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On the calendar today …
- MEETING/PUBLIC HEARING: Delta Stewardship Council starting at 9am. Agenda items include a Public Hearing on Appeals of DWR’s Certification of Consistency Number for the 2024-2026 Proposed Geotechnical Activities and Possible Consideration and Adoption of a Decision on Appeal. Click here for the meeting notice and remote access instructions.
In California water news today …
‘Family’ of atmospheric rivers to unleash wet and stormy conditions across Northern California
“The flood gates are about to open, just in time for the holidays. A series of storms, driven by rejuvenated atmospheric rivers, will begin to impact the Bay Area this weekend and persist through the holiday next week. Models are advertising nearly a half dozen atmospheric river storm systems with eyes on California from now until the end of the year. “We’re looking at an active period in the next week to 10 days with several ARs in the form of a family making landfall in succession beginning late Friday into Saturday and through the Holiday.” said Chad Hecht a meteorologist at the Center for Western and Weather Water Extremes. The first of those storm systems moves in on Saturday morning and will bring light rain showers to the Bay Area on the first official day of winter. … ” Read more from SF Chronicle (gift article).
Back-to-back-to-back atmospheric rivers are expected to soak the West Coast
“A barrage of storms known as atmospheric rivers is expected to soak the West Coast over the next eight to 10 days, raising the risk of flooding, power outages and holiday travel disruptions leading up to Christmas in a region that has already experienced significant weather activity this season. The bulk of the rain and snow is likely to fall between British Columbia and Northern California, with Washington and Oregon poised to have some of the wettest, sloppiest weather. Several storms, including one that swept into the Pacific Northwest on Tuesday night, are stacked up in the forecast, said Marty Ralph, the director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at the University of California, San Diego. … ” Read more from the New York Times (gift article).
Family of atmospheric rivers forecast to continue bringing heavy precipitation to West Coast
“A series of atmospheric rivers (ARs) and low-pressure systems are forecast to develop over the North Pacific and propagate toward the US West Coast over the next 8-10 days. The first AR is forecast to make landfall early tomorrow (Thu 19 Dec) and bring AR 1 conditions (based on the Ralph et al. 2019 AR Scale) with limited impacts expected over the US West Coast. A second AR is forecast to make landfall over Oregon and Washington on Fri 20 Dec. The core of the AR is expected to stay mostly offshore with a more southerly IVT direction, limiting precipitation impacts. The third and fourth ARs are forecast to make landfall on Sat 21 Dec and Sun 22 Dec. However, IVT is expected to approach from a more southerly direction pushing the heavier precipitation towards Vancouver Island. A fifth AR could potentially bring strong AR conditions (IVT > 750 kg m−1 s−1) to coastal Oregon with moderate AR conditions (IVT > 500 kg m−1 s−1) for coastal Northern California to Washington. Extended range and subseasonal forecast products suggest that additional AR activity and wet conditions are likely to continue into late next week, especially over the Pacific Northwest. … ” Read more from the Center for Western Weather & Water Extremes.
December rain totals off to solid start midway through month
“A powerful Atmospheric River delivered a big boost to December’s rain totals for Northern California, exactly what the state needs during the wet winter months. Nearly 50% of the state’s precipitation falls in December, January and February. December got off to a slow start with dry weather through the first ten days. A series of Atmospheric Rivers opened the storm door and delivered a good boost to the precipitation numbers. The largest Atmospheric River hit Saturday, Dec. 14 with powerful winds and even a tornado in Scotts Valley near Santa Cruz. This storm was followed by a weaker weather system that brought lighter rain totals. … ” Read more from Channel 10.
Here’s how much California’s snowpack benefited from recent storms
“California’s Sierra snowpack is 131% of normal for this time of year, according to the latest numbers from the Department of Water Resources. “It’s been a wonderful start to the season,” said Andrew Schwartz, director of UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Laboratory. But there are still months to go until April 1, the date that represents when the state’s snowpack typically peaks. “It’s really too early to tell what the rest of the season is going to look like,” Schwartz said. The biggest gains have been in the Northern Sierra, where the snowpack is more than double the normal for this time of year. That region faced the brunt of the state’s recent snowstorms. An atmospheric river-fueled storm in late November dropped feet of snow in parts of Northern California, causing a shutdown of Interstate 5. Additional snow last weekend prompted a backcountry avalanche warning for the central Sierra Nevada mountains, including the greater Lake Tahoe region. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle. | Read via MSN News.
California reservoir levels: Charts show water supply across the state
“California has a vast network of local, state and federal reservoirs that store and supply water to cities and farms across the state. Water stored in the reservoirs typically makes up about 60% of the state’s total water supply. Rain and snowfall during the rainier months of the year between November and March are critical for the reservoirs and their ability to supply water during drier months. Following consecutive years of drought, many of the reservoirs remain thirsty. The Chronicle is tracking daily water storage levels at 48 of the state’s major water supply reservoirs compared with their historical averages (1991 to 2020). The storage level is shown as percentages of total storage capacity for each reservoir. The charts are updated daily at 8:00 a.m. to reflect the most recent data. … ” Check out the charts at the San Francisco Chronicle.
Intense ribbons of rain also bring the heat, Yale scientists say
“The environmental threat posed by atmospheric rivers — long, narrow ribbons of water vapor in the sky — doesn’t come only in the form of concentrated, torrential downpours and severe flooding characteristic of these natural phenomena. According to a new Yale study, they also cause extreme warm temperatures and moist heatwaves. Researchers Serena Scholz and Juan Lora say atmospheric rivers — horizontal plumes that transport water vapor from the warm subtropics to cooler areas across midlatitude and polar regions of the world — are also transporting heat. As a result, atmospheric rivers may have a greater effect on global energy movement than previously recognized. … ” Read more from Yale University.
Weather whiplash in the Sierra-Cascade and the need to accelerate resilience
“Winter began in earnest when an atmospheric river drenched Northern California with record breaking rainfall totals and dropped a thick blanket of snow on the Sierra-Cascade at the end of November 2024. This historic storm followed another record-breaking weather event in 2024—California’s hottest summer ever recorded. Although it’s too early to know if this year’s winter will bring more record-breaking storms, the fast transition from one extreme weather event to another, known as weather whiplash, is an increasing pattern seen throughout the state. The burst in vegetation growth from a wet 2024 spring quickly dried out during the heatwaves that followed in June and July. Once the Park Fire ignited, it was able to spread rapidly through the fuel load, making it the fourth largest wildfire in the state’s recorded history. For the Sierra-Cascade Region, the record-breaking heat is one of many extreme weather events that have defined the past decade. … ” Read more from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy.
Newsom declares bird flu emergency in CA
“For nearly three years, the bird flu has devastated poultry farms across the U.S. and California. The virus has since spread among cattle and there have been 34 confirmed human cases in the state — mostly among poultry and dairy workers — since the spring. While there have been no known cases of human-to-human transmission so far, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday issued an emergency proclamation to combat the spread of the virus and provide state and local agencies “additional flexibility around staffing, contracting, and other rules to support California’s evolving response.” In California most of the outbreak has been concentrated in Tulare County, the nation’s biggest milk producer, where there have been 18 human bird flu cases. In a statement, Republican Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo, a Visalia Republican who represents parts of Tulare, blasted Newsom for his “inaction” and failure to fund adequate testing. The virus has also shown up in at least 17 wastewater systems. … ” Read more from Cal Matters.
Senate passes Padilla water infrastructure and economic development priorities
“Today, the Senate passed a legislative package containing several provisions that U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) secured to bolster California’s water infrastructure and promote economic development. The package includes the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024, and a series of bills to strengthen the General Services Administration (GSA). The conferenced legislation previously passed the House of Representatives and now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “This legislative package delivers key California priorities I fought for to strengthen our disaster response and create good jobs,” said Senator Padilla. “The provisions I secured will bolster California’s water infrastructure and flood control efforts in the face of increasingly extreme weather. Additionally, my efforts to strengthen EDA programs will build more inclusive and efficient economic growth by better supporting under-resourced communities across the country.” … ” Read more from Senator Padilla.
In commentary today …
California’s next water war won’t concern agriculture. It will be about AI
Dean Florez, a past senator from Central Valley and a member of the California Air Resources Board, writes, “For decades, California’s water debates have centered on a familiar tension: agriculture versus urban consumption. Agriculture, which consumes 80% of the state’s developed water supply, has long dominated discussions about conservation and efficiency. Yet, a new contender is emerging, one poised to dwarf agriculture in water demand and reshape the state’s water future: artificial intelligence (AI). California’s agricultural sector is the backbone of the nation’s food supply, using approximately 34 million acre-feet of water annually — over 11 trillion gallons. This water sustains crops like almonds, grapes and rice, many of which are highly water-intensive and vital to the state’s economy. For decades, agriculture has been framed as the primary focus of water conservation efforts, with farmers frequently cast as both stewards and villains of California’s strained water resources. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
U.S. House passes legislation benefiting Klamath Project irrigators
“The U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 7938, authored by Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.), which fulfills financial and regulatory commitments made years ago to Klamath Project irrigators. In his floor statement, Bentz called the legislation “long overdue” and crucial to mitigate negative impacts on agricultural communities resulting from the removal of four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River that took place this year. Under the legislation, federal agencies would not be allowed to pass on the costs of operating or maintaining Keno and Link River Dams, infrastructure built and formerly operated by PacifiCorp, which are not being removed. “This is a very important achievement, and great news for Klamath Project irrigators,” said Klamath Water Users Association president Tracey Liskey, who previously testified in a Congressional committee in support of the bill. “We have been promised for years that we would not be stuck with these costs but need this legislation to make that promise real.” … ” Read more from the Herald & News.
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Yuba Water commits more than $2.9 million for Hallwood canal improvements
“Yuba Water Agency today committed more than $2.9 million to improve the reliability of water deliveries to Yuba County farmers by lining several miles of canals within the Hallwood Irrigation Company’s service area. The funding will serve as a local match to help Hallwood qualify for a $2 million federal grant for two canal-lining projects. The funding would only be expended if they are successful in securing that federal grant. Hallwood supplies irrigation water to approximately 9,200 acres of farmland in the valley, north of the Yuba River. Constructed more than 100 years ago, Hallwood’s irrigation system has experienced two significant failures in recent years, resulting in water loss and property damage. “This is a major renovation that will improve the reliability of our water operations and help save water by reducing seepage,” said Hallwood Director Mark Chandless. “We appreciate the agency’s ongoing support of these critical improvements, which in turn support our local agricultural economy and the community.” … ” Read more from the Northern California Water Association.
How’s the snowpack looking?: Early winter status
“Snow has started to fly with a couple of storms under the region’s belt, but it’s the time of year where there’s still some mystery to the type of winter hopeful skiers and other snow enthusiasts will have. Although still too early to say what the April 1 snowpack will look like, snow water amounts across northern Nevada and the Eastern Sierra as of Dec. 17 are above normal, ranging from 106% to 157% of median for this time of year. With three months of winter ahead, these current snow water amounts represent just 25-30% of median springtime peak amounts. Jeff Anderson, a Nevada water supply specialist, says the April 1 date is important because that’s around the time the amount of water in the snowpack typically peaks and the snow begins to melt, feeding water to our lakes and rivers. “The springtime snow water peak is winter’s final report card,” Anderson says. “That is really the measurement that determines if we had an above normal winter.” … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
Heavenly Valley SNOTEL upgraded to ‘Supersite’
“To support research and snowpack modeling efforts the NRCS has upgraded 18 SNOTEL sites across the western US to SNOTEL “Supersites”. As part of this effort, Heavenly Valley SNOTEL in the Lake Tahoe Basin was upgraded. In addition to its standard sensors Heavenly now is collecting data for wind speed and wind direction, relative humidity, as well as incoming and outgoing long and short-wave radiation. All supersites are also testing a beaded temperature cable that hangs vertically from the tower to measure snowpack temperature every 8 inches (20cm). This application is still somewhat experimental and is intended to measure the snow’s vertical temperature profile. This is helpful for predicting how much energy is needed to produce snowmelt which impacts flood potential during rain on snow events. These supersite sensors are in addition to the standard sensors at all Nevada and Eastern Sierra SNOTELs which measure snow water equivalent, snow depth, precipitation, air temperature, soil moisture and soil temperature. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
Will Tahoe have a White Christmas this year? A first look at the forecast
“Christmas Day is just one week away. That may have you wondering: will Lake Tahoe see a White Christmas this year? Here’s a preview from the KCRA 3 weather team. What is a White Christmas? Like everything in the world of meteorology, there is specific criteria for defining a White Christmas. It’s not about having snow on the ground. A true White Christmas is when an inch or more of fresh snow falls on Christmas Day. According to data analyzed by the National Weather Service, locations in the High Sierra have between a 60% and 90% chance of experiencing a White Christmas in any given year. Those numbers are based on Christmas Day conditions from 1991 to 2020. … ” Read more from KCRA.
Truckee Planning Commission approves five-year review for Martis Valley Quarry amid resident concerns
“The Truckee Planning Commission met on Dec. 17 to conduct the two-year review of the Martis Valley Quarry, owned by Teichert Aggregates. The review focused on assessing the quarry’s compliance with its operating conditions and evaluating monitoring programs. The meeting concluded with the commission approving a five-year review cycle for the facility, while residents voiced lingering concerns about odor impacts. The Martis Valley Quarry, an open-pit aggregate mine with an asphalt plant, has been operational since 1983 and is essential for regional road maintenance. Over the years, the site has undergone several amendments to its operational conditions. Staff explained that the two-year review assessed compliance with noise, dust, and odor mitigation measures implemented since 2017. Improvements include chemical controls, upgraded equipment such as a blue smoke control system, and educational programs for drivers, which have led to a significant reduction in complaints. Quarterly noise monitoring and air quality reports confirmed compliance with state and local standards. … ” Read more from the Sierra Sun.
From protection to resilience: How collaborative stewardship transformed forests this year
“Driving down a muddy forest road, Madelyn and Ande, Forest Health Project Managers at the Tuolumne River Trust (TRT), point out a section of forest that TRT prepared for a prescribed burn last year. To the right are tall stands of ponderosa pines, sugar pines, and incense cedar, gently seasoned black but thriving, with clear and open ground around them. Further down the road is a forest so dense it’s like a wall. You can see it, the fuel ladder, small brush leading way to midstory trees, leading way to the canopy. This combustible growth pattern is how fire goes from ground level spread to an intense canopy-level crown fire in a flash. Forests function through a complex interplay of collaborations, and caring for Californian forests after over a century of fire suppression is a highly collaborative act too. There are threatened yellow-legged frogs to consider; shifting science to respond to; relationships to build with private landowners, tribes, and government agencies; and tens of thousands of forested acres to prepare—more land under TRT’s care than ever before. Full of nimble adaptation and stop-and-start momentum, TRT’s year working in the Stanislaus National Forest was our most ambitious and challenging one to date. … ” Continue reading from the Tuolumne River Trust.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Reflecting on the basics: Wishing health and wellness in our communities
David Guy, President of the Northern California Water Association, writes, “Every year as we approach the holiday season and our final blog of the year, we like to reflect on what is important and essential to our lives. Gathering with family and friends for the holidays is a special part of this season we all cherish and celebrate our communities and personal stories. This is also a nice time to focus on the basic ingredients in our lives and how they support health and wellness for our families, friends, and community. There is no more basic part of our lives than water. As part of the water community, we celebrate and take very seriously the essential nature of water to our daily lives. Water provides us with our most basic needs—drinking water, sanitation, and food—as well as providing an aesthetic we gather around and that provides joy and spiritual nourishment. We appreciate this blessing of water and devote our lives to thinking about how we can work together to vitalize our rivers, landscapes and communities through the special qualities water offers. Vitalizing gives strength and energy to our splendid natural resources, working towards harmony with the amazing people that grace the region, to cultivate a shared vision in the Sacramento Valley for a vibrant way of life. … ” Read more from the Tuolumne River Trust.
NAPA/SONOMA
Sonoma County must suspend non-emergency well drilling under court order
“Sonoma County has once again suspended permitting for non-emergency well drilling, this time under the order of a Sonoma County judge. The order follows an August ruling in which Superior Court Judge Bradford DeMeo determined the county violated state environmental law in its attempt to draft a controversial ordinance governing wells and groundwater use. In light of that finding, the county must halt non-emergency well-permitting until it can complete an environmental review of the ordinance in alignment with state law, the court ordered. The county received the directive Wednesday afternoon and “immediately stopped” issuing permits for non-emergency wells, said Tennis Wick, director of Permit Sonoma, the county’s planning and permitting department.But the county has not yet begun the environmental review process because it plans to appeal the decision, Wick said. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
SEE ALSO: Amid Lawsuit, Court Orders Sonoma County To Stop Issuing Well Permits, from The Patch
BAY AREA
Vote cinches robust regional response to sea level rise
“On December 5, a sprint was over; a marathon began. The Bay Conservation and Development Commission unanimously adopted its Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan, meeting a state deadline and shifting the pressure to local governments that must now write “subregional” plans for dealing with sea level rise. These are due at the end of 2033: a distant due date in the face of global change, but maybe a quick one considering the complexity of the task. After RSAP’s first release in September, there was push and there was pull. Local governments and others objected to some of the mandatory standards proposed, calling for “flexibility.” A November draft tacked in that direction, changing quite a few “musts” to “shoulds” and demoting some of the Standards to “planning tips.” Now it was the turn of the environmental coalition, some forty groups, to decry a “watering-down.” Further redrafting ensued. … ” Read more from Knee Deep Times.
Marin water managers zero in on supply options
“Reshaping the Nicasio Reservoir is the most efficient way to add to the water supply in Marin, county water managers said. A new cost analysis presented to the Marin Municipal Water District board this month showed that the $5 million project would provide significant supply gains for a relatively low cost when compared to other proposals under consideration — many of them tagged with estimates exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars. The Nicasio project would modify the reservoir’s spillway gates to add 3,000 acre-feet of water storage. In drought conditions, it is anticipated to still produce 750 acre-feet of water a year. An acre-foot is about 326,000 gallons. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
Two workshops daylight Alameda-Oakland shore solutions
“In a set of two online workshops in early December, the Oakland Alameda Adaptation Committee laid out draft plans and design possibilities for adapting Bay Farm Island and the Oakland-Alameda estuary to sea level rise. Alameda — coastal, low-lying, and built on fill — is vulnerable to flooding from multiple sources, including flooding from the Bay, rising groundwater, and increased rainfall. “If we simply built a wall around our communities to keep the Bay out without addressing stormwater and groundwater, we could unintentionally create a bathtub that fills with water and floods us anyway,” said Kris May, an engineer with Pathways Climate Institute and a project consultant, in the Oakland-Alameda workshop. … ” Read more from Knee Deep Times.
CENTRAL COAST
A year after the County approved $10 million for Pajaro aid, just $2.6 million has been spent.
“Nearly two years after floods in the North County town of Pajaro displaced most of its residents, the community’s recovery process is still ongoing. That includes the distribution of the funds meant to bolster recovery. The State of California allocated $20 million in aid to the community, a gift remarkable in its size and its flexibility. It was up to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors to decide how to allocate the money, and based on feedback from the mostly low-income community, they decided half of the money would go directly to residents and business owners. Another $2 million would go toward infrastructure, $1.2 million to parks, $3.5 million to the library, and so on. The plan was approved a year ago, on Dec. 6, 2023. According to a progress report released on Dec. 18, only $2.6 million of the $10 million in direct aid has been distributed so far. (Another $287,000 has gone to administrative costs.) … ” Read more from Monterey Now.
Farmers may be charged for water use in overdrafted Paso Robles basin. ‘We’re using too much’
“People pumping from the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin may soon need to pay for their water. The Paso Basin Cooperative Committee and the five Groundwater Sustainability Agencies held a town hall on Monday to discuss the potential water use rates with the community. The town hall was well attended — with both farmers and residential well users there to learn about the potential fees and ways to improve the health of the basin. The Paso Robles Groundwater Basin is considered “critically overdrafted,” which means that continuing the existing water management practices would have negative environmental, economic or social impacts on the basin and its users, according to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. On average, people pump 13,700 acre-feet of water more than is returned to the basin — an amount that fluctuates yearly, county groundwater sustainability director Blaine Reely said. … ” Read more from the San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Building a resilient water future for Carpinteria
“As climate change intensifies and water supply challenges become more unpredictable, communities across California, including Carpinteria, are taking proactive steps to secure their water future. The Carpinteria Advanced Purification Project (CAPP) is one such critical investment — a project designed to increase drought resilience, ensure local control of water resources, and provide a sustainable, environmentally responsible water supply for generations to come. The need for CAPP is grounded in the realities of the region’s current and projected water supply situation. Carpinteria is highly dependent on surface water from the State Water Project and the Cachuma Project — sources that are becoming increasingly unreliable due to climate change, prolonged droughts, and regulatory constraints. … ” Read more from the Coastal View.
$1.1 million restoration effort to revitalize Mugu Lagoon wetlands after 2011 plane crash
“A wetlands area impacted by a 2011 plane crash near Point Mugu Naval Air Station in Ventura County will undergo a series of restoration projects funded by a $1.1 million allotment from the National Pollution Funds Center. The restoration work will be facilitated by state and federal trustees from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Navy. The airplane was carrying approximately 10,000 gallons of jet fuel when it crashed into the marsh during a failed takeoff attempt and started a large fire. The crew escaped with minor injuries, but the downed aircraft caused significant environmental impacts and led to a multi-agency response effort. The funding agreement was announced in October 2024 and stems from a comprehensive assessment of damages to marsh habitat within Mugu Lagoon wetlands. Funds will go toward restoring, rehabilitating, replacing or acquiring the equivalent of the damaged natural resources. … ” Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Next phase of Friant-Kern Canal repairs begins with intense scrutiny of study contract
“Negotiations focusing on how Friant Water Authority will repay the Bureau of Reclamation for a $22.2 million study mapping out how to fix the northern and southern portions of the sinking Friant-Kern Canal began Wednesday in Fresno. “We anticipate these talks should go smoothly, and we look forward to the conversation,” Wilson Orvis, Friant’s chief financial officer, said at the beginning of the meeting, which went on for another three hours as both sides scoured the draft contract line by line. The details are vitally important, said one observer who is involved in multiple legal actions over how to pay for already completed repairs on one section of the canal. “Clarity would have and will avoid further disputes as has occurred with Phase 1 of the Middle Reach Capacity Correction Project,” said Sean Geivet, General Manager of the Terra Bella, Saucelito and Porterville irrigation districts. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
MEETING NOTES: Mid-Kings River GSA to seek substantial loan from Kings County; hires new engineer consultant
“At the board’s Dec. 17 meeting, Chuck Kinney, general manager of Mid-Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) who also serves as the county’s Community Development Director, will go before the Board of Supervisors in January to borrow funds from the county to cover expenses, including writing a groundwater sustainability plan (GSP), he said. Kinney estimates that the GSA will ask for $500,000 to $2 million from the county to fund the GSA for the next two years. “We have to work on the numbers,” Kinney told SJV Water Dec. 18. With a loan from the county, the GSA can look at different avenues to pay it back. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
What’s behind Southern California’s dry start to December?
“While the calendar may say December, it certainly doesn’t feel like it in Southern California. “We’re at the point where it’s just at that crux of we really need to start seeing some rain if we’re going to have a normal water year,” said Jayme Laber, National Weather Service senior service hydrologist. The state’s water year starts in October with the bulk of California’s rain falling between December and March. While Northern California has seen plenty of moisture this year, very little has made its way to SoCal. That trend falls in line with a La Niña climate pattern, Laber said. … ” Read more from Channel 7.
SAN DIEGO
Water transfers, conservation partnerships deliver benefits to regional ratepayers
“For the second year in a row, the San Diego County Water Authority and its partners have struck a deal to conserve water in Lake Mead, support the long-term sustainability of the Colorado River and save local ratepayers money. The agreements between the Water Authority, the Imperial Irrigation District, and the Metropolitan Water District, with funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, are designed to promote voluntary water conservation. The 2024 agreement was announced during a meeting of the Colorado River Board of California at this year’s Colorado River Water Users Association’s conference in Las Vegas. As a part of these deals, the Water Authority agreed to leave 50,000 acre-feet of water from its Quantification Settlement Agreement supplies in the Colorado River, helping California meet federal conservation goals. … ” Read more from the Coastal View.
Along the Colorado River …
Feds to analyze proposed plans for Colorado River water use
“Federal water officials are expected to provide further details in the coming weeks on four proposals for managing the dwindling Colorado River water supply. The current agreement among states expires next year. The 1,450-mile river supplies water to 40 million users in seven U.S. states, parts of Mexico and 30 Native American tribes. A pending analysis will detail the benefits and drawbacks of four different plans, said Carly Jerla, the senior program manager at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The analysis will not include any recommendations. The states must reach an agreement on how to allocate the available water by August 2026. … ” Read more from the Las Vegas Sun.
Congress approves continued funding for endangered fish recovery programs in Colorado, Western states
“Endangered fish recovery programs in Colorado and three other Western states were given renewed access to federal funds thanks to a bill passed Wednesday by Congress. Lawmakers gave the go-ahead to the Bureau of Reclamation to spend tax dollars on the programs with just days left in a lame-duck session, which adjourns Friday. The news was welcomed in Colorado, where the programs help protect four threatened and endangered species in the Colorado River and San Juan River basins. “Local communities, Tribes, water users, and Congress — we’re all in to protect our native fish and rivers,” U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, a Colorado Democrat who sponsored the Senate bill, said in a news release. “These programs are tried and true. Our extension will help continue them to save our fish and make our rivers healthier.” … ” Read more from the Colorado Sun.
Phoenix could get $300 million to give up more of its Colorado River water
“Phoenix is negotiating with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to give up some of the city’s allotment of Colorado River water in exchange for hundreds of millions of dollars. If approved, this would be the second such deal. In May 2023,Phoenix leaders agreed to a smaller allotment for three years in exchange for $60 million. The new deal could net Phoenix up to $300 million. It’s part of the Bureau of Reclamation’s efforts to incentivize long-term conservation. In Phoenix’s case, Water Services director Troy Hayes says the deal involves an advanced water purification plant at the future North Gateway Water Reclamation Facility. … ” Read more from KJZZ.
In national water news today …
Why are pesticide companies fighting state laws to address PFAS?
“About five years ago, regulators in Maine started to find alarming levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—commonly called PFAS or forever chemicals—in farm fields. They soon discovered the main source: sewage sludge spread as fertilizer. Some farmers could no longer produce safe food due to PFAS’ links to cancer and other health risks. Some had to shift what and where they planted, while others shut down their operations for good. Tests found water in hundreds of rural wells unsafe to drink, and families faced an uncertain future with fear.Adam Nordell is one of the farmers who lost it all. After he was forced to hang up his hoe and relocate his family, he went to work for a local nonprofit called Defend Our Health, where he now uses what he calls his “unwanted knowledge base” to do outreach and education in farm communities and connect affected farmers with resources. “I was an organic vegetable farmer, and conventional dairy farmers were reaching out expressing concern,” he said. “The prospect of chemical contamination is something that nobody wants on their farm and that everyone recognizes as posing a potential threat.” … ” Continue reading from Civil Eats.
US environmental agency fast tracking new PFAS approvals for semiconductors
“The Environmental Protection Agency is quietly fast tracking approval of new PFAS “forever chemicals” for use by the semiconductor industry at the same time the agency is publicly touting increased scrutiny of new PFAS and other chemicals. As US semiconductor production ramps up, the hastened reviews could sharply increase pollution containing little-studied PFAS that are likely toxic, accumulative in the environment and contribute to climate change. Despite the risks, the EPA is “bending over backwards” for the semiconductor industry, said Mike Belliveau, the founder of the Bend The Curve non-profit who has lobbied on toxic chemical legislation. “We’re going to see more and more [PFAS pollution],” he said. “No one is happy that PFAS is in their drinking water or raining down from the air, and EPA’s permitting runs counter to rising scientific and public concern … so tension is mounting.” … ” Read more from the Guardian.
