DAILY DIGEST, holiday weekend edition: Recovery through reintroductions for Central Valley salmon; State policymakers face backlash on decision that could impact the future of endangered species; Two-way water transfers can ensure reliability and save money; How paying water users to use less of the Colorado River is working out; and more …

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In California water news this weekend …

NOAA Fisheries: Recovery through reintroductions for California’s Central Valley salmon

“Today, steelhead and two populations of salmon (winter-run and spring-run Chinook) in California’s Central Valley are listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. These salmon and steelhead, known as salmonids, require cold water to survive hot summers. Dams block access to historically high quality habitat in high elevation areas, and the only habitat available to these fish is often of poor quality.  Barriers such as dams have cut off salmonids from 95 percent of the historical habitat. Dam construction between 1894 and 1968 has prevented fish from reaching high-elevation mountain streams where water is kept cool by melting snow. Instead, today fish are stuck below the dams on the valley floor. When salmonids spawn, their young depend on cold, clean water to survive. If they are restricted to lower elevation spawning areas below a dam, warmer water threatens their continued survival and leaves them highly vulnerable to the effects of a warming climate.  Recovery of endangered fish populations in the Central Valley cannot be achieved without re-establishing populations back into their historical habitats. … ”  Read more from NOAA Fisheries.

State policymakers face backlash on decision that could impact the future of endangered species: ‘They’re going to make it worse’

“A new proposal by the Central Valley Project and State Water Project in California is making a splash, as conservationists are concerned for endangered fish species.  As reported by the Los Angeles Times, new guidelines proposed by the administrations of President Joe Biden and Gov. Gavin Newsom will determine how much water can be drawn for urban and agricultural use while aiming to protect endangered fish species. The proposed water rules hope to update decades-old regulations for California’s major water delivery systems.  The federal Central Valley Project and State Water Project provide water to 25 million residents and millions of acres of farmland, but they have been criticized for contributing to ecological harm in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. … ”  Read more from The Cool Down.

Sacramento, Yolo and San Joaquin groups join native tribes and environmentalists to battle Newsom as he gets more water districts to support Delta tunnel

“Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom celebrated the recent votes by three water agencies for the next phase of funding for the proposed Delta Conveyance Project. Better known as “the Delta Tunnel,” the project is opposed by a diverse coalition who have deemed it a massive and expensive boondoggle that would hasten the extinction of Central Valley salmon, Delta smelt and other fish species while causing enormous harm to Delta towns and California tribal communities.  The Alameda County Water District, Desert Water Agency and Palmdale Water District all voted in favor of supporting the Delta Tunnel, according to the Governor’s Office. These follow other water agencies throughout the state that have also voted in favor of moving the next phase of the project forward. The other supporters include the Coachella Valley Water District, Crestline-Lake Arrowhead Water Agency, Mojave Water Agency, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency, Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency and Zone 7 Water Agency. … ”  Read more from the Sacramento News & Review.

Strong high-pressure system shifts California weather. Here’s what to expect

“The Bay Area and California are about to experience weather whiplash. After six consecutive days of rain, a significant pattern shift begins Wednesday, and it might not rain again until at least mid-December — or possibly longer. A large ridge of high pressure will start building over the North American West Coast on Wednesday, likely locking into place for the foreseeable future. This atmospheric feature, often called a “ridiculously resilient ridge,” resembles patterns that typically occur in summer, which lead to extended heat waves. While this setup will bring above-average temperatures, its most notable effect will be several consecutive days of sunny, dry weather. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.

SEE ALSO:

• California Lakes Surge After Once-in-a-Thousand-Year Atmospheric River, from Newsweek
• Record-breaking storms provides boost for California’s water supply, from CBS Bay Area
• Where California reservoir levels stand after atmospheric river-fueled storm, from the SF Chronicle

Two-way water transfers can ensure reliability and save money during drought in Western US

“A study led by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a solution to water scarcity during droughts amid the tug of economic development, population growth and climate uncertainty for water users in Western U.S. states. The proposed two-way leasing contracts would coordinate agricultural-to-urban leasing during periods of drought and urban-to-agricultural leasing during wet periods, benefiting both urban and agricultural water users.  “Water markets are an important tool for allocating water in the Western U.S., and other water-scarce regions around the world, but they are often slow to respond to drought, preventing re-allocation that can substantially reduce financial impacts,” says Greg Characklis, W.R. Kenan Distinguished Professor of environmental sciences and engineering at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and director of UNC’s newly established Institute for Risk Management and Insurance Innovation (IRMII). … ”  Read more from PhysOrg.

Worries about invasive golden mussels prompts quarantine for boats on Northern California lake

“State and Solano County water officials concerned about the spread of invasive golden mussels are barring watercraft traveling from the Delta from launching in Lake Berryessa without a 30-day quarantine or decontamination. The larval microscopic mussels have been found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and easily make their way into live wells, bilges and ballast tanks, the craft’s engine system, plumbing and other compartments onboard boats, said Solano County Water Agency officials. “Any vessel wishing to launch sooner than the required 30-day quarantine period must have a hot-water decontamination performed by Solano County Water Agency trained and approved staff,” the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation said in a statement Monday. … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee.

Extreme weather accelerates nitrate pollution

“Extreme weather spurred by climate change, including droughts and heavy rains, may increase the risk of nitrates from fertilizers ending up in groundwater, according to a recent study from researchers at the University of California, Davis. The study found heavy rains after a drought caused nitrates to seep 33 feet under farm fields in as little as 10 days. The study was published in Water Resources Research.  “The conventional wisdom was that it could take several weeks to years for nitrates to move from the crop root zones to reach groundwater,” said corresponding author Isaya Kisekka, a professor in the Departments of Land, Air and Water Resources and Biological and Agricultural Engineering. “We found these extreme events, such as California’s atmospheric rivers, are going to move nitrate more quickly.” … ”  Read more from the Western Farm Press.

California reflects on SGMA 10 years later

“California water officials, local water agencies and farmers have spent the past decade preparing for the 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, or SGMA, a historic regulatory framework developed to bring overdrafted aquifers into balance by 2040.  As SGMA implementation takes shape, state and local water officials, lawmakers, farmers and association leaders commemorated the 10th anniversary of SGMA last week at the California Natural Resources Agency in Sacramento. The daylong event featured panel discussions on the past, present and future of the regulation. The keynote address was delivered by former Gov. Jerry Brown, who in 2014 signed three pieces of legislation known collectively as SGMA after the state experienced a multiyear drought that caused some drinking wells to go dry.  In reflecting on when SGMA was passed, Paul Gosselin, DWR deputy director for sustainable groundwater management, said, “There was a sense at that moment that something really, really big was happening. … ”  Read more from Ag Alert.

A look at what Prop 4 passing means for Californians

“Besides producing grapes, a particular vineyard in Sacramento County is playing an important role, said Omuchumme-Hartnell Water District General Manager Mike Wackman, in preparing the greater area for times of drought.  “This field here represents a recharge area,” Wackman said. “So, with the vines being grown out here, we’re able to take water off the Consumer’s River and recharge, and actually flood these fields while the vines go dormant.”  This relatively new way to bank water by storing it underground in farmland is the type of project that will receive significant funding through the passing of Proposition 4.  “It’s a big thing,” Wackman said. “Especially when they’re looking at climate change and those types of things and different ways that we might not have as much snowpack.” … ”  Read more from Spectrum 1.

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In regional water news this weekend …

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Crews remove miles of abandoned, lead-coated telephone cables from the bottom of Lake Tahoe

“Miles of defunct, lead-covered telephone cables have long sat abandoned beneath the cerulean waters of Lake Tahoe. Now, after years of legal back-and-forth, the cables have been removed.  Scuba divers discovered the cables on the lake’s sandy, silty bottom in 2012. The cables consist of copper wires surrounded by a layer of lead sheathing. They were laid in Lake Tahoe decades ago—possibly as early as the 1920s—while telephone service was expanding across the United States. As technology advanced, telecom companies installed newer cables, but they left the old ones in place.  Over time, the Lake Tahoe cables suffered damage from boat anchors and debris. Health and environmental activists and residents grew concerned that the torn cables were leaching lead into the lake, which is a popular swimming destination and provides drinking water for some nearby households. … ”  Read more from Smithsonian Magazine.

First flying electric ferry in the US will go to Lake Tahoe

“Swedish boatbuilder Candela and a company called FlyTahoe have announced that the first U.S.-based electric foiling ferry, the Candela P-12, will soon debut on Lake Tahoe.  The electric hydrofoiling ferry will reduce travel times for Tahoe locals and visitors, providing a north-south connection across the lake, while also helping cut emissions.  According to the two companies, the Candela P-12 will significantly lower operational costs over diesel-powered vessels.  With Lake Tahoe attracting over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts year-round, road congestion has become an ever-increasing problem. … ”  Read more from Soundings.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Construction complete, monitoring underway at River Bend Habitat Project

“The Water Forum has completed the construction of its 2024 Habitat Project at River Bend on the Lower American River. Monitoring is now underway to assess the project’s effectiveness in improving spawning and rearing conditions for fall-run Chinook salmon and steelhead trout.  “This site is the farthest downstream of our current habitat program sites and it plays a crucial role because it’s one of the first suitable areas our adult salmonids encounter as they migrate upstream to spawn,” said Erica Bishop, Water Forum Program Manager for Habitat and Science. “By enhancing conditions here, we’re diversifying and expanding spawning opportunities across the upper river.” … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Water Forum.

NAPA/SONOMA

Invasive mussels found in Lake Hennessey in North Bay

“An invasive species is forcing the closure of Lake Hennessey in Napa County.  The lake is an important water supply for Napa, and it provides about half of the city’s drinking water.  The city is closing the lake’s boat launch, and banning boats, after ‘golden mussels’ were found to the north in the Sacramento- San Joaquin River Delta. … ” Read more from NBC Bay Area.

BAY AREA

Silicon Valley water district will fine people living on its property

“Homeless people are barred from living along regional waterways owned by Santa Clara County’s largest water agency — and could be charged with an infraction or misdemeanor and face up to $500 fines if they’re caught camping there.  The Valley Water board of directors voted 6-1 on Tuesday to enact the Water Resource Protection Zones Ordinance, which goes into effect Dec. 26 and aims to reduce waterway pollution by keeping homeless people from living on agency property. In addition, the board directed staff to write a letter to the county requesting cold weather shelters be expanded in upcoming months. Director Rebecca Eisenberg voted no and said it was a “false flag solution” that won’t help anyone.  Valley Water owns the land rights to roughly 333 miles of the more than 800 miles of waterways in Santa Clara County, and there are more than 700 people encamped along its property — a number that has risen since the pandemic. … ”  Read more from the San Jose Spotlight.

SEE ALSO:

• • Santa Clara Valley Water District Cracks Down on Unhoused People Near Waterways, from KQED
  • New ordinance bans encampments along Santa Clara County creeks, rivers, from KTVU

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Photo feature: Capturing precarity & plenty in the Central Valley

Steven Haring writes, ““The Central Valley is the armpit of California.”  After I first moved here, a group of Californians would—with a straight face—give me unsolicited opinions like this about their home state. On some level, I get why people slander the Central Valley. While driving on Interstate 5 between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the sights and smells can convince a lot of people that Central California is drive-thru country.  For the record, I don’t think that the Central Valley should be written off as a wasteland. It appears different than other parts of California, sure, but the Central Valley is challenged by the same kind of impermanence and overzealousness that makes places like Silicon Valley and Hollywood attractive. Tech moguls and wannabe movie stars are not really that different from the land speculators and water barons hoping to make their mark on Central Valley agriculture. … ”  Read more from Edge Effects.

Former Exeter mayor and community water advocate takes her “listening” skills into retirement

“Barbara Sally, 77, describes her departure from Exeter city and Tulare County water politics as “sweet and sour.”  Sweet because fewer meetings means more time to watch her seven grandchildren play sports up and down the state.  Sour because, “I’m going to miss all of the hard-working people, and there’s unfinished business. I just want to see Exeter keep moving forward,” the former mayor said.  In finishing her final term on the Exeter City Council in December, Sally is also wrapping up a six-year stint as a member of the Greater Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency’s Rural Communities Committee. She was appointed to both seats upon the death of her husband, Dale, former General Manager of Exeter Irrigation District. … ”  Read more from SJV Water.

After a chaotic ending, the newly-formed Mid-Kings River GSA moves to fill advisory board seats

“A Kings County groundwater agency that imploded last summer under accusations of secrecy and arrogance has been resurrected with a new feature – an 11-member landowner committee that will look over issues and advise board members.  Nine committee members were appointed at the Mid-Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency’s Nov. 5 meeting. The GSA will continue to review applications to fill representation gaps in District 2 within the GSA boundary and other industry categories, such as well drillers, a group the board is eager to invite to the table.  The committee is expected to create a bridge between policy makers on the GSA and landowners.  “We desperately need clarity and a path forward,” wrote Summerfield Farms Manager David Stanfield on his application to be on the committee. He was appointed as an ag processor representative. … ”  Read more from SJV Water.

EASTERN SIERRA

OP-ED – Searles Valley Minerals is Correct: the Public Deserves transparency from the Groundwater Authority

Ron Kicinski, Indian Wells Valley Water District Board President, writes, “Water ratepayers in the Indian Wells Valley have long paid a “replenishment fee” that is likely the most expensive fee of its kind in the state of California. The fee is based on data put forward by the IWV Groundwater Authority (Authority) and purportedly supported by its groundwater model. As time passes, the groundwater pumpers known as the Technical Working Group (TWG) have pursued the most current and accurate data for assessing the state of our water basin. The new data are public and conflict with the Authority’s claims, highlighting the need for the Authority to release its groundwater model. Given the large discrepancy between the numbers regarding what can be safely pumped from our Basin, the major pumpers have repeatedly asked for the Authority’s “model”, but all requests have been summarily rejected. Basically, we are asking the Authority to “show your work” as the TWG has already done. … ”  Read more from the Ridgecrest Independent.

SAN DIEGO

Ramona and Poway begin preliminary agreements to study sharing water resources

“Ramona and the city of Poway are pursuing an agreement to share drinking water resources when needed.  Both agencies say the exchange of water – by selling water to each other – would save them both money and increase their water supply reliability.  On Nov. 12, Ramona Municipal Water District directors unanimously voted to create a Memorandum of Understanding between Poway and the water district to work toward a potential two-way drinking water transfer agreement.  The document is a preliminary step as both agencies study the potential for developing a two-way pipeline that could transfer water from Ramona’s flow control facility to Poway when Poway’s Lester J. Berglund water treatment plant is offline, and allow water to be transferred from the Berglund water treatment plant to Ramona’s water district when the plant is online, according to a Ramona water district staff report. … ”  Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Polluted Tijuana River gets more attention, but anxious residents want more urgency

“Rain is coming in south San Diego, which means higher water levels in the polluted Tijuana River — and, potentially, even worse air quality.  Now, residents worry that the home air filters newly provided by San Diego County won’t be enough to curb the noxious air from the rising river.  And despite increased federal and state attention in recent weeks, local officials and residents say that solutions are still elusive and distant in the wake of the November elections and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s refusal to declare a state of emergency over the situation.  Last month, Newsom visited the decrepit facilities at the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Diego and the refurbished San Antonio de los Buenos plant in Baja California for the first time. … ”  Read more from the LA Times.

SEE ALSO: Foul odors from Tijuana sewage flows prompt air quality advisory in the South Bay, from NBC 7

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Along the Colorado River …

How paying water users to use less of the Colorado River is working out

“In June — right at the start of the growing season — Eli Feldman and his team stopped watering forage grasses meant to fill thousands of cows’ bellies … on purpose. In July, they did it again.  The reward was worth the lost crops, they said.  Feldman’s team in Montrose County was one of dozens of farmers, ranchers and other water users across four states who got paid to cut their water use this year as part of a multistate drought relief effort in the Colorado River Basin. This year’s cuts totalled about 63,600 acre-feet, or 1% of the four states’ typical water use each year.  For Feldman, the program is an enormous potential revenue stream for farmers and a way to test out ways to conserve water with less financial risk.  “We think it’s going to work well for us. We think that we’re going to get paid an equal or greater amount of money than the value of the lost forage,” said Feldman, president of Conscience Bay Company, a Boulder-based real estate firm that owns cropland on the Western Slope and runs one of the biggest cattle operations in the state. … ”  Read more from the Colorado Sun.

GOP lawmakers criticize new Arizona rules allowing development in groundwater-depleted areas

“At a hearing on Monday, Republican-led committees at the state Capitol voiced their disapproval of a recent rule change allowing certain kinds of development in groundwater-low areas, for a steep offset price.  Arizona’s water agency celebrated the new rules last week, which went into immediate effect, to the chagrin of many opponents – including Republican lawmakers.  Due to low groundwater levels in the Phoenix and Pinal County metro areas, building has been restricted. The new rules give providers a way to build, but it’s much more expensive.  Some Democrats, like Rep. Stacey Travers (D-Phoenix), said that the rules are important for conservation.  “Seven generations down the road, I don’t want a whole bunch of Rio Verdes everywhere just so we could make a quick buck building homes in 2024,” she said. … ”  Read more from KJZZ.

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In national water news this weekend …

As American farms face more drought, storms and flooding, a new agriculture secretary will have to reckon with climate change

“Exactly where Brooke Rollins stands on agricultural policy is unclear, but her positions on fossil fuels and climate change are explicit.  After weeks of speculation, President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday announced Rollins as his pick to lead the sprawling U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A Trump administration adviser, Rollins was not on any oddsmaker’s list of contenders to run the agency, which oversees nutrition programs, farm subsidies, agricultural conservation, forestry programs—and, under the Biden administration, significantly expanded programs to tackle climate change as it increasingly beats up American farms.  Rollins, a lawyer, has an agricultural development degree and grew up on a farm in Texas, but has little to no professional experience with agricultural policy. “She’s an unknown in ag circles,” said Ferd Hoefner, the former head of policy for the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.  The nomination puzzled many agriculture industry observers who had placed their bets on other potential nominees. … ”  Read more from Inside Climate News.

Global freshwater abruptly declines

“An international team of scientists using observations from NASA-German satellites found evidence that Earth’s total amount of freshwater dropped abruptly starting in May 2014 and has remained low ever since. Reporting in Surveys in Geophysics, the researchers suggested the shift could indicate Earth’s continents have entered a persistently drier phase.  From 2015 through 2023, satellite measurements showed that the average amount of freshwater stored on land—that includes liquid surface water like lakes and rivers, plus water in aquifers underground—was 1,200 cubic kilometers (290 cubic miles) lower than the average levels from 2002 through 2014, said Matthew Rodell, one of the study authors and a hydrologist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. “That’s two and a half times the volume of Lake Erie lost.” … ”  Read more from NASA’s Earth Observatory.

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Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …

NEPA DOCS AVAILABLE: Sacramento River Settlement Contractors Water Reduction Program

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