A wrap-up of posts published on Maven’s Notebook this week …
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In California water news this week …
California completes largest dam removal in US history
“The largest dam removal project in U.S. history has been completed on the Klamath River near the California-Oregon border, restoring a continuous flow of water to nearly 400 miles of river habitat for the first time in over a century. California officials announced that the final work has concluded on the removal of four large hydroelectric dams that previously blocked the river. Officials say the estimated $450 million project has finished ahead of schedule and within budget. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office touted the project’s completion in a statement Wednesday. “This is a monumental achievement—not just for the Klamath River but for our entire state, nation and planet. By taking down these outdated dams, we are giving salmon and other species a chance to thrive once again while also restoring an essential lifeline for tribal communities who have long depended on the health of the river,” said Newsom. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service.
Final step in Klamath River dam removal opens path for returning salmon
“Heavy equipment removed the final obstacle separating the Klamath River from the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday. The reconnected river was turbid but remained safe for fish after crews took steps to avoid erosion and impacts to water quality. “These final dam removal steps set the stage for salmon to return to reclaimed habitat and expand their population recovery,” said Jim Simondet, NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region Klamath Branch Supervisor. NOAA Fisheries analyzed the impacts of dam removal on Endangered Species Act-listed species in a biological opinion. That analysis found that the short-term impacts, such as the potential effects of sediment in the water on salmon, would be outweighed by the much greater long-term benefits as river ecosystem processes return at a landscape scale. The project will reopen more than 400 miles of habitat to salmon, steelhead, and lamprey. … ” Read more from NOAA Fisheries.
Decision to reduce water flows in California’s delta sparks debate over imperiled fish
“State and federal officials have decided not to release additional water flows to support endangered fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta this fall — a controversial step that is being praised by major California water districts but condemned by environmental groups as a significant weakening of protections for imperiled fish. The debate centers on a measure that calls for prioritizing additional flows for endangered delta smelt, a species that has suffered major declines and is thought to be nearing extinction in the wild. The step of releasing a pulse of water through the delta in September and October is typically triggered when the state experiences relatively wet conditions, as it has during the last two years. A coalition of environmental and fishing groups said these flows — called “Fall X2” water releases — are vital for delta smelt, and that the decision by state and federal officials to suspend the measure this year poses an added threat for the fish. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
DWR Statement on Fall X2 action
“The operators of the State Water Project and Central Valley Project, working with federal and state wildlife protection agencies, have agreed to modify fall flows for endangered Delta smelt fish species. Throughout September, the water projects have been implementing actions to decrease salinity and increase food availability to support the critically endangered Delta smelt in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta. One of these actions includes increasing delta outflow to decrease salinity in the delta, also referred to as “Fall X2.” The other main action included the Department of Water Resources (DWR) operating gates in the Suisun Marsh to maximize suitable habitat for the endangered fish to improve conditions in areas of the delta where Delta smelt are most likely to exist. … ” Continue reading this statement from DWR.
State’s top water manager urges solutions for Delta conveyance at SoCal regional roundtable
“The future of California’s primary water supply delivery system was presented to regional leaders on Tuesday as Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) hosted the state’s top water manager for a roundtable discussion on the proposed Delta Conveyance Project (DCP). Karla Nemeth, Director of the California Department of Water Resources, laid out the importance of investing in the DCP during a two-hour conversation attended by dozens of regional water, community, and civic leaders at EMWD’s headquarters. “We have no better option than the one that is right in front of us today,” Nemeth said. “When the current system fails, it will be harder and more expensive than the current option.” The call to action comes as the proposed DCP advances through the regulatory process and faces a critical vote by The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board of Directors in December. That vote will determine if Metropolitan continues its financial support in the design and planning of the modernized conveyance system. … ” Read more from Eastern Municipal Water District.
State appeals Kings County judge’s groundwater injunction
“The state Water Resources Control Board announced Monday it is appealing a Kings County judge’s preliminary injunction that has forced the state to hold off on measures intended to corral excessive groundwater pumping in the region. The Water Board filed a notice to appeal Kings County Superior Court Judge Kathy Cuiffini’s Sept. 13 ruling. The appeal will be considered at the Fifth District Court of Appeal in Fresno. According to a Water Board statement, the appeal “…seeks to rectify a broad injunction that prevents it from taking action stemming from the probationary designation of the critically overdrafted Tulare Lake Subbasin – delaying state oversight and exacerbating the harmful impacts experienced by local communities, California Native American tribes, farmers and the environment due to excessive groundwater pumping.” “I don’t know if we expected it. We knew it was a possibility,” said Dusty Ference, executive director of the Kings County Farm Bureau, which sued the Water Board and sought the injunction after the state placed the Tulare Lake subbasin, which covers most of Kings County, on probation April 16. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
Valley residents already struggling with dry wells faced another problem this summer: Superheated tank water
“First their wells went dry. Then this summer’s brutal heat wave made water in emergency storage tanks so scalding hot, some valley residents had to siphon it into containers and let it cool before it could be used. “We’re very grateful to even have the tanks,” stressed Merideth Moreno, who lives near the small Tulare County community of Orosi. “But it [heated water] is one of the things that we have found to be trouble.” The well that served Moreno’s home and her 80-year-old father’s home went dry two years ago. They’ve survived ever since on water from two storage tanks paid for by the state and refilled every two weeks by the Visalia-based nonprofit Self-Help Enterprises. That water is just for household use, not drinking. The state also pays for bottled water, delivered by Self-Help. The Morenos are not alone. Self-Help has 1,244 storage tanks currently deployed in the valley. It deployed 50 new tanks this summer to families whose wells went dry. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
NOTEBOOK FEATURE: Here today, forgotten tomorrow: How shifting baselines transform nature and challenge restoration
“Among the jumbled boulders on the Klamath River’s Ishi Pishi Falls, Ron Reed learned to fish with a traditional salmon dipnet when he was just a few years old. Chinook and coho, Reed remembers, clogged the water below the tumbling rapids during peak migration times. “All I remember is salmon, all over the place,” says Reed, a 62-year-old elder and ceremonial leader of the Karuk tribe. “We caught so many, sometimes all we’d need by noon.” Since the 1960s, salmon habitat along the length of the Klamath and its tributaries has deteriorated, thanks to the construction of dams and the diversion of water to irrigate farms. In response, salmon runs have plunged. A similar trend has occurred throughout California, with returns in most major salmon rivers recently at or near record lows. This prompted officials to ban commercial and recreational fishing statewide in 2023, a closure that has extended through 2024. As salmon wane, tribal relations with the fish have changed, especially in the youngest generation. “They see us fishing, but they don’t see us catching anything,” Reed says of his grandchildren. … ” Continue reading from Maven’s Notebook.
Beaver restoration program brings furry species back to habitats, tribal land across California
“California has strengthened a new Beaver Restoration Program which is dedicated to supporting the species and their habitats. With the passing of Assembly Bill 2196, the program has partnered with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The initiative works with California tribal nations, private landowners and non-government organizations on implementing coexistence and beaver-assisted restoration projects to the state’s wildlife habitats. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB2196 into law in September. The bill’s author, Assemblyman Damon Connolly, D-San Rafael, said the law will now codified the program’s efforts. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
Happy New Water Year 2025! – Wet, dry, or just plain weird?
“October 1 marks the beginning of the new Water Year in California. Water years here run from October 1 until September 30 of the next calendar year, and are named for the calendar year of the bulk of the water year (January-October). It is a good time to reflect on the last year and make largely futile predictions of precipitation for the coming 12 months. The 2024 water year was blissfully normal. Not too wet. No major floods. Not a drought. The year was unusually normal, for the last decade. See Figure 1. Little to complain about, except that farmers an environmental interests would like average flows to be higher. … ” Read more from the California Water Blog.
California makes major strides for water supplies and climate resilience over the past year
“With California experiencing climate-driven extremes in weather, the state is continuing to take aggressive action to protect and expand the state’s water supplies, including prioritizing groundwater recharge and infrastructure improvements and supporting vulnerable drinking water systems. The State of California, under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom, has made significant strides in securing and enhancing water supplies while building climate resilience. Over the past year, California has implemented innovative water management strategies and invested heavily in drinking water systems, groundwater protection and infrastructure projects, benefitting millions of residents statewide. As the state begins a new water year, here’s an overview of some key developments … ” Continue reading this press release from Governor Newsom.
Sustainable Conservation publishes key report on accelerating ecological restoration in the Sacramento Valley and Beyond
“Sustainable Conservation is proud to announce a new report, “Accelerating Restoration in the Sacramento Valley and Beyond: Progress and Next Steps to Cutting Green Tape in California.” This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the current regulatory landscape and progress made with efficient permitting pathways, informed by interviews with over 80 individuals from 39 organizations. Based on the interviewee’s insights, the report offers actionable recommendations to further ensure a functional and efficient habitat restoration permitting system in California. The recommendations aim to empower restoration practitioners and agency staff to implement projects at the pace and scale necessary to protect our vital ecosystems in a changing climate. A once-in-a-generation opportunity for landscape-scale restoration has emerged in California, spurred by an unprecedented influx of proposed restoration projects and public funding. This white paper evaluates the current regulatory landscape and provides strategic recommendations to maximize the benefits of existing accelerated permitting pathways, advance coordinated permitting efforts, expand successful programs, and fill the regulatory and institutional gaps that hinder ecosystem restoration. It also highlights the need for strategic leadership to develop dedicated restoration teams within agencies and providing these teams with guidance and resources to support their work. … ” Read more from Sustainable Conservation.
Untapped potential: Study shows how water systems can help accelerate renewable energy adoption
“New Stanford-led research reveals how water systems, from desalination plants to wastewater treatment facilities, could help make renewable energy more affordable and dependable. The study, published Sept. 27 in Nature Water, presents a framework to measure how water systems can adjust their energy use to help balance power grid supply and demand. “If we’re going to reach net zero, we need demand-side energy solutions, and water systems represent a largely untapped resource,” said study lead author Akshay Rao, an environmental engineering PhD student in the Stanford School of Engineering. “Our method helps water operators and energy managers make better decisions about how to coordinate these infrastructure systems to simultaneously meet our decarbonization and water reliability goals.” … ” Read more from the Stanford Report.
In commentary this week …
Water security for Californians means protecting source waters
Redgie Collins, Legal and Policy Director for California Trout, writes, “Many Californians are familiar with the water infrastructure that connects our state. We’ve driven over canals and enjoyed activities on or near the many reservoirs that supply water to our crops and homes. Yet, many of us are unfamiliar with the incredible places where our water originates. In far Northern California lies one such place where water begins its journey as snow that seeps into deep aquifers, and eventually emerges on the surface as springs. This place is known as Sáttítla to the Pit River Tribe. In the world of conservation, we call these places where water originates source water areas. In times of recurring droughts and rising temperatures, these aquifers and spring systems are becoming even more essential to our state’s water future – but they are in danger. If we don’t protect these places, California’s water security, natural landscapes, and iconic species are at risk. … ” Read more from Capitol Weekly.
Time to gut and amend California’s rogue water agencies
Edward Ring, senior fellow with the California Policy Center, writes, “In California today, we have given unelected state bureaucrats the power to make decisions that affect millions of people and cost billions of dollars, and there is almost no recourse. There is also very little public criticism of the decisions these agencies make. That’s because the people who are most familiar with the extraordinary power of these agencies are also the people who must go to them for permits and, often, critical funding. Despite the absence of meaningful public criticism, the primary narratives that state agencies use to decide water policy in California are highly debatable. Let’s begin with the great climate boogeyman used to bludgeon us into accepting literally anything. The counter-argument is simple and compelling. Even if climate change has arrived – bringing more volatile weather patterns and hotter, longer summers – this only increases the urgency for regulatory flexibility, new approaches to protecting threatened species, and new water supply infrastructure. … ” Read more from What’s Current.
Newsom administration responsive on water issues
Scott Hamiliton, President, Hamilton Resource Economics, writes, “Last month, a front-page story on Valley Ag Voice drew attention to the lack of common sense when managing Central Valley water supplies flowing into the Delta. That article concluded with the following paragraph: “Reasonable efforts should be made to recover endangered species. Those efforts should be informed by the best available scientific information. There is a plethora of good science to inform the recovery of delta smelt. It is, however, being ignored while ineffective, costly actions continue to be stubbornly implemented.” Coincidentally, two letters were sent to state and federal resource managers — one from a group of public water agencies and the other from the Water Blueprint and cosigned by the Southern California Water Committee. The two letters were similar in their intent — they requested suspension of an action, referred to as “Fall X2” that is intended to benefit delta smelt by increasing the amount of water flowing through the Delta and out to the ocean in wetter than normal years. The action had been controversial since its inception in the 2008 Biological Opinion governing the operation of water project operations in the Delta. … ” Continue reading at Valley Ag Voice.
As California fish face extinction, the state isn’t even trying anymore
Dan Bacher writes, “With the start of the new water year yesterday, representatives of fishing and environmental groups blasted the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) for cancelling the fall flow protections for the few remaining Delta Smelt. October 1, is the start of the new “water year,” the date water managers use to mark the end of the dry season and the beginning of the wet. Current state and federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) permits require DWR and Reclamation to release a pulse of water through the Delta to the San Francisco Bay in September and October to improve habitat conditions for the listed Delta Smelt, according to a statement from environmental and fishing groups. This fall outflow requirement is only triggered in years when it is wetter than normal and is often referred to as “Fall X2.” … ” Read more from Red, Green & Blue.
An inadequate analysis of long-term operations of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project
The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance writes, “On September 9, 2024 a coalition of nonprofits submitted comments to the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) in response to its 2024 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on the Long-Term Operations of the Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP). The coalition consists of California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA), California Water Impact Network, Friends of the River, Golden State Salmon Association, Institute for Fisheries Resources, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, Restore the Delta, San Francisco Baykeeper, Save California Salmon, and Water Climate Trust. In its comment letter, the coalition contests the paradigm that underpins the DEIS: that delivery of water should come before protecting endangered species. The DEIS falls short in safeguarding endangered species and water quality, and instead prioritizes water deliveries that will exacerbate the ecological decline of California’s rivers and estuaries. … ” Read more from the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance.
Farmers climb the hill: A look at advocating for western agriculture and water
William Bourdeau, executive vice president of Harris Farms, owner of Bourdeau Farms, director of the Westlands Water District, writes, “During my recent visit to Washington, D.C., we had the opportunity to engage in vital discussions with policymakers and industry leaders about the challenges and opportunities facing Western agriculture. As a representative of California and the Family Farm Alliance, my focus was on advocating for solutions that address water shortages, resiliency, and the need for improved infrastructure. The decisions made in Washington have a significant impact on the future of farming communities like ours, and it’s crucial that our voice is heard—particularly when it comes to protecting American food production and navigating complex environmental regulations. Western irrigated agriculture is not only a cornerstone of our national food supply but also a driving force behind the economies of regions like California’s Central Valley. … ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun.
Salmon on the run
Claire Carlson writes, “The journey these salmon embark on is spectacular. They’re born in freshwater rivers and streams, and once they’re old enough, they head to the ocean. There, they feed on invertebrates and insects, and are fed on by larger animals like orcas, seals, sharks, and of course, humans. If – when – they reach about four years old (the age differs between salmon species), a sort of homing sense kicks in. They start heading back upstream, usually to their birthplace, to spawn and then die. But how does a salmon find its way, sometimes hundreds of miles, back to its exact birthplace? Scientists don’t really know. The U.S. Geological Survey theorizes that salmon use the earth’s “magnetic field like a compass” to go back to the river or stream where they were born, a place they already know is a good spot to spawn. Everything about this migration is beautiful and tragic to me because of what it can tell us about our future. … ” Read more from the Sierra Nevada Ally.
PRO/CON: Is California’s Prop. 4 climate bond a smart move or just too expensive?
“Proposition 4 would allow the state to borrow $10 billion by issuing bonds bonds for natural resources and climate activities. Individual proposals include efforts to ensure safe drinking water, strengthen drought, flood and water “resilience,” increase clean energy production, address sea level rise, create parks and outdoor access, provide heat mitigation or fund wildfire prevention programs. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News.
California can invest in climate resilience now, or Bay Area can pay price later
Jim Wunderman, president and CEO of the Bay Area Council, writes, ““And it never failed that during the dry years the people forgot about the rich years, and during the wet years they lost all memory of the dry years. It was always that way,” John Steinbeck wrote in “The Grapes of Wrath.” California’s climate is enjoying a rich spell. We’ve been blessed with two consecutive wet years. Our reservoirs are mostly full and the horrors of the 2017-2021 drought-fueled wildfire seasons are fading. Yet we can’t let this brief good fortune lull us into complacency. A changing climate means drought and wildfire are always lurking. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Examiner.
San Joaquin Valley: Uniting for our shared future
“We, the growers of the state of California, find ourselves in an extremely difficult position. SGMA has brought new challenges and responsibilities to growers in many parts of California. As we have all seen, there is a balance that must be reached between farmers, urban water users, and the environment. The State Water Resources Control Board, appointed by Governor Newsom, is charged with enforcing SGMA for those groundwater basins not approved by the Department of Water Resources. Because of this, it is in our best interest to unite and represent the San Joaquin Valley with one voice. The Water Blueprint is uniquely positioned to lead a united group of stakeholders to work towards successful implementation of SGMA and seek support for projects that will help farmers adjust to the changing availability of groundwater when surface supplies are reduced or unavailable. … ” Read more from the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley.
In regional water news this week …
Lake Shasta water level down from 2023 after hot, dry summer; uncertain rainy season ahead
“Record-breaking heat this past summer has the North State and the rest of California starting the new year ― the new water year, that is ― thirsty for rainfall to fill reservoirs and ease wildfire danger. Officials with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which manages Shasta Dam, said conditions in the lake and other reservoirs the agency manages in California were in “relatively good” shape this month. At the end of September, the water level in Lake Shasta was down from 2023, but still above average for this time of year, according to the bureau. State and federal water managers mark the new water year beginning Oct. 1 to coincide with the beginning of California’s rainy season. … ” Read more from the Redding Record-Searchlight.
Valley Water evaluating desalination project through its Water Supply Master Plan process
“One of Valley Water’s missions is to provide Santa Clara County with a reliable water supply. Valley Water identifies and plans for new water supply and infrastructure investments through its Water Supply Master Plan. Our agency updates the plan every five years by assessing how much water we’ll need in the future and what projects are needed to meet that demand. We are updating the plan now. As part of the process, we are evaluating 18 water supply and infrastructure projects, including taking a closer look at a proposed desalination plant located within Santa Clara County. Desalination is the process of removing salts from seawater or bay water through distillation or filtration to produce fresh, drinkable water. At a desalination plant, ocean or bay water is filtered to remove salts and other impurities. The materials removed from the salt water is referred to as brine and must be properly disposed of to protect the environment. Parts of California and other dry regions worldwide, such as the Middle East and Australia, use desalination. … ” Read more from Valley Water News.
30th anniversary of the historic Water Board decision to protect Mono Lake shows that additional action is needed
“Thirty years ago, on September 28, 1994, the California State Water Resources Control Board issued one of California’s most historic environmental decisions. The Mono Lake Basin Water Rights Decision 1631 (D1631) was designed to protect fragile and ecologically critical Mono Lake from unsustainable water diversions. On that day, the City of Los Angeles, the Mono Lake Committee and others joined in support of the solution to protect Mono Lake reflected in D1631. The Decision halted the destruction of Mono Lake. “When approved 30 years ago, D1631 became one of California’s greatest environmental successes,” said Geoffrey McQuilkin, Executive Director, Mono Lake Committee. Now, on the 30th anniversary of the decision, the lake elevation has not yet recovered to the healthy level ordered by the State Board and Mono Lake’s resources remain in jeopardy. Today, the Mono Lake Committee welcomes a new phase in the partnership with Los Angeles, and anticipates additional action by the Board to achieve the mandated lake level – 6,392 feet above sea level. The first step in this process is a Board hearing and review slated for 2025. … ” Read more from the Mono Lake Committee.
Safe drinking water: Honeywell will pay for cleaning up groundwater in San Fernando Valley
“A San Fernando Valley Superfund site will be cleaned up and help boost Los Angeles’ local water supply. After more than a decade of negotiations, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday that industrial manufacturing conglomerate Honeywell International Inc. has agreed to pay to clean up contaminated underground aquifers and build water treatment plants in North Hollywood. The effort is expected to cost Honeywell around $57 million, plus $8 million to $12 million per year to maintain and operate the water treatment facilities, according to Honeywell. … ” Read more from the LAist.
Water and Power: Could a century-old aqueduct point the way to Los Angeles’s clean energy future?
“Los Angeles was thirsty, desperately so. At the start of the 20th century, the upstart city was wilting under a drought that had delivered just half an inch of rain per month during the previous three years, well under the already-low norm. It was scarcely enough to meet the needs of a modest city, let alone the booming metropolis its leaders imagined. William Mulholland, the visionary head of the city’s water department, had rationed residents’ water use and installed newfangled meters to limit waste, but reports still rolled in lamenting foul-tasting water tainted by algal blooms in the city’s reservoirs and fire hydrants that lacked the pressure to protect homes and businesses. … ” This article is ultimately about the hydroelectric capabilities of the LA Aqueduct, but it takes a while to get there. Great photos. Read more from Distillations Magazine.
Salton Sea shrinking rapidly as IID conserves more water
“Monday marked the end of the Imperial Irrigation District’s 49-day Deficit Irrigation Program (DIP). Since the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) approved and implemented this additional water conservation program – expected to yield 170,000 acre-feet (AF) of water this year (and as much as 500,000 AF over the next two years) – the Salton Sea’s rate of decline increased 50% relative to the recent average rate, exposing thousands of additional acres of lakebed, Pacific Institute and Alianza Coachella Valley said in a joint press release. This extraordinary water conservation comes on top of some 176,000 AF of lower-than-expected water use by IID and another 36,000 of decreased use by the Coachella Valley Water District, partly due to its own extraordinary conservation efforts. All told, these factors could decrease total inflows to the Salton Sea this year by 13% relative to 2023, the nonprofits said. … ” Read more from the Imperial Valley Press.
Announcements, notices, and funding opportunities …
ANNOUNCEMENT: Army Corps to host New Bullards Bar and Oroville Dam Water Control Manual Update information meeting October 15
NOTICE of lifting of curtailments under standard water right Term 91
NOW AVAILABLE: 2024 Delta Plan Five-Year Review Report
