Several news sources featured in the Daily Digest may limit the number of articles you can access without a subscription. However, gift articles and open-access links are provided when available. For more open access California water news articles, explore the main page at MavensNotebook.com.
On the calendar today …
- PUBLIC WORKSHOP: Proposed Voluntary Agreements related to Sacramento/Delta Update to the Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan beginning at 9am. The purpose of the workshop is for the VA parties to provide a detailed overview of the VA proposal, receive input and answer questions from Board members, and receive input from the public. Topics today include Non flow Measure Accounting and the Science Plan. Click here for the full meeting notice.
- MEETING: Delta Stewardship Council beginning at 10am. Agenda items include an update on the Delta Plan Interagency Implementation Committee, Tribal and Environmental Justice Issue Paper Draft Update, Delta Lead Scientist report, consideration and possible appointment of the Delta Lead Scientist, Delta Plan 5-year reivew draft report, and Metropolitan Water District update on Delta Island Activities. Click here for the meeting notice and remote access instructions.
- WEBINAR: Budget Based Water Rates : Opportunities and Pitfalls from 1pm to 3pm. This webinar will focus on the crucial data, staffing, and resources needed for accurate water budgets and unique ways they support conservation and climate resiliency efforts. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
Reclamation increases CVP allocations for South of Delta ag to 40%; Westlands and others respond
“Today, the Bureau of Reclamation announced another increase in the Central Valley Project 2024 water supply allocation for south-of-Delta contractors and those in the Friant Division. While all north-of-Delta CVP contractors are currently at 100% of their supplies, south-of-Delta agricultural contractors are today being increased from 35% to 40%. Last week, on April 18, the Friant Division Class 1 allocation was increased from 95% to 100% and the Class 2 allocation increased from 0% to 5%. … “Hydrologic conditions have improved enough that we are able to provide this gradual increase,” said California-Great Basin Regional Director Karl Stock. “We realize that our contractors were hoping to see a greater amount of water, and we understand how critical irrigation is to California agriculture and the surrounding communities. However, continued uncertainty in long-term hydrology and regulatory constraints necessitate Reclamation’s approach with available water supplies.” … ” Read this post at Maven’s Notebook, which includes reactions from Westlands Water District, the San Luis Delta Mendota Water Authority, and Congressman David Valadao.
SEE ALSO: Feds provide “meager increase” in water allocation for Valley farmers, from the San Joaquin Valley Sun
Will California’s historic storms get even more intense? New research may hold a clue
“Research led by the U.S. Geological Survey and published Wednesday provides a first-of-its kind glimpse into California’s multi-millennial history of atmospheric rivers. “This study helps us expand the historical record of atmospheric river activity to about 3,200 years beyond what was known,” said lead author Clarke Knight, a USGS research geographer at the Geology, Minerals, Energy and Geophysics Science Center. The scientists also pinpointed two periods, roughly 2,000 years ago and 3,000 years ago, when atmospheric river activity exceeded what has been recorded by modern weather instruments since around 1895. The finding highlights the potential for the future to bring even wetter periods than what Californians have experienced recently. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle (gift article).
Groups demand that San Francisco take less water from the Tuolumne River
“Several environmental groups asked San Francisco on Tuesday to reduce its diversion of Tuolumne River water. They said chinook salmon and other wildlife suffer from the current operations, especially the river stretch in and near Modesto. At a meeting of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the groups urged more conservation and wastewater recycling. The agency responded that these “single-issue activists” do not understand the city’s needs. San Francisco secured rights in 1913 to about an eighth of the Tuolumne, which arises at about 13,000 feet in Yosemite National Park. Most of the water diversion is at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, built just inside the western park boundary to the dismay of early preservationists. … ” Continue reading from the Modesto Bee. | Read via AOL News.
One year later: state-led drought task force releases inaugural report laying the groundwork on how to improve drought resilience for California
“Even though California’s April Snow Survey marked a second consecutive year of above average snowpack and precipitation, the State is continuing to take proactive steps to plan for future dry conditions as shifts between abundant wet years and extreme drought become more frequent. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has published an inaugural report detailing the ongoing, proactive planning among state agencies and local partners to prepare for the eventual return to dry conditions. The report documents the first year of DWR’s Drought Resilience Interagency and Partners (DRIP) Collaborative, a statewide drought task force launched in 2023 that is comprised of 26 members from different state agencies and various water user groups. The DRIP Collaborative develops actionable recommendations on coordinating proactive planning, emergency response, and post-drought management to improve water resilience by providing data and resources to small water suppliers and rural communities needed to address future water shortages. … ” Read more from DWR News.
State water managers boost water deliveries for 2024
“California water managers have announced an increase to this year’s allocations from the State Water Project due to the healthy Sierra Nevada snowpack and Lake Oroville’s bountiful supply. State Water Project is one of California’s two largest storage and delivery systems and supplies water to 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland. The system’s forecasted water allocation was increased from 30 percent of requested supplies to 40 percent since March, officials with the state Department of Water Resources said Tuesday. … ” Read more from SF Gate.
SEE ALSO: State water project increases allocation, from the Hanford Sentinel
Feds to install solar panels over Western canals
“The U.S. Interior Department will install solar panels above irrigation canals in California, Oregon and Utah, aided by $19 million from a congressional spending bill. Planned projects include a $15 million pilot with the University of California, Merced to deploy up to three floating solar technologies in the Delta-Mendota Canal to assess the viability, costs and benefits of floating photovoltaic units, according to the Bureau of Reclamation. The agency will also spend $2.55 million for similar panels over the Main Canal of the Deschutes Project in Central Oregon and $1.5 million for panels above the Layton Canal in northern Utah. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press.
What California cities need to know about the federal ‘forever chemical’ rule
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this month set a new enforceable drinking water standard for PFOA, PFOS, and PFAS. All cities — especially water providers — must pay close attention to this new, costly federal standard. The EPA anticipates the mandate will cost approximately $1.5 billion annually. What do these acronyms mean? Better known as “forever chemicals,” PFOA, PFOS, and PFAS are human-made contaminants that are resistant to heat, water, and oil. Nonstick cookware, cosmetics, textiles, and many other household products contain forever chemicals. This ubiquity is part of what makes this mandate extremely costly. Scientists have linked high PFAS levels with several health problems, including high cholesterol, some cancers, decreased fertility, and immune system disorders. … ” Read more from the League of California Cities.
Northern California dog owners warned by state wildlife officials to keep their canines away from raw fish
“Those who enjoy fishing and who seek trout and salmon in particular were reminded Wednesday by California Department of Fish & Wildlife officials that they should keep their dogs away from the uncooked fish. A parasitic flatworm called Nanophyetes salmincola can be transmitted to canines that eat the two types of fish before they’re cooked, creating a bacteria-like organism in their body and a condition called salmon poisoning disease, officials said in a news release. The parasite is seen only in dogs; the disease is potentially fatal but is treatable, experts say. Signs of the disease in a dog include a rise in body temperature, a loss of appetite, listlessness, diarrhea and vomiting. Rapid weight loss may also occur. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News.
Research showcases Indigenous stewardship’s role in forest ecosystem resilience
“Oregon State University researchers have teamed with the Karuk Tribe to create a novel computer simulation model that showcases Indigenous fire stewardship’s role in forest ecosystem health. Western scientists and land managers have become increasingly cognizant of cultural burning but its extent and purpose are generally absent from fire modeling research, said Skye Greenler, who led the partnership when she was a graduate research fellow in the OSU College of Forestry. “We developed this project in collaboration with the Karuk Tribe to explore the impact of cultural burning at a landscape scale in a completely new way,” she said. … ” Read more from Oregon State University.
In regional water news and commentary today …
BAY AREA
Valley Water working to reduce methylmercury (toxins) in local waterways
“For more than 15 years, Valley Water has measured mercury levels in reservoirs and creeks in the Guadalupe River Watershed and studied ways to reduce the metal’s harmful impacts. Parts of the Guadalupe River watershed, which covers about 171 square miles, are contaminated with mercury from the former New Almaden Mining District. The mining and processing of mercury occurred in the area from 1845 through 1971. These operations released large amounts of mercury into parts of the Guadalupe River watershed, which flows into South San Francisco Bay. Mercury-enriched sediment from mining waste made its way into creeks and reservoirs within the watershed. Creeks flowing in the watershed carry that sediment down the Guadalupe River to San Francisco Bay, especially during wet years. … ” Read more from Valley Water News.
Advanced Quantitative Precipitation Information System enhances flood prediction in the San Francisco Bay Area
“In recently published research, a consortium of local, state, and federal agencies including USGS and NOAA introduces the Advanced Quantitative Precipitation Information (AQPI) system, which aims to improve prediction and monitoring of precipitation, streamflow, and coastal flooding in the San Francisco Bay Area. Combining real-time observations with state-of-the-art modeling, AQPI represents a significant advancement in forecasting capability. Developed as a response to the urgent need for better water-management tools in California, this experimental system will bolster decision-making processes for communities vulnerable to extreme weather events. The Bay Area’s complex landscape, nestled between coastal mountain ranges, has long posed challenges for accurate precipitation monitoring. To bridge these observational gaps, AQPI employs advanced radar network techniques that offer a comprehensive understanding of precipitation dynamics in this densely populated region. … ” Read more from the USGS.
San Mateo County approves $15 million budget for drainage project
“The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to approve $15 million in funding for the construction of the Vista Grande Drainage Basin Improvement project. The project aims to address persistent flooding in northern San Mateo County and parts of San Francisco. “The project is expected to provide a range of public benefits, including improved storm drainage, water supply, wastewater disposal, solid waste capture, recreation, and environmental enhancement benefits,” county staff said in a report. According to county staff, much of the flooding can be attributed to overflowing water at Lake Merced during heavy downpours. The project will channel and filter rainwater from the Vista Grande Watershed before releasing it into the Pacific Ocean. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News.
CENTRAL COAST
After decades without safe drinking water, San Lucas will receive aid to build a pipeline
“A generational issue for the families living in San Lucas continues as they’ve gone decades without drinking water. Soon federal, state, and local leaders will secure nearly a million dollars to build a pipeline to King City. “The kids couldn’t even be bathed in the water. That’s how bad it is that babies are not able to get bathed. That means there’s something really wrong,” said Fray Marin-Zuniga, a San Lucas resident. Plants not growing, animals dying, young children unable to bathe, this is the reality for those living in the unincorporated South Monterey County town of San Lucas. “Back when I was in school here, because I graduated from San Lucas School, the water was yellow,” Martin-Zuniga said. … ” Read more from KSBY.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Stockton launches new workboat to clean lake at Weber Point
“The city of Stockton christened a new vessel on Wednesday to clean the waters of McLeod Lake at Weber Point and the downtown channels. The specialized workboat is a catamaran designed to pick up debris and invasive vegetation from the surface of the lake and waterways as it moves along the water. Crewed by two Stockton Municipal Utilities Department (MUD) employees, the boat will be on call to pick up debris on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, according to the city. … ” Read more from Fox 40.
Kings County stakeholders vote down proposed GSA fees
“Water users in the Mid-Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency shot down a proposed pumping fee that would have been nearly $100 per acre-foot. That sends the Mid-Kings River GSA back to the drawing board, with local stakeholders calling for more input in the next proposal. The backstory: California views that the GSA – which comprises of water users in the Kings County Water District, the City of Hanford and Kings County – has not done enough to manage groundwater pumping through the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). … ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Newport Beach council denies appeal of approved plans for new Bay Bridge pump station
“The construction of a new wastewater pump station to replace an existing one near Bayside Village Marina can move ahead following a narrow decision of the Newport Beach City Council Tuesday to deny an appeal of an earlier approval. The Orange County Sanitation District operates the old pump station, which was built in 1966 on East Coast Highway between Bayside Drive and the Bay Bridge. The station pumps wastewater flow from properties east of Newport Bay, including Balboa Island and Crystal Cove, to a treatment center in Huntington Beach. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
SAN DIEGO
Companies dumping waste into the Tijuana River Valley could soon face fines
“The water in Imperial Beach could soon be much cleaner. A legislative package protecting the Tijuana River Watershed was passed by the Senate Environmental Quality Committee Wednesday. The two bills address corporate pollution tainting California’s water supply. Companies responsible for sewage, garbage and chemicals that are spilling over from south of the border and contaminating the waters of San Diego could soon be held accountable by having to pay fines depending on how much waste they improperly dump. “It’s not fair to communities for chemicals that cause so much harm to be put into the watershed,” said Bethany Case, Surfrider San Diego lead volunteer for the Clean Border Water Now Program. … ” Read more from Fox 5.
Along the Colorado River …
In blow to green groups, Ninth Circuit upholds federal plan for Glen Canyon Dam
“Conservationists lost an appeal to the Ninth Circuit on Wednesday as they attempted to force the federal government to reconsider climate change studies in managing the Glen Canyon Dam and Colorado River. Save the Colorado, Living River and the Center for Biological Diversity initially asked the U.S. Department of the Interior to consider emerging climate science and the severe potential of climate change in updating its management plan in 2016 for the Glen Canyon Dam on Lake Powell, which has a water level 3,564 feet above sea level. Experts say the dam will lose hydropower if the water level drops below 3,490 feet. During the groups’ February appeal hearing, Chief U.S. Circuit Judge Mary Murguia and U.S. Circuit Judge Anthony Johnstone, both Joe Biden appointees, questioned whether the Interior’s absent response violated the National Environmental Policy Act itself and scrutinized the Interior’s historical water flow modeling. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service.
How the city of Phoenix, CAP are addressing water supply issues
“Arizona, much like California and other states with large deserts, is having an issue with dwindling Colorado River water levels. With so many people living in and moving to Arizona, specifically the Phoenix area, state and local agencies are working toward water solutions, including expanding the Bartlett Dam and adding new infrastructure. The Central Arizona Project is a 336-mile aqueduct system that begins on the California-Arizona border, at Lake Havasu, and ends south of Tucson. CAP brings Colorado River water into Arizona and runs it through more than a dozen pumping plants that carry the water throughout the system. … “People in and around Arizona say there is a shortage because there is less water in the Colorado River than there was when it first was allocated due to drought and climate change,” said DeEtte Person, a CAP spokesperson. Experts are saying that the Arizona water issue is not as drastic as people think, and Phoenix says it has “the water it needs – but none to waste,” according to the city’s website. … ” Continue reading from Cronkite News.
Story map: Understanding Arizona groundwater
“Groundwater is a precious resource, especially in Arizona where it makes up more than 40% of the state’s water supply. It is the source of springs and wells, and used by communities, farms, and industries. Groundwater also sustains rivers, streams, and habitats that are vital for birds and other wildlife in our arid landscape. More than 1.5 million Arizonans live in greater (rural) Arizona, where there are essentially no rules governing the use of groundwater. Because groundwater use is unrestricted outside of the state’s Active Management Areas and Irrigation Non-Expansion Areas, Rural Arizona continues to see increases in the number of wells. In many parts of the state, groundwater level declines impact nearby rivers, springs, and habitat—in addition to people’s wells. … ” Read more from Audubon.
A company made millions selling farmland water rights to Queen Creek, and the practice is growing
“A water transfer from a small western Arizona town to a growing East Valley community has some observers concerned. About a decade ago, a company called Greenstone bought nearly 500 acres of land in the town of Cibola, in La Paz County. But, a few years later, Greenstone sold the water rights for that farmland to Queen Creek. In the process, the company made about $14 million in profit. Since then, La Paz and two other Arizona counties have sued the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, arguing the agency didn’t consider the long-term implications when it approved the deal. A judge this year sided with those counties, and told the bureau to essentially redo its environmental assessment of the arrangement. But even with that ruling, there are questions about what’s next for Cibola, since water that had been used for land there is already flowing to Queen Creek. Maanvi Singh, a West Coast-based reporter for the Guardian, has reported on this. She joined The Show about the arrangement to move water from Cibola to Queen Creek. … ” Read more from KJZZ.
Colorado communities are working to protect their water from wildfires, before the fire happens
“In 2021, a massive debris flow started in a wildfire scar and then tore through Glenwood Canyon, burying a stretch of Interstate 70 and clogging the Colorado River and downstream water systems. Now, a new state program is paying Colorado communities to plan how to avoid similar impacts in the future. “Anything you can do for planning makes a big difference in the long run when it (a natural disaster) actually does happen at your doorstep,” said Paula Stepp, who was on the Glenwood Springs City Council at the time and helped with the city’s response to the disaster. The grant program, run by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, has $10 million in federal funds that it must distribute to communities by the end of 2024. The first-of-its-kind program helps Coloradans identify which local reservoirs, ditches, roads and more could be impacted by post-fire problems, like debris flows. The goal is to avoid the worst impacts by starting work before a fire even happens. … ” Read more from the Colorado Sun.
In national water news today …
Breaking water mains present US, Canada with $452B problem
“Each year, drinking water systems in the U.S. and Canada experience about 260,000 water main breaks, incurring an estimated $2.6 billion annually in maintenance and repair costs, according to the results of a new survey of more than 800 U.S. and Canadian water providers. For drinking water utilities, distribution systems are often their longest-lasting – and most expensive – assets. As a result, water providers can face financial challenges when it comes to replacing water mains before they begin to fail. Unfortunately, these costs could be poised to rise in coming years. Nearly 20% of installed water mains in the U.S. and Canada are beyond their useful lives and have not been replaced because of inadequate funding, according to the same survey, the results of which appear in a recently released report from Utah State University. All told, an estimated $452 billion is needed to cover the cost of replacing the aging mains, the report concludes, a staggering sum that points to the need for greater use of asset management programs within the water sector. … ” Read more from The Source.
If plastic manufacturing goes up 10%, plastic pollution goes up 10% – and we’re set for a huge surge in production
“In the two decades to 2019, global plastic production doubled. By 2040, plastic manufacturing and processing could consume as much as 20% of global oil production and use up 15% of the annual carbon emissions budget. Most of the plastic we make ends up as waste. As plastic manufacturers increase production, more and more of it will end up in our landfills, rivers and oceans. Plastic waste is set to triple by 2060. Producers often put the onus back on consumers by pointing to recycling schemes as a solution to plastic pollution. If we recycle our plastics, it shouldn’t matter how much we produce – right? Not quite. The key question here is how close the is relationship between plastic production and pollution. Our new research found the relationship is direct – a 1% increase in plastic production leads to a 1% increase in plastic pollution, meaning unmanaged waste such as bottles in rivers and floating plastic in the oceans. … ” Read more from The Conversation.
