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In California water news this weekend …
Friant lawsuit against groundwater agency over sinking canal will go on but it may be individual farmers who ultimately pay
“The ongoing case against a Tulare County groundwater agency for allegedly not paying its fair share to fix the sinking Friant-Kern Canal will continue, according to a recent ruling. A trial date is set for Dec. 22 in Tulare County Superior Court. A judge recently shut down an attempt by the Eastern Tule Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) to dismiss the lawsuit by the Friant Water Authority, which alleges Eastern Tule breached a 2021 agreement to pay up to $200 million toward fixing the canal. But Tulare County Superior Court Judge Brett Hillman’s Sept. 23 ruling also indicated that, should Friant win the case, it could be a hollow victory. In fact, Friant may have to go after individual landowners for the money it says Eastern Tule reneged on, according to some interpretations of Hillman’s ruling. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
Scott Cameron takes the reins as acting head of Reclamation
“Scott Cameron will take over as acting head of the Bureau of Reclamation, shifting titles at the Interior Department while he maintains his role as the Trump administration’s lead official in negotiations over the future of the Colorado River. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum tapped Cameron for the role on Oct. 1, announcing the decision in a secretarial order that also updated other leadership roles recently confirmed by the Senate. The decision comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s decision on Sept. 30 to withdraw his nomination of Ted Cooke, a former top official at the Central Arizona Project, to be Reclamation commissioner. … ” Read more from E&E News (sorry, subscription required).
Governor Newsom signs SB 72 into law, advancing long-term and reliable water supply for all
“CA Water for All is excited to share that Governor Newsom has signed SB 72 into law, after the bill passed the legislature unanimously. This landmark legislation is a significant step in the right direction for a long-term and reliable water supply for the entire state, including residents, businesses, and the environment. “I am pleased that Governor Newsom understood the importance of SB 72 and chose to agree with the unanimous legislative support in his signing of the bill,” said Senator Anna Caballero, bill author. “California residents, businesses, and the environment statewide will reap the benefits of SB 72 as we finally have a modernized strategy signed into law that will further protect California’s future generations and ensure a reliable and long-term water supply for all.” … ” Continue reading this press release.
West Coast fisheries ‘incredibly challenged’: McGuire forum addresses Dungeness, salmon impacts
“Last week, the California State Senate’s Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture hosted its 50th annual Zeke Grader Fisheries Forum. Scientists and representatives from various state agencies, tribal government, industry and environmental groups met to discuss challenges facing kelp forests off our shores, the future of a later and later Dungeness crab season and a salmon fishery now in its third consecutive year of commercial fishing closure. Committee Chair Senator Mike McGuire opened proceedings by noting the challenges the state’s fisheries are facing as well as some of the state’s redoubled efforts and funding, via Proposition 4 funding and other legislative commitments, to improve resiliency along the California coast and waterways. “I think that we can all agree, fisheries on the West Coast, salmon and Dungeness crab both, … have been incredibly challenged over the past several years, and it seems for every step forward that we take, two steps are taken back,” McGuire said. … ” Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard.
State agencies highlight new measures to combat golden mussels following detection at San Luis Reservoir
“The California Department of Water Resources (DWR), in coordination with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and California State Parks, is highlighting new measures to protect California’s water infrastructure and slow the spread of invasive golden mussels following a recent discovery of the species at San Luis Reservoir in Merced County. San Luis Reservoir, the largest off-stream reservoir in the nation, is part of the San Luis Joint-Use Complex that serves the State Water Project (SWP) and federal Central Valley Project. The invasive species was recently discovered at the facility during a routine water test conducted by DWR. In response, mandatory watercraft inspections of all vessels leaving San Luis Reservoir are now in place and will help prevent the spread of mussel to other lakes and reservoirs. Golden mussels, an invasive species detected in North America in October 2024, pose a threat to infrastructure and the ecological health of all state waterways. While the mussels pose no immediate threat to water quality or supplies, if left unchecked, they can compromise water delivery systems by clogging pipelines, screens, and filters. … ” Read more from DWR.
‘They’re everywhere’: Rodent boom overwhelms California farms
“Fifth-generation California farmer Daniel Palla said killing the bugs that bedevil his Central Valley pistachio orchard is “easy.” Killing the rodents is harder. Palla, who’s also the director of the Kern County Farm Bureau, has seen a steady increase in rats, squirrels and gophers on farms across the state in recent years. But the arsenal of poisons traditionally used to keep rodents at bay can also put people and other wildlife at risk, prompting a recent flurry of state regulations on rodenticide use. As a result, Palla said, some farmers hesitate to act after they see the first signs of an infestation. “They pass laws so fast and they change them so fast, always in more restrictive manners, that I can’t keep track of them,” Palla said. “It’s like, ‘OK, I’m really busy, I don’t really have time to take care of this problem, I don’t really know how to take care of it legally.’ And then it gets out of control.” … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
In people news this weekend …
Promotions, passings, profiles – submit people news items to maven@mavensnotebook.com.
Governor appoints Ann Patterson and Audrey Cho to the Delta Stewardship Council
“Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Ann Patterson and Audrey Cho to the Delta Stewardship Council. “On behalf of the Council, I could not be more delighted to welcome Ann and Audrey to our agency,” says Chair Julie Lee. “Their commitments to and knowledge of public service are impressive and position them to excel in their roles.”
Patterson, of Sacramento, has been appointed as a member of the Council’s seven-member board, effective September 24, 2025. She has been a senior counselor at the Office of Governor Newsom since 2025, where she has served multiple roles since 2019, including as the Governor’s cabinet secretary and legal affairs secretary. … Audrey Cho, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the Council’s executive team as legislative and policy advisor, effective October 2, 2025. She has been an executive fellow (Capital Fellows Program) at the Council since 2024. In 2022, she was a district intern for the Office of Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry in the California State Assembly and a National Science Foundation researcher at the University of Wisconsin, Stout. … ” Read the full press release from the Delta Stewardship Council.
Delta Stewardship Council appoints three new Delta Independent Science Board members
“The Delta Independent Science Board has welcomed three new members – Dr. Peter Goodwin, Dr. Cathleen Jones, and Dr. Steve Lindley – who were appointed to five-year terms by the Delta Stewardship Council on July 24, 2025. “These three new board members are poised to make immediate and lasting contributions,” said Delta Lead Scientist Dr. Lisamarie Windham-Myers. “As world leaders in their fields, they elevate and expand the depth and breadth of the Delta ISB. We are grateful for their willingness to serve our mission during these times of rapid change.” … ” Read more from the Delta Stewardship Council.
ACWA members elect Ernesto “Ernie” Avila as President and Carol Lee Gonzales-Brady as Vice President
“ACWA members have elected Ernesto “Ernie” Avila as President and Carol Lee Gonzales-Brady for the 2026-’27 term. Avila, who currently serves as ACWA’s Vice President, has served on the Contra Costa Board of Directors since 2016 and has been the Board President since 2022. He has also served two terms on the ACWA Region 5 Board and chaired ACWA’s Local Government Committee. … Replacing Avila as Vice President, Gonzales-Brady has served on the Rancho California Water District Board of Directors since 2017, including two terms as Board President. Her professional experience spans federally regulated industries such as water and electric utilities. She currently is ACWA Vice Chair for Region 9 and was elected by the ACWA Board to serve on the Executive Committee. She is also on the Southern California Water Coalition Board of Trustees and the Urban Water Institute Board of Directors. … ” Read the full press release from ACWA.
Remembering Jack Baber
“On May 11, 2025, the Sacramento Valley lost a water leader with a strong legacy in the region. Jack William Baber passed away peacefully at home, with his beloved wife Audra by his side. He was 91 years old, and in those nine decades he managed to live a life that was both grounded in this special place and expansive in his broader adventures. … For his interest in water, Jack served on the NCWA Board of Directors from 1998 to 2013, where he appreciated the regional presence in water policy and he was known as an advocate for innovative water management and infrastructure improvements to enhance efficiency and provide benefits to fish and wildlife in the region. Impressively, Jack served on the Reclamation District 1004 Board for half a century, 34 of those years as chairman. He had a deep understanding of Reclamation District 1004 and his ranches, and he devoted many hours to research, learning, and educating others about the water supplies for this region and the importance of serving water for multiple benefits. His leadership and quiet generosity touched countless lives in Colusa and beyond. … ” Read more from the Northern California Water Association.
Podcasts …
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING: Groundwater
Choosing the best groundwater management strategy that safeguards all groundwater users must recognize that both water usage and water recharge rates are in a state of flux. Management by SGMA or adjudication both provide benefits as well as blind spots. Although water users want certainty in their yearly allocation of water, certainty is difficult to achieve. This segment lists the five interrelated elements and reminds us of the “Tragedy of the Commons.” It doesn’t stare you in the face. If you stick your head in the sand, you may actually see it. I’m talking about groundwater. California uses more groundwater than any other state in the nation. In fact, nearly half of California’s drinking water is supplied from wells. This water is used for public water supplies, farms, factories, towns and of course, our homes. Water is a Many Splendor ’ed Thing and Conversations brings you another water relationship that has a personally significant impact to your life. Produced by Stephen Baker, Bringing People Together to Solve Water Problems, water@operationunite.co 530-205-6388ECONEWS REPORT: Are your Easter lilies poisoning the Smith River?
For decades pesticide-intensive farming of Easter lily bulbs on the Smith River Plain has contaminated groundwater and surface waters of the Smith River estuary, threatening the health of wildlife and humans along one of California’s healthiest, most ecologically pristine rivers. Now the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is considering new regulations to address this persistent pollution. Greg King, Executive Director of the Siskiyou Lands Conservancy, joins the program to discuss an important upcoming townhall meeting—October 8th at 6 p.m. at the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors Chambers or participate remotely online—and what it would take to effectively regulation pesticide pollution.
THIS GREEN EARTH: Colorado River ‘Chasing Water’ in the wake of climate change
“Award-winningNational Geographic photographer Pete McBride brings new insights on the plight of the Colorado River. As a photojournalist, Mcbride has covered water around the globe, earning him the “freshwater hero” title from NationalGeographic. Now he’s set his sights closer to home and is telling the story of the Colorado River through photography, essays and a book titled, “The ColoradoRiver: Chasing Water.” The book is called a celebration of one of America’s most valuable and iconic rivers and a warning demonstrating the river is a bellwether of overuse and climate change. The book has been named one of the Ten Best Photography Books of 2024 by Smithsonian Magazine.
WATER TALK: A blueprint for community organizing around data centers
A conversation with Professor Michael Bogan (University of Arizona School of Natural Resources and the Environment) about data center water use, the concept of water neutral development, and community mobilization.
WE GROW CALIFORNIA: “We’re fine,” is a terrible cybersecurity answer, with Dr. Kevin Morley and Director Frank Ury
With growing frequency, water systems, cities, and other water utilities have been held for ransom as a direct result of a cybersecurity attack. These attacks can hold a system hostage for millions of dollars, jeopardizing customer data as well as water and wastewater operations; ultimately impacting public health and safety. Many systems have recently discovered that insurance is no longer covering the bill. For policymakers, believing “We’re fine” is not only naive but also dangerous and can be extremely expensive. This week, Darcy Villere and Darcy Burke welcomed American Water Works Association’s in-house cybersecurity expert, Dr. Kevin Morley, and Santa Margarita Water District Board Member and local government cybersecurity advisor, Frank Ury. Kevin and Frank share what the bad actors are doing and where they are hiding (It should scare you), why paranoia is not always such a bad thing, and why a recovery plan is critical. If your Cybersecurity or IT Team says, “We’re fine.” You need to listen.
AQUAPOD: The future of lake management: Nanobubbles’ promise for large-scale treatment
Our conversation with Dr. Denise Devotta of Moleaer offers insight into emerging nanobubble technology, describing the science behind nanobubbles’ behavior, its effect on water quality and common misconceptions influencing its adoption. Covering case studies, data collection and directions for further research, Dr. Devotta illuminates nanobubble technology’s potential to address longstanding issues with lake health and transform our approach to lake management.
TALKING UNDER WATER: PFAS legal action, Jessica Kramer’s EPA appointment & updates to NOAA’s flood mapping tool
In this episode of Talking Under Water, the co-hosts discuss recent industry news including two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) PFAS legal actions. First, the agency motioned to partially vacate a court case in which American Water Works Association (AWWA) sued the agency for procedural missteps in how it developed the concentration limits that defined the Hazard Index. Second, EPA announced its intentions for the Comprehensive, Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, known as CERCLA or the Superfund. The hosts also cover Jessica Kramer’s confirmation as assistant administrator of the EPA’s Office of Water; the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s updates to its flood mapping tool; and post-Hurricane Helene recovery efforts a year after the storm.
In regional water news this weekend …
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Partners eye raising level of Black Butte Reservoir to increase storage
“Planning for the future of Black Butte Reservoir and the role Tehama County should take is the topic in a memorandum of understanding approved unanimously by the Tehama County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. There is an effort afoot to raise Black Butte Lake to benefit the Central Valley Water District,” said Supervisor Matt Hansen. Currently, there is a coalition of water districts, groundwater sustainability agencies,flood agencies and counties that have an interest in a potential increase in capacity at Black Butte Reservoir. A capacity increase would benefit water supply, groundwater levels, flood control, and recreational activities in Colusa, Glenn, and Tehama Counties. The geographical scope of the project is the Stony Creek drainage and the Sacramento Valley. … ” Read more from the Corning Observer.
NAPA/SONOMA
For Sonoma vineyard, transition to organic was easy
“For Ken Freeman, transitioning the two Pinot Noir vineyards at his Freeman Vineyard & Winery in Sebastopol, Calif., to 100% organic wasn’t as daunting a task as the conversion process can be for some growers. Freeman’s family has long championed environmentally conscious practices. He and wife Akiko Freeman live on the eight-acre Gloria vineyard estate along the Russian River they purchased in 2001, which he said gave him an added interest in caring for the soil. “It was easy for us,” Ken Freeman said of organic certification, which the business just received through the California Certified Organic Farmers. “We haven’t put anything nonorganic on in 15 years … This way (with certification), you can put it on the label and let people know it’s been certified.” … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press.
BAY AREA
How much rain did the Bay Area get this week? Here’s where the most fell
“The Bay Area received rain over four days during the past week, although it was distributed unevenly — with the North Bay having more on some days and the South Bay getting wetter later in the week. With at least 10 days of sunny weather expected in the forecast through mid-October, dry conditions are back. And the light rain of the past week wasn’t enough to end fire season, experts say. But it was enough to clear out dust, smoke and other pollutants from the air and significantly decrease fire risk for a while. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News.
CENTRAL COAST
Pure Monterey Monterey expansion launches with kudos and aplomb
“Amid congratulations, good-natured ribbing and even a dance troupe, Monterey One Water on Thursday ushered in its Pure Water Monterey expansion project that when combined with the current phase plans to deliver some 60% of the Monterey Peninsula’s potable water supply. Paul Sciuto, executive officer of M1W, introduced a bevy of policymakers and elected officials at the Pure Water Monterey expansion facility, or PWMx, in Marina. All complimented Sciuto, his staff and M1W’s board of directors for bringing a project to fruition that Erin Davison, Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s director of district operations, called “a model for California and the rest of the country.” “Climate change is not an abstract threat,” she said. “Here on the Central Coast we live with its extremes. Years of drought followed by flooding winters. The old way of managing water, storing it when we can and pumping when we need more, just isn’t enough anymore. With projects like Pure Water Monterey, we can screen it, clean it and put it back into the ground to safeguard our aquifers and protect our environment.” … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald.
Does a recycled water facility expansion mean it’s ‘Bye Bye Bye’ to the state’s cease-and-desist order?
“David Schmalz here. I’ve been to a good number of groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting events over the years, and generally speaking they aren’t exactly memorable—everyone gets together to celebrate the work they’ve done, say a bunch of nice things about each other, have some food and drink and then go on about their day. Yesterday, the ribbon cutting for Monterey One Water’s Pure Water Monterey expansion was different. It felt historic. And it was, because the hope is that this ribbon cutting can facilitate a hundred more ribbon cuttings, that it will finally bring the Peninsula’s water supply to the point where the State Water Board takes the handcuffs off and lifts the cease-and-desist order it laid down on Cal Am in 2009 for the company’s illegal, decades-long overpumping of the Carmel River. For over 15 years now, that order has precluded Cal Am from setting new water meters—or upsizing existing ones—which has for the most part prevented the construction of any new housing on the Peninsula at the time the housing crisis deepens statewide, even in places that have water. … ” Read more from Monterey Now.
TAMC: FORTAG frog pond permit decision by Oct. 15
“Less than two weeks remain on a California Department of Fish and Wildlife permit that allows work on the Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway in the Frog Pond Wetland Preserve in Del Rey Oaks, and if not extended, it will affect the completion date and cost. “CDFW responded that they are reviewing our request and will let us know their decision before the Oct. 15 deadline,” said Transportation Agency for Monterey County spokesperson Theresa Wright. The Canyon Del Rey segment of the Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway is a 1.5-mile stretch that runs through Del Rey Oaks and is part of a proposed approximately 28-mile continuous 12-foot-wide paved bicycle and pedestrian trail with an open-space buffer on both sides. Construction is expected to last through Fall 2026 but could be pushed into 2027. Work on the first segment of FORTAG hit a snag in mid-July with construction in the Frog Pond Wetland Preserve stymied due to a utility pole along the path as the project managers waited for direction from Pacific Gas and Electric Company on how to proceed. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
River Island residents call for investigation of state for enabling Del Oro
“The coalition representing River Island residents who have been in dispute with the Del Oro Water Company for at least more than two years have taken their protest further by calling for the State Auditor to conduct an investigation of state agencies it claims have enabled Del Oro. Water Warriors Against Del Oro presented a letter last Friday calling for state agencies to be investigated. Customers served by Del Oro for more than two years have maintained the company has failed to provide them with reliable water as required. In the letter the coalition acalls for the State Auditor to investigate the California Public Utilities Commission and the State Water Resources Control Board for allowing Del Oro for providing subpar service for decades. Del Oro has had issues in the past when it comes to complaints from customers about their service. Del Oro is a Chico-based water utility management and operations company that provides water for communities and municipalities throughout the state. … ” Read more from the Porterville Recorder.
Pumps make Channel Island Harbor clean
“The Public Works and Transportation Committee, Tuesday, September 23, received a water quality update from the Channel Islands Marine Advisory Committee. Special Districts Director Anthony Miller introduced a video from the Marine Advisory Committee, which supports the effort around the Harbor. “Thanks to Chuck Carter, who put this together and has been with us every step of the way,” Miller said. Carter said Channel Island Harbor is one of the cleanest Harbors since it was built in the 1970s, because of the circulation created by the pumps. “The pumps flushed most of the contaminants into the ocean at the north end of the Edison Canal,” he said. “The Channel Islands Neighborhood Council has been working with the City of Oxnard, the County of Ventura, the Los Angeles Regional Water Board, scientists, City, County, State Elected Officials, and other stakeholders for over seven years to raise awareness about the degradation of the Harbor Water Quality.” … ” Read more from the Tri-County Sentry.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles County approves Urban Natureways to transform infrastructure into greenways
“Los Angeles County has introduced a new parkland classification called Urban Natureways, aimed at converting underutilized flood control channels and utility corridors into multifunctional greenways, following a motion passed by the Board of Supervisors. The initiative in the county seeks to enhance ecological restoration, climate resilience, and equitable access to green spaces by integrating community-driven visions into the county’s General Plan. The Urban Natureways designation will repurpose public infrastructure, such as Compton Creek, Emerald Necklace, Lower LA River, and Pacoima Wash, into regional linear parks. These spaces are intended to provide recreation, active transportation, and habitat restoration while fostering biodiversity and social equity. … ” Read more from the Palisades News.
89 years ago, the Hoover Dam began generating electricity for Los Angeles
“Around this time, 89 years ago, the Hoover Dam began supplying electricity to the city of Los Angeles. Finished in 1935 and located along the Nevada and Arizona state lines, the concrete arch structure was hailed as the tallest dam in the world at its dedication. Present day, Hoover Dam remains the second-tallest dam in the country, holding back the waters of Lake Mead. Its hydroelectric power plant generates enough electricity for more than 1.3 million people, according to the United States Census Bureau. The dam does more than supply electricity. It also serves the vital role of providing flood control and water storage for irrigation and drinking water. … ” Read more from KCRA.
In national water news this weekend …
Advocates raise alarm over PFAS pollution from datacenters amid AI boom
“Datacenters’ electricity demands have been accused of delaying the US’s transition to clean energy and requiring fossil fuel plants to stay online, while their high level of water consumption has also raised alarm. Now public health advocates fear another environmental problem could be linked to them – Pfas “forever chemical” pollution. Big tech companies like Google, Microsoft and Amazon often need datacenters to store servers and networking equipment that process the world’s digital traffic, and the artificial intelligence boom is driving demand for more facilities. Advocates are particularly concerned over the facilities’ use of Pfas gas, or f-gas, which can be potent greenhouse gases, and may mean datacenters’ climate impact is worse than previously thought. Other f-gases turn into a type of dangerous compound that is rapidly accumulating across the globe. … ” Read more from The Guardian.
