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.
On the calendar today …
- PUBLIC HEARING: Delta Conveyance Project water right hearing beginning at 9am. The State Water Resources Control Board Administrative Hearings Office will hold a Public Hearing on the pending Petitions for Change of Water Right Permits for the Delta Conveyance Project. Interested members of the public who would like to watch this hearing without participating may do so through the Administrative Hearings Office YouTube channel at: bit.ly/aho-youtube. Click here for the meeting notice.
In California water news today …
Axed Colorado River nominee alleges interference: ‘Never seen this kind of vitriol’
“The Arizona official nominated to anchor a rocky Colorado River negotiation process with an impending deadline claims he was iced out by Upper Basin officials who thought he would be biased against them. Ted Cooke, who said he came out of retirement to try and help the two divided groups of states come to a consensus, alleged in an interview Thursday that Upper Basin state officials from Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico urged members of Congress to oppose his nomination for Bureau of Reclamation commissioner. “I’ve never seen this kind of vitriol and opposition based on presumed bias,” Cooke told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “Are these basin states thinking that they’re going to be better off? Even if I was biased, or somebody else was biased, to have no commissioner rather than one from the opposite basin, that’s just crazy.” … ” Read more from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
SEE ALSO: White House scraps water expert’s nomination as states hash out Colorado River plan, from the Associated Press
California’s water crisis: Edward Ring calls for abundance over scarcity
“California’s ongoing water crisis is forcing farmers, cities, and communities into impossible trade-offs. On a recent interview with Nick Papagni, Edward Ring, Director, Water and Energy Policy at the California Policy Center, outlined a vision that rejects scarcity in favor of abundance. Drawing on decades of policy expertise, Ring argues that California’s future depends on bold infrastructure investments, forest management, and practical reforms to restore balance between the environment and human needs. … ” Listen to podcast and read more from Ag Net West.
Writer-in-Residence Mark Arax chronicles California’s lifeblood: Water
“UC Merced has debuted a writer-in-residence program with one of California’s premier chroniclers of its history, especially the titanic power plays for land and water that have shaped the state’s growth and loom over its future. Mark Arax, a Fresno native, author and former Los Angeles Times journalist, will host workshops about his craft throughout the academic year. His presence on campus also will offer inside access to a working author. The writer-in-residence program is co-hosted by the UC Merced Library and the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts. The intent is to make this a feature of every academic year. “This is an honor,” Arax said, “and it comes at an interesting time because I’m embarking on a new book.” … ” Read more from UC Merced.
California clears key lease for wave-powered desalination pilot
“California’s State Lands Commission (SLC) has approved Canadian firm Oneka Technologies’ lease application for its wave-powered desalination pilot project with the City of Fort Bragg. “Major milestone for our Wave-Powered Desal Pilot Project with the City of Fort Bragg in California: the State Lands Commission (SLC) has approved our lease application. This authorization is a key step toward deploying our wave-powered desalination technology,” Oneka Technologies said. … ” Read more from Offshore Energy.
Kern County Subbasin avoids probation under SGMA and returns to DWR oversight
“The State Water Resources Control Board [Wednesday] approved a resolution to return the Kern County Groundwater Subbasin to the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) jurisdiction under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), ending the possibility of probation for the subbasin in the state intervention process. The State Water Board’s vote came after substantial public comment during today’s hearing for the board to decide whether to designate the subbasin as probationary. The board postponed this decision in February to allow groundwater sustainability agencies more time to finalize significant progress in their sustainability plans. A staff review of local agencies’ new plans, submitted in June, found that the subbasin’s 20 agencies substantially, but not completely, addressed deficiencies in prior plans to achieve groundwater sustainability goals by 2040. Among the new provisions that fully address prior deficiencies, the plans now include basin-wide approaches to setting appropriate management criteria for groundwater levels and quality. It also ramps down subsidence prior to 2040, with no additional subsidence after 2040. … ” Read more from the State Water Resources Control Board.
Urban Water Institute Conference part two
Don Wright with Water Wrights writes, “The Urban Water Institute held its 2025 conference in San Diego August 20th through 22nd. This is part two of my tale about being stranded on an island in Mission Bay with urban water managers. Whom it turns out, are about as much fun as ag water managers. So, yes, it was a good time if perhaps slightly more urbane* than some of the rustic gatherings in less densely populated areas. Throughout the UWI event the folks were very nice, polite and kind. I came away with a strong sense the urban water industry realizes it’s in the same boat as the ag water interests in the San Joaquin Valley. The overarching theme of the conference was based on unity. I don’t know why I expected more wokeness since the task of providing water to millions of people is about as real as it can get. There really is no room for endless nattering about political and philosophical matters when no water comes out of the kitchen tap. The following observations are from the second day of the conference. … ” Read more from Water Wrights.
New test measures toxin from tires in marine life, helping understand risk to marine species and ecosystems
“Scientists at NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center helped pioneer the study of an automobile tire toxin found to kill salmon when it runs off highways in stormwater and into streams. Now they have found a way to measure the toxin, 6PPD-quinone, directly in marine life, including fish, shellfish and marine mammals. The new method can help scientists better understand how the toxin affects different species, and how it reaches and moves through marine ecosystems. It can help assess effects on more species in less time. That may, in turn, help managers find ways to reduce the risk it poses to salmon and other species. This will allow the fish to continue to support economically important tribal, commercial, and sport fisheries, bringing economic and environmental value to the region. “Without being able to measure it, we won’t be able to answer questions about its impacts on species,” said Li-Jung Kuo, who led research by the Science Center’s Environmental Chemistry Program to develop the new method.“We need to have a better understanding of 6PPD-Q distribution in the environment, including aquatic species. The capability to directly measure the 6PPD-Q body burden in aquatic species is a step forward, as it is essential for exposure assessment.” … ” Read more from NOAA.
Who pays for wildfire damage? In the West, utilities are shifting the risk to customers
“Every spring, investors flock to Omaha, Nebraska, for Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder meeting, where Warren Buffett holds court. Insiders call it Woodstock for Capitalists, and CNBC covers it with the fervor of Fox Sports on Super Bowl Sunday. Last year’s meeting held particular weight. Investors were watching closely to see if Buffett, the company’s 93-year-old CEO, would name Greg Abel, Berkshire’s vice chairman, as his successor, and how the company would weather the billions in wildfire lawsuits threatening its energy utilities. Buffett dodged the succession question, but the meeting revealed something just as consequential: the company’s strategy to avoid wildfire liability. … ” Read more from Grist.
4 million acres of California’s public lands are road-free. Trump wants to change that
“A 2025 proposal from President Donald Trump’s administration would open up nearly 4 million acres of land in California to logging and road construction — by rescinding the so-called “Roadless Rule” law. With the deadline for giving public comment on Friday, advocates for protecting public lands are urging members of the public to speak up in defense of these wilderness places. But what’s really at stake — and why is the Trump administration going after roadless lands? We break down the Roadless Rule, the debate around these lands and what a change in the law might mean for public lands in California. … ” Read more from KQED.
In commentary today …
Slashing federal budget is big problem for state environment agencies
Keith Schneider writes, “Every dollar that the federal government directs to state environment departments enables the Great Lakes and every other region to steward natural resources, yielding many times the value of the federal contribution. State environment departments make the case daily that they merit more financial support, not less. That is why Circle of Blue’s opinion desk has been worried for months about the dangerous consequences of President Trump’s proposal to rip $5 billion – 55 percent – out of the Environmental Protection Agency’s $9.1 billion budget. Now that it’s September, we’re encouraged (just a tiny bit, mind you) by the actions MAGA Republicans in both houses of Congress have taken to break with the president to reduce the size of the proposed EPA budget reduction. … ” Read more from Circle of Blue.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Fish dieoff reported in Clear Lake
“A fish dieoff that’s impacting several species of fish is taking place in Clear Lake. The dieoff may have started as early as Sept. 3, according to the Clear Lake Water Quality Facebook page, run by the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians. “It appears to be mostly a shad die off but hitch, catfish, blue gill, crappie and bass have been noted as well,” a post on the page explained. At one site, at Lucerne Harbor Park, several species of fish — from threadfin shad to bass and carp — have been found washing up on the beach in large numbers. The discovery on Monday of a dead 7-foot-long white sturgeon in Buckingham — a fish whose natural range does not include Clear Lake — coincides with the dieoff, which wildlife officials are attributing to oxygen levels. “Fish die-offs in Clear Lake are pretty common, especially this time of year,” California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman Peter Tira told Lake County News. … ” Read more from the Lake County News.
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Tahoe Conservancy awards $355K in grants to improve trails and trailheads
“At its meeting today, the California Tahoe Conservancy Board authorized $355,000 for grants to Tahoe nonprofits for trail and trailhead improvement projects. … “We’re excited to support our nonprofit partners in their work to benefit people using these trails to enjoy hiking, biking, camping, and more on the public lands around Lake Tahoe,” said Adam Acosta, chair of the California Tahoe Conservancy Board. Working together, TAMBA and the TRTA will complete trail improvements on up to 40 miles of trails, including building erosion control features, clearing overgrowth in burn areas, and taking steps to reduce user-created trails. These trail improvements will create long-term solutions for erosion control and improve environmental sustainability on Basin trails. … ” Read more from South Tahoe Now.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
New Orland water tank nears completion
“At 32 feet tall and 15 feet deep with concrete, the city of Orland’s new water tank may not be a tower, but it towers over Sixth Street. In the making since 2020, the goal of the tank was to bring the city’s water system up to par while also providing water to those outside of city limits amid an epidemic of dry wells. Glenn County, the city of Orland, the California Department of Water Resources, the North Valley Community Foundation and other various stakeholders came together between 2020 and 2022 to come up with ways to help residents have consistent water lines. Ultimately, funding was secured to build a one-million-gallon water tank within the city and connect homes to it that were facing severe water insecurity. … ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record.
BAY AREA
Crews to work through weekend to fix damaged Benicia water transmission line, city says
“The City of Benicia says necessary parts are expected to arrive Friday morning to fix the damaged water transmission line. Crews plan to work through the weekend. During this time, residents are being asked to cut back on their water usage by 40%. “Could you limit your showers to five minutes? Could you not fill your pool right now? Could you if you’re going to use your dishwasher or washing machine, could you make sure they’re full loads? Because we turned off water to the main transmission line – we are now using our only and primary back up water source which is our reservoir, which is Lake Hermon,” said Sarah Shawky, Deputy City Manager of Benicia. … ” Read more from KGO.
Bay Adapt Summit brings leaders together to discuss shoreline planning amid federal cuts
“Despite the efforts of President Donald Trump’s administration to erase the concept of human-caused global warming by deleting climate-related federal funding, climate change is still happening. Bay Area leaders have not halted their efforts to prepare cities for sea level rise and increasing environmental hazards. Government officials, environmental groups, urban planners and social justice consultants gathered this week for 2025 Rising Together: The Bay Adapt Summit. It was the second-annual summit, but it sold out fast. On Sunday, participants joined walking tours in cities at risk of flooding from sea level rise. On Monday, the summit concluded with an all-day meeting at the Exploratorium science museum in San Francisco. … ” Read more from Local News Matters.
Foster City refutes recent report over inadequate emergency water supply
“A recent grand jury report stated that Foster City’s water district doesn’t have sufficient water supply or fuel storage in the event of an emergency, but the city says it “wholly disagrees” with some of the findings. On July 8, the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury released a report of its study looking to what extent water providers prepared to supply water to customers in the event of an emergency. A year’s investigation looked at five various water districts that operate within the county to see if they’re well prepared. Despite the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes, wildfires, tsunamis, the grand jury found “several water providers have not conducted full-scale emergency exercises and lack adequate backup water and fuel reserves,” which “raises serious concerns about whether the water providers are adequately prepared in the event of a crisis,” the report found. … ” Read more from the San Mateo Daily Journal.
CENTRAL COAST
Santa Cruz could suffer a major financial hit, study shows
“One of California’s most treasured pastimes isn’t just fun. It also generates big money for coastal communities. For Central California’s Santa Cruz, surfing the region’s waves can add up to nearly $200 million in economic impact each year, according to a new study published by the nonprofit Save The Waves Coalition, in partnership with Integral Consulting and Black Surf Santa Cruz. Surf trips produce around $44.5 million annually for the city, while spending on equipment and services can total an estimated $150.2 million. “Now we can say surfing isn’t just priceless, there is a number to how valuable it is,” Shaun Burns, the reserves network coordinator for the Save The Waves Coalition, told SFGATE. … ” Read more from KSBW.
Big Sur’s Pfeiffer Falls Trail reopens after storm damage resulted in two-year closure
“A popular hiking trail damaged during a major winter storm is back open again after being closed for over two years. California State Parks said Monday that the three-quarter mile Pfeiffer Falls Trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park near Big Sur has reopened. In January 2023, the trail bridge, which carries hikers over a gorge to a 60-foot-tall waterfall, was destroyed when a redwood tree fell on it during a winter storm, closing the trail. It was not the first time the trail had been impacted by a natural disaster. In June 2008, the park was devastated during the Basin Complex Fire, which burned 162,818 acres in the Big Sur area, including the trail. … ” Read more from Local News Matters.
Santa Barbara County DA files criminal charges against Sable Offshore Corp.
“Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch announced on Thursday that criminal charges have been filed against Sable Offshore Corp. for multiple environmental violations. The company faces 5 felony counts under the California Water Code for allegedly discharging dredged material into U.S. waters. … ” Read more from KSBW.
Camarillo: ‘Water crisis’ of others’ making at heart of trial
“A high-stakes legal battle over groundwater rights is threatening the City of Camarillo’s water supply, with officials warning the dispute could lead to higher costs for residents and force a nearly $70 million desalter to be sidelined. In a letter to state Sen. Monique Limón, Mayor Kevin Kildee says the city is in a water crisis that stems from a lawsuit filed by a group of large landowners calling themselves the OPV Coalition against Camarillo and other groundwater users in the Oxnard and Pleasant Valley basins. The lawsuit is a process under the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which aims to manage groundwater sustainably. But city officials assert the lawsuit is being used to manipulate the system for private gain. According to Kildee’s letter, the OPV Coalition and their allies—including United Water Conservation District and Pleasant Valley County Water District—have proposed a settlement that would severely cut Camarillo’s groundwater allocation. … ” Continue reading at the Acorn.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Rains are soaking Los Angeles for the first time in months. Is it enough to reduce wildfire risks?
“For the first time in months, widespread rainfall is drenching the Los Angeles area as a strong band of moisture from a dissipated tropical storm moves north. By Thursday morning, much of Southern California had already recorded some measurable — though mostly minor — rainfall, while a few inland areas were experiencing localized flooding that officials warned could get worse and expand. Much of the region remains under a flood watch through early Friday. “As the day wears on … we could definitely start getting those heavier showers and thunderstorms developing,” said Rich Thompson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. “Some areas will have a lot of rain.” … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Mudslides damage homes, bury roads and cars in Southern California
“Deep mudslides and flash flooding hit Southern California Thursday after drenching thunderstorms fed by the moisture of former Eastern Pacific Tropical Storm Mario spread over the region. The Oak Glen, Forest Falls and Potato Canyon areas of San Bernardino County were particularly hard hit. Mud and debris flows impacted multiple homes and covered roads across the area, about 80 miles east of Los Angeles, San Bernardino County Fire said. About 10 people traveling in six to seven vehicles were stuck on Highway 38 as debris covered the road in both directions, the fire department said Thursday evening. Just north, in the city of Barstow, a search was underway for a 2-year-old boy who was swept away by floodwaters Thursday evening, CNN affiliate KABC reported. … ” Read more from CNN.
After the trauma of the fires, survivors faced worry over contamination, struggled to find testing
“After the Eaton and Palisades fires ripped through Los Angeles County, the vast majority of residents in and around the burn scars were concerned about the hazardous compounds from the smoke and ash lingering in their homes, water and soil, according to a new survey published Tuesday. Yet many felt they lacked the support to move back safely. While more than 8 in 10 residents hoped to test their properties for contamination, only half of them could. And as fire survivors searched for information to protect their health, many distrusted the often conflicting messages from media, public health officials, academics and politicians. Researchers studying post-fire environmental health as part of the university consortium Community Action Project LA surveyed over 1,200 residents around the Eaton and Palisades burn scars from April through June, including those with destroyed homes, standing homes in the burn area and homes downwind of the fires. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Santa Monica Dune Restoration Project wins unanimous approval despite fire concerns
“The California Coastal Commission unanimously approved a controversial plan Thursday, Sept. 11, to restore 38.5 acres of native dune habitat along Santa Monica State Beach, despite fierce opposition from beachfront residents who warn the project could increase fire risks and attract homeless encampments. The Phase 3 expansion will nearly double the existing dune restoration area to cover approximately 19% of Santa Monica’s sandy beach, making it one of the largest coastal habitat restoration projects in Southern California. The project builds on two smaller pilot phases that have been credited with bringing back endangered species and providing natural protection against sea level rise. … ” Read more from the Santa Monica Daily Press.
There are mystery rings around 500,000 barrels on the seafloor. They shouldn’t be there.
“From the 1930s until the 1970s, multiple government agencies approved the dumping of hazardous materials, including chemicals such as DDT and other caustic waste, at 14 locations off the coast of California. According to the Los Angeles Times, the idea at the time was that “dilution was the solution to pollution,” essentially using the immensity of the world’s oceans to dilute harmful chemicals to a harmless level of parts per million (ppm). The idea did not go according to plan, a disconcerting prospect with an estimated half a million barrels still underwater today. Armed with the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian aboard the research vessel Falkor, scientists from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography took a closer look at these barrels littering the ocean floor and found something distressing. … ” Read more from AOL News.
Court rules Chino Basin Project approval violates California environmental law
“Ontario has scored a legal victory in its ongoing battle with the Inland Empire Utilities Agency. On Sept. 4, San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Donald Alvarez ruled the IEUA’s May 2022 approval of the Chino Basin Program violated the California Environmental Quality Act. … The agency’s Chino Basin Project is intended to recycle more water in western San Bernardino County to reduce demand for water imported from Northern California. California plans to pay IEUA to treat and store wastewater, injecting it back into the ground and letting nature — with some help from the agency — filter the water and make it suitable for human consumption. In return, water that would have been sent to Southern California from the Oroville Reservoir will be used in the Northern California ecosystem, including for salmon migration in the Feather River near Sacramento. … ” Read more from the Inland Daily Bulletin.
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
When lithium mining starts, who benefits, and who’s at risk? Inside this Salton Sea case.
“Critics of a proposed lithium mine near the Salton Sea entered round two of their fight to force stricter environmental review of the project. It’s the latest stage in a legal impasse over the massive lithium project. Environmental groups are trying to make sure nearby residents get the benefits of lithium production, while guarding against harmful impacts. The company says critics are using court challenges to stall an important energy project. The nonprofits Comite Civico del Valle and Earthworks filed arguments with the Fourth District Court of Appeal last week, asking the court to reconsider a claim they filed in 2024, which a superior court judge dismissed earlier this year. … ” Read more from Cal Matters.
CCV report warns of risks from Hell’s Kitchen lithium project without stronger safeguards
“A new report, “The Devil is in the Details: Environmental Health Impacts of the Hell’s Kitchen Lithium and Power Project,” released by Comité Cívico del Valle (CCV) and Earthworks, finds that communities living near Imperial County’s emerging “Lithium Valley” may face serious risks from lithium extraction unless stronger protections, oversight and safeguards are put in place, according to the recent press release by CCV. According to the release, the report details a case study of the Hell’s Kitchen direct lithium extraction project proposed by Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) near the Salton Sea. CCV and Earthworks filed a petition under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) challenging Imperial County’s approval of CTR’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which was approved in 2024 despite extensive concerns made by CCV, Earthworks, experts, academics, public agencies, and tribal nations during the approval process. The trial court’s denial of the CEQA petition was appealed and is now pending before the Court of Appeal. CCV and Earthworks filed an opening brief on Sept. 11, 2025 (available here), with oral arguments anticipated sometime in the new year. … ” Read more from the Desert Review.
SAN DIEGO
Escondido utility customers face higher bills after “colossal” billing error
“Thousands of utility customers in Escondido, California, will see changes to their wastewater service bills following a massive billing error that lasted for 14 months. The mistake, which affected a total of over 20,000 households, resulted in approximately $2.5 million in overcharges and nearly $3 million in undercharges. “On behalf of the city of Escondido, I want to apologize to each and every one of you, and every resident. This was a simple yet colossal mistake that can never happen again,” said Escondido Mayor Dane White. The error occurred when the rate calculation formula adopted by the city was not properly coded into the billing software system. As a result, about 13,000 customers were overcharged, while another 10,500 were underbilled. Christopher McKinney, Deputy City Manager, explained, “Where there is a very real impact is that we underbilled about 10,500 customers.” … ” Read from Channel 8.
Along the Colorado River …
Colorado River negotiations teeter over future water use
“Disagreements over whether states in the Colorado River Basin should agree to restrict future water development are threatening to derail the arduous negotiations over the waterway’s operations. A top Wyoming water official on Wednesday said that demands from the Colorado River’s Lower Basin states — California, Arizona and Nevada — would force it to sharply cut back on its water use and also prohibit future development in his state. That means essentially blocking Wyoming from tapping the drought-stricken river’s flows with new dams or diversions. “They’re asking me to give up the future we were promised and to make promises that I can’t keep,” said Wyoming State Engineer Brandon Gebhardt, who serves as his state’s lead negotiator, at a meeting with other leaders from the Upper Basin states of Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. … ” Read more from E&E News.
SEE ALSO: Make ‘immediate cuts’ in water use or face crisis, Colorado River experts warn, from the Las Vegas Review Journal
Competing interests, controversial proposals debated during marathon Colorado River hearing
“State water officials debated a controversial proposal to use two powerful Colorado River water rights to help the environment, weighing competing interests from Front Range and Western Slope water managers. Almost 100 water professionals gathered in Durango this week for a 14-hour hearing focused on the water rights tied to the Shoshone Power Plant, owned by an Xcel Energy subsidiary. Members of the Colorado Water Conservation Board were originally set to make their final decision on the proposal this week, but an eleventh-hour extension pushed their deadline to November. Board members peppered presenters with questions during the hearing, weighing thorny issues like who has final authority to manage the environmental water right and how much water is involved. … ” Read more from the Colorado Sun.
In national water news today …
The system that moves water around the planet is increasingly ‘erratic and extreme,’ new report finds
“The global water cycle has become “increasingly erratic and extreme” with wild swings between droughts and floods, spelling big trouble for economies and societies, according to a report published Thursday by the World Meteorological Organization. The water cycle refers to the complex system by which water moves around the Earth. It evaporates from the ground — including from lakes and rivers — and rises into the atmosphere, forming large streams of water vapor able to travel long distances, before eventually falling back down to Earth as rain or snow. Climate change, driven by humans burning fossil fuels, is upending this process. … ” Read more from CNN.
