Several news sources featured in the Daily Digest may limit the number of articles you can access without a subscription. However, gift articles and open-access links are provided when available. For more open access California water news articles, explore the main page at MavensNotebook.com.
In California water news this weekend …
One of the weather world’s biggest buzzwords expands its reach
“For people on the West Coast, atmospheric rivers, a weather phenomenon that can bring heavy rain or snow from San Diego to Vancouver, are as common a feature of winter as Nor’easters are in Boston. Like those East Coast storms, “atmospheric river” can feel like a buzzword — more attention grabbing than just “heavy rain,” even if that is how most people walking down the streets of San Francisco will experience it. But it is also a specific meteorological phenomenon that describes the moisture-rich storms that develop over the Pacific Ocean and dump precipitation when they collide with the mountain ranges of Washington, Oregon and California. These plumes of exceptionally wet air transported through the atmosphere by strong winds are not unique to the West Coast, though. They occur around the world, and a growing number of meteorologists and scientists are beginning to apply the term to storms east of the Rocky Mountains. When days of heavy rain caused deadly flooding in the central and southern United States this spring, AccuWeather pinned the unusual weather on an “atmospheric river.” So did CNN. … ” Continue reading at the New York Times (gift article).
Southern California toxic algal bloom blamed for months-long marine life poisoning
“Inside the Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles, more than 80 sea lions and seals lounge lethargically in outdoor fenced-in pens or paddle in small pools. Some bark and moan. Many of the sea lions noticeably stare into space or crane their necks so that their whiskers point to the sky. “Stargazing” is what animal rescuers at the nonprofit call the strange behavior. That gaze is indicative of domoic acid poisoning, a neurotoxin produced by an algae called Pseudo-nitzschia, which attacks the nervous systems of marine life. In the last few months, scientists said hundreds of sea lions, dolphins and seabirds have fallen ill or died after consuming sardines or anchovies that have feasted on an algal bloom along the California coast since winter. The biotoxin accumulates in the feeder fish. … “It’s a massive event,” said Dave Bader, chief operations and education officer at the marine mammal center in Los Angeles who last week provided a virtual tour of the sickened animals to Inside Climate News. Since February, the center has cared for more than 300 poisoned animals—more than the organization typically sees on an annual basis. … ” Read more from Inside Climate News.
SEE ALSO: SoCal sea life faces deadliest toxic algae bloom in history, from KCRW
DELTA CONVEYANCE PROJECT: State Water Board issues procedural ruling on alleged conflict of interest and conditional waiver
“This procedural ruling arises out of an alleged conflict of interest of the law firm Somach Simmons & Dunn (SSD), which firm represents several protesting parties in this proceeding, raised by the Department of Water Resources (DWR). DWR asserts that this conflict prejudices its interests but has agreed to waive its rights to pursue any remedies against SSD in this proceeding and any subsequent appeal or litigation resulting from this proceeding, if the Administrative Hearings Office (AHO) timely proceeds with the hearing in accordance with the existing schedule. (2025 04 24 DWR email to AHO.) This ruling addresses DWR’s offered waiver and, in addition, concludes that DWR will have waived its right to object to SSD’s participation in this proceeding if DWR does not indicate in writing, before this hearing reconvenes at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 5, an intent to seek a remedy.” Click here to read more.
Trump’s return a “once-in-a-lifetime” moment to boost the Valley’s fortunes, water leaders say.
“Some of the top players in Central Valley water policy are urging farmers to take action while the time is ripe to press their elected representatives to work with President Donald Trump on making real change in the amount of water that will be delivered to the region for years to come. That was as the core of the message delivered to over 100 farmers at the fifth annual California Water Alliance forum, held in Fresno on Friday. The big picture: The California Water Alliance hosted Rep. Vince Fong (R–Bakersfield), Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D–Bakersfield), farmer Stuart Woolf and Friant Water Authority CEO Jason Phillips as the speakers in Friday’s forum, which was moderated by Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen. … ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun.
Trump administration cancels Community Water Center grant
“The Trump administration’s pullback of federal funding is hitting California drinking water projects and adding pressure to a state budget already facing an uncertain outlook. The EPA officially notified the Community Water Center today that it was canceling its $20 million grant to help clean and consolidate drinking water infrastructure in the low-income communities of Pajaro, Sunny Mesa, and Springfield of Monterey County, said the group’s executive director, Susana De Anda. The grant is one of almost 800 Biden-era EPA grants the Trump administration is moving to cancel, including dozens throughout California. … ” Read more from Politico (scroll down).
Two upcoming decisions could determine fate of millions of Americans’ water supply: ‘A fair-minded and collaborative approach’
“Federal legislation could be the difference between another year of water scarcity for California and a turn in the direction of long-term water security. According to a recent article by Edward Ring, the director of water and energy policy for the California Policy Center, the state possesses the resources to address the water insecurity, but the ultimate fate relies on political willingness to invest in new water supply infrastructure. The first of these two decisions comes from an executive order from President Donald Trump “to route more water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to other parts of the state for use by the people there who desperately need a reliable water supply,” per CPC. The second action, Ring argued, is more important. The role of commissioner for the Bureau of Reclamation is up in the air between a Californian and an Arizonian. The fate of California’s water supply is said to be between someone advocating for all six states that are affected by the Colorado River (the Arizona finalist) versus merely its effects on California (the California finalist). … ” Read more from The Cool Down.
Calif.’s largest reservoir continues exceptional comeback as it nearly overflows
“After several wet winters soaked California, the state’s largest reservoir is nearly overflowing for the third year in a row.Shasta Lake, about 10 miles north from the city of Redding, is at a surface level of 1,061.70 feet as of Wednesday, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which is just shy of its full capacity of 1,067 feet. That puts the lake at 96% of its total capacity, or 114% of its historical capacity for this time of year, according to the California Department of Water Resources. Shasta Lake can hold about 1.5 trillion gallons of water, which can “cover the entire state of California in half an inch of water,” Colin McCarthy, an atmospheric science student at UC Davis who runs US Stormwatch, wrote in a post on X. … ” Read more from SF Gate.
House republicans vote to repeal endangered species listing for longfin smelt
“House Republicans on Thursday passed a bill, H.J. Res. 78, repealing the Biden Administration’s listing of the longfin smelt as “endangered” under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), along with fellow California Republicans Vince Fong, Tom McClintock, and David Valadao, introduced the Congressional Review Act resolution on March 21. Congress Members passed the resolution in a 216-195 vote. Three Democrats, including Jim Costa and Adam Gray, voted for the resolution while one Republican, Brian K Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania voted against it. The measure will now go to the Senate. The longfin smelt is a cousin of the Delta smelt, a fish that has been villainized by President Trump and MAGA Republicans like LaMalfa as a “worthless fish” in the California Water Wars. … ” Read more from the Daily Kos.
SEE ALSO: California reservoirs exceed normal water levels.
Solar canal pilot may one day help California achieve its ambitious climate, energy goals
“As you drive through the Central Valley, it is hard to miss the iconic California Aqueduct, which moves millions of gallons of irrigation water through a large canal in the middle of the state. The canal is visible because it’s open on top — a fact that also allows a sizable percent of the water to evaporate, as the region now faces increasingly high temperatures for much of the year. A few years ago, scientists began asking: What if we covered the canal with solar panels? Now, that question has prompted a pilot project. In late March, the first-ever solar canal — known as Project Nexus — was connected to the grid in Turlock. The $20 million state-funded project, which began in 2022, consists of two canopy-shaped sections of solar panels that are just 700 feet long and 20 feet wide. Together the sections have the capacity to produce over a megawatt of electricity. … ” Read more from Local News Matters.
As Trump pares back ocean protections, California weighs expanding them
“Strands of kelp glow in the dim morning light off California’s Channel Islands as fish and sea lions weave through the golden fronds. It’s a scene of remarkable abundance — the result of more than two decades of protection in one of the state’s oldest marine reserves. But farther out in the Pacific, life in the vast Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument faces a very different future. The Trump administration has moved to reopen 500,000 square miles (about 1.3 million square kilometers) of previously protected waters there to commercial fishing, in a dramatic rollback of federal ocean protections. California, meanwhile, may be headed in the opposite direction. As it undertakes its first 10-year review of its marine protected area network, state officials, scientists, tribal leaders and environmental advocates are pushing not just to maintain protections but to expand them. … ” Read more from KCRA.
Forest thinning might lead to more wildfire danger, researchers say
“Researchers believe active wildfire management practices, like forest thinning, may do more harm than good. “Many of the things being done in forests will potentially make them more flammable, not less,” said David Lindenmayer, distinguished professor with the Australian National University. Lindenmayer says he, along with a team of researchers, began studying active management strategies shortly after a number of wildfires tore across Australian forests in 2009.In 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a new wildfire management strategy. The plan called for the Forest Service to treat 50 million acres of federal, state, tribal, and private lands through prescribed burns and forest thinning. The Biden administration committed nearly $3 billion to the strategy, including hazardous fuel reduction projects. … ” Read more from ABC 4.
In commentary this weekend …
Potter Valley Project decommissioning was economic; seismic concerns came afterward
Dave Canny, vice president of PG&E’s North Coast Region, writes, “PG&E mostly agrees with a recent opinion piece urging the removal of Scott Dam due to a better understanding of the seismic risks. As described in our draft decommissioning plan, PG&E considers the expedited removal of the Scott Dam to be in the best interest of PG&E customers. It is also the most appropriate long-term mitigation to address the seismic risk. In the meantime, PG&E has implemented interim measures to reduce near-term seismic risk — the most prominent being the restricted maximum reservoir storage elevation. However, contrary to the opinion piece, PG&E’s decision not to seek a new license for the Potter Valley Project — a hydroelectric facility — is based on the fact the project is not economical for PG&E’s customers. PG&E can acquire energy from the market at much lower expense than producing it at the project’s Potter Valley hydroelectric powerhouse. Economics drove the license surrender decision. Later, seismic studies were completed. … ” Continue reading from the Mendocino Voice.
Nature helps Gold Star families heal. That’s why Rep. Kiley must protect our parks
Karen Meredith, a longtime advocate for veterans and military families, writes, “After my son, Ken, was killed while serving his country in Iraq, I found solace in the outdoors. Whether walking on the shores of Lake Tahoe or sitting in quiet reflection at a national monument, these places gave me peace and a sense of connection to something greater than myself. That’s why I care deeply about our public lands and why I am calling on my representative, Congressman Kevin Kiley, to protect them. Kiley represents one of the most beautiful districts in the country, home to Lake Tahoe, the Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes, Death Valley National Park, Devils Postpile National Monument and a total of five national forests. But our national parks and forests are not just places of beauty; they are economic engines. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
In people news this weekend …
Promotions, passings, profiles – submit people news items to maven@mavensnotebook.com.
Ashlee Casey named Executive Director of the Water Forum
“The Water Forum is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashlee Casey, PE, as its new Executive Director. With over a decade of experience addressing California’s most pressing water resource challenges, Casey brings a strong foundation in engineering, collaborative problem-solving, and strategic planning to her new leadership role. … “Throughout her time with the Water Forum, Ashlee has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing collaborative water management solutions,” said Pravani Vandeyar, Director of the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities, which administers the Water Forum. “Her leadership style reflects the Water Forum’s values—bringing together a wide range of stakeholders to find common ground on complex water and environmental issues.” … ” Read more from the Water Forum.
Jake Severns: From farm roots to flood risk management at Pine Flat Lake
“From citrus groves to floodgates, Jake Severns’ journey has come full circle. Raised on a citrus farm in California’s Central Valley, he learned the value of water early in life. Today, he helps manage that vital resource as the operations project manager for Pine Flat Dam with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District. The Central Valley spans about 20,000 square miles and includes the Sacramento Valley, Delta and Eastside Streams, San Joaquin Basin, and Tulare Basin. For Jake and his family, one of more than 44,500 family farms in the state, according to the USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, life on the farm taught resilience. … “As a kid, you don’t think about where the water comes from,” he shared. “But in a place like the Central Valley, where it’s dry most of the year, you learn to appreciate it.” Pine Flat Reservoir provided irrigation water to his family’s farm and others like it, helping keep crops alive and communities thriving. … ” Read more from DVIDS.
Davina Hurt, of Belmont, has been appointed to the California Water Commission.
From the Office of the Governor: Davina Hurt has been the California Climate Policy Director at Pacific Environment since 2025. She was an Attorney/Civic Advocate at Davina Hurt Esq. from 2005 to 2024. Hurt held multiple positions with the City of Belmont from 2015 to 2024, including Mayor, Vice Mayor, and City Councilmember. She was a Campaign Manager at the Democratic Volunteer Center from 2014 to 2015. Hurt was a Securities Case Assistant at Heller Ehrman White and McAuliffe LLP from 2004 to 2005. She was a Senior Counsel and Civic Advocate at Tyson and Mendes LLP in 2004. Hurt was a Law Clerk at Bay Area Legal Aid from 2002 to 2004. She was a Law Clerk at the United States District Court for Northern District of California from 2002 to 2003. Hurt was a Summer Associate at Milberg, Weiss, Bershad, Hynes & Lerach LLP in 2002. She earned a Juris Doctor Degree from Santa Clara University School of Law and a Bachelor of the Arts degree in History and Political Science from Baylor University. This position requires Senate confirmation, and compensation is $100 per diem. Hurt is a Democrat.
Podcasts …
WE GROW CALIFORNIA: Catching up with Darcy and Darcy
Did you miss them? Darcy B. has literally been traveling the world, and Darcy V. has been planting acres and acres of tomatoes. They are finally back in the studio and are catching up on everything that happened while Darcy B. was globe-trotting including the Central Valley Project (Federal) and the State Water Project allocations, Metropolitan’s new General Manager (Deven Upadhayay), Metropolitan’s Climate Adaptation Master Plan and Business Model, another Canyon Lake Fish Kill, future guests, and more.
VOICE OF SAN DIEGO: The water interview
This week we sat down for an in depth interview with San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham. He filled us in with some deep water knowledge during this week’s show.
THE LANDSCAPE: New nature doc frames the Colorado River as an opportunity, not a crisis
Kate and Aaron speak with Len Necefer, CEO & Founder of NativesOutdoors, a native owned outdoor media, apparel and consulting company. You may also know him as the man behind the Sonoran Avalanche Center Instagram account. Len talks about his latest project, a documentary film about the Colorado River basin titled The American Southwest, and how he’s advocating for public lands under the second Trump administration.
RIPPLE EFFECT: Status of federal funding for water projects
Tia Cavender, CEO and Founder of Dig Deep Research, makes a return visit to discuss the status of federal funding for water projects. Tia and Dig Deep have assisted clients for over 15 years and are experts in navigating the myriad of federal grant and loan programs. We have a very timely, and sobering, discussion about how recent changes to federal funding may affect both current and future water projects and how water utilities can pivot to fund these critical projects.
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING PODCAST: The Collection of Water Data
Trying to understand the movement of water spatially across our watersheds and then extending this understanding to include water’s movement as time ticks away can be as challenging as picking the right investment that reaps the greatest profit. There is an entire industry out there that focuses on one thing; data collection. Water is a Many Splendor’ed Thing brings you another water relationship that has a personally significant impact to your life. Produced by Stephen Baker, Bringing People Together to Solve Water Problems, water@operationunite.co 530-205-6388
WATERLOOP: $119 million XPRIZE aims to disrupt desalination
Desalination is a proven technology—but it’s still too costly, energy-intensive, and inaccessible for the communities that need it most. To change that, XPRIZE launched a $119 million global competition to drive breakthroughs in seawater desalination and deliver scalable, sustainable solutions. Lauren Greenlee, Executive Vice President of Food+Water+Waste at XPRIZE, shares how the foundation uses incentive-based competitions to tackle massive global challenges—and why water is now a top priority. She details the goals of the Water Scarcity Prize, explains its two-track structure, and emphasizes the importance of real-world demonstration and ecosystem-building. The conversation also explores major barriers in desalination, including brine waste and fragile membranes, and how new innovations could benefit underserved regions and even inland U.S. communities. Greenlee highlights how XPRIZE is pushing the water sector to think bigger, act faster, and collaborate globally to close the water access gap.
TALKING UNDER WATER: Cyber threats in our water supply: What utilities need to know
In this episode of Talking Under Water, Co-host Mandy Crispin speaks with Frederick Johnson, cybersecurity practice lead at Stantec. Johnson helps utilities, government agencies, and private sector clients prepare for technological challenges. The cyber-attack on Wichita, Kansas, was about a year ago, and the cybersecurity issue in Arkansas City, Kansas, was about six months ago. Considering these events, the interview sheds light on the greatest threats to cybersecurity right now, any potential changes in regulation, and how utilities can address cybersecurity.
In regional water news this weekend …
NORTH COAST
Descending the Klamath: Native youth prep for first paddle
Interview with Amada Lang by Tali Trillo. Q: How did you get into whitewater kayaking work? A:I was on a free raft trip within the community for Native youth and families through Save California Salmon. I was super stoked seeing [Paddle Tribal Waters], this group of Native youth come around the corner, dressed in whitewater kayak gear. The way that they carried themselves as a group – I already was like I want to be a part of that. How do I become a part of that? I’ve enjoyed the last few years of work. [Kayaking] is an entirely new field of rec people. They all know each other, even across the world. Their value for the river is like another allyship. It’s been really cool with this movement the last few years of #landback, making stories heard more. It fit right in with river restoration. … ” Read more from the Northcoast Environmental Center.
CDFW to end hatchery operations at Mad River Fish Hatchery in Humboldt County
“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has made the difficult decision to cease hatchery operations at the Mad River Fish Hatchery in Humboldt County. A combination of increased regulatory burden and a lack of flexibility, aging infrastructure, significant and necessary costly repairs and maintenance, modernization needs, and low fish production and returns forced the decision to close the steelhead trout hatchery just east of Arcata. “Quite simply, the steelhead program is no longer viable,” said Jason Roberts, Inland Fisheries Program Manager for CDFW’s Northern Region. “The Mad River Fish Hatchery is no longer providing much if any conservation benefit to the species nor the intended recreation or sport fishing benefits in the Mad River. The careful review of these resources indicated they could be better used elsewhere. Our focus now is implementing a transition plan for employees, equipment and resources, repurposing the buildings and making sure the property remains open and accessible for the public to access the Mad River.” … ” Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
SEE ALSO: State wildlife officials to shut Northern California fish hatchery, citing costs, from the Sacramento Bee
CENTRAL COAST
Excess Salinas water moving to Monterey Peninsula
“Rarely in Monterey County is there ever too much water. But on Wednesday an agreement among three agencies allows the transfer of excess wash-water from 25 vegetable processing plants in Salinas to Pure Water Monterey where, after cleaning, it can be injected into the Seaside Basin for storage. It’s estimated that there will be 1 million gallons per day available of the wash-water stored in the city of Salinas’ industrial wastewater system that will be pumped to Monterey One Water, the operators of the Pure Water Monterey project. At that point, Monterey One will decide how much will be used for the Pure Water system and how much will be treated and discharged into the ocean. Paul Sciuto, the general manager of Monterey One, said on Friday there is no immediate demand for Salinas’ excess water. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald (guest article).
SEE ALSO: Recycled Salinas Valley water to be used by Peninsula under new agreement, from KSBY
EASTERN SIERRA
Mono Lake Committee advances a solution to mitigate DWP’s infrastructure problems
“The Mono Lake Committee is proposing interim reservoir management requirements designed to mitigate the impacts to Rush Creek imposed by Los Angeles Department of Water & Power’s (DWP) aging and malfunctioning infrastructure at Grant Lake Reservoir. For the second year in a row, DWP is submitting a Temporary Urgency Change Petition (TUCP) based on these infrastructure problems. DWP will propose waiving mandated restoration flows for Rush Creek. Although multiple years of additional TUCPs are likely, the Committee has identified that keeping Grant Lake Reservoir at a higher level could significantly offset negative impacts on Rush Creek. Today, the Committee submitted a detailed proposal to the California State Water Resources Control Board. … ” Continue reading from the Mono Lake Committee.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
4,000-gallon sewage spill forces closure of coastal stretch in Orange County
“A stretch of coastline in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach was closed Saturday due to a sewage spill, authorities said. The ocean water closure affects an area from the Talbert Channel outfall at Huntington State Beach to the projection of Grant Street in Newport Beach, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Environmental Health Services department. … ” Read more from ABC 7.
Along the Colorado River …
The Colorado River needs some ‘shared pain’ to break a deadlock, water experts say
“The seven states that use the Colorado River are deadlocked about how to share it in the future. The current rules for dividing its shrinking supplies expire in 2026. State leaders are under pressure to propose a new sharing agreement urgently, so they can finish environmental paperwork before that deadline. Right now, they don’t appear close to an agreement, so a group of prominent Colorado River experts co-signed a letter outlining seven things they want to see in the next set of rules. The letter gives a clear, concise list of recommendations for ways to keep taps flowing while protecting tribes and the environment. Whether the states will listen is another matter entirely. … ” Read more from KNAU.
Sharing Colorado River water: A view from Southern California
Daniel Crespo, Mehdi Nemati, Ariel Dinar, Zachary Frankel, and Nicholas Halberg, Giannini Foundation Of Agricultural Economics: “The Colorado River Basin (CRB) supplies approximately one-third of the water used by Southern California’s cities and suburbs while also supporting the region’s large-scale agricultural operations, particularly in Imperial and Riverside counties. This article evaluates the economic value of water across urban and agricultural sectors using a hydro-economic model. The hydro-economic model highlights the potential impacts of water curtailment on various states and user groups and serves as a tool for evaluating various policy interventions to manage shortages.” Read more from the Giannini Foundation Of Agricultural Economics.
Funding the flow: Federal water conservation investments in the Colorado River Basin
From Paloma Avila, Mehdi Nemati, Daniel Crespo, Ariel Dinar, Zachary Frankel, and Nicholas Halberg. Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics: “Federal funding has been crucial in addressing the rising water supply and demand imbalance in the Colorado River Basin (CRB). We examine the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) funding allocation trends for 469 projects in the CRB over the last 20 years. Out of the total $1.1 billion (in 2023 dollars) allocated, 40% went to supply expansion, 29% to agriculture, 21% to infrastructure, 8% to municipal, and just 2% to environmental projects. CRB-related projects in California received 49% of these funds. We analyze the cost per acre-foot of water saved across these projects.” Read more from the Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics.
Poor runoff could spell drought this summer in the Colorado River Basin, despite near normal winter snowpack
“Snowpack was near normal for much of the upper Colorado River basin this winter. By April 1, which is what hydrologists typically consider to be the end of winter for water measurement, the upper basin had received about 90% of its historical median snowpack. There were some outliers among the smaller basins that make up the larger Colorado River Basin. Some areas, like the San Juans in southwestern Colorado, as well as southern Utah, had even lower snowpacks, as low as 56% of normal in March. Despite the overall positive snowpack report, hydrologists and drought forecasters are not optimistic about runoff. Forecasters predict that through July, runoff will be at 67% of average above Lake Powell, the largest reservoir on the Upper Basin. … ” Read more from Aspen Public Radio.
SEE ALSO: Colorado River gets scanty runoff from winter’s snow, from KNAU
Recycled wastewater could solve dwindling water supplies. This expert wants to remove ‘ick’ factor
“More and more communities around Arizona, and the country, are looking at recycled wastewater as a solution for dwindling water supplies — and that includes using it as drinking water. But for lots of residents, the reaction has been “yuck.” Marisa Manheim, assistant professor in the Department of Environment and Sustainability at the University at Buffalo, tried to figure out how to get beyond that initial response, and convince people that it’s really OK to drink recycled wastewater. While getting her doctorate at ASU, Manheim did research on this and ultimately recruited skeptics to help create an exhibit on it called “The Future Taste of Water.” Among other aspects, it included samples and a pleasant environment. And, Manheim says, importantly, it also included groups of people drinking the recycled wastewater together, which helps normalize it and allows people to move beyond their initial gut reactions. … ” Read more from KJZZ.
How hot will summer be? See what new report predicts for Arizona, plus monsoon forecast
“Buckle up, Arizona. Summer is almost here and most weather experts agree it’s going to be another hot one. Accuweather released its summer weather forecast for the United States on April 30, showing how hot it will be, how monsoon may go and how the drought will be affected. “Meteorological summer starts on Sunday, June 1, and runs through the end of August, a three-month span that will feature sweltering heat, severe weather, intense wildfires and the start of a dynamic hurricane season,” Accuweather said in its forecast. Here’s an in-depth look at what these weather experts are predicting is in store for Arizona this summer. … ” Read more from Arizona Central.
In national water news this weekend …
The Trump administration says it will cut EPA staffing to Reagan-era levels
“The Trump administration announced plans for a significant reorganization of the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday, and signaled major cuts in staffing to come – especially for the agency’s scientific research arm. EPA administrator Lee Zeldin said the EPA expects to cut staff to levels similar to the 1980s, when President Ronald Reagan occupied the White House, in order to “operate as efficiently and effectively as possible.” That could mean potentially thousands fewer employees. The agency currently has a workforce of about 15,000 people. Staffing during the Reagan administration fluctuated between about 11,000 to 14,000 employees. The agency plans major changes in the Office of Research and Development, the wing of EPA that provides scientific analysis on the risks of air pollution, chemicals, and other environmental hazards. It plans to move some scientific staff from ORD into existing policy-making offices, which write regulations, and send others to newly created offices. … ” Read more from the LAist.
EPA announces broad reorganization that includes shuffle of scientific research
“The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday announced a broad reorganization as part of the Trump administration’s drive to cut costs that some activists worry will harm the agency’s independent scientific research. Administrator Lee Zeldin announced changes that included creating a new unit within his office “to align research and put science at the forefront of the agency’s rulemakings.” He said the overall reorganization would boost efficiency and save at least $300 million annually, though he didn’t detail how the money would be saved. Though Zeldin didn’t mention it by name, some scientists and activists saw it as an attack on EPA’s Office of Research and Development, which has long provided the scientific underpinnings for EPA’s mission to protect the environment and human health. The agency said it would shift “its scientific expertise and research efforts to program offices” that focus on major issues like air and water. … ” Read more from the Associated Press.
US weather forecasting is more crippled than previously known as hurricane season nears
“The National Weather Service is in worse shape than previously known, according to interviews with current and former meteorologists, due to a combination of layoffs, early retirements and preexisting vacancies. The nation’s forecasting agency is in tatters as what could be a destructive hurricane season nears. Several current and former agency meteorologists told CNN they are concerned forecasts and life-saving warnings are not going to be issued in time. Responsible for protecting life and property from severe weather impacts, the National Weather Service is headed into hurricane season with 30 of its 122 weather forecast offices lacking their most experienced official, known as the meteorologist-in-charge. These include offices that cover major population centers such as New York City, Cleveland, Houston and Tampa. … ” Read more from CNN.
SEE ALSO: How Massive Cuts to NOAA Could Impact Everything From Weather Apps to Agriculture to National Security, from Inside Climate News
