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On the calendar today …
- MEETING: State Water Resources Control Board beginning at 9am. Agenda items include a Progress update after three years of implementation of the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program regulations; possible adoption of the FY 2024-25 Expenditure Plan for the SAFER program; possible adoption of the State FY 2024-25 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Intended Use Plan (IUP); and a public hearing for the draft Utility Wildfire and Similar Operations and Maintenance Activities Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification and Waste Discharge Requirements General Order and associated CEQA EIR. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.
- WEBINAR: From Policy to Practice: Understanding the Making Conservation a California Way of Life Regulation from 1pm to 2pm. This webinar will walk through the State Water Resources Control Board’s recently adopted Making Conservation a California Way of Life Regulation. Under the new regulation, urban retail water suppliers will need to meet an urban water use objective, performance measures and new reporting requirements. This webinar is part 1 of a two-part series that will provide a higher-level overview of the regulation aimed at general managers, city managers, executive staff and elected officials. Part 2 of the webinar series will be held this fall focusing on implementation. Click here for more information and to register.
- PUBLIC MEETING: Long-Term Operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project (In-person in Sacramento) from 6pm to 8pm. The Bureau of Reclamation is taking comments on the draft EIS for long-term operations of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project. This is the second of six meetings and will be held at the Redding Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 1605 Yuba Street, Redding. For more information about these documents, click here. More information on this page.
In California water news today …
Coolers temps, chance of showers and possible Sierra snow: Big weather changes ahead for California
“Summer is shaping up to deliver a wide range of weather elements from the more expected extreme heat and fire to the more unexpected: rain and even Sierra snow. A significant pattern change is taking shape in the Pacific with a cold upper level low gaining steam and set to move into Northern California by the end of the week. This will bring much cooler weather along with a chance of showers, thunderstorms and even Sierra snow. This is an unusual weather system for Northern California at this time of year. … “ Read more from Channel 10.
Oroville Dam spillway undamaged by Thompson Fire, DWR says
“From almost any vista point around the southern portion of Lake Oroville, scorched earth from the Thompson Fire in July is clearly visible. While the charred landscape surrounds the main spillway, the California Department of Water Resources said the structure itself did not sustain damage. “Thompson Fire damage was limited to vegetation and minor structures such as fencing and trail structures like wooden footbridges,” said Tracy Hinojosa, DWR Water Operations Manager with the State Water Project. “DWR and State Parks are coordinating to remove hazard vegetation near trails and replace footbridges. Several trails within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area remain closed including those around the diversion pool, Potter’s Ravine and the North Fork Trail area.” … “ Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record.
Hurtado links state struggles to data abuse
Senator Melissa Hurtado said she believes the problems facing the Central Valley and California, while myriad and complex, have a common denominator: data manipulation. And that is restricting Valley residents from living the American dream. … In May 2022, Hurtado wrote a letter to the U.S. Attorney General, Merrick Garland. In her letter, Hurtado expressed concern that non-ag entities, including hedge funds, have engaged in anti-competitive prices with respect to purchasing water rights. She said these same entities potentially profit from the drought affecting Western states. In August 2022, Hurtado again wrote Garland. In this letter, she asked him to take urgent action “to address potential fraud and market manipulation practices that result in less water availability in the Western states.” … “ Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette.
FWA and ETGSA agree to mediation in dispute
“The two sides involved in litigation concerning a dispute over how repairs to the Friant-Kern Canal are being funded have agreed to mediation, SJV Water has reported. Attorneys for the Friant Water Authority and the Eastern Tule Groundwater Sustainability Agency agreed to mediation on Friday. FWA oversees the Friant-Kern Canal. FWA and the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District have filed a lawsuit against ETGSA, claiming the agency hasn’t fulfilled its terms of an settlement when it comes to funding the repairs of the canal. During a status conference on Friday the two sides told Tulare County Superior Court Judge Bret Hillman they’re both ready for mediation. … “ Read more from the Porterville Recorder.
As climate threats to agriculture mount, could the Mississippi River delta be the next California?
“A smorgasbord of bright red tomatoes and vibrant vegetables line the walls of Michael Katrutsa’s produce shop in rural Camden, Tennessee. What began a decade ago as a roadside farm stand is now an air-conditioned outbuilding packed with crates of watermelon, cantaloupe and his locally renowned sweet corn — all picked fresh by a handful of local employees each morning.The World Wildlife Fund sees farms in the mid-Mississippi delta as ripe with opportunity to become a new mecca for commercial-scale American produce. California currently grows nearly three-quarters of the nation’s fruits and nuts and more than a third of its vegetables. But as climate change compounds the threats of water scarcity, extreme weather and wildfires on California’s resources, WWF’s Markets Institute is exploring what it would take for farmers in West Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas to embrace — and equitably profit from — specialty crop production like strawberries, lettuce or walnuts. … “ Read amore from KWQC.
Sustainable Conservation and Netafim USA secure conservation innovation grant to pilot subsurface drip irrigation system on almond crops
“Sustainable Conservation, in partnership with Netafim USA, is excited to announce the award of a Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This grant will fund a first-of-its-kind pilot project at De Jager Dairy, where the award-winning Subsurface Drip Irrigation for Dairy Effluent (SDI-E) system will be adapted to irrigate and fertilize almond crops. Dairy farms are integral to California’s agricultural economy, but the 1.72 million dairy cows in California generate manure that can be a major source of nitrate pollution and methane emissions. With over 600,000 residents reliant on contaminated wells for household water in the San Joaquin Valley alone, we must manage manure in ways that unlock its nutrient-rich potential and protect our water quality. The SDI-E system blends carefully ratioed cow manure and water to fertigate dairy feed crops in lieu of traditional flood irrigation. By delivering this effluent blend directly to crop root zones, the SDI-E system conserves water, reduces methane emissions, and prevents groundwater contamination from nitrate overapplication. … “ Read the full press release from Sustainable Conservation.
California Water Institute highlights complex water issues for legislative staff
“The California Water Institute at Fresno State, in partnership with the Maddy Institute, recently hosted a Water Bootcamp aimed at enhancing the understanding of California’s complex water systems among state legislative staff. “The positive engagement and thoughtful questions from our attendees showed a significant interest in understanding the state’s water challenges,” said Laura Ramos, interim director of the California Water Institute. “This event has not only highlighted critical issues, but also the need for continued education and collaboration.” Ramos laid the groundwork for the event by discussing the fundamental concepts of watersheds, the water cycle and the impacts of climate change on California’s water resources. She continued with an in-depth look at surface water, covering essential infrastructure elements such as the Central Valley Project, the State Water Project, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, local water conveyance systems and the vital role of the Delta. … “ Read more from the California Water Institute.
Tenacious gene: Chinook diversity persists even in altered rivers
“The Central Valley of California historically contained a diverse tapestry of freshwater habitats, from the salty marshes of the lower estuary to the ice-cold mountain streams of the Sierras. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) developed a remarkable array of strategies to take advantage of these varied habitats, but as habitats have been altered and fragmented, so too has the diversity of Chinook populations. In particular, the Chinook that relied on coldwater habitats to survive in rivers through the summer – such as spring-run Chinook – have lost access to much of their historic range due to dams, and consequently have experienced precipitous declines. As the diversity of Chinook populations diminishes, so does the species’ resilience and adaptability. But all hope is not lost – the findings of a recent study examining the genetics of Chinook in a very modified river in the Sacramento Basin (Hugentobler et al. 2024) suggest that the diversity of these salmon may be more persistent than previously thought. … “ Read more from FishBio.
Lawsuit: El Capitan Dam
“A would-be sand miner in Southern California is seeking $300 million in compensation from the city of San Diego after it released six billion gallons of water from the El Capitan Dam. The plaintiff says the release raised the water table by 40-feet, rendering its nearly finished mining permit worthless, because the city does not allow sand mining below the water table.” Read the news brief via Courthouse News.
Improved atmospheric river forecasts assist west coast water, emergency managers
“California’s weather swings between wet and dry periods so it’s critical for the state to have accurate forecasts so they can employ effective water management strategies. To improve these forecasts and help residents of not just California, but several West Coast states, representatives with the 403rd Operations Group and 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, assigned to the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, attended the Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations workshop Aug. 5-9 in La Jolla, California. Reservists met with key members from the Army Corp of Engineers, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, NOAA, and the National Weather Service to discuss the role the Hurricane Hunters play in improving atmospheric river forecasts, which are crucial for managing California’s water reservoirs, supporting agriculture, and protecting lives and property, said Lt. Col. Steve Burton, 403rd Operations Group deputy commander. … ” Read more from Dobbins Air Reserve Base.
Boiling Point: Heat, fires, floods — extreme weather has affected 99% of Americans
“Extreme weather alerts for dangerous heat, wildfires, storms, flooding and other hazards have affected nearly everyone in the United States over the past few months. Tracking data from the National Weather Service, the nonprofit Union of Concerned Scientists has found that since the beginning of May, extreme weather alerts have been issued for 99% of the country’s population. It’s a striking statistic that underlines the growing risks the nation faces as climate change continues to intensify extremes — such as last month’s record heat in California. … “ Read more from the LA Times.
‘Still blazing galore’: Wildfire torches 95% of historic Northern California wilderness
“Brad Cooke has been spending a lot of time on Google Earth this month. A couple of weeks ago, the Chico-based environmental educator was checking it every day for updates on the progress of the Park Fire — California’s largest current blaze at 429,388 acres as of Monday. He was particularly concerned about a little-known outdoor destination that he had been visiting with students for 30 years: the Ishi Wilderness. Although the 41,000-acre swath of Lassen National Forest evolved with fire, the Ishi Wilderness hadn’t seen a significant blaze since 1990. And from what Cooke could tell from looking at Google Earth images, the fire had “just ripped through,” he said. “And it’s still blazing galore over there.” … ” Read more from SF Gate.
Less severe forest fires can reduce intensity of future blazes
“Not all forest fires have devastating effects. Low- and moderate-severity forest wildfires can reduce the intensity of future conflagrations for as long as 20 years in certain climates, according to new research by the University of California, Davis. The extent of reduced severity of these second fires, or reburns, and the duration of the moderating effect, varies by climate, forest type and other factors. But initial fires continue to mitigate future severity even during extreme weather, such as wind, high temperatures and drought, research published in the journal Ecological Applications finds. … “ Read more from UC Davis.
In commentary today …
Adaptively managing extinction
Chris Shutes with the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance writes, “In the never-ending saga of calling a skunk an adorable striped kitten, the proponents of the Voluntary Agreements released, on August 16, 2024, their latest defense of the scheme to undermine the flows needed for San Francisco Bay and the Delta to once again thrive. A flood of water agencies, headed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), frame the new defense of the indefensible as “Common Responses” to criticisms of the Voluntary Agreements (VAs). The proponents know that the VAs do virtually nothing to improve conditions in “Critically Dry” water years. These are the driest years that have decimated fish and water quality in the last decade. To fill the void, DWR et al. tell us (on pdf p. 49) that they plan to continue the failed Critically-Dry-year policies of the last decade as part of a strategy of “adaptive management.” … “ Read more from the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Klamath Tribes get funding to tackle pollution
“The Klamath Tribes will receive $545,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to improve water and air quality. According to a news release from Oregon U.S. senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, the grant is from the EPA’s performance partnership grant, which goes towards helping states and tribes address environmental problems. … “ Read more from KDRV.
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Lawmaker suggests Tahoe planning agency not exerting its power over developers
“State Sen. Skip Daly, a Democrat who represents Washoe County, suggested Friday the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency needs to exert its wide-ranging authority to extract concessions from developers seeking approval of projects at Lake Tahoe. Daly, chairman of Nevada’s Legislative Committee for the Review and Oversight of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, invoked Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s planned sprawling complex on the lake’s west shore as an example. “He has the right to develop it, and he’s got the money where he can call in the experts. Everything that he wants, no matter how long it takes – he’ll pay the money,” Daly said. “But he’s doing nothing to mitigate any impacts. He’s doing nothing to restore the lake.” … “ Read more from the Nevada Current.
Bi-state program continues to show results for Lake Tahoe clarity
“A bi-state effort to reduce pollution and restore Lake Tahoe’s world-famous water clarity kept significant amounts of stormwater and fine-grained sediment out of the lake in 2023, despite challenges from a winter of record snowfall and runoff, according to an annual lake performance report released today. While a prolonged snowmelt period in spring 2023 swept sediment into the lake and reduced clarity, partners in the Lake Tahoe Total Maximum Daily Load Program (TMDL Program) helped keep the lake’s annual average clarity at around 68 feet, which is in line with what has been observed over the past two decades, the bi-state report shows. This was achieved despite continuous periods of heavy snowfall and cold temperatures in 2023, which hindered street sweeping and stormwater infiltration efforts for long stretches. … “ Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
PCWA asks customers to continue conserving water as new repairs to crucial PG&E facility are identified
“Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) is urging customers to continue conserving water into the coming winter months, due to new challenges at a crucial facility owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) at Spaulding Reservoir. A significant share of PCWA’s water is delivered under contract from PG&E’s Spaulding Reservoir and hydroelectric facilities. This water is delivered via a system of canals and waterways including storage in Rollins Reservoir, which supplies both PCWA and the Nevada Irrigation District (NID). … As a result of this new damage and the need to complete the second phase of repairs to fully restore releases to the Drum Canal, PG&E recently announced that full, system-wide water deliveries from Spaulding may not be restored until summer 2025 at the earliest. … “ Read more from YubaNet.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
A.C.I.D. repairs breach of its main canal in Anderson. Water to be restored on Tuesday
“Anderson Cottonwood Irrigation District officials finished repairing a leak in its main canal and expect to have the system back in service on Tuesday morning. In a text message alert to customers, A.C.I.D. officials stated the main canal will be fully operational at 6 a.m. on Aug. 20. “Please be flexible while catching up and getting back on schedule. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” the message said. The canal breach was discovered on August 15 by a landowner whose property is adjacent to the canal in the area of Gas Point Road and Denice Way in Cottonwood. … ” Read more from Redding Record Searchlight.
NAPA/SONOMA
Beaver dams for all
“The beaver dam is back along Sonoma Creek in Maxwell Farms Regional Park, after winter storms washed away the previous dams, as usual. We can find beaver dams here and there in the Sonoma Valley watershed, and the ecological benefits include slowing and storing water to help prevent erosion, and providing habitat for fish, frogs and multiple aquatic species. But what about places where beaver dams could help restore and improve watersheds, and yet there are no beavers? That’s where the new Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool, or BRAT, comes in. … “ Read more from the Sonoma Valley Sun.
BAY AREA
Bay Area weather could take unusual late August turn this week. Here’s what’s in store
“An unusual weather pattern for late August will continue to impact conditions across California this week. Despite the atypical atmospheric setup, the Bay Area will enjoy rather pleasant conditions over the next few days. Tuesday is the warmest day of the week, followed by a gradual cooling trend with increasing clouds and fog on Thursday and Friday and a chance of showers by the weekend. The upper-level weather pattern this week that’s impacting the entire country is amplified and abnormally active. Typically in late August, a large area of high pressure is the dominant feature over the western U.S., keeping temperatures toasty and preventing large-scale storm systems from interacting with California. That is not the case this year. … “ Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Oakland fails to tell families and staff about high levels of lead at 22 schools
“Nearly 200 water faucets in Oakland public schools had levels of lead that exceeded district standards, sparking outrage among staff who criticized district officials this week for failing to immediately notify school communities about results found earlier this summer and spring. It’s unclear how long students were exposed to the tainted taps. Out of the 1,083 faucets and fountains tested, nearly 83% fell below the district’s limit of 5 parts per billion, or ppb, meaning they were safe, but 17% were above the limit. Federal standards are more lenient than Oakland’s standards, at 15 parts per billion, but 70 taps in the districts also failed to meet that requirement, in some cases by a wide margin. … “ Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
San Carlos residents concerned over water rates
“Multiple San Carlos residents are asking for City Council’s help in determining how their water bills have gotten so high, sharing frustrations over misleading notices and unprecedented spikes in rates. When Ken Castle received his bill for June and July, it “landed like an avalanche,” he said. “There was a notation in a previous bill that there were going to be rate reductions for certain amounts of water being used,” Castle said during public comment at the Aug. 12 City Council meeting. “It didn’t say that there would be a substantial increase of this magnitude for those of us who are using relatively medium amounts of water.” … ” Read more from the Daily Journal.
CENTRAL COAST
Big Basin Redwoods State Park rebuilding plans unveiled four years after massive wildfire
“Four years ago, a raging wildfire burned through California’s oldest state park, Big Basin Redwoods, charring 97% of the landscape and destroying every building and campsite, leaving ruins where beloved family memories had been nurtured for generations. Now hikers have returned. Trails have reopened. The blackened redwoods — some of which tower 300 feet tall and date back to the Roman Empire — nearly all survived, and are covered with vibrant green new branches. But none of the buildings, from the rustic visitors center to restrooms, have been rebuilt. The park still doesn’t have electricity or running water. On Wednesday, Big Basin will take a significant step toward recovery, as the California Department of Parks and Recreation holds its first public meeting to unveil three options for rebuilding the facilities at the 18,000-acre park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. … “ Read more from the Mercury News.
Water district serving parts of the Conejo Valley offers grants for irrigation system improvements
“A water district which serves part of the Conejo Valley is offering grants to help homeowners, and commercial property owners install water saving irrigation system improvements. The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District has allocated $250,000 for an irrigation system retrofit program. Residential customers can get up to $1500 towards professionally installed system upgrades. Commercial customers may be eligible for up to $3000 for repairs and upgrades. … “ Read more from KCLU.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Reclamation awards $1.8 million to Westlands for automated water meters
“Westlands Water District has been awarded a $1.8 million federal grant to support projects designed to increase water management efficiency and conservation. Grant funding will be used to retrofit the district’s buried distribution system that delivers metered water to hundreds of family-owned farms. Driving the news: The grant comes from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, totalling $1,808,326 through the federal WaterSMART program. … “ Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun.
California Supreme court declines to get involved in meandering Kern River case
“The California Supreme Court, on Aug. 14, declined to review an objection by plaintiffs in the Kern River lawsuit to a lower court’s ruling that paused an order requiring water flows through Bakersfield. That means the 5th District Court of Appeal will continue toward a hearing on whether the order was appropriate and the other part of the case will continue on its path in the Kern County Superior Court. It also means the order remains paused, so there is no requirement that the City of Bakersfield keep water in the river for fish populations. What water has been flowing through town all summer was voluntarily put into the river bed by the city. … “ Read more from SJV Water.
Kern County is having its summer of fire. And summer’s not over
“It’s hard to put in words the mix of fear and dread Daniel Gonzales felt as a wind-whipped fire roared into his yard last month in this remote mountain town in eastern Kern County. He managed to get himself and two cats out before the flames overtook his house. But a third cat, Fat Ass, ran out the door before Gonzales could secure him in a crate. Last week, Gonzales was back at his home of 36 years, overwhelmed by the loss. He pointed out the charred cars he had been fixing up to sell. Metal skeletons of Harley-Davidsons melted into the ground. His home, with its stamp and coin collections, disintegrated. “I want my house back. I want my cats back,” said Gonzales, 64. “Everything I had burned up. Everything I had to make money, gone.” … “ Read more from the LA Times.
SAN DIEGO
Water flow continues off Black Mountain in Rancho Peñasquitos
“Amy Harris’ backyard has a stunning view of Black Mountain in Rancho Peñasquitos. She and her husband mountain bike on the trails. “I’ve been mountain biking since I was a teenager. I’ve been living here 26 years,” said Harris. This year, they’ve noticed water where it normally would not be flowing. “For us, when we’re out biking like this summer, we’re saying, ‘Why is there water right here? Right now, it’s August?’ It just feels strange that there’s still water and it hasn’t been raining,” said Harris. The homeowner emailed CBS 8 after seeing our series of Working for You reports on water flooding backyards in Rancho Peñasquitos, and water flowing into the street. … “ Read more from Channel 8.
