important to giving species the adaptability they need to survive our changing climate. Click here to learn more about TRIB research.
WE GROW CALIFORNIA: Moonshot
Darcy and Darcy welcome George Hawkins, founder and CEO of Moonshot Missions, a non-profit organization dedicated to clean and healthy water and waterways in underserved communities. Prior to starting Moonshot Missions, George was the General Manager of DC Water, where he served for eleven years, including several as a Board member. Darcy and Darcy discuss how Moonshot helps disadvantaged communities and tribal water and wastewater systems across the country, how they are funded, what makes them different, and how they might be able to help your community. Join the conversation!
TALKING UNDER WATER: Meet the new EPA water leader
In this episode of Talking Under Water, get to know the new acting assistant administrator to the U.S. EPA Office of Water, Bruno Pigott. Pigott was promoted to this role in February, and in this interview with Co-host Bob Crossen, Pigott touches on his vision for the future of water; issues to tackle, such as PFAS; how he hopes his past experiences and professional relationships can help the industry tackle certain challenges; water funding and much mor
In regional water news this weekend …
NORTH COAST
As messy side effects of Klamath River dam removal continue, officials stress that short-term pain will yield long-term gain
“After years of heated debates and delays, the world’s largest dam removal is currently underway on the Klamath River across the California-Oregon border. Established in the early to mid-1900s by energy company PacifiCorp, the four dams have stored water and generated electricity for the region. But they’ve also prevented endangered salmon from reaching critical habitat and breeding grounds, contributing to a 90 percent decrease in some populations over the last century. Experts say that lowering these dams will help struggling salmon populations bounce back and revitalize the river ecosystem. However, removing structures of this size come with negative side effects—from droves of dead fish to muddy waters. As a result, critics have recently spoken out against the project, deeming it an “environmental disaster.” But scientists say that they expected many of these short-term impacts before the effort began and they will soon fade. … ” Read more from Inside Climate News.
Klamath Dam removal update – April 6, 2024
“In a March 20 post, I related events in the Jan-Feb 2024 period of the Klamath Dam Removal Project. The initial four-reservoir drawdown in January led to abrupt increases in streamflow, suspended sediment, and low dissolved oxygen levels above and below Iron Gate Reservoir (the lower reservoir). This was followed by lower stable streamflow, high dissolved oxygen, and declining suspended sediment. Streamflow pulses from upstream Klamath Lake in late February and early March resulted in (short-term) elevated suspended sediment from exposed sediment erosion in the four reservoir reaches. These circumstances were expected as part of the four Dam Removal Project. … ” Read more from the California Fisheries.
Redwood Valley water district confronts windstorm damage, water supply issues, and strategic planning
“During their recent meeting on March 21, 2024, the Redwood Valley County Water District tackled various important issues. They discussed repairing damage from a windstorm, managing water supplies at Lake Mendocino, deciding on water diversion methods, and addressing unsuccessful well drilling attempts. Additionally, they explored consolidation agreements with neighboring districts and discussed annexation possibilities. The meeting also covered updates on groundwater sustainability efforts. These discussions reflect the district’s efforts to address complex challenges and plan for the future. … ” Read more from Mendo Fever.
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Objection period begins for the Meeks Bay Restoration Project
“The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) released the final environmental review documents and draft decision for the Meeks Bay Restoration Project. The LTBMU, in conjunction with Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, is developing a plan to restore Meeks Creek to a more natural condition, while continuing to support sustainable recreation opportunities. In 1960, a marina with approximately 120 boat slips and a boat launch facility was dredged at the mouth of Meeks Creek, on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. The marina eliminated a unique wetland habitat for numerous bird, mammal, and amphibian species. The deteriorating condition of the existing marina infrastructure, along with concerns over water quality, aquatic invasive species, and degraded habitat for native species prompted the need for action in Meeks Bay. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Levee District makes Sheldon repairs with grant
“A $390,000 award from the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to reimburse 2023 storm damage repairs and three emergency levee repairs in early March in Sheldon were topics when the Reclamation District 800 (RD800) Board of Trustees met at the Wilton Community Center on March 21. The board also took in an update about efforts to secure $5 million in reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for other emergency repairs after the January 2023 storms and approval to fix three levees in Sloughouse downstream from Rancho Murieta. Another update was that a $500,000 planning grant secured for the district by State Sen. Roger Niello had been reinstated. … ” Continue reading from the Elk Grove Citizen.
BAY AREA
Marin Municipal Water District approves plan to hit goals
“The Marin Municipal Water District has adopted its strategic work plan as it strives to reduce potable water use and increase supply. The work plan, approved unanimously at Tuesday’s board meeting, outlines the steps needed to implement the five-year strategic plan the district adopted in February. The strategic plan includes targets for water supply, drought resiliency, land stewardship and fiscal responsibility. It has 113 actions that will help the district meet its goals, according to Adriane Mertens, the communications manager for the district. The district employs nearly 250 workers across 25 departments. It is responsible for getting water to about 191,000 people in central and southern Marin. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent.
CENTRAL COAST
Seaside approves study of its 90-inch stormwater outfall pipe in Sand City
“A storm drain outfall pipe that the city of Seaside maintains, and recently caused flooding in Sand City, will be the subject of a study the Seaside City Council unanimously approved at its meeting on Thursday. A resolution authorizing a professional services agreement with Schaaf and Wheeler, Consulting Civil Engineers to prepare a study of the 90-inch storm drain outfall for an amount not to exceed $66,192 was recommended by Seaside Public Works, City Engineer Nisha Patel in a staff report. Seaside owns and maintains a storm drain collection system within the city limits and a 90-inch diameter outfall in Sand City, according to city of Seaside documents. “This was always on the CIP (Capital Improvement Program) to study and make any necessary improvements” as part of the existing city of Seaside Stormwater Master Plan, said Patel. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Above average snowpack boosts Friant Water supply
“Cities and farms along the Valley’s east side will get nearly all of the surface water they are due this year. On April 1, the Department of Water Resources conducted the all-important April snow survey, the fourth measurement of the season at Phillips Station near Tahoe. The manual survey recorded 64 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 27.5 inches, which is 113% of average for this location, the second straight year the snowpack was above normal. The April measurement is critical for water managers as it’s considered the peak snowpack for the season and marks the transition to spring snowmelt into the state’s rivers and reservoirs. … ” Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette.
Kern River bike path northern extension – 12 years in the making – finally gets under way
“After 12 years of planning, gathering funding then completing and re-doing – and re-doing again – environmental studies, the City of Bakersfield has finally gone out to bid for the northern extension of the Kern River Parkway Trail. “I’m very excited, it’s been a long time coming,” Councilman Bob Smith said of the 6-mile long addition to the nearly 40-mile-long path that runs the length of the Kern River from Gordon’s Ferry on the east all the way to the Buena Vista Lake Aquatic Recreation Area on the west. This extension will take runners, hikers and cyclists north at Coffee Road along the Friant-Kern Canal up to 7th Standard Road, about a half mile west of the Gossamer Grove development. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
A big year for wildflowers in Southern California — just not poppies. Why?
“Scan the rolling hills of the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve and you’ll notice something missing. Golden poppies. Even as Instagram-worthy wildflowers bloom across the state, the blazing orange flower has been conspicuously absent from some of its usual haunts — including the reserve in Lancaster and the city of Lake Elsinore. “This year doesn’t seem like it’s going to be a great year for poppies,” said Callista Turner, an interpreter at the state natural reserve that hugs the western edge of the Mojave Desert. She stood outside of the reserve’s visitor center and motioned to fields lacking orange patches on a video call this week. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Climate change adaptations could cost Los Angeles County $12.5 billion by 2040
“Adapting to the sweeping effects of climate change will cost Los Angeles County and its 88 cities about $12.5 billion for projects that prevent flooding, wildfire damage and fatalities from extreme heat exposure and diseases, according to a report from the environmental watchdog group Center for Climate Integrity. The study, “Los Angeles County’s Climate Cost Challenge,” released April 2 by the center, advocates such projects as applying coating that cools urban streets and reduces ambient air temperatures by up to 10 degrees; planting trees to expand the urban shade canopy; and building up shorelines to protect coastal homes and infrastructure from rising seas. The study listed 13 areas for improvements and the cost for each, culminating in a total cost estimate through 2040 for cities and the county that will bust budgets and drain resources, the study predicted. … ” Read more from the Long Beach Press Telegram.
Along the Colorado River …
Late-winter storms lift Upper Colorado Basin out of drought, Lower Basin not so fortunate
“Winter storms arrived late in the Rocky Mountains this season. But the final snowpack measurement of the year showed March brought enough precipitation to the Upper Basin of the Colorado River to lift it from drought status. But down here in the Lower Basin, it’s a different story. “When we look at the health of our water system, and what’s coming into the reservoir for the year, it’s really the snowpack in what we call the Upper Basin, Colorado, and Wyoming primarily, that we monitor to see what the upcoming year is looking like, says Colby Pellegrino, Deputy General Manager of Resources for the Southern Nevada Water Authority. And this year, the snow arrived late. … ” Read more from Channel 5.
‘Solar canals’ point to possible water, power solutions for desert Southwest
“An innovative plan to cover a California canal with solar panels could lead to “future larger scale implementation,” potentially conserving more water in the desert Southwest. A $15 million allocation will study floating solar arrays on the Delta-Mendota Canal, a 117-mile waterway in Central California. The project will involve the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the University of California-Merced in a private-public-academic partnership. The pilot program to make solar canals a reality is called Project Nexus. … ” Read more from KLAS.
Arizona Republicans investigate state attorney general over water policy inquiry
“Arizona House Republicans convened in a newly created committee Thursday afternoon to discuss an investigation into the state’s Democrat attorney general. The conservative lawmakers announced the creation of the House Committee on Executive Oversight Wednesday in response to Attorney General Kris Mayes’ ongoing investigations into “megafarms” she says are overusing groundwater and draining the wells of rural Arizonans. “The attorney general has no role in water policy,” committee chair Austin Smith, a Republican from Surprise, said Thursday afternoon. “The last time I checked, the legislature did not fund her office to weaponize our public nuisance laws against lawfully operating businesses that are vital to the state’s economy.” … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service.
SEE ALSO:
- GOP accused Democrat Mayes of weaponizing attorney general’s office. She scoffed at their committee, from KJZZ
- As Republicans begin to investigate Kris Mayes, she calls their effort a ‘sham’, from Arizona Mirror
Bill to close groundwater loophole on hold
“While the state grapples with housing shortfalls and officials work on water management solutions, a loophole allowing homebuilders to bypass certification requirements may remain unaddressed for another year. Developers in parts of the state that have been declared Active Management Areas began utilizing a go-around to avoid supply certification requirements three years ago. Rather than constructing homes for selling them, developers have leaned into renting properties to skirt assured water supply requirements. The “build-to-rent” strategy is increasingly common in developing parts of the Pinal Active Management Area – and others – because of the 100-year assured water supply requirement. … ” Read more from the Arizona Capitol Times.
Water and power collide in proposed $100 million Colorado River deal
“Colorado’s Glenwood Canyon is as busy as it is majestic. At the base of its snowy, near-vertical walls, the narrow chasm hums with life. On one side, the Colorado River tumbles through whitewater rapids. On the other, cars and trucks whoosh by on a busy interstate. Pinched in the middle of it all is the Shoshone Generating Station. “It is a nondescript brown building off of I-70 that most people don’t notice when they’re driving,” said Amy Moyer, director of strategic partnerships at the Colorado River District. “But if you are in the water world, it holds the key for one of the most interesting and important water rights on the Colorado River.” Beneath a noisy highway overpass, Moyer looked at the hydropower plant through a chain-link fence. Her group, a taxpayer-funded agency founded to keep water flowing to the cities and farms of western Colorado, has agreed to pay $98.5 million on rights to the water that flows through the Shoshone facility. … ” Read more from Cronkite News.
Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …
NOTICE of Water Quality Certification Application for Sites Reservoir Project
