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On the calendar today …
- PUBLIC MEETING: Water Quality Fees Stakeholder Meeting at 9am. Click here for the handout and remote access instructions.
- PUBLIC MEETING: Water Rights Fees Stakeholder Meeting at 1pm. At the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) Water Rights Fees Stakeholder Meeting on June 11, 2025, Office of Sustainable Groundwater Management staff shared an early concept of a possible new approach to fees for groundwater pumpers in probationary basins under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). State Water Board Office of Sustainable Groundwater Management staff will provide a brief update. Click here for the handout and remote access instructions.
In California water news today …
Podcast: Can California Fix The Problems Plaguing A Key Water System?
“California’s water crises are perhaps best illustrated by the challenges seen along the so-called Delta. The Delta is a converging of rivers just east of the Bay Area that helps move water up and down the state. But it has long faced ecological challenges. But a new state plan could now offer new solutions to address them. Journalist Rachel Becker with CalMatters joins us to discuss the plans.”
Proposed Delta water project raising concerns for Courtland’s pear community
“For the small town of Courtland along the Delta, the pair has been at the heart of their annual Pear Fair event. However, there growing concerns surrounding the future of the community tradition and key local crop. Locals are saying that’s now being threatened by a proposed Delta Conveyance Project. “Once you build something like that, if you impact these communities and you lose them, they’re gone forever,” said Courtland native and DCC Engineering Principal Engineer Emily Pappalardo. Pappalardo is one of the locals worried about the proposed delta conveyance project and its impact to communities like Courtland. … ” Read more from Channel 10.
In the Central Valley, a first-of-its-kind project is proving that with a little innovation, water and energy can work together
“Tucked in California’s Central Valley, a bold idea is being put to the test: Can we turn our water infrastructure into a climate solution? In Hickman, solar panels are going up over the Turlock Irrigation District’s main canal. For Solar AquaGrid co-founder Jordan Harris, seeing it covered in solar panels is the realization of a decade-long vision. “It’s been a crazy journey, this last decade, and it’s a big deal for me to stand here and see that we’re making shade, and electrons,” said Harris. Both are urgently needed as California faces two climate-fueled crises: water scarcity from prolonged drought and the race to 100% clean energy by 2045. Harris believes solar canals could help tackle both. … ” Read more from Spectrum 1.
From vision to reality: Advancing the Kern Fan Groundwater Storage Project
“The Kern Fan Groundwater Storage Project aims to create a regional water bank in the Kern Fan area, capable of recharging and storing up to 100,000 acre-feet of unallocated Article 21 water from the State Water Project. Operated by Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) and Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water Storage District (Rosedale), the project prioritizes water storage during wet years. Proposition 1 of 2014 dedicated $2.7 billion for investments in water storage projects, which the California Water Commission administers through the Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP). The Kern Fan Project is one of the five remaining projects that must complete the remaining requirements to receive their funding award. Those requirements include final permits, environmental documents, contracts for the administration of public benefits, and commitments for the remaining project costs. At the July meeting of the California Water Commission, Fiona Nye, Project Manager and Director of Water Resources for Irvine Ranch Water District; and Dan Bartel, General Manager with the Groundwater Banking Joint Powers Authority, the project proponent for the Kern Fan Groundwater Storage Project, updated the Commission on their progress toward completing the Water Storage Investment Program requirements. … ” Continue reading at Maven’s Notebook.
California dairy in the spotlight: Generations of dedication and a future of uncertainty
“Today’s AgNet News Hour highlighted the resilience and passion of California’s dairy industry, featuring an in-depth interview with Joseph Bakker of Back Road Ranch and Countryside Dairy in the Tulare–Visalia area. A third-generation dairyman, Bakker shared his journey in agriculture, managing over 6,000 cows and farming 2,000 acres with his family. His deep ties to both the land and the community reflect the strength and legacy of California’s dairy families. The episode dove into the many challenges facing dairymen in California—from relentless regulation and water scarcity to labor hurdles and rising operational costs. Despite these burdens, Bakker remains hopeful, expressing optimism about the future of the industry and calling for smarter policy, more education, and greater public understanding of where our food comes from. … ” Read more from Ag Net West.
Recognizing water quality progress
“California’s Central Valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, but it has its share of environmental challenges. For more than 150 years, human and naturally occurring contaminants have been impacting groundwater. Protecting the quality of groundwater is essential to preserving a world-class agricultural economy and the rural communities that depend upon it. Fortunately, progress is being made. On June 30, more than 300 people attended a CV-SALTS online summit to learn about latest achievements on ongoing efforts. The Central Valley Water Board initiated CV-SALTS in 2006, as a collaborative initiative among business, government, and community organizations to address nitrate and salt accumulation affecting water supplies. The Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) mission includes: 1) taking immediate action to provide safe drinking water and, 2) working toward longer-term solutions to improve groundwater quality. One way this is done at a local level is through entities called Nitrate Management Zones. … ” Read more from Dairy Cares.
Working ranches add thousands of acres to California’s initiative
“California’s 30×30 initiative which Governor Newsom launched in 2020 is now at the halfway point, with 26.1% of the state’s land and 21.9% of its coastal waters under long-term conservation. The 30×30 initiative plans to conserve 30% of California’s land and coastal waters by 2030. According to the Newsom Administration’s 2025 Progress Report, this year saw the conservation of 853,000 acres of land and 191,000 acres of coastal waters. Of the conserved lands, the California Cattlemen’s Association shared that cattle rancher’s contributions to the initiative over the past year includes a 10,361-acre agricultural conservation easement on a working cattle ranch in Merced and Mariposa counties. This contribution is part of the increasing voluntary conservation easements by California ranchers, according to CCA. On page 21 of the progress report, it highlights this easement which the Sierra Foothill Conservancy secured with Waltz-Turner Ranch. … ” Read more from Valley Ag Voice.
A ‘living fossil’ at risk: California’s white sturgeon population continues to decline
“The sturgeon is an ancient and iconic species of fish. Long and bony, with a body covered in armored plates known as scutes, the sturgeon has been called a “living fossil” with evolutionary roots dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. Twenty-five different species of sturgeon exist around the world, with two — white sturgeon and green sturgeon — native to California. These fish can live for over a century, and grow to be more than 20 feet long. Sturgeon have long been popular for sport fishing and caviar production, including in the Sacramento region. But for decades the population has been in steep decline, and that dropoff has accelerated in recent years. A new report from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife found that the most recent white sturgeon population survey is among the lowest on record. Conducted in 2024, the survey’s numbers are only a fraction of the previous estimate less than a decade before. … ” Read more from Capital Public Radio.
Scientist in Davis working to create solution to invasive Golden Mussels
“The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, spanning 1,100 square miles, is a vital hub for California’s water supply. At the Skinner Fish Facility near Byron, water for 27 million Californians and hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland passes through the systems. Their louvers ensure fish don’t make it into the water pumps, but those protection efforts are being undermined. Early this year, golden mussels began clogging the system. “They have the ability to completely close that off,” Trent Schaffer, civil maintenance branch manager for the Department of Water Resources Delta Field Division, said. … ” Continue reading at KCRA.
Lawmakers propose bill targeting hidden health risk in common household items: ‘A de facto national standard’
“PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are everywhere, but California is trying to change that with a new bill that will protect the health of its residents. According to the Environmental Working Group, the California Legislature put forth Senate Bill 682, which would ban the sale of cleaning products, cookware, plastic food packaging, ski wax, and dental floss that intentionally contain PFAS. If enacted, the ban would go into effect in 2028. California already has a ban on PFAS in certain items, including paper food packaging, cosmetics, menstrual products, textiles, firefighting foam, and some children’s products, so S.B. 682 would expand on this. The EWG said, “Given California’s position as the world’s fourth largest economy, any state regulation tends to set a de facto national standard.” Companies likely wouldn’t make products for just California; they would sell them elsewhere, meaning other states would benefit too. … ” Read more from The Cool Down.
Pollution, evolution & what’s at risk when funding gets cut
“Science funding may seem like a distant matter, but funding cuts send shockwaves through to our homes, our health and our environment. To Dr. Andrew Whitehead, a professor in the Department of Environmental Toxicology in the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, these changes set a dangerous precedent for the importance of public research and the accessibility of science. In 2010, the ocean turned red. 205.8 million gallons of crude oil bled into the Gulf of Mexico, leaving sea creatures disfigured with grease and rendering the habitat unrecognizable. Known as one of the most catastrophic environmental disasters in the 21st century, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill shed light on both the immediate and long-term effects of human impact on the environment. … This is just one of many major environmental events Dr. Whitehead has studied. His research focuses on the effects of pollution on organisms and ecosystems. By examining how certain species respond to contamination, Dr. Whitehead can hypothesize what genomic features make organisms more vulnerable or resistant to pollutants. … ” Continue reading this story map.
In commentary today …
Editorial: USDA reorganization snubs ag-rich California. That is not good
The Fresno Bee editorial board writes, “Failing to place one of five U.S. Department of Agriculture hubs in California is as ludicrous as thinking you can grow bananas on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. That is exactly what Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is doing with her reorganization plans to decentralize the Washington, D.C.-based department whose portfolio includes farming, forestry, nutrition and food safety. Rollins announced the revamping of the 100,000-employee department by pushing the majority of the workforce into hubs in Utah, Colorado, North Carolina, Indiana and Missouri. “American agriculture feeds, clothes and fuels this nation and the world, and it is long past time the department better serve the great and patriotic farmers, ranchers and producers we are mandated to support,” said Rollins in a statement last Thursday. “President Trump was elected to make real change in Washington, and we are doing just that by moving our key services outside the beltway and into great American cities across the country.” … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee.
SEE ALSO: Lawmakers question USDA’s plan to relocate over half of D.C.-based workforce, from the Center Square
Logging saves species and increases our water supply
Edward Ring, Director of Water and Energy Policy at the California Policy Center, writes, “There are obvious benefits to logging, grazing, prescribed burns, and mechanical thinning of California’s forests. When you suppress wildfires for what is now over a century, then overregulate and suppress any other means to thin the forest, you get overcrowded and unhealthy forests. California’s trees now have 5 to 10 times more than a historically normal density. They’re competing for an insufficient share of light, water and nutrients, leading to disease, infestations, dehydration and death. Up through the 1980s, California harvested 6 billion board feet per year of timber; the annual harvest is now 25 percent of that. We have turned our forests into tinderboxes, and that is the reason fires turn into superfires. How we manage our forests affects our water supply in two critical ways. Massive wildfires consume vegetation and leave soil vulnerable to erosion. As USGS put it after the Caldor Fire, when rains arrive, the unfiltered runoff creates “increased sediment transport in streams. This sediment surge can fill up water-storage space in reservoirs, damage infrastructure, and disrupt water supplies.” … ” Read more from Edward Ring.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Integrating water availability in the Klamath Basin: from drought to dam removal
“The USGS Water Resources Mission Area is assessing how much water is available for human and ecological needs in the United States and identifying where and when the Nation may have challenges meeting its demand for water. This information helps decision makers manage and distribute water in ways that balance competing needs. Due to its complex and competing water demands, ecological significance, and ongoing water management challenges, the Klamath Basin is a regional assessment for the USGS IWAAs program. … In 2024, a Tribal-led effort completed the removal of four large dams on the Klamath River—the largest dam removal in U.S. history. Removing the aging dams was intended to improve fish migration and river health, but tensions persist among Tribal water rights, Federal water management, and agricultural water demands. Ongoing challenges throughout the region include water allocation conflicts, declining salmon and sucker populations, drought, changes in climate, and poor water quality from nutrients and algal blooms. USGS is using an integrated science approach to evaluate water availability and support water management decisions in the Klamath Basin. Water availability refers to how much water is physically accessible (water quantity) and whether that water is safe to use (water quality). … ” Continue reading from the USGS.
US EPA Recognizes Yurok Tribe’s sovereignty over water quality and other environmental standards on tribal lands
“The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved the Yurok Tribe Environmental Department’s application for Treatment as a State (TAS), granting the tribal agency the authority to establish and enforce water quality standards on the Yurok Reservation. “Treatment as a state significantly increases our capacity to protect and restore the lower Klamath River, which serves as the spiritual, cultural, and ecological foundation of our existence. We extend our sincere gratitude to the US EPA for its formal recognition of our sovereign authority and demonstrated ability to effectively regulate water quality within our homeland,” said Joseph L. James, the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe. “I also want to acknowledge our highly professional environmental and legal teams for completing the rigorous application process.” … ” Read more from the Yurok Tribe.
The remote California road hiding a global geological marvel
“If you drive far enough north on Highway 101, you’ll eventually wind your way into Del Norte County — the northernmost slice of California’s coast, where towering redwoods meet cold, foggy beaches. At Crescent City, a turnoff takes you inland along Highway 199, following the pristine Smith River toward Oregon. What looks like an ordinary mountain road is anything but. Somewhere along that route, without warning, you pass from redwood forests into a portal to deep time. You are, quite literally, driving through Earth’s mantle. Over billions of years, Earth has been shaped by rising mountains, flowing magma and the slow, relentless pressure of time. Roughly 22 miles beneath our feet, the planet’s mantle begins — a thick layer of hot, dense rock that powers much of the planet’s inner activity. Hidden from view almost everywhere, it drives earthquakes, volcanoes and the movement of continents. But in this corner of far northwest California, Earth cracked just right, exposing the Josephine Ophiolite — a rare piece of the planet’s upper mantle and oceanic crust that spans roughly 350 square miles in the Klamath Mountains. It’s considered one of the most complete and best-exposed ophiolites on Earth. … ” Read more from SF Gate.
Community unites for Trinity River clean-up in Hoopa Valley
“On Saturday July 26, more than 50 community members, Tribal leaders, youth, and environmental advocates gathered in Hoopa for a Trinity River Clean-Up in the Hoopa Valley organized by Save California Salmon and the Hoopa Valley Tribe. The day began at the Hoopa Tribal Office with a morning ground clean-up, followed by a rafting clean-up on the Trinity River and a community lunch. Volunteers removed bags of trash and debris from the riverbanks and waterways, helping restore critical salmon habitat in one of California’s most important, and endangered rivers. Organizers said they are finding less trash every year. “On behalf of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, I would like to thank Save California Salmon and everyone who contributed to this year’s ever-important clean up.” said Joe Davis, Hoopa Tribal Chairman. “Let’s keep the momentum going and continue our strong role as Hupa People to be the stewards of the Trinity River. … ” Read more from the Redheaded Blackbelt.
Mendocino County’s water future takes shape with $18M state investment
“Major decisions are underway that could reshape how water flows through Mendocino County for decades to come. At its July 18 meeting, the Mendocino County Inland Power and Water Commission (IWPC) tackled a range of issues tied to the future of the Potter Valley Project — from signing a key Water Diversion Agreement to updates on state funding, dam removal timelines, and groundwater studies. The July 18 meeting of the Mendocino County Inland Power and Water Commission (IWPC) began with a 90-minute closed session focused on negotiations with PG&E regarding the Potter Valley Project. During open session, attorney Scott Shapiro provided an update on the project in preparation for the Eel Russian Project Authority (ERPA)’s upcoming July 21 meeting. IWPC is a member agency of ERPA, which is currently formalizing management plans for the New Eel Russian Facility (NERF). In February, the State of California pledged $18 million for the project — with $9 million designated for designing NERF and the remaining $9 million allocated to the Eel River Restoration Fund. … ” Read more from Mendo Fever.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
After nearly 100 years, adult winter-run Chinook salmon seen in California river
“Adult winter-run Chinook salmon have been spotted in northern California’s McCloud River for the first time in nearly a century, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The salmon were confirmed to be seen near Ash Camp, tucked deep in the mountains of northern California where Hawkins creek flows into the McCloud River. A video posted by CDFW and taken by the Pacific states marine fisheries commission shows a female Chinook salmon guarding her nest of eggs on the river floor. Winter-run Chinook salmon is considered an endangered species by Noaa, and is marked by the organization as “one of just nine species considered to be most at risk of extinction in the near-term”. … ” Read more from The Guardian.
Summary of the California Rice Commission Report: A Conservation Footprint for California Rice
“The University of California, Davis and Point Blue Conservation Science partnered with the California Rice Commission to create a “Rice Footprint” – a comprehensive outline of how the California rice industry impacts ecosystems, wildlife, and communities, and how many acres of rice are needed for them to thrive. The editors of this interdisciplinary report were John M. Eadie and Daniel S. Karp, both of UC Davis, with contributions made from over a dozen scientists from disciplines spanning economics, ecology, and wildlife biology. A Conservation Footprint for California Rice was made public in early 2025 and highlighted the critical role of rice agriculture in California for wildlife conservation and the economy. Rice fields, especially winter flooded ones, act as surrogate wetlands supporting diverse species, including Giant Gartersnakes, waterfowl, shorebirds, Sandhill Cranes, and native fishes. However, challenges such as climate change, water availability, crop market shifts, and urban expansion threaten these habitats. There were 4 main questions this report sought to answer … ” Read more from UCANR.
Mimicry for ecological function: Reimagining the Sacramento Valley by blending our working and natural lands
“California’s Sacramento Valley is a land of extraordinary abundance—teeming with wildlife, shaped by water, and home to amazing communities and generations of farmers and ranchers. The Sacramento Valley is increasingly turning to an age-old concept with modern relevance: mimicry. By emulating natural systems, farmers, conservationists, land stewards, and water suppliers are reshaping how we manage water, soil, and habitat—paving the way toward a more resilient future. Today, this region is pioneering a new way of thinking about land use: one where working lands and natural systems are not at odds, but in harmony, through the principle of ecological mimicry. … ” Read more from Northern California Water Association.
NAPA/SONOMA
Local Resource Conservation Districts grapple with changes to federal grant funds
“The second Trump administration has drastically changed all manner of federal agencies and programs. That includes national agriculture programs that directly affect farmers and ranchers in the North Bay. The changes are being acutely felt at California’s many RCDs, Resource Conservation Districts. Those are local, non-regulatory special districts with the mission to provide technical and financial assistance to landowners for conservation projects. … ” Read more from NorCal Public Media.
BAY AREA
Editorial: Marin push to save water must continue, rain or shine
“Over the past several years, we’ve gotten plenty of rain. There’s been enough to keep our reservoirs, here and at Lake Sonoma, safely full. We can say “safely” because it wasn’t that long ago that the Marin Municipal Water District – stuck in a prolonged drought – was within months of running out of water, even with strong conservation measures. But without those conservation efforts, MMWD’s peril would have been worse. That was an important lesson learned. While conservation is not the only strategy for building a resilient water supply, it is one of the easiest and cheapest. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
Coyote Creek gets modern dam to support groundwater recharge
“This summer, Valley Water completed a major upgrade to the Coyote Percolation Dam. This important structure helps us achieve our mission to provide safe, clean water to Santa Clara County. The dam is located in Morgan Hill on Coyote Creek, just north of Metcalf Road. For many years, it has helped store water in the Coyote Percolation Pond, where the water slowly seeps into the ground to refill our underground water supplies. With the completion of the Anderson Dam Tunnel Project in 2026, Coyote Creek is expected to carry significantly more water. The current infrastructure at the Coyote Percolation Dam was not equipped to handle these increased flows. However, removing the dam entirely would have disrupted groundwater recharge operations. Instead, Valley Water replaced the old flashboard dam with a state-of-the-art inflatable bladder dam. .. ” Read more from Valley Water.
CENTRAL COAST
Salinas River channel restoration needed to aid food, public safety concerns
“Jynel Gularte is rightly passionate about the Salinas River. She farms vegetables and grapes along the river in central California and in 2023 saw flood waters destroy over 200 acres of her family’s farmland. While that farmland has been rehabilitated and crops are growing there again, history will likely repeat itself, so what can farmers do to mitigate this? The Salinas Valley is unique in terms of its cropping systems and the pace at which crops are planted and harvested, according to Norm Groot, executive director of the Monterey County Farm Bureau. “We have a very intense agricultural environment here,” he said in a panel discussion earlier this year. “We’re turning crops quick. We are moving things in and out of fields very fast, and so it’s a much different pace than what we see in other parts of the state or even across the country.” … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press.
San Luis Obispo County wastewater facility gets approval for $54 million upgrade
“A San Luis Obispo County wastewater treatment plant is set to receive a major upgrade for the first time in more than 25 years. In San Miguel, hundreds of thousands of gallons of wastewater are treated each day at the Machado Wastewater Treatment Facility — and with the new upgrades approved by the San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission on Thursday, the facility’s treatment capacity will more than double. The Machado Wastewater Treatment Facility, first constructed in 1944, hasn’t seen any significant upgrades since 1999, when the facility’s capacity was raised to its current processing level of 200,000 gallons per day. … ” Read more from the San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Restarting ruptured Santa Barbara oil pipeline tests California’s regulators
“Since last fall, residents of Santa Barbara, California have patrolled the night, armed with binoculars. Their purpose? Catching unauthorized work to restart a corroded pipeline that spilled over 100,000 gallons of crude oil onto the Pacific coastline in 2015, poisoning ecosystems and killing wildlife. Their worst fears were soon realized. On May 19th, the ten-year anniversary of the Refugio Beach spill, Texas-based company Sable Offshore announced it had restarted, without full regulatory approval, oil production and transport in the damaged pipeline — a slap in the face to residents and local environmentalists for whom oil spills are a recurring nightmare. In 1969, Santa Barbara was the site of the first high-profile oil spill in United States history — a 4.2 million-gallon disaster which shook the nation and inspired the first Earth Day in 1970. Santa Barbara became one of the birthplaces of the country’s environmental conscience, leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and hallmark legislation that protected the nation’s air, waterways, wildlife, and people for over 50 years. … ” Read more from the Circle of Blue.
EASTERN SIERRA
Press release: Preliminary court ruling limits U.S. Navy water rights
“A preliminary ruling limiting the federal reserved water rights at U.S. Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake does not change the actual water use estimates being used in groundwater management; however, it does have the potential to decrease the allocation and increase the costs of groundwater for the Indian Wells Valley Water District. This is according to the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority, the state-mandated agency responsible for managing the 597 square mile Indian Wells Valley groundwater basin. While not responsible for determining water rights, the Authority did support the Navy’s federal reserved rights claim in excess of 6,500 acre-feet per year (AFY) of water. The preliminary ruling limits China Lake to 2,008 acre-feet of groundwater per year. … ” Continue reading this press release from the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Metropolitan earns national award for new earthquake-resistant pipeline
“The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has earned national recognition for sustainability and resilience with a groundbreaking project that replaced a nearly century-old portion of its Colorado River Aqueduct with one of the largest earthquake-resistant pipelines in the world. The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure awarded Metropolitan’s Casa Loma Siphon project its prestigious Envision Silver Award after assessing the sustainability of the project and Metropolitan’s efforts toward greater environmental, social and economic responsibility. The five-mile-long Casa Loma Siphon is a critical piece of the system delivering Colorado River water to Southern California – a major source of water for the region. Crossing the Casa Loma fault in the San Jacinto Valley, the original 148-inch concrete and steel pipe had been damaged over time by earthquakes and subsidence from groundwater pumping. One study found a major earthquake could upend the ground as much as 13 feet, putting the siphon and the reliability of this critical water supply at risk. … ” Read more from the Metropolitan Water District.
Debris removal complete along PCH in wake of Palisades Fire
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in partnership with FEMA, the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Los Angeles County, and other local agencies, completed debris removal on the final FEMA-assigned parcel along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), marking a major milestone in the recovery from the devastating Palisades Fire. The final clearance, located on a fire-scarred stretch of the PCH, marks a turning point in Malibu’s recovery. Since March, crews have been working around the clock to clear fire debris from thousands of affected parcels along the coast. The PCH corridor, in particular, posed unique logistical and environmental challenges due to its proximity to steep coastal slopes, residential areas, and sensitive ecosystems. “Clearing this final parcel along the Pacific Coast Highway represents both a significant physical achievement and a powerful emotional moment for our coastal communities,” said Capt. Kyle Fleming, Emergency Field Office – Palisades. … ” Read more from the Malibu Times.
Along the Colorado River …
California weighs in on water share in Colorado River talks
“While the Bureau of Reclamation in on the right track as it weighs how to split flows from the drought-stricken Colorado River, any new agreement must include “clear, binding commitments” by all states to reduce or conserve water, California’s lead negotiator said. For nearly two years, officials with the seven Colorado River states — Arizona, California and Nevada in the Lower Basin; and Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming in the Upper Basin — have been in negotiations over a new long-term operating agreement for the drought-stricken waterway. They face a November deadline from the Bureau of Reclamation to strike a deal. States negotiators revealed in June that they have begun to coalesce around a deal based on “natural flow” — or estimates of how much water would be in the river without human-interventions like diversions or dams. But the states must figure out over how much each basin could actually be allowed use under the scheme, along with how much would remain in storage in reservoirs and to provide hydropower. The plan would set a still-to-be decided percentage of flows that would go to the Lower Basin states based on an average of the three most recent years. … ” Read more from E&E News.
Arizona officials shift focus to secure state’s share of Colorado River
“Arizona officials are celebrating the passage of new groundwater legislation, but setting their sights on getting Colorado River negotiations across the finish line in 2026. At a bill signing for Sen. T.J. Shope’s “Ag-to-Urban” legislation, Gov. Katie Hobbs, state lawmakers, local officials and farmers said the bill was a step in the right direction for water conservation. But almost all of those officials also acknowledged that it is only one piece of the puzzle. The legislation allows housing developers operating under water restrictions to purchase the water rights of farmers heading into retirement. The governor anticipates it will result in the construction of tens of thousands of homes and the conservation of 10 million acre-feet of water, yet that alone may not be enough. “Ensuring that Arizona gets our fair share of Colorado River water is critical,” Hobbs told reporters after the signing. “It’s maybe the most critical issue in front of us in terms of water management.” … ” Read more from the Arizona Capital Times.
Drought or aridification? Water future of the Colorado River Basin
“The Colorado River Basin has long faced drought, but experts are now asking: are we in a temporary dry spell — or something more permanent? While drought typically implies conditions will return to normal, “aridification” means a lasting shift toward a drier climate. In the Basin, defining “normal” is complicated by size, landscape, and variability. … ” Read more from KSJD.
Report: Arizona, Western states need policies to prevent data centers from draining water, power
“Major electric utilities in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah are collectively forecasting energy demand to surge more than 50% over the next decade. That’s largely due to the rising development of data centers, which power AI tools and cloud services. If that happens, new data centers in those states, combined, could be using about 7 billion gallons of water a year. This is the annual water use of more than 190,000 people, according to a report by Western Resource Advocates, an environmental nonprofit. … ” Read more from KJZZ.
Oro Valley receives full $3 million grant for water sustainability project
“The Oro Valley Water Utility has secured a full $3 million grant from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) to support the Northwest Recharge and Recovery Delivery System (NWRRDS). This regional initiative aims to enhance water sustainability by storing and recovering renewable water supplies, according to officials. The NWRRDS, a collaboration between Oro Valley, Marana and the Metro Water District, focuses on recovering stored Central Arizona Project (CAP) water for direct delivery to residents. Officials said this effort is crucial for maintaining aquifer health and addressing regional water challenges. “The NWRRDS project reflects Oro Valley’s commitment to Southern Arizona’s water resource sustainability,” said Water Utility Director Peter Abraham. … ” Read more from Channel 4.
Lake Powell’s declining levels will affect summer recreation, potential future energy output
“Lake Powell’s shrinking shoreline is reshaping both summer recreation and the long-term future of the Colorado River. With water levels 29 feet lower than this time last year, the National Park Service is warning boaters that popular launch sites such as Halls Crossing may be inoperable as soon as early August. “Seasonal water level changes are becoming more pronounced,” NPS officials said in a July 23 release. To keep boating possible, NPS crews are extending ramps and adjusting floating docks, but they caution visitors to confirm ramp conditions before arriving. Boaters are encouraged to know the minimum water depth required for launching their boat and check the operational status of launch sites before arriving. Visitors can check water levels at the Bureau of Reclamation’s Lake Powell Water Level Forecast. … ” Read more from Town Lift.
In national water news today …
How technology, resilience demands, and cybersecurity are transforming the water industry
“For 14 years running, the Black & Veatch Water Report has been an essential compass for understanding the evolving landscape of the water industry. The 2025 edition, built on the insights of over 600 U.S. water stakeholders, offers a comprehensive look at the pivotal trends shaping the sector today. The water industry stands at a critical juncture, grappling with evolving regulations, ageing infrastructure, and significant workforce shifts. To better understand these challenges and the path forward, we sat down with Donnie Ginn, Executive Vice President and Water Solutions Group Leader at Black & Veatch. With over three decades of experience, Ginn’s expertise spans water and wastewater facilities, collection and distribution systems, and complex water conveyance programs. In this interview, Ginn provides a deep dive into the insights from Black & Veatch’s latest Water Report, offering perspectives on how utilities can build sustainable and resilient water solutions. … ” Continue reading at Smart Water Magazine.
Defense Department will continue providing critical weather satellite data to NOAA
“A little over a month since the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that it and the National Weather Service (NWS) would no longer be receiving critical satellite weather data used in forecasting hurricanes, the Department of Defense now says it will continue to provide the agencies information from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder (SSMIS). The U.S. Navy told ABC News that its Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center “had planned to phase out the data as part of a Defense Department modernization effort. But after feedback from government partners, officials found a way to meet modernization goals while keeping the data flowing until the sensor fails or the program formally ends in September 2026.” … ” Read more from ABC News.
Lawmakers question USDA’s plan to relocate over half of D.C.-based workforce
“With the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announcing a major reorganization plan, lawmakers met to grill Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden about why Congress wasn’t notified in advance and how the agency will prevent disruptions to its operations. The USDA memorandum, released Friday, calls for relocating approximately 2,600 of its 4,600 Washington D.C.-based employees to five different regional hubs across the country. Those offices are located in Raleigh, North Carolina; Kansas City, Missouri; Indianapolis, Indiana; Fort Collins, Colorado; and Salt Lake City, Utah. According to the agency, the shift is meant to move USDA “closer to the people it serves” and also address budgetary problems, namely, affording the 8% increase in workforce over the past four years. … ” Read more from the Center Square.
Enviros are reeling in Trump’s ‘scorched-earth’ second term
“It’s a rough time to be an environmentalist. Green groups spent the early days of this administration stunned as the Trump 2.0 team dismantled federal agencies, slashed spending and torpedoed regulations in a flurry that caught many of the administration’s critics by surprise. Now, as environmental nonprofits gear up for several more years of playing defense against an emboldened administration, the movement is scrambling to regain traction. Green groups are watching years of work on environmental regulations vaporize. The administration is purging the federal workforce — including staffers who work inside energy and environmental agencies. And the court system that President Donald Trump’s critics are using to challenge the administration is overshadowed by a conservative Supreme Court that has already handed some big wins to the president. “The reason for bad vibes is obvious: This is the most anti-environmental administration that our country and perhaps the world has ever seen,” said Bill McKibben, a longtime environmentalist and author. “It is difficult to be hopeful in the face of all that.” … ” Read more from E&E News.
Commentary: Principles to inform permitting reform
Eric Beightel, Federal Strategy Director for ESA, writes, “The Administration and Congress have been hard at work to update the way we use the environmental review and permitting process to inform decisions around infrastructure. As with any change in Administration, there are pendulum swings, and this is no different. What is different now is the speed with which these changes are occurring and the apparent appetite to do more. Given the level of disruption to date in federal policy, process, and the agencies that implement federal environmental review and permitting—and with more to come—there will be no “going back to the way it was before.” Rather, there is an opportunity, if not an imperative, before us to build a new environmental permitting process that is both more efficient and more effective. We feel that it is important to contribute perspectives of environmental practitioners to this conversation. Establishing basic principles for permitting reform is important. It provides guardrails against aggressive deregulation while also recognizing that greater efficiency need not come at the cost of environmental stewardship. … ” Continue reading at ESA.
Trump bids to scrap almost all pollution regulations – can anything stop this?
“The Trump administration is attempting to unmake virtually all climate US regulations in one fell swoop. At an Indiana truck dealership on Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled a proposal to rescind the 16-year-old landmark legal finding which allows the agency to limit planet-heating pollution from cars and trucks, power plants and other industrial sources. “The proposal would, if finalized, amount to the largest deregulatory action in the history of the United States,” said the EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin. The agency’s primary argument for reversing the so-called “endangerment finding” claims the Clean Air Act gives the EPA the authority to regulate only emissions that locally threaten health. Officials also laid out an “alternative” justification for the move, which experts say relies heavily on climate denialism. … ” Read more from The Guardian.
Climate scientists look to fight back against DOE’s ‘antiscientific,’ ‘deceptive’ climate report
“Several top climate scientists are weighing how to respond to a new climate report issued by the Trump administration that they are calling “deceptive,” “cherry-picked,” and “antiscientific.” The U.S. Department of Energy released a 150-page report Tuesday titled “A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the U.S. Climate,” which argues that human-caused climate change “appears to be less damaging economically than commonly believed,” and “aggressive mitigation strategies could be more harmful than beneficial.” That flies in the face of most published scientific research on the topic, as gathered in the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessment, the European Climate Risk Assessment, and the U.S. Government’s own Fifth National Climate Assessment, issued last year during the Biden administration. … ” Read more from Inside Climate News.
SEE ALSO:
- DOE reframes climate consensus as a debate, from E&E News
- ‘A Serious Misuse of My Research’: Climate Scientists Say New Trump Energy Report Botches Their Work, from NOTUS
World’s longest lightning flash confirmed as new record
“The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that a 515-mile-long “megaflash” of lightning in 2017 is a new world record. The flash, a term for lightning inside a cloud that does not hit the ground, moved from northern Texas into Missouri and was part of a Mesoscale Convective System, a large complex of thunderstorms, on Oct. 22, 2017. This new lightning flash beats the previous record of 477 miles set by a flash on April 29, 2020. Although the new lightning flash is older than the previous record-holders, it was only recently discovered and is one of the first megaflashes observed by NOAA’s GOES-16 satellite, which has made detailed information like this available to scientists for almost 10 years. … ” Read more from AccuWeather.
When earth’s surface shifts, a new satellite will see it
“A new radar satellite, successfully launched on Wednesday, will track tiny shifts across almost all of Earth’s land and ice regions, measuring changes as slight as a centimeter, or less than half an inch. The satellite is a joint mission between NASA and India’s space agency and has been in the making for more than a decade. The satellite lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Center on India’s southeastern coast. About 20 minutes later, it was released into an orbit that passes close to the North and South Poles at about 464 miles above Earth’s surface. At the mission control center, the reaction was jubilation. The visitors’ gallery there included a few thousand students, and tens of thousands of people watched online. … ” Read more from the New York Times.
