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On the calendar today …
- MEETING: State Water Resources Control Board beginning at 9am. The main agenda item is an update on implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Click here for the full agenda.
In California water news today …
Making recharge a “win-win” for landowners and groundwater agencies
“The tenth anniversary of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) last year put a spotlight on the challenges of implementing this landmark legislation. Agencies in both the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys have scaled up efforts to replenish aquifers in recent years, but they still need ways to better harness the water received in wet years. Spreading water on privately owned land so it can penetrate the soil and refill below-ground aquifers—a process known as groundwater recharge—is one way to make the most of surplus water when it’s available. This can include methods such as spreading water on farmland or on land that’s set aside solely for recharge. Landowners may recharge using their own water and land, an irrigation district’s water on their private land, or their own water on an irrigation district’s land. In a previous blog post, we explained how establishing groundwater accounting is a necessary first step for creating recharge incentives, and we explored several local agencies’ accounting methods. In this post, we outline how these agencies incentivize landowners to conduct recharge. … ” Read more from the PPIC.
State Water Contractors denounce court decision to prohibit further Delta Conveyance Project geotechnical activities
“Last week, the Sacramento County Superior Court ruled that geotechnical investigations for the Delta Conveyance Project will not be allowed to continue, hindering the progress toward California’s most important climate mitigation project. Despite the Delta Stewardship Council’s recent decision that the Delta Reform Act does not regulate geotechnical work associated with the Project, the court affirmed its previous injunction on this important work. Geotechnical work — collecting soil samples — is needed to inform engineering, design and cost estimates before finalizing design and initiating construction. “Once again, common sense has been defeated in California, continuing to drive the cost of living up and putting water supplies at risk,” said Jennifer Pierre, General Manager of the State Water Contractors. “The court has ruled that collecting soil samples to further refine engineering and design is the same as the implementation of the Delta Conveyance Project. … ” Continue reading this statement from the State Water Contractors.
REPORT SUMMARY: Exploring the Water Footprint of “Green” Hydrogen for Power Generation in California
Hydrogen, as an emerging alternative fuel source, holds the potential to significantly contribute to California’s climate goals. Its carbon-free production using renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, known as ‘green’ hydrogen, offers a promising path towards reducing greenhouse gases. However, hydrogen has never been implemented as a large-scale energy resource, and there is substantial uncertainty about the implications of expanding its role in the energy system. The lack of clarity on how much water will be required to meet hydrogen-driven demand is especially concerning to some, given the state’s dry, drought-prone climate and the need for water conservation and equitable drinking water access across the state. A new report by the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, Exploring the Water Footprint of “Green” Hydrogen for Power Generation in California, examined the water footprint of green hydrogen production for power generation in California. … ” Continue reading this report summary.
SEE ALSO: Hydrogen’s water footprint: A manageable concern or regional roadblock?, from Environment & Energy Leader
Thousands of bright blue blobs are washing up on CA beaches. Are they dangerous?
“Hordes of bright blue, jellyfish-like sea creatures are washing up on beaches across California. As of Monday, thousands of the critters — called velella velella or by-the-wind sailors — have been sighted along the California coastline since the start of March, according to iNaturalist, an online platform for sharing biodiversity information. What are the mysterious critters? Are they harmful to humans or pets? Here’s what to know … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
California sets aside $170 million to thin vegetation, forests to help prevent wildfires
“Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed new legislation that will provide more than $170 million in state funding to help prevent wildfires while signing an order aimed at speeding up the work by easing environmental permitting. The funding — which the Democratic governor said was part of a broader effort to better protect communities ahead of peak fire season — comes as the state is under extraordinary pressure after the January infernos that devastated Los Angeles communities. California has already experienced its second most destructive fire year on record, with more than 16,000 homes and other buildings damaged or destroyed by the two major fires in the Los Angeles area. Most of the destruction occurred in neighborhoods where development meets wildland, a high-risk area known as the wildland-urban interface. … ” Read more from Cal Matters.
SEE ALSO: Governor Newsom signs legislation investing additional $170 million to prevent catastrophic wildfires, issues executive order to fast-track projects, from the Office of the Governor
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
The Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program (RFFCP) builds strong wildfire-resilience foundation in Sierra-Cascade
“Since landscapes and partnerships vary greatly across the state, creating large-scale wildfire resilience requires unique region-by-region solutions. What is needed in a southern California chaparral ecosystem is different than what may be needed in the northern California redwoods. That is why funding from the California Department of Conservation’s Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program (RFFCP) has been so successful—it is flexible and designed to meet the needs of local and regional partnerships and efforts. In the Sierra-Cascade, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) was chosen as the RFFCP block grantee because of the regional nature of its work and close relationships with on-the-ground partners that result in customized solutions. The SNC invested more than $9 million in two rounds of previous RFFCP funding and just recently distributed an additional $10 million-plus to 25 strategic organizations to ensure regional wildfire-resilience projects are planned and, hopefully, implemented. … ” Read more from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy.
Huffman fields questions about Potter Valley Project and water supply at Ukiah Town Hall
“Before addressing the looming dismantling of critical water supply infrastructure in Mendocino County during a recent Town Hall in Ukiah, both federal Rep. Jared Huffman (D – San Rafael) and state Assemblyman Chris Rogers (D – Santa Rosa) expressed grave concerns about what they described as the current dismantling of the United States government and the looming loss of American Democracy. … When the lawmakers began taking questions from the audience, the first was from a man asking how Huffman could support “the removal of the Potter Valley Project and be comfortable with stripping water away from 600,000 of your constituents… and when will you conduct a town hall in Potter Valley, the community that will be most (affected) by your decision to remove the project?” “First, let me just tell you that an issue that is super vital to our region, to our environment and to folks in both the Eel and Russian River basins really should not be political, and it should not be politicized, but there has been a firehose of disinformation and conspiracy theories circulating, which are being circulated for very political reasons by very political people,” Huffman said. “Yes, there are 600,000 people in the North Bay who get some of their water through the Russian River system, and no one is talking about cutting off the water to 600,000 people. Nobody I know thinks that is a good idea, and I certainly don’t. … ” Read more from the Mendocino Beacon.
Dam decommission could seriously impact local economy says county-based organization
“A Lake County organization has voiced support for retaining the Scotts Dam as well as the Cape Horn Dam, slated for decommissioning and eventual removal by its owner, Pacific Gas & Electric Company. The Lake County’s Community Action Project (CAP) supports the Lake County Board of Supervisors’ decision to send letters to State and Federal government agencies, urging a halt to PG&E’s attempt to decommission Scott Dam on Lake Pillsbury. “This issue is too significant to be decided without input from Lake County residents, yet our community has been sidelined from critical discussions,” noted Chuck Lamb one of Lake County CAP’s members.in a letter received by the Record-Bee on March 24. “This dam’s removal will detrimentally affect our local economy, environment, and public safety. Both Scott Dam and Lake Pillsbury are completely inside Lake County’s boundaries,” Lamb added. … ” Read more from the Lake County Record-Bee.
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Madden Creek Water System Reconstruction continues this summer in Homewood
“Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) is continuing its long-term investment in drinking water reliability and fire suppression improvements with construction of Phase Three of the Madden Creek Water System Reconstruction Project. Construction is scheduled to begin in late April and will continue through Fall 2025. Phase Three of the project will focus on rebuilding the aging water system within the Highway 89 corridor in Homewood, including the installation of 5,750 feet of new water main and 10 new fire hydrants. A number of trees along the highway corridor will be removed at the beginning of the project due to conflicts with the new water main alignment. Residents and travelers can also expect temporary traffic controls at times as crews move through small work zones. Most construction impacts are expected to last only 2–3 days at each specific location, and access to properties will be maintained. … ” Read more from the Sierra Sun.
SEE ALSO: Tahoe City utility district advances major water system overhaul, from Channel 4
PCWA Board approves construction contract for new Colfax Water Treatment Plant
“At a special meeting on Friday, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors approved a construction contract for the new Colfax Water Treatment Plant — a major investment in regional water reliability that will replace the aging 1958 facility and support future water system consolidations in the foothills. The contract was awarded to Auburn Constructors, LLC, a local contractor and the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Construction is set to begin this June and will continue for approximately 2.5 years.
“This project is a keystone feature in our effort to improve water access and reliability along the I-80 corridor,” said Josh Alpine, PCWA Board Director, District 5. “The people of Colfax and surrounding communities deserve a modern, resilient water system. This new plant ensures we can meet the needs of our region with reliable, affordable water service.” … ” Read more from the Placer County Water Agency.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Prescribed fire makes its way to Paradise Lake
“Though the flames at times looked daunting, firefighters at Paradise Lake on Monday were keeping a close eye on a series of pile burns in an effort to protect the forest and the popular recreation locale. The Plumas National Forest Service conducted a 41-acre prescribed burn operation Monday on the northeastern side of Paradise Lake near Lucretia Road, which consisted of taking biological debris piles that were already sorted and setting them ablaze. Plumas National Forest Public Information Officer Tamara Schmidt described the operation as a mosaic. “We’re not looking for a completely black surface,” Schmidt said. “You want little patches of burned area intermixed with unburned. We don’t want total scorch, we’re looking for something where you have some areas that get a little bit of fire and some places where there is a little more intensity so that it replicates the way fire moves in nature naturally.” … ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record.
Long line of boats greets day one of Folsom Lake quarantine inspections due to invasive mussels
“Minutes before sunrise Monday, nearly a dozen boat owners were already lining up in the Beals Point parking area for the first day of boat inspections and a 30-day quarantine aimed at preventing an invasive species from finding its way into Folsom Lake. “It’s long before the scheduled 9:30 a.m. start time for inspections, but I’m glad I got here early,” said Rudy Divin, a fishing guide. Starting Monday, Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine are closed to all motorized and trailered vessels for the next month. All boats seeking to launch on either lake are required to go through a mandatory 30-day quarantine. … ” Read more from KCRA.
Sacramento water agencies invest in future with major groundwater recharge effort
“In a major stride toward water sustainability, the Regional Water Authority (RWA) has announced that Sacramento-area water providers banked 35,231 acre-feet — nearly 11.5 billion gallons — of water in the Sacramento Regional Water Bank during 2024. This reserve could supply approximately 105,700 households for a year. The Water Bank is a vital network of wells, pumps, and pipelines that allows local agencies to store surplus surface water in underground aquifers. These aquifers are key to adapting the region’s water system to climate change impacts, including shrinking snowpack and more frequent droughts and floods. “Once again, water banking has proven to be an effective solution for storing water that will be available when it’s needed most,” said Jim Peifer, RWA Executive Director. … ” Read more from Smart Water Magazine.
NAPA/SONOMA
New momentum in decades-long quest to upgrade Lake Mendocino’s Coyote Valley Dam
“Striding along the southern edge of Lake Mendocino on Friday, Rep. Jared Huffman spotted a bald eagle soaring 150 feet above, a fish in its talons. An avid angler himself, Huffman then pointed to a nearby stand of partly submerged trees — prime bass habitat, he noted. If he had a rod, said Huffman, the ranking member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, “I would be casting right into that.”
But the congressman, along with a group of local officials, tribal leaders, and members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, had work to do. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Merced’s own super bloom is here. How this grassland reserve protects endangered species
“Locals call the Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve “UC Merced’s backyard,” and it’s a backyard unlike any other. Picture a 6,500-acre stretch of land that has thousands of vernal pools in the winter, blankets of vibrant flowers in the spring, the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the distance, and countless animals to watch, including the famously-elusive “fairy shrimp.” Established in 2001 and located just north of Merced, the reserve protects the sensitive vernal pool habitats and grasslands. It was originally part of the Virginia Smith Trust, a 7,030-acre portion of land, part of which was used to build the University of California, Merced campus. … ” Continue reading at KVPR.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
LADWP argues it can’t be sued for lack of water to fight Palisades fire
“The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is dusting off a 114-year-old court ruling to argue the utility can’t be sued for not providing enough water to fight the monstrous Pacific Palisades fire because it didn’t have a contract to do so. Attorneys from Munger, Tolles & Olson, a Los Angeles law firm, are relying on a 1911 California Supreme Court decision to defend the LADWP against multiple lawsuits blaming the utility for running out of water to fight the blaze that started Jan. 7. Simply put, attorneys argue, the utility didn’t have a contract to provide the water. “California courts have long rejected attempts to hold water utilities liable for a failure to provide water to fight fires, absent some specific contract to do so,” wrote LADWP lawyers in a document submitted to the court. … ” Read more from the Whittier Daily News.
Cal City water system in need of upgrades
“California City needs a study to update its water and sewer rates in order to address what Public Works Director Joe Barragan called a “failed” water system. “The way the water system is now is not sustainable,” he said. “Our water system has failed.” The city has long been plagued with water line leaks. In addition, the system is operating with only about half its wells functional, Barrragan said. “We’re in a dire situation. The only way to fix it is with a water rate study so we can see what it costs to fix it,” he said. … ” Read more from the Antelope Valley Press.
Along the Colorado River …
Southern Nevada set for ‘lean water year,’ while northern Nevada snowpack in ‘good shape’
“Water officials have raised concerns about anticipated water levels in Southern Nevada this summer, following a disappointing winter snowpack that threatens to stall progress made during last year’s wetter-than-average season. Snowpack in the Upper Colorado River Basin, which provides streamflow for the two largest reservoirs in the United States — Lake Mead and Lake Powell — has underperformed this winter, reinforcing long-term drought challenges facing the west. Snowpack is a crucial source of water for Nevada and the West. As snowpack melts, it recharges ecosystems and replenishes reservoirs that provide drinking water for millions of people and irrigation water for millions of acres of farmland. Despite two consecutive decent water years, both reservoirs could see gains reversed, according to the monthly Nevada Water Supply Outlook Report from the Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. … ” Read more from the Nevada Appeal.
Study: Recycling wastewater at Arizona’s rate could help save Colorado River
“A new study gives Arizona and Nevada high marks for their reuse of treated sewage effluent as a way to reduce Colorado River use, but says the other five river basin states have a long way to go. Nevada reuses up to 85% of its wastewater after it’s gone through sewage treatment plants and Arizona reuses 52%, the study says. If all seven river basin states reused that much, it would leave enough river water behind in lakes Mead and Powell to wipe out more than one-third of the Colorado’s typical annual shortfall between water supply and demand, it finds. In recent years, the annual shortfall has ranged from 2 million to 3 million acre-feet per year, and estimates are it could someday reach 4 million if current trends toward heating and drying of the entire river basin continue. … ” Read more from the Arizona Daily Star.
Saudi-owned farm denies legal liability for damage caused by groundwater use
“Attorneys for a Saudi-owned alfalfa farm want a judge to toss out a bid by Attorney General Kris Mayes to halt its pumping of groundwater, saying what she is doing is illegal. In new filings in Maricopa County Superior Court, the lawyers for Fondomonte Arizona point out that the state is alleging that the company has created a “nuisance” with the amount it is pumping. Mayes’ claim is based on the legal theory that the amount being withdrawn fits that definition by draining the water that others who live in the area need. But the lawyers are telling Judge Scott Minter that Mayes’ claim ignores a state law which says that agricultural operations conducted with good practices “are presumed to be reasonable and do not constitute a nuisance unless the agricultural operation has a substantial adverse effect on the public health and safety.” … ” Read more from Arizona Capital Times.
SEE ALSO: Saudi firm claims Arizona lawsuit illegally targets its water pumping, from the Arizona Daily Star
Faced with drought, Hermosillo invests in its water supply
“As drought continues in the Mexican state of Sonora, the capital city Hermosillo is investing in its water supply. Hermosillo Mayor Antonio Astiazarán said in a video about the new program on social media that his city has decided to take action in the face of drought. “We all know that the drought is a reality,” Astiazarán said. “But in Hermosillo, we’ve decided not to wait.” … ” Read more from KJZZ.
As Utah’s San Rafael River dries, scientists try to give native fish a fighting chance
“The San Rafael River has a problem. As it winds through red rock country northwest of Canyonlands National Park, it increasingly runs dry. Drought is again taking hold across Utah, and that could spell trouble for the wildlife that rely on the river, such as native fish that get stranded in puddles when the flow stops. “Picture being in a little pool and never being able to move. Your oxygen levels start to get low. Your temperature starts getting higher,” said Tyler Arnold, an aquatic ecologist with the Bureau of Land Management’s Green River District. “So, you’ve got multiple things working against those fish to be able to survive.” It’s a growing problem, Arnold said, with the small Colorado River tributary going dry more frequently and for longer periods than it did historically. During Utah’s 2020 drought, for example, the stream gauge near State Route 24 in Emery County recorded no flow for roughly six weeks straight. … ” Read more from KUER.
In national water news today …
How PFAS regulations have changed in the Trump administration, so far
“Much of what took place under the Biden administration is likely to be scrutinized by the new Trump administration. Regarding PFAS regulations in water and wastewater, here’s what we know.In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Water systems are now working toward compliance following a five-year implementation timeline, with initial monitoring for PFAS in drinking water to be completed between 2024 and 2027. From 2027 to 2029, water systems will have to publish their initial monitoring results in Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), which must be sent to all ratepayers, along with regular monitoring for compliance and testing results published in each year’s CCR. Any violations of monitoring and testing requirements must be reported through public notices during this period. In 2029, PFAS MCL compliance will be fully enforced with public notice required for any MCL violation. … ” Read more from Water World.
Court grants additional 30-day pause in PFAS drinking water rule litigation
“On April 10, 2025, at the request of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit extended the stay by 30 days in American Water Works Association, et al. v. EPA, No. 24-1188 (D.C. Cir. 2024) to give new leadership time to evaluate the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) established for six PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act. 89 Fed. Reg. at 32,532-33; 40 C.F.R. §§ 141.900-905. The court had previously granted EPA’s February 7 request for a 60-day stay to allow for initial review of the rule. The EPA has until May 12, 2025, to file future motions in the MCL challenge. An overturning or relaxation of the MCLs would be welcome news to public water system owners and operators, as well as industrial operations that may have contributed to any contamination causing exceedances of the standards. Additionally, insofar as MCLs serve as de facto cleanup levels for groundwater contamination, it would raise the question of what an appropriate standard for the pertinent PFAS should be. … ” Read more the PFAS Monitor.
Trump cuts will impact weather forecasts across world, agency warns
“Budget and staffing cuts under President Donald Trump’s administration are undermining global efforts to monitor the climate and produce accurate weather forecasts, warns the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The quality and quantity of climate observations available to scientists worldwide supplied by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has already suffered a measurable decline, according to ECMWF Director General Florence Rabier. Weather and climate scientists depend on international data networks, and NOAA is one of the largest contributors. Rabier said there has been a reduction in the number of observations shared by the U.S. since March, including a roughly 10 percent decline from weather balloons that collect data on temperature, humidity, and wind patterns. … ” Read more from Newsweek.
Overfishing harms the environment: Is there a way out?
“The global population is projected to hit at least 8.5 billion people by the end of the decade. As more of us become aware of the disastrous environmental impacts of livestock production, some climate-conscious consumers are turning to seafood as an alternative to meat. But the seafood industry has its own problems, as the rise of overfishing – and its harms – has made clear. “Overfishing is a serious global problem, threatening ocean wildlife and biodiversity, as well as seafood supplies,” Dr. Beth Polidoro, Director of Research at the Marine Stewardship Council, told Sentient in a statement. “And unfortunately, it’s a problem that’s increasing, and has been for several decades.” … ” Read more from the Public News Service.
