DAILY DIGEST, weekend edition: Pacific Ocean shift is reshaping California’s weather patterns; Agencies sign 10-year strategy to protect Lake Tahoe communities and forests; Marin water district approves supply agreement with Sonoma; An endangered sea species is thriving in an urban SoCal river; and more …

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In California water news this weekend …

Something deep in the Pacific is reshaping California’s weather. It may not stop anytime soon

“A major ocean temperature index in the North Pacific has plunged to record low levels signaling a shift that tends to lock in coastal fog, delay California’s rainy season and reroute storms to the north.  This summer already bears the stamp of this setup. Around the Bay Area, mornings have been trapped in gray, afternoons unusually breezy, and inland heat has arrived in short, erratic bursts.  New research suggests this isn’t just a temporary phase. The persistent sea surface temperature anomalies driving this cool phase pattern may reflect a longer-term shift in the Pacific’s ocean and atmosphere, one that climate change appears to be reinforcing. … ”  Continue reading from the San Francisco Chronicle (gift article).

Two public meetings to be held concerning Sites Reservoir Project contracting

“Public negotiation sessions are set to begin at two Sacramento meetings concerning the Sites Reservoir Project. Sites is a proposed off-stream reservoir in Northern California near Maxwell that would store water diverted from the Sacramento River during high-flow periods for use in dry years. The reservoir would be able to hold 1.5 million acre-feet of water.  The Bureau of Reclamation has set up the two meetings to be held in early September. The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal partner working with the Sites Project Authority and other local and state stakeholders to advance the project designed to increase the state’s water storage capacity, improve water supply reliability and enhance ecosystem benefits. … ”  Read more from Action News Now.

CA Water Commission allocates another $219 million for embattled Sites Reservoir Project

“Governor Gavin Newsom yesterday announced that the California Water Commission has allocated another $219 million for the proposed Sites Reservoir, drawing praise from agribusiness and water agencies and outrage from salmon, tribal and environmental groups.  Newsom claimed that Sites Reservoir will prepare the state for a “hotter, drier future,” but salmon and tribal advocates said the $6.8 billion project will siphon water from the already overallocated Sacramento River, threatening endangered salmon runs, Tribal cultural sites, and the health of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and San Francisco Bay ecosystem, now in its worst-ever crisis.  “We can’t wait to protect our state from water shortages – there are 40 million Californians depending on us,” said Newsom in a statement. “I am pleased to see the Sites Reservoir project move forward with additional funding, and urge the Legislature to continue to make our state’s water future a priority.” … ”  Read more from the Daily Kos.

Delta advocates: State’s water report ‘deeply flawed’

“A state legislative caucus on Tuesday said a new report on water strategies across the state is deeply flawed and overlooks the widespread destruction the Delta tunnel project will cause.  Released by the Department of Water Resources on Tuesday, the report touts the tunnel project as “the single most effective action for a sustainable water future for California.”  The project is estimated to cost at least $20 billion, and the DWR said it can help maintain reliable water deliveries to 27 million residents despite hotter temperatures, more extreme storms, more severe droughts and higher sea levels.  However, the California Legislative Delta Caucus said the project will decimate thousands of acres of prime farmland and environmental habitat, along with historic, cultural, and tribal resources, facts which the caucus on Wednesday said are ignored in the DWR’s report. … ”  Read more from the Lodi News-Sentinel.

Metropolitan taps farming partners to advance sustainability in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

“To improve sustainability in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California this week secured agricultural partners to cultivate rice on two district-owned islands in the Delta – the heart of California’s water supply system and one of the state’s most vital ecosystems.  In two separate actions, Metropolitan’s 38-member board on Tuesday (Aug. 19) approved two lease agreements to convert current agricultural lands to rice farming on Webb Tract in California’s Contra Costa County and on Bacon Island in San Joaquin County. The conversion to rice can help address land subsidence, improve carbon sequestration, and support habitat for migratory birds and other Delta species. In addition to supporting these environmental goals, the new long-term leases will generate revenue for Metropolitan and increase the land’s market value. … ”  Read more from the Metropolitan Water District.

And lastly … Subsidence jewelry by Akhil Mane Wins Iron A’ Design Award in jewelry design category

“The A’ Design Award, a highly respected and well-recognized award in the field of jewelry design, has announced Subsidence Jewelry by Akhil Mane as a winner of the Iron A’ Design Award in the Jewelry Design category. … Subsidence Jewelry’s unique design and powerful message resonate with both industry professionals and consumers alike. By addressing the pressing issue of land subsidence through wearable art, Akhil Mane’s collection aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and meaningful jewelry…. ”  Check it out from KTLA.

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In commentary this weekend …

Secure California’s water future

Jim Wunderman, the President and CEO of the Bay Area Council, and Dan Dunmoyer, the President & CEO of the California Building Industry Association, writes, “The Golden State’s weather whiplash, seen year after year, intensified by climate change, is straining the state’s entire water supply. … Water is not merely just a resource – it is an absolute prerequisite to support the state’s growth, competitiveness and economic viability. Solving the state’s water challenges is not only a must for rural and agricultural regions in California, but it is also necessary for highly competitive arenas like AI advancements and leading tech efforts.  State Senator Anna Caballero, with the support of water districts from all regions of the state, stakeholders, and city and county representatives, is proposing a plan to ensure a long-term, reliable, sustainable water supply for generations of Californians to come. … ”  Read more from Capitol Weekly.

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In regional water news this weekend …

NORTH COAST

Visitors urged to take caution after harmful algal blooms confirmed in Clear Lake

“After recent testing identified the presence of harmful algal blooms at multiple locations in Clear Lake in Lake County, the State Water Resources Control Board and Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Boards) are urging visitors to stay out of the lake where “Danger” advisories are posted.  The Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians conducted the testing. At this time, the Oaks Arm (bounded by Hwy. 20 on the north) has multiple areas with the highest “danger” recreational advisory, meaning visitors should avoid contact with the water until further notice. The Lower Arm (bounded by Hwy. 29 on the south) has multiple areas with lower level advisories of “warning” and “caution,” which advise visitors to avoid swimming where algae is visible or the water is discolored. … ”  Continue reading from the State Water Resources Control Board.

SIERRA NEVADA

Agencies sign 10-year strategy to protect Lake Tahoe communities and forests

“Against the backdrop of the 2025 Tahoe Summit, federal, state, local, and tribal partners commemorated the renewal of the Lake Tahoe Basin Multi-Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy, a 10-year plan to protect communities and restore fire-resilient forests within the Lake Tahoe Basin.  A multi-agency coordinating group developed the first Multi-Jurisdictional Strategy following the Angora Fire in 2007, which burned 3,100 acres and destroyed more than 248 homes. Since 2007, subsequent strategy updates have guided more than 78,000 acres of forest treatments in and around communities and 85,000 defensible space evaluations to assist homeowners. This work helped protect neighborhoods during recent wildfires, including the 2021 Caldor Fire. … ”  Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.

Rangers find thousands of marijuana plants, toxic chemicals in Sequoia National Park

“The National Park Service said more than 2,000 illegal marijuana plants were eradicated last week from a remote site in Sequoia National Park, along with hazardous chemicals and a firearm.  In a statement released Thursday, officials said rangers and federal agents dismantled an operation containing 2,377 plants and roughly 2,000 pounds of trash and equipment.  The cleanup involved both hand crews and helicopter sling-load operations.  Among the most troubling discoveries, officials said, was one gallon of Methamidophos, a toxic insecticide banned in the United States since 2009. A semiautomatic pistol was also recovered at the site, which officials said spanned 13 acres.  “The damage to the natural resources was significant,” the park service said. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.

BAY AREA

Marin water district approves supply agreement with Sonoma

“Marin County’s main water provider has agreed to pay $12.5 million to the Sonoma County Water Agency to help boost regional drought resiliency as part of a new 15-year water supply agreement.  The board governing the Marin Municipal Water District unanimously approved the contract Tuesday establishing terms for water sharing between the agencies through 2040. Sonoma Water is set to consider approval at its Oct. 14 board meeting.  “This agreement is a historic partnership that will benefit nearly 750,000 people across Marin and Sonoma counties for a new generation of regional cooperation that we have not seen before,” said Jed Smith, a MMWD board member. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.

CENTRAL COAST

California American Water files motion for summary judgment on hostile government takeover attempt

“California American Water has filed a Motion for Summary Judgment asking the Monterey County Superior Court to enter Judgment in favor of California American Water and dismiss the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District’s (District) lawsuit seeking to take ownership of the company’s Monterey Peninsula water system through eminent domain. The motion argues that the District cannot meet fundamental legal requirements needed to proceed with its action, which therefore should be dismissed.  “California American Water is the Monterey Peninsula’s provider of safe, reliable water service. Our team is focused on and remains committed to serving their community,” said Evan Jacobs, Director of External Affairs. “The District does not have the required Monterey County LAFCO approval or authority to be a retail water provider and has spent more than $3 million dollars of residents’ funds on their misguided effort.” … ”  Read more from the Business Wire.

Commentary: Argument for desal doesn’t hold water

Melodie Chrislock, the managing director of Public Water Now, writes, “The California Public Utilities Commission’s Aug. 14 decision on water supply and demand is no win for Cal Am. The decision did not approve the smaller desal plant that Cal Am proposed to the Coastal Commission.  Public Water Now was one of the seven parties to this proceeding, which began in November 2021. This proceeding was intended to update the Peninsula’s water situation from the 2018 desal decision.  Did the PUC accomplish that? Are these supply and demand estimates accurate? … ”  Read more from the Monterey Herald.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Fresno-area well owners must register their  wells by Nov. 30

“A northern Fresno County groundwater agency is ramping up efforts to help landowners register their wells by hosting the first in a string of workshops on Aug. 27. Dates for future workshops are still in flux.  Owners of water wells in the greater Kerman, Biola, Easton, Fresno and Clovis areas are invited to the workshop, from 3-6 p.m. at the Kerman Community Center, 15101 W Kearney Blvd.  The North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency board of directors issued a mandatory well registration policy in April. All well owners must register by Nov. 30, 2025 to avoid a $100 penalty per well. … ”  Read more from SJV Water.

EASTERN SIERRA

Danger advisory issued at Lake Crowley due to a harmful algal bloom

“The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board is urging visitors to stay out of the water at Lake Crowley in Mono County after tests confirmed the presence of harmful algal blooms, which pose a health threat to humans and their pets.  Signs with the with a recreational advisory of “DANGER” have been posted at two locations — the Marina and Hilton Creek Drainage — to alert lake users of the elevated risk. … Water Board staff monitored Crowley Lake on August 11th and noticed visual signs of a harmful algal bloom spanning a length longer than a football field along the shoreline near the South Landing area of the lake at both the Marina and the Hilton Creek Drainage. Sample results confirmed that toxin levels were present at dangerous levels at both locations. … ”  Read more from the State Water Resources Control Board.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Unseasonable heat causing severe conditions in SoCal, new wildfires starting to burn

“California’s weather conditions are intensifying after a week of extreme temperatures, prompting fire evacuations in Napa County and sparking a handful of blazes that began burning Saturday morning in the Angeles National Forest.  The Pickett fire broke out Thursday near a remote area in Napa County as weather officials warned about elevated fire threats across the region. The fire quickly spread to 2,133 acres with no containment by Friday morning, forcing hundreds of residents in the small city of Calistoga — known for its wine — to evacuate.  Fire Chief Ryan Isham said crews worked throughout Thursday night, forming a second line of defense along Rattlesnake Ridge to curb the Pickett fire from progressing into Pope Valley. As temperatures warm up, “you will expect to see increased fire activity throughout the perimeter of the fire,” Isham said in a video update to Facebook. … ”  Read more from the LA Times.

Cemex gets extra time, court response due next week

“The 2nd Appellate District of California granted Cemex a little more time Wednesday to make its argument for why it shouldn’t need to publicly re-apply for its water rights in Soledad Canyon.  The international mining conglomerate based in Houston has the mining rights to extract 56 million tons of aggregate, a building material seen as a major need for the area’s future growth and development.  The State Water Resources Control Board argued in a June filing that Cemex’s actions are premature, despite its plans being more than 30 years in the making.  The mining site had been proposed for the canyon just east of the city’s borders off Highway 14, based on contracts purchased by Cemex’s predecessor in 1990 and pre-existing mining activity in the area.  However, opponents, including the city of Santa Clarita, have said that, since the rights were purchased, the surrounding canyon has completely changed. … ”  Read more from The Signal.

Burbank signs on to first U.S. subsea desalination project

“Residents could soon be sipping ocean water percolated from high-tech pumps a thousand feet below the Pacific Ocean, Burbank water officials announced Aug. 15 in a landmark agreement with six other agencies, including Santa Monica-based desalination company OceanWell.  The city has agreed to pay to pump the filtered water in exchange for a portion of the 60 million gallons generated per day by OceanWell’s “Water Farm 1″ — expected for delivery by 2030.   The project is being launched as California faces worsening droughts, overreliance on strained river systems and depleted groundwater. OceanWell CEO Robert Bergstrom called Water Farm 1 a “critical milestone” in adding climate-resilient water supplies for the state.  “California, like much of the world, urgently needs a new source of water to replace dwindling supplies,” Bergstrom said. “Water Farm 1 shows how we can responsibly and economically harvest fresh water from the ocean by building infrastructure to withstand [climate challenges].” … ”  Read more from the Burbank Leader.

An endangered sea species is thriving in an urban SoCal river

Erin Rode writes, “I’d watched the viral Instagram videos of the sea turtles, I’d read a report monitoring their habitat and I’d even heard from a friend who recently saw the turtles with her own eyes.  Still, the first time I witnessed the head of a large green sea turtle bob up for air from the channelized San Gabriel River, behind a complex of apartment buildings and with power plants smoking in the distance, I was hit with a wave of surprise.  The endangered species has been a permanent presence in the river, which empties into the ocean between Seal Beach and Long Beach, since at least 2008, when volunteers with the Aquarium of the Pacific first recorded that the sea turtles lived in the river year-round. It’s an unusual location to find the creatures, to say the least. The San Gabriel River now represents the northernmost habitat occupied by the Pacific green sea turtles anywhere in the eastern Pacific Ocean; before their discovery, the next closest population was believed to be 120 miles south near San Diego. … ”  Continue reading from SF Gate.

To clean fire-tainted soil, L.A. residents turn to nature to do it themselves

“Serina Diniega always wanted to plant an avocado tree at her Altadena home, but now she worries the creamy green fruit might pose a threat.  Her yard was scorched in the Eaton fire as her block went up in flames. The planetary scientist’s house survived, but unseen contaminants could be lurking in the soil.  “What can I do to keep that tree healthy, hopefully be able to eat the fruit a number of years down the line without worrying about whether or not I’m poisoning my family?” she wondered. The internet was full of opinions, but science was scarce.  So when a DIY soil detoxification workshop came up at a local nursery, she jumped on it. Many others did too; roughly 40 people were waitlisted for the three-hour class led by SoilWise, a landscaping, education and consulting business. Once a niche subject, the firestorms of January have put a spotlight on soil health, as residents wonder if their yards are safe for their children to play or if their home-grown tomatoes are OK to eat. … ”  Read more from the LA Times.

The coastal California community banding together to try and solve a tragic mystery

The article begins with a description of the close-knit Venice Canals community, and continues, “Earlier this summer, a different horror has gripped the canals: Since mid-June, a suspected 27 dogs have gotten severely sick after they were walked around the area, and five of those dogs have died, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. (The estimates from neighborhood residents differ; they estimate that 31 dogs have fallen ill and seven of said dogs have died.)What made the dogs sick remains unanswered, though various theories have been floated thus far, including pest control chemicals, snail bait, debris from the Palisades fire that ravaged the region earlier this year and toxic algae bloom. Earlier this month, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated that “testing of the canal water, algae and scum by the California Water Boards has detected the presence of algal toxins: microcystins, anatoxin-a and cylindrospermopsin, however no definitive link between these algal toxins and the dog illnesses has been established.” … ”  Read the full story from SF Gate.

San Gorgonio Pass area dives into unprecedented water alliance

“In a historic move to secure reliable water supplies for the Pass area, the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA) Board of Directors approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) on June 16, 2025.  The expansive MOU enables SGPWA and Metropolitan to share technical expertise, conduct feasibility studies for high-impact projects and programs, model potential infrastructure, implement water exchange programs and pilot projects, and coordinate water management facility development.  “This groundbreaking partnership opens the door to powerful storage and exchange projects that will protect our shared water future,” said SGPWA Board President Mickey Valdivia. “We are proud to join forces with MWD to lead the way toward long-term water sustainability for everyone.” … Continue reading from the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency.

Danger advisory issued at Lake Hemet after pre-Labor Day testing confirms Harmful Algal Bloom

The State Water Resources Control Board and Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Boards) are urging everyone to stay out of the water at Lake Hemet in Riverside County after recent tests confirmed the presence of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). The lake is posted with a “DANGER” advisory to alert visitors of the elevated health risk to humans and their pets. Anyone planning to visit the lake is encouraged to follow the below guidance until further notice.  The Santa Ana Regional Water Board sampled the northern shore of Lake Hemet on August 12 as part of the Water Boards’ pre-holiday assessment monitoring program.  The results noted microcystin concentrations over 70,000 ug/L. A danger advisory is recommended above 20 ug/L, with these results 3,500 times above the danger recreational advisory threshold. … ”  Read more from the State Water Resources Control Board.

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Along the Colorado River …

Here’s how ‘dire’ predictions from the federal government could impact Colorado River negotiations

“Lake Powell and Lake Mead are drying up, and so is the Colorado River.  That’s according to the recently released 24-month study projections done by the Bureau of Reclamation. It’s the latest in a series of dire warnings about the aridification of the river that supplies 40 million people with water across the West, and it comes as the seven states in the river’s basin attempt to iron out new operating agreements as current ones are set to expire next year.  Rocky Mountain Community Radio’s Caroline Llanes spoke with Chris Winter to find out what the report says about the basin’s future. Winter is the executive director of the Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment at the University of Colorado, Boulder’s School of Law. … ”  Read more from Aspen Public Radio.

Colorado River needs a snowy winter or more cuts coming

“Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Water Manager Tina Shields began her report to the IID board Tuesday, Aug. 19, saying, “Hydrology never has good news, lately.”  She said the Bureau of Reclamation released its August 2025 24-month study, announcing 2026 Colorado River water allocations for the Lower Basin states — Arizona, California and Nevada — will continue under the Tier 1 shortage condition.  The decision, according to Shields, is based on projections of Lake Mead’s elevation levels, which trigger specific water allocation reductions under existing agreements. … If conditions worsen, further reductions could be triggered, potentially affecting all Lower Basin states and requiring consultation with the Bureau of Reclamation. A worst-case scenario could involve deeper cuts, with Arizona facing up to a 27% reduction and Nevada 17%, depending on reservoir levels dropping below critical thresholds, such as 58% or 38% capacity across seven major reservoirs. … ”  Read more from the Desert Review.

The Nature Conservancy Colorado River Program’s new director ‘cautiously hopeful’ about interstate negotiations

“Future water management cannot be organized how it is presently or as it was in the past, said Celene Hawkins, Durango resident and The Nature Conservancy’s new Colorado River Program director.  The Nature Conservancy, a global conservation nonprofit, made Hawkins its new Colorado River Program director last month. She succeeds Taylor Hawes, who helped launch the program nearly two decades ago.  Hawkins joined The Nature Conservancy in 2016 and has been involved in a number of projects in the Colorado River Program, throughout the Colorado River Basin. For most of her career, she’s worked with tribal nations, including the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.  She said she’s concerned water management in the Colorado River Basin is reaching a breaking point and collaborative solutions are needed if the next generation is to enjoy life in the basin as people currently do. … ”  Read more from The Journal.

Las Vegas turns to water patrols, one of many conservation efforts in the thirsty Mountain West

“Southern Nevada is one of several southwest areas in an “exceptional” drought – the most severe category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The dry conditions are a concern among millions of people living in the seven states that depend on the Colorado River for water: Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Nevada.  Just east of Las Vegas, receding “bathtub rings” are etched into Lake Mead, a reminder of how much water there once was. The lake provides water to the state’s most populous city and tourist destination, and surrounding Clark County.  The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) responded with a number of water conservation efforts more than two decades ago, including a Water Patrol. About two dozen Water Waste Investigators patrol the city in blue and white vehicles searching for signs of waste. … ”  Read more from NPR.

It’s been a weak monsoon season in the Valley, but more storms could be on the way

“Monsoon storms brought a little bit of precipitation to the Valley this week. But, conditions remain abnormally dry for this time of year.  National Weather Service meteorologist Isaac Smith said since the start of monsoon season on June 15, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has had only about 0.2 inches of rain.  “So it’s really not much rainfall at all for us around here. Our normal rainfall up to this point would actually be about 1.57 inches in Phoenix, so we are well below normal for the current monsoon season,” Smith said. … ”  Read more from KJZZ.

Slow the Flow vs. Grow the Flow: Distinct organizations taking different approaches to water conservation

“Slow the Flow vs Grow the Flow: The names might sound similar, but they are distinct organizations taking different approaches to solve the same problem: conserving enough water to ensure abundant future supplies for people, ecosystems, and agriculture.  Slow the Flow is a statewide campaign encouraging water conservation across all sectors with educational resources and rebates to help residents save money and use less water.  Grow the Flow is an independent non-profit focused on restoring Great Salt Lake for the sake of Utah’s economy, ecology, and public health of millions. … ”  Read more from Fox 13.

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In national water news this weekend …

The Trump Administration dismisses the endangered species list as ‘Hotel California.’ but there’s far more to the story

““You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.”  It’s the ominous slogan for “Hotel California,” an iconic fictional lodging dreamed up by the Eagles in 1976. One of the rock band’s lead singers, Don Henley, said in an interview that the song and place “can have a million interpretations.”  For U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, what comes to mind is a key part of one of the country’s most central conservation laws.  “The Endangered Species List has become like the Hotel California: once a species enters, they never leave,” Burgum wrote in an April post on X. He’s referring to the roster of more than 1,600 species of imperiled plants and animals that receive protections from the federal government under the Endangered Species Act to prevent their extinctions. “In fact, 97 percent of species that are added to the endangered list remain there. This is because the status quo is focused on regulation more than innovation.” … ”  Read more from Inside Climate News.

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