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On the calendar today …
- PUBLIC HEARING: Sites Reservoir Water Right Permit beginning at 9am. The State Water Resources Control Board is holding a multi-day public hearing on the Sites Project Authority’s application for a water right permit to store up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water annually in a proposed reservoir in the Sacramento Valley. View hearing on the Administrative Hearings Office YouTube channel.
- EVENT: California Financing Coordinating Committee Funding Fair (Virtual) from 9am to 12pm. Seeking Funding for Your Infrastructure Project? Obtain information about currently available infrastructure grant, loan and bond financing programs, and options. The funding fair provides an opportunity for attendees to speak directly with program staff about specific projects and issues affecting their community. Visit www.cfcc.ca.gov for more information. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: Coffee and Conversation with Pablo Garza from 10am to 11am. Join us for “Coffee and Conversation” with Pablo Garza, Chief Consultant for the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife. This event will provide post-election insights and valuable information on how water providers can effectively advance their interests in the California Legislature. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: The Shifting Landscape of Water Rate Setting – Proposition 218 Compliance After Coziahr, Part 1 of 3 from 12pm to 1:30pm. Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) will host a three-part webinar roundtable addressing recent legal developments affecting rate setting for California’s municipal water providers. These webinars will focus on techniques and strategies for adopting and defending water rates in light of the Court of Appeal’s decision in Cozhiar v. Otay Water District. Each webinar will be hosted by BBK attorneys featuring industry professionals as guest speakers providing insightful guidance and firsthand perspectives on addressing these challenges. Key issues to be discussed are effective rate setting, strategies for tiered water rates, bridging cost and consumption, and preparing for potential rate challenges. Participation is limited to public agency staff and water industry professionals representing public agencies. Click here to register for the series.
- EVENT: Southern California Water Coalition Annual Dinner from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Senator Toni G. Atkins is the speaker. Click here for more information and to register.
In California water news today …
Why future droughts will not be about rain
“Dry wells. Dwindling reservoirs. Parched ground. Forest fires. The American West has gotten awfully familiar with drought in the 21st century. And it wouldn’t be the same without the heat. This summer, like many before, set new benchmarks for heat, as big swaths of the West, including Arizona and California, lived through their hottest summers on record. These temperatures, even more than the amount of rainfall, are key to understanding drought in the climate change era, according to a new study in the journal Science Advances. The research found that since 2000, rising temperatures — leading to greater evaporation — have done more to contribute to the severity and extent of droughts in the West than a lack of rainfall. “This is quite different from our grandma’s drought,” said Rong Fu, a professor in atmospheric and oceanic science at UCLA who is one of the authors of the study. … ” Read more from the Washington Post.
Severe California droughts increasingly likely, scientists say. Here’s why
“A historic drought brought devastating impacts across California from 2020 to 2022. Water levels plummeted in surface reservoirs across the state, with Lake Oroville hitting an all-time low. California’s agriculture industry lost billions of dollars and thousands of farmworkers lost their jobs. Similar severe droughts will become much more likely in the western United States, according to a study published Wednesday, led by scientists at UCLA, the National Integrated Drought Information System and the University of Colorado Boulder. The researchers calculated that the severity of the 2020-22 drought was rare, corresponding with a 1-in-1,300-year event. But if greenhouse gas emissions continue rising unchecked, by 2080-2100 such conditions could become equivalent to a 1-in-6-year event. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
SEE ALSO:
- Climate change parching the American West even without rainfall deficits. from UCLA
- Climate change identified as main driver of worsening drought in the Western United States, from the LA Times
State’s outlook for wet year is uncertain so far
“California experienced its hottest summer on record this year, but previous above average and normal water years helped the state maintain a good supply of surface water in reservoirs and recharge more groundwater. “We’re finally starting to feel fall temperatures here, which I think everybody’s ready for to get into winter,” said Michael Anderson, state climatologist for the California Department of Water Resources. “The timing, pace and scale of those atmospheric river storms are absolutely key to how the year plays out.” Anderson and other DWR colleagues addressed members of the California State Water Resources Control Board last week, providing a state water update. State water officials reflected on the 2024 water year and discussed the state of supplies going into the new water year, which began Oct. 1 and continues through Sept. 30. … ” Read more from the Ceres Courier.
A view on the future of Delta water conveyance: A Q&A with Terry Krause
“Moving and storing water is essential across the entire water cycle. From drinking water supply to wastewater collection and wet weather management, conveyance and storage solutions like pipelines and tunnels are integral to our OneWater approach at Jacobs. These solutions are also critical as communities across the world respond to the impacts of climate change and must manage too much, or too little, water. The ability to efficiently distribute limited water supplies, safely capture urban flood waters, or store water for future use has never been more important. In this Q&A, we connect with Jacobs Program Manager Terry Krause, who has spent 50 years supporting clients with major water infrastructure projects globally. Terry discusses the future of water conveyance and his role supporting the Delta Conveyance Project in California – a major program to improve water supply resilience by modernizing State Water Project conveyance infrastructure in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. … ” Read more from Jacobs.
Bay Delta rules debated: State regulations on water availability still in contention
“On Oct. 25, the State Water Resources Control Board released regulatory options intended to protect beneficial uses of the waterways that feed much of the Tri-Valley’s water supply. At issue is the second phase of the Bay Delta Plan update. The proposed regulations seek to improve the conditions of aquatic ecosystems in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and the tributaries of the Sacramento River. The Zone 7 Water Agency, which manages and wholesales water in the Tri-Valley, relies on water pumped from the delta for as much as 90% of its supply. … Eric Oppenheimer, the state water board’s executive director said, “With the release of these possible updates to the Sacramento/Delta portions of the plan, the board would like to hear significant public input, which will be carefully considered as we work toward a comprehensive update that provides for the reasonable protection of beneficial uses of water in the watershed.” … ” Read more from the Livermore Independent.
Prop. 4 passes: Californians approve $10 billion for water, wildfire, climate projects
“California voters approved Prop. 4’s $10 billion in bonds for environmental projects, with about $2 billion going toward protecting drinking water. California will spend $10 billion to fund water, climate, wildfire and natural resource projects after voters approved a bond measure in Tuesday’s election. Proposition 4 will fund projects across the state to safeguard drinking water, combat wildfires, protect natural lands, and improve resilience against floods and extreme heat, but some of the money is also directed toward shorter-term items like job training. At least 40% of the funds will be spent to benefit communities considered most harmed by climate change and environmental fallout — prioritizing support for populations that might lack the resources to cope with those impacts. … ” Read more from Jefferson Public Radio.
Environment, parks and open space measures pass across the Bay Area and California
“Environmentalists across the Bay Area were depressed Wednesday by the victory of Donald Trump — a man who appointed a coal lobbyist to run the EPA, withdrew from the Paris climate agreement and relaxed dozens of pollution rules last time he was president. But closer to home, they had a lot to celebrate after Tuesday’s election. Numerous measures to provide funding for parks, wildlife and open space protection passed or seemed headed for victory across the Bay Area and other parts of California. “There’s a feeling of whiplash,” said Sara Barth, executive director of the Sempervirens Fund, a non-profit group based in Los Altos that preserves redwood forests. “I got one message from a friend saying ‘what a great day for the environment.’ And I said, yeah, except at the national level,” she added. “It’s a combination of hope and pride that California is leading the way, combined with dread and despair that the federal government is going to be pulling in the opposite direction. But California needs to continue to provide leadership despite what might happen at the national level.” … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News.
Election results set the stage for new priorities in agriculture
“The outcome of the 2024 General Election is set to bring significant changes to the agricultural landscape, according to at least one expert. With Donald Trump returning to the presidency, new dynamics will unfold, especially in the U.S. Senate, where pivotal shifts are already affecting the agriculture sector. That, according to Ethan Lane, Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, who emphasized the importance of these changes. “The margin in the popular vote total is going to be incredibly impactful,” Lane said, highlighting that a Republican sweep could have widespread implications. In particular, the defeat of key Democratic senators like John Tester in Montana signals a change in direction. This shift is likely to bring fresh Republican perspectives to agricultural policy, aligning more closely with rural and cattle industry interests. … ” Read more from Ag Net West.
Return of the resistance state: What another Trump presidency will mean for California
“Former President Donald Trump won a second term after four years out of the White House, likely thrusting California back into leading the resistance against him. The Associated Press made its call at 3 a.m., declaring that the Republican defeated Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, who would have become the first woman president and the most powerful Californian in four decades. Instead, Californians now face a repeat of Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2021 — another four years of governance consumed by combative showdowns between the state’s Democratic leadership and Washington, D.C., possibly distracting from or even setting back progress on addressing California’s own problems. … ” Read more from Capital Public Radio.
Environmental groups say Trump regime will face ‘unprecedented resistance’
“Following the election of Donald Trump to his second term as president last night, environmental and anti-corporate groups vowed “unprecedented resistance” to his anti-environmental policies on water, land, the climate and fish and wildlife. “Trump 2.0 is going to get twice the fight from the protectors of our planet, wildlife and basic human rights,” said Kierán Suckling, executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity. “We’ve battled Trump from the border wall to the Arctic Wildlife Refuge, and in many cases we’ve won. This country’s bedrock environmental laws stand strong. We’re more prepared than ever to block the disastrous Trump policies we know are coming.” … ” Read more from the Daily Kos.
In commentary today …
Zone 7 should withdraw its support of voluntary agreements and set limits on diverting water from the Bay Delta
The Livermore Independent editorial board writes, “The State Water Resources Control Board is currently considering two options for its plan to preserve the Bay Delta. What the board decides will affect the Tri-Valley’s ability to secure safe water. One option, proposed by agency staff, would increase the minimum amount of water that must flow from the Sacramento River through to the San Francisco Bay without being diverted along the way for human uses. This approach is also supported by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Sierra Club. The other option, favored by Zone 7 and other utilities, is to enact what they call “voluntary agreements.” The name refers to plans that each of the participating agencies would create separately to restore habitat on their properties. What the voluntary agreements don’t do is set hard limits on the total amount of water diverted to our local water systems or to agricultural uses; it replaces them with wide ranges that are sometimes higher or sometimes lower than what is proposed in the staff option. … ” Read more from the Livermore Independent.
In regional water news and commentary today …
BAY AREA
Redwood City studies sea-level rise
“With more than 10 miles of Bay shoreline, a Redwood City Council study session focused on its vulnerability to sea-level rise and adaptation planning considerations. A study shows major sources of flooding in Redwood City include elevated Bay water levels, runoff and emergent groundwater. Wet winters and heavy storms also influence high tides and more severe flooding along watersheds. Mayor Jeff Gee said addressing flooding, sea-level rise and groundwater concerns will be a long-term effort, but it can only start with these studies of gaps in the city’s infrastructure and steps forward. … ” Read more from the San Mateo Daily Journal.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
State fines Modesto for sewer spills. City to spend the money on this worthy cause
“Modesto and state officials got creative in resolving two sewage spills into the Tuolumne River in 2021. The state agreed to let the city put its $325,000 fine toward a 42-cabin project for unhoused people at Ninth and D streets. The money will go specifically to the restroom, shower and laundry buildings and their water and sewer hookups. The logic? The restrooms will serve a population that might at times relieve itself near the river or in other unsanitary places. The site, Dignity Village Modesto Interim Housing, is scheduled to open by Jan. 31 on the city-owned dirt lot. It will provide 70-square-foot homes and social services for people with serious mental illness and-or substance use disorder. … ” Read more from the Modesto Bee.
EASTERN SIERRA
Successful hydrology modeling collaboration
“The Mono Lake Committee and the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (DWP) have a long history of legal conflict over Mono Lake. But there’s also a lesser-known record of successful collaboration over the years. In the spring of 2023, a new collaborative effort began when Committee Executive Director Geoff McQuilkin and Board Members Martha Davis and Tom Soto met with Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of Energy & Sustainability Nancy Sutley and then-DWP General Manager Martin Adams at Los Angeles City Hall. The Committee briefed the mayor’s office on the state of Mono Lake, notably that under the current diversion rules, the lake’s rise has repeatedly stalled at the 6,384-foot to 6,385-foot elevation over the past 25 years, eight feet below the level mandated by the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Decision 1631 in 1994. Reflecting on this problematic trend, Deputy Mayor Sutley observed that there must be more options for the future than simply “diversions-on” or “diversions-off.” Could the two parties investigate diversion scenarios that would fall somewhere in between? … ” Read more from the Mono Lake Committee.
CENTRAL COAST
Ventura asks residents to limit water use amid Mountain Fire
“The City of Ventura asked its residents to limit their water use as crews tried to extinguish the Mountain Fire Wednesday night. The rapidly-spreading wildfire quickly burned through more than 10,400 acres after sparking near Moorpark in Ventura County. Firefighters attributed the explosion in size to the Santa Ana winds that prompted a Red Flag warning. In this particular instance, they issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” alert because of the threat posed by “an ongoing or imminent fire weather pattern.” … With their air support grounded, the City of Ventura asked residents to help firefighters by refraining from non-essential water use, such as watering lawns and gardens, until further notice. “Limiting water usage during this time helps ensure that firefighters have a readily available water supply for fire suppression efforts,” city leaders wrote on Facebook. … ” Read more from CBS LA.
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Supervisors urge IID to engage on critical water issues
“The Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved a formal letter to the Imperial Irrigation District on Tuesday, Nov. 5, urging them to engage directly with the county on water-related issues crucial to the region’s economic and environmental health, particularly the future of Lithium Valley. While the board and IID have periodic “two-on-two” meetings, intended to address pressing topics, these sessions have not led to the focused discussions on water allocations and conservation impacts that county leaders have sought. Board Chairperson Luis Plancarte emphasized that the county’s letter aims to bring these issues to the full IID Board of Directors. “With this letter, at least my intention is to make the full board of directors at IID aware of our concern and once again invite them to sit down at the table and talk to us specifically about some of these items,” Plancarte said. … ” Read more from the Calexico Chronicle.
Along the Colorado River …
‘This river has a spirit’: Native Americans share ancestral ties to Colorado River and its tributaries
“Autumn Gillard’s dark eyes are serious as she gazes upon the hordes of visitors on the Virgin River bank in Zion National Park. The striking red cliffs form a natural amphitheater carved by the river’s sheer power at the Temple of Sinawava as she contemplates Native Americans’ relationship to the water. Gillard, the cultural resource manager of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, told St. George News that the Colorado River and its tributaries, including the Virgin River in southwest Utah, are considered among Native Americans’ most sacred pieces of ancestral landscape. “It is a symbolization of the lifeblood of Mother Earth,” Gillard said, adding that she believes the river should always be protected and treated with respect. … ” Read more from Utah Public Radio.
In national water news today …
Trump declares ‘unprecedented and powerful mandate’
“President-elect Donald Trump will return to the White House in January with an agenda to slash government regulations, expand fossil fuel production and fire his critics in the federal government. Following Trump’s decisive win Tuesday and with Republicans clinching control of at least one chamber of Congress, the president-elect and his team are poised to make drastic overhauls to energy and environmental policies. “America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate,” Trump said in a victory speech early Wednesday morning. … Specific personnel and policy announcements are expected to come from the president-elect in the coming weeks and months, but Trump has made his broad agenda clear on the campaign trail. He has pledged to “unleash” domestic fossil fuel production, withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement and rescind a host of Biden-era environmental rules. … ” Read more from E&E News.
Climate initiatives fare well across the country despite national political climate
“Despite national election results that have left environmentalists and their allies wary of what’s to come in the next four years, ballot initiatives related to climate policies fared well across the country on election day. At least five of six ballot measures related to climate change resulted in what most environmentalists consider wins. But state legislative races across the country that could impact climate policy had more uneven results. … ” Read more from Inside Climate News.
Trump, RFK Jr. stir debate over fluoride in public water: What to know
“Former President Trump and former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have raised fluoride in water as a public health measure to be addressed if Trump retakes the White House. Over the weekend, Kennedy wrote on social platform X, “On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water.” He then claimed, without citing evidence, that fluoride is “industrial waste” that causes a list of harms. Trump has expressed an openness to this rule, telling NBC News, “Well, I haven’t talked to him about it yet, but it sounds OK to me.” … ” Read more from The Hill.
Microplastics promote cloud formation, with likely effects on weather and climate
“Clouds form when water vapor – an invisible gas in the atmosphere – sticks to tiny floating particles, such as dust, and turns into liquid water droplets or ice crystals. In a newly published study, we show that microplastic particles can have the same effects, producing ice crystals at temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius (9 to 18 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than droplets without microplastics. This suggests that microplastics in the air may affect weather and climate by producing clouds in conditions where they would not form otherwise. … ” Read more from The Conversation.
