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In California water news today …
Wildfire plus rain brings risks. Scientists are trying to warn residents.
“The sound of rock shattering echoed across the dry channel in the Tonto National Forest as Jorge Santiago, a 23-year-old geology student, drilled a 10-inch hole in the limestone rock that once cradled a stream. Mr. Santiago was among the researchers from the University of Arizona who earlier this year inserted pressure transducers, bullet-shaped objects that can be used to measure water levels, into the walls of the dry streambed. They were not expecting the water to return to the stream. Instead, they were using the transducers to measure something else entirely: the possibility that water-laden rocks, soil and debris could barrel downhill from hundreds of miles away after rain falls on an area burned by wildfire. It’s a scenario that emergency managers across the world are increasingly preparing for. As nations continue to burn fossil fuels and generate the greenhouse gases that are heating the planet, the risks of both extreme wildfire and major rain events are rising. … ” Read more from the New York Times.
Federal reductions to critical services threaten public safety as flood season gets underway in California
“As major storms move through California, the state continues to remind everyone to be prepared for flooding, mudslides, and debris flows and pre-deploys emergency response crews for flood response. While California is doing all it can to be prepared for flood season and the winter storms that lie ahead, the Trump administration’s reductions in critical services are threatening public safety reduced storm monitoring and hampering California’s ability to effectively move and store water supply. Despite this, the state remains prepared by monitoring and prepositioning crews in regions throughout California and by improving the state’s ability to capture and store water. “Once again, Donald Trump is putting Californians in harm’s way,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Let’s be clear, these gaps in critical information needed by emergency responders and reservoir managers put life and property at risk. If inaccurate or incomplete forecasts result in flood-fight material and rescue crews being positioned in the wrong areas, we could see damage and death that could have been prevented.” … ” Continue reading this press release.
Powerful storm delivers wettest October day in years to California cities
“The first major storm in months barreled into California earlier this week, delivering the wettest October day in years and prompting evacuations near areas scarred by the historic wildfires from January. The storm resembled the powerful winter storms that typically hit the West Coast during the middle of the wet season, unleashing widespread rain and mountain snow. Precipitation began on Monday across Northern and Central California before spreading into Southern California on Tuesday. Evacuations were ordered for some areas surrounding the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire burn scars due to the risk of flooding and mudslides, according to ABC7. In these areas, the charred, vegetation-free ground acts more like pavement than normal soil, resulting in a much higher risk of debris flows and destructive flooding. As of Wednesday morning, no major mudslides had been reported near the burn scars. … ” Read more from AccuWeather.
SEE ALSO: Snow! Time-lapse videos show the Sierra blanketed in white, from the LA Times
Will California see heavy rain or warm weather this winter? What experts predict
“After a stormy start to fall, California’s stretch of cold, rainy weather may be coming to an end. Weather experts say the Golden State is in for a “warmer and drier winter” ahead. The Old Farmer’s Almanac, known for its long-range forecasts, recently released its 2025-26 winter weather outlook, calling for dry and relatively mild conditions across California. “Remember: ‘Mild’ is relative. It’s still winter — so plan (and dress!) accordingly,” the Old Farmer’s Almanac explained. “And if you’re in a snow-prone area, don’t retire that shovel just yet.” The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center released a similar long-range weather forecast, projecting above-normal temperatures from November through January. How mild will winter temperatures be in California — and are more rain and snow storms headed to the Golden State? Here’s what experts predict … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
Ask a scientist: how do we solve California’s water shortage crisis?
“California’s megadrought seems as endless as the Mojave Desert. Between killer heat and growing wildfires, the state experiences some of the harshest effects of climate change. Although California is leading in clean energy policies needed to tackle the worst impacts, water management is still a real problem—for everyone in the country. That’s because the United States relies on California as its top producer of agricultural products. Meanwhile, growing industrial agribusinesses have worsened pesticide pollution while draining the state’s water supply. Agriculture uses about 80% of California’s water, and it’s unsustainable. There are solutions, though, and they involve strategic land use planning and repurposing to address California’s social, ecological, and water challenges, especially for its most disadvantaged people. … ” Continue reading at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
State Water Project virtual meeting on Friday
“The California Department of Water Resources will host a virtual public scoping meeting to discuss an environmental impact report on the State Water Project at noon Friday, Oct. 17. DWR holds several permits that authorize the appropriation of water from the Feather River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta channels to operate the 700-mile-long SWP — collection of canals, pipelines, reservoirs and hydroelectric power facilities that delivers clean water to 27 million residents, 750,000 acres of farmland, and businesses throughout the state. A 30-day public comment period closes on Thursday, Oct. 30. … ” Read more from the Lodi News-Sentinel.
Nat DiBuduo: Politics, water & California farming
“As October marks Italian Heritage Month and the celebration of Columbus Day, AgMeter host Nick Papagni sat down with a true legend of California agriculture—Nat DiBuduo, former Allied Grape Growers President, Fresno State Bulldog, and long-time leader in the state’s wine and grape industry. For 18 years, DiBuduo helped guide California’s grape growers through cycles of expansion, regulation, and shifting consumer trends. Papagni began their conversation with warmth and nostalgia, recalling family gatherings and Sunday dinners shared between the Papagni and DiBuduo families. “Those were the days where family was huge,” he said, noting that family tradition has always been central to their Italian heritage. DiBuduo agreed. “That was the tradition. That’s the Italian tradition—family. That’s what it’s all about.” … ” Read more from Ag Net West.
California farmers fear for future of lifeline program if federal funds end
“When 70-year-old Steven Dambeck’s van pulled up beside the small farm in Marysville, Nalee Siong straightened from a row of boxes she had been sorting through and greeted him with a smile. The boxes at her feet were filled with fresh cucumbers, jicama, and bok choy — a morning’s harvest from the four acres she tends alone on her farm in Yuba County. Dambeck began lifting the boxes, stacking them carefully into his van. His next stop was a local food bank, where Siong’s produce would be distributed to families in need. Siong, 38, joked that working all day under the sun has aged her faster, but said she still finds joy in growing her crops, and in sustaining the only income her family has. Selling her crops through the Farms Together program, a federally funded state effort that connects small farms with local food banks, Siong said the experience made her “too happy.” “I pay for the house. I bought a car…everything. Too happy,” Siong continued. But in less than three months, that joy may come to an end. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
Video: Hope in action: How river revitalization is creating a brighter future for California
“Across California, stories of ecological emergency—declining salmon, vanishing wildlife, and intensifying droughts, floods, and wildfires—dominate the headlines. Yet at River Partners, we see a different story unfolding every day: renewal, resilience, and recovery. In October, we hosted a virtual event, Hope In Action: How River Revitalization is Creating a Brighter Future for California, bringing together River Partners President Julie Rentner, Associate Restoration Science Director Michael Rogner, and Director of Tribal Engagement Austin Stevenot for an inspiring look at how river restoration is transforming California’s landscape—and what it means for our shared future. In 2025, River Partners surpassed a major milestone: restoring more than 20,000 acres of riverways across every major watershed throughout the state—a significant portion of the historic riverside lands that have been lost over the last 150 years. These revitalized landscapes now buffer downstream communities from floods, recharge groundwater, store carbon, and give people from all walks of life access to thriving natural spaces in their own backyards. … ” Read more from River Partners.
Migration alert: Optimism for duck season soars in California due to good habitat, waterfowl numbers
“There are so many early arriving white-fronted geese in the Central Valley, it has scientists and waterfowl hunters perplexed. It isn’t unusual to observe whitefronts in small flocks from the Oregon border to the San Joaquin Valley’s Mendota Wildlife Area in late September and early October. What is not normal, however, are the massive flocks that are working dry fields, newly flooded wetlands, and flooded rice fields. The numbers are staggering. What triggered the early migration from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta of Alaska is anyone’s guess, but these coveted geese are migrating en masse. Their presence has elevated expectations for a sensational California duck and goose hunting season, which opens October 18 in most parts of the state. Approximately one-third of all wintering waterfowl in California originate in Alaska. … ” Read more from Ducks Unlimited.
CA Fish and Game Commission: No maximum size limit adopted for striped bass, New regulations for golden mussels
“After years of discussion and consideration of public comment and scientific research, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) did not approve a proposed regulation amendment to set a maximum size limit for recreational striped bass fishing. This decision and regulatory action affecting California’s natural resources took place at the Commission’s Oct. 8-9 meeting in Sacramento. For recreational striped bass harvest, proposed regulatory amendments requested through an externally submitted petition would have kept the minimum size limit at 18-inches and set a maximum length limit at 30 inches for harvest of striped bass in anadromous waters. The petition’s stated goal was to protect larger, mature fish. The Commission voted 3-2 to not set a maximum size limit. … The Commission adopted regulations adding invasive non-native mussels, including golden mussel, pond mussel and axe-head mussel, and green crab to the list of live animals restricted from importation, transportation and possession. … ” Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
California Forever group submits application for Suisun City expansion plan amid mixed reactions
“The Silicon Valley-backed group, California Forever, has unveiled its latest proposal, a massive Suisun City Expansion Plan that calls for annexing more than 20,000 acres east of the current city boundaries. The plan, submitted in a new application this week, outlines the company’s vision to build what it calls “the next great American city.” It includes a large manufacturing park, 400,000 new homes, and a new downtown area. Suisun City officials say they are approaching the proposal with an open mind and plan to gather data and community input before making any decisions. “California Forever’s project could fit with Suisun’s expansion could be really good for us,” said Suisun City Manager Bret Prebula. Prebula added that the city is taking a data-driven approach to evaluating the plan. … ” Read more from Channel 10.
Here’s how the 2025 legislative session closed: The lowdown on the environment
“Gov. Gavin Newsom wrapped up the 2025 legislative session with the usual flurry of activity, signing several important environmental, energy and climate bills and vetoing others ahead of Monday’s deadline. Among the newest laws in California are efforts to accelerate clean energy projects and advance the state’s position as a climate leader — but also decisions to ramp up oil drilling and reject the phase-out of forever chemicals. Here’s a look at what happened this year: In September, Newsom signed a blockbuster suite of bills including the reauthorization of California’s signature cap-and-trade program, which sets limits on greenhouse gas emissions and lets large polluters buy and sell emissions allowances at quarterly auctions. The Legislature extended the program by 15 years to 2045, rebranded it as “cap-and-invest” and specified how its revenues will be allocated for wildfire prevention efforts, high-speed rail and other projects. The greenhouse gas trading program is seen as essential for the state to meet its climate targets, including reaching carbon neutrality by 2045. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
California advances species protections to counter potential federal withdrawal
“Governor Newsom signed California Assembly Bill (AB) 1319 on October 11, 2025. This new law establishes a process for the state to determine whether federal protections for an endangered or threatened California native species have been reduced, and if so, requires the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to report provisional candidacy determination—granting the species the same protections provided under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). Under AB 1319, these determinations are designed to be temporary—they are set to expire on December 31, 2031, and will be officially repealed on January 1, 2032. The law will only remain in effect past 2031 if state legislators vote to extend or make it permanent before the end date. … ” Read more from ESA.
SEE ALSO: California Sea Otters Could Face New Threats if Trump Weakens Law for Endangered Animals, from KQED
Bill protecting Shasta and Scott River salmon gets signed
Dan Bacher writes, “Commercial salmon fishing on California’s ocean waters has been closed for the past three years, while only a very limited recreational salmon season has been allowed on the ocean and three Central Valley rivers this year, due to the collapse of the Sacramento River and Klamath River fall-run Chinook salmon populations. However, there is some welcome news regarding the Klamath River, where the removal of four dams was completed one year ago. I spent many hours fishing the Klamath River and its largest tributary, the Trinity River, for salmon and steelhead before the four Klamath dams were removed. Last Friday, on Native American Day in California, Governor Gavin Newsom signed California AB 263. This bill, introduced by Assemblymember Chris Rogers on behalf of the Karuk Tribe, Yurok Tribe and California Coastkeeper Alliance, extends emergency water regulations for two key Klamath River tributaries, the Scott and Shasta Rivers, until January 1, 2031, or until permanent rules are adopted by the State, to protect struggling salmon populations. … ” Read more from the Chico News & Review.
Newsom signs bill to expand recycled water use for irrigation, public sites across state
“Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that aims to increase the use of recycled water throughout the state. Senate Bill 31 by Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, allows businesses, homes and government agencies to increase their use of recycled water for irrigation and other uses. The idea is to cut back on the use of drinking water for things that don’t require potable water, help the state manage its water supply and drought response, and re-direct wastewater discharges that go into the ocean. “SB 31 is a pragmatic approach that will protect fresh water supplies by expanding the use of recycled water for irrigation and commercial uses,” McNerney said in a news release. “It will also help safeguard the state during devastating droughts caused by climate change.” … ” Read more from Local News Matters.
CEQA reforms: Boon or brake for adaptation?
“While housing advocates and developers are cheering new legislation that will sharply limit the California Environmental Quality Act, many environmental groups are outraged by what they say was a rushed and opaque process that will eviscerate environmental protections in the state. Additionally, they and other analysts worry that although some provisions of the new laws are touted as enhancing climate resilience, others may create missed adaptation opportunities, or worse, outright hamper resilience efforts. Critics of CEQA, which requires projects needing government approval to undergo rigorous review to assess potential environmental impacts and identify mitigation measures, have long contended that it exacerbates the state’s housing crisis by impeding development. Billed as reforms that will streamline housing and infrastructure development, AB 130 and SB 131 were enacted this summer as part of the state budgeting process. Under the new laws, infill housing and other types of development that meet certain criteria, including size, location, and density requirements, will be exempt from CEQA. … ” Read more from Knee Deep Times.
From Sierra lakes to solar canals, California’s path to a carbon-free future takes shape
“California’s goal of reaching 100% carbon-free energy by 2045 depends on a delicate balance — generating enough clean, reliable power to meet a rapidly growing demand while keeping costs affordable for residents and businesses. High in the Sierra Nevada, a network of lakes and reservoirs powers communities far below. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) operates 12 reservoirs and nine powerhouses that not only provide recreation and wildlife habitat but also supply hydropower to the Sacramento area. “Hydropower is a tried and true method going back to the 1800s — spinning a wheel with water,” said Darold Perry of SMUD. “It provides about 20% of our energy needs in an average year. It can go higher in wetter years, and it allows us to provide reliable, affordable energy.” … ” Read more from Channel 10.
In commentary today …
Edward Ring: Steps towards water abundance
“Earlier this month a letter was sent to Governor Newsom from the State Water Contractors, an association of 27 water agencies that together deliver water to nearly 30 million Californians and irrigate nearly one million acres of farmland. This letter is a document of extraordinary importance to the future of California’s water supply. It summarizes several significant reasons the cost of water is rising at the same time as the supply of water is shrinking, and it suggests specific solutions. Throughout this lengthy letter, the tone is reasonable and professional. But if you read between the lines, this letter is a primal scream, voiced by people who are forced to pay for a State Water Project that delivers less water every year. Quoting from the letter, “the SWP exemplifies a modern case of ‘death by a thousand cuts,’ gradually undermined by countless seemingly small challenges over time.” This truth is exemplified in the dizzying number of agencies, laws, and regulations, the endless litigation, alongside chronically inadequate funding; all of it constantly changing. It makes it hard to even report on the fight for water abundance, much less fight for anything that is more than an incremental step forward. Every year we spend more and get less. … ” Read more from Edward Ring.
Expert testimony reveals Delta Tunnel project violates California’s climate and affordability goals
Dan Bacher writes, “While opponents of the Delta Tunnel in September stopped a legislative proposal by Governor Newsom’s Office to fast-track the embattled pork barrel project, the decades-long battle to stop the environmentally destructive project continues. First, In recent testimony to the State Water Resources Control Board, California Water Impact Network senior policy advisor Max Gomberg said Governor Newsom’s proposed Delta Conveyance Project (DCP) “runs contrary to state laws on climate adaptation, racial equity, and sustainable water management.” Gomberg’s testimony explains that the state legislature “has passed multiple laws over the past two decades designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help Californians adapt to climate change-driven weather extremes without creating an affordability crisis, and ensure that low-income communities receive their fair share of investments in climate resilience,” according to a press release from the California Water Impact Network (C-WIN). … ” Continue reading at The Daily Kos.
The Delta Conveyance Project fails the cost-benefit test
C-WIN writes, “A partner at a leading environmental economics firm concluded sobering testimony at a State Water Board hearing on the Newsom administration’s proposed Delta Conveyance Project today (Wednesday), observing it will burden ratepayers already facing affordability challenges, crowd out critical investments in local water supply projects, and provide no water security to most Southern California communities. Mark Buckley, the senior economist for the research firm ECOnorthwest, testified to the board on behalf of the California Water Impact Network. Buckley emphasized that the DCP – a massive project that would transfer water from the beleaguered Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta to Southern California via a huge subterranean tunnel – would cost between $60 to $100 billion, or up to five times the $20 billion figure disingenuously cited by the California Department of Water Resources. … ” Read more from C-WIN.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Trump administration revokes $2.1 million for Klamath River restoration projects
“The Interior Department says the projects no longer match its goals, but local leaders aren’t convinced. The U.S. Department of the Interior has pulled more than $2 million in federal grants for restoration work in the Mid Klamath Basin. The $2.1 million would have funded seven projects along the Klamath River in Northern California. The Mid Klamath Watershed Council said the work included wildfire prevention, habitat restoration, and surveys of Chinook salmon. “That data is crucial for understanding population dynamics for Fall Chinook in the Klamath and informs harvest guidelines for recreational and commercial fishing,” said Associate Director Carol Earnest. … ” Read more from Jefferson Public Radio.
SEE ALSO: Public Statement Regarding Terminations of U.S. Department of Interior Agreements, statement from the Mid Klamath Watershed Council
A barrier on Jenny Creek is gone
“A little over a year ago, the four dams blocking the Klamath River came down after multi-decade advocacy efforts by regional tribes, anglers, commercial fisherman and conservationists. It was the largest dam removal project in history, and the fish responded immediately. Within weeks, fall Chinook and coho salmon swam above the former dam sites for the first time in over a century. Jenny Creek saw some of the first fish to arrive. This important Klamath tributary joins the river’s mainstem just upstream of the former site of Iron Gate Dam, so continued restoration here is critical. Salmon are already showing up in Jenny Creek again this fall. The fish arriving now will find even more high-quality spawning and rearing habitat available to them and their offspring. … ” Read more from Trout Unlimited.
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
72 boats with invasive species intercepted before entering Lake Tahoe
“Quick actions by boaters and paddlers so far have helped prevent golden mussels and other aquatic invasive species from entering the Lake Tahoe watershed, according to agencies leading the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species program. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Tahoe Resource Conservation District manage the watercraft inspection program, which reported that inspectors performed more than 4,700 decontaminations in 2025, a 60% increase compared to the previous year. Officials said inspectors attribute the dramatic jump in decontaminations to actions taken this year in an effort to confront the threat of the golden mussel in Northern California. “Our inspectors were on the front lines of defense against golden mussels, which brought a strong sense of purpose and exceptional teamwork,” Thomas Boos, AIS prevention coordinator at TRPA, said. “We are grateful to our inspectors, boaters, and partners for keeping Lake Tahoe and surrounding waterbodies protected as we face this new threat.” … ” Read more from Fox 40.
Power and the river: The Yuba-Bear hydroelectric project and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
“The Yuba River has always been central to life in our region. It’s a source of clean water, renewable energy, and recreation. It is also home to diverse wildlife that depends on its flow. Balancing these needs has never been easy, but right now, we have a rare opportunity to make lasting improvements for the river and all who depend on it. The Yuba-Bear Hydroelectric Project, owned and operated by the Nevada Irrigation District (NID), spans the Middle Yuba, South Yuba, and Bear rivers. Built in the 1960s on top of Gold Rush-era infrastructure, the system includes 13 dams, 11 reservoirs, and 4 powerhouses. It supplies both water and electricity across the region, but it also diverts large amounts of water away from creeks and rivers. This diversion can have negative environmental effects. For example, because of water diversions, for decades sections of the Middle Yuba below Jackson Meadows and Milton dams received as little as 3–5 cubic feet per second (cfs) year-round, barely a trickle. Habitat for fish and amphibians disappeared, and without fish screens at the dam intake, young trout were often pulled into the canal system and lost. That’s why SYRCL and our partners have been deeply engaged in the relicensing of this project — a process that only happens about once every 40 to 50 years. … ” Read more from the South Yuba River Citizens League.
As first major snow falls on Tahoe, resorts announce opening dates
“As a storm system brings this season’s first significant snowfall to the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe’s ski resorts are preparing for the start of winter and announcing opening dates for their lifts. Tahoe’s largest ski resort, Palisades Tahoe, is set to open its lifts on Nov. 26. The resort received between 6 and 10 inches of snow during this week’s storm, according to Patrick Lacey, a spokesperson for Palisades Tahoe. “That’s looking pretty good, especially this time of year,” Lacey said. He added that this first round of snow will likely melt soon, but that’s a good thing for the rest of the season: The snow will seep into the ground and freeze as colder temperatures hit the mountain, leaving a frozen base for new snow to stick onto. Palisades has also added various improvements to its trails this year, Lacey said, including new snowmaking fan guns, air compressors and lift access gates. … ” Read more from SF Gate.
To rewild the Truckee River: The Rock-McCarran Flood Project
“Danielle Henderson laughs when friends call her a water nerd, but for her, the Truckee River is more than just a job–it’s a living system she’s spent 18 years learning to protect. Henderson is the Natural Resources Manager for the Truckee River Flood Management Authority (TRFMA). For years, she has pondered a particular part of the river corridor, an area now being considered for a major flood mitigation project: The Rock-McCarran Flood Project. “The Rock-McCarran project is like the showpiece of our flood project,” said Henderson. According to the TRFMA, “the Rock-McCarran Design Project is part of a larger inter-agency plan called the Meadows Flood Project which will create a community park located along the Truckee River in the reach between the Rock blvd. and McCarran blvd. Bridges.” As it stands now, the area between Rock and McCarran Boulevards, the river is bound to the north by the river path and warehouses, but to the south lies mostly undeveloped land. … ” Read more from the Sierra Nevada Ally.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Fishing and farming: Working together for salmon recovery
“For too long, conversations around salmon recovery in California have been framed as “fishermen versus farmers.” The Bridge Group is proving there’s a better way. This coalition of fishermen, farmers, researchers, and conservationists is working side by side to rebuild robust salmon populations in the Sacramento River Basin. By combining on-the-ground knowledge with the latest science, the group is implementing habitat projects, advancing smarter hatchery release strategies, and supporting salmon migration—all with the shared goal of giving salmon the best chance to survive from the Sacramento River to the Pacific Ocean. The Bridge Group includes the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association, NorCal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association, Northern California Water Association, Sacramento River Settlement Contractors, and the California Rice Commission. … ” Read more from the Northern California Water Association.
Beverage company to fund ambitious project on major US rivers: ‘Will deliver critical improvements’
“A major drink company is funding a large-scale restoration effort to improve water supplies and habitats along two of California’s most important rivers. Primo Brands, the parent company of Poland Spring and Pure Life drinks, announced it is partnering with nonprofit River Partners to restore nearly 1,000 acres of land along the Sacramento and Feather rivers. The three-year plan is meant to conserve water and strengthen ecosystems across the region. The project is expected to generate more than 16 billion gallons of water benefits annually, about the amount used by 500,000 Californians per year. It will also reconnect rivers to their floodplains, improve groundwater recharge, and expand spawning habitat for endangered salmon, the press release said. River Partners stated that the work is urgently needed. “The Sacramento and Feather rivers are the lifeblood of California’s water system and do so much for the state, like supporting vibrant communities, wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, and our world-class economy,” said River Partners president Julie Rentner. … ” Read more from The Cool Down.
American River salmon and steelhead production in jeopardy due to federal cutbacks
Dale Kolke / California Department of Water Resources
“For the first time in three years, anglers are again catching big, bright fall-run Chinook salmon on the American River, the crown jewel of the Sacramento Metropolitan Area. For example, Kailyr Perry of Kailyrs Guide Service has reported hot fishing while fishing the American from a drift boat in different sections of the river from Sailor Bar to Howe Avenue over the past couple of months. He said his clients are catching their one fish limits of Chinook salmon most days while doing both day and evening trips. He is fishing both plugs and roe under bobbers. On October 12, Spenser, William and John Nichols of Sacramento hooked 7 and landed 2 Chinooks over 20 pounds while fishing with Perry on the stretch of river from Sailor Bar to Rossmoor Bar. They landed the 2 kings while using chartreuse/orange Brad’s Killer Fish. … ” Read more from the Daily Kos.
SEE ALSO: Limited federal funding forces Nimbus Fish Hatchery to reduce salmon production, from KCRA
NAPA/SONOMA
Sonoma Water Board approves updated long-term water supply agreement with Marin Water
“The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, acting as the Board of Directors for the Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water), approved on Tuesday, the renewal of a water supply agreement with the Marin Municipal Water District (Marin Water) for a new 15-year term. The agreement runs through 2040 and includes a one-time $12.5 million payment from Marin Water to support regional water resiliency projects. The new agreement replaces all previous contracts between Sonoma Water and Marin Water, updating how Russian River water is delivered to Marin Water. Under the renewed terms, Marin Water will continue to receive up to 14,300 acre-feet of water each year, with a take-or-pay minimum of 5,300 acre-feet each year. The updated agreement simplifies delivery rules, removes outdated provisions, and adds flexibility. … ” Continue reading from Sonoma Water.
Riverside saunas are tearing a California community apart
“Roughly 150 miles north of San Francisco, Big River meets the Pacific Ocean just south of Mendocino, a coastal town famed for its Victorian architecture perched atop bluffs that plunge into the sea. Flowing more than 40 miles from its headwaters in the redwood-covered Coast Range, Big River contains the longest undeveloped estuary in Northern California. In this primordial waterway, coho and Chinook salmon swim, harbor seals bark, and river otters play. Yet for the past month, the waterfront peace has been roiled by a dispute over a local business. In an established parking area not far from the river’s mouth, Paul Snowdy and Elika Freeman have operated a business since mid-September called MendoSauna, offering customers a rustic, wood-fired sweat lodge experience followed by an instant plunge into Big River’s cool waters. … ” Read more from SF Gate.
BAY AREA
San Francisco dries out after first storm. When will rain return?
“San Francisco is set for an extended stretch of dry weather after the first storm of the season soaked the region, but rain probably isn’t done with the Bay Area this month. Long-range forecasts indicate a return to wetter conditions is possible before Halloween. With the next rain chance more than a week away, it’ll give San Franciscans time to enjoy tranquil mid-October weather, typically one of the warmest times of the year. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Marin seeks state approval for onsite septic regulations
“Marin County has hired a consultant to help it get local regulations for onsite wastewater treatment systems approved by the state, a task it has been working on since 2016. County supervisors approved a $258,568 contract last month with Questa Engineering to evaluate and update the current regulations. Sarah Jones, the director of the Marin County Community Development Agency, said, “We want to see more housing. We want to see accessory dwelling units used more extensively, so we have to figure out how to make that work with septic systems.” The effort to get a local agency management plan for onsite wastewater treatment systems approved by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board began in 2000. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
Pleasanton water rates rising for third straight year
“Water users will endure a third year of rate increases next year, following a unanimous Pleasanton City Council adoption of a new fee schedule last week. Beginning Jan. 1, average single-family customers in Pleasanton using about 300 gallons per day will see their bills rise 10.8%, from $176.05 every two months to $195.13. The rate hike arrives on the tails of a 30% increase at the beginning of 2024 and another 12% increase at the start of this year. “As difficult as raising rates are, our rates are still lower and comparable to our neighboring cities and communities,” Councilmember Julie Testa said. “We have to keep a healthy water enterprise and the priority being to make sure that we have quality and available water for our community. That requires us to reinforce our enterprise system with these funds.” … ” Read more from the Independent.
New CA bill will help San Jose curb abandoned shopping carts clogging up city waterways
“A new state bill aims to improve cleanup of abandoned shopping carts. Joshua Lopez is with the South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition, a volunteer-based group that works to clear local waterways in San Jose. … Every Wednesday, the group’s volunteers work to restore certain areas off of rivers and creeks. With more than 500 cleanups this year, they’ve pulled out around 2,000 shopping carts. “I think there was a fish right there, right? These things become like cages to the salmon as they’re coming in. And if there’s not enough water in the waterway, the fish end up getting trapped there,” Lopez said. … ” Read more from ABC Bay Area.
CENTRAL COAST
San Lorenzo Valley Water District to protect infrastructure from wildfires
“The San Lorenzo Valley Water District is set to begin a project on Oct. 27 to create defensible space around 37 of its water infrastructure sites, aiming to protect water systems from potential wildfire damage. This initiative comes in response to the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020, which burned approximately 80% of the district’s lands and resulted in the loss of about 50% of its infrastructure. “Approximately 80% of the district’s lands were burned, and approximately 50% of our infrastructure was lost, and so that obviously had a huge impact on both our facilities and the community,” SLVWD Environmental Programs Manager Chris Klier said. “This project is kind of a reaction to that as we try to prevent future wildfires from doing the same thing.” … ” Read more from KSBY.
Los Osos turns on the tap at three new recycled water sites
“Three new recycled water sites in Los Osos are now functional after months of construction and years of planning. A ribbon cutting was held at the Red Barn at the Los Osos Community Park to celebrate the long-time efforts. “It’s wonderful. I started working on it back in 2016, nine years ago, and look, we’re here today,” said Ron Munds, Los Osos Community Service District (CSD) General Manager. The upgraded irrigation systems are located at Los Osos Community Park, Monarch Grove Elementary and Los Osos Middle School. … ” Read more from KSBY.
Barge to support critical Offshore Desalination Plant upgrade
“Starting Monday, October 20, a 270-foot barge, the Ocean Provider, will be anchored just east of Stearns Wharf to support the Offshore Desal Pump Platform Stabilization Project. The project aims to protect and strengthen the two offshore intake pump structures that supply water to the Charles E. Meyer Desalination Plant. Crews will install protective rock around the pump platforms to enhance their resilience against strong ocean currents and large tidal shifts. … ” Read moire from KSBY.
Trump officials back firm in fight over California offshore oil drilling after huge spill
“When the corroded pipeline burst in 2015, inky crude spread along the Southern California coast, becoming the state’s worst oil spill in decades.More than 140,000 gallons (3,300 barrels) of oil gushed out, blackening beaches for 150 miles from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, polluting a biologically rich habitat for endangered whales and sea turtles, killing scores of pelicans, seals and dolphins, and decimating the fishing industry. … Sable Offshore Corp., headquartered in Houston, is facing a slew of legal challenges but is determined to restart production, even if that means confining it to federal waters, where state regulators have virtually no say. California controls the 3 miles nearest to shore. The platforms are 5 to 9 miles offshore. The Trump administration has hailed Sable’s plans as the kind of project the president wants to increase U.S. energy production as the federal government removes regulatory barriers. President Donald Trump has directed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to undo his predecessor’s ban on future offshore oil drilling on the East and West coasts. … ” Read the full story from the San Jose Mercury News.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
A surge of visitors to Yosemite overwhelms a skeleton crew: ‘This is exactly what we warned about’
“Cars and RVs surged into Yosemite national park throughout the weekend, as visitors from around the world came to enjoy the crisp autumn weather, undeterred by a lack of park services and the absence of rangers. National parks have largely been kept open through the lapse in US federal funding that has left workers furloughed and resources for the parks system more scarce than usual. But as the US government shutdown enters its third week and legislators warn that their impasse could linger even longer than the one in Trump’s first term – which currently holds the record at 35 days – concerns are mounting over how the nation’s treasured public lands will fare. … ” Read more from The Guardian.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Rare October rains could push back L.A. fire season — but only so much
“October is typically the peak of Southern California’s fire season, when Santa Ana winds paired with dry conditions after summer allow flames to explode into major brush fires. But this year, the region was hit by an early atmospheric river rain storm that left the landscape drenched. And that could be good news on the fire front — at least for a while. The storm, classified as a weak, or Level 1, atmospheric river brought enough moisture to Southern California’s drought-stricken landscape to delay fire season for weeks, if not months, said Marty Ralph, director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Governor Newsom expands response arsenal with new emergency services facility in Southern California
“Building on California’s world-class emergency management capabilities, today Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state broke ground at the site of a new 60,000 sq. ft. Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center. This new southern facility will further enhance the state’s robust response and recovery capabilities for when disaster strikes. The state-of-the-art campus will serve as a vital hub for coordinating operations, supporting local governments, and better protecting Southern California communities from disasters and emergencies. “California is no stranger to natural disasters,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Just this year alone we experienced earthquakes, heavy storms and destructive wildfires. While the federal government guts national emergency management, California will continue to invest in our world-class emergency response and recovery abilities. This new facility in Southern California will help us more proactively ensure Californians are safe from the next major disaster in their area.” … ” Continue reading this press release.
COWI to manage construction of IRWD’s Syphon Reservoir expansion
“COWI, in joint venture with GFT (formerly Gannett Fleming), has been selected by the Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) as construction manager for the district’s landmark Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project — the largest capital project in IRWD’s history and one of Southern California’s most significant recycled water infrastructure upgrades. The project will expand Syphon Reservoir’s capacity tenfold to 5,000 acre-feet, allowing greater storage of recycled water for irrigation and non-potable use. Once complete, the reservoir will enhance regional water supply reliability, reduce imported water demand and strengthen climate resilience for the growing Orange County region. … ” Read more from Water World.
Long Beach pays millions to clean LA’s downstream trash; officials say it’s at a ‘critical juncture’
“At dawn, engines herald the morning, a grumbling hum from heavy machines driven in striping lines on the beach. The machines are combing for trash, carving several inches deep into the sand and pulling from it small debris: wood chips, straws, bottle caps, needles. The routes taken are the same every day, one-fifth of the city’s beachfront over the course of eight hours, Monday through Friday. It’s a Sisyphean task for the operators and a bane to sleeping neighbors. The daily cleans are a noisy but necessary countermeasure to the spectacular amounts of trash that wash onto Long Beach shores every day. In an average summer, city workers say they pull 60 to 90 tons of debris each month. When the rainy season starts in September, that jumps to 1,000 tons a month until April. … ” Read more from the Long Beach Post.
What is the “first flush” and how does it impact our waters?
“Yesterday, Orange County saw its first significant rain of the season. While the rain brings much-needed relief to our dry landscapes, it also marks a critical moment for our waterways. You may have heard the saying “don’t go in the ocean after it rains,” but why is that? And what if we could change it? As your local voice for clean water, we want to explain what the “first flush” means for our watershed and how you can help protect our coast. When the first significant rainstorm of the season arrives, it triggers a phenomenon known as the first flush. During this event, months of accumulated debris, trash, and pollutants from creeks, streets, flood channels, and storm drains are washed directly toward the ocean. The harbors of Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Dana Point often become clogged with tons of debris that can float for weeks, wash ashore, or sink and smother marine habitats. … ” Read more from the OC Waterkeeper.
SAN DIEGO
Rain is welcome in San Diego County, but, often, the runoff is not
“Any rain is welcome across San Diego this time of year, but with the rain come issues along our coastline and in our rivers. The impact from a storm isn’t just about the rainfall accumulation, it’s also about the runoff that trickles or even rushes through local waterways and into the ocean, which can pose a health risk for San Diegans. You might’ve seen a video circulating on social media of stormwater runoff rushing out of a drain just north of Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach on Tuesday. As Phillip Musegaas, the executive director for San Diego Coastkeeper, said, this isn’t pure rainwater: ”Anything that we think of that is out on the street, that’s going to get carried into the storm drains and out into our beaches and ocean from the runoff.” Musegaas said paved and impermeable surfaces accelerate stormwater runoff. … ” Read more from Channel 7.
UC Cooperative Extension advisor provides first-of-its-kind avocado irrigation data
“Perched precariously on the steep hillside of an avocado orchard in San Diego County, Ali Montazar began to form a theory as to why there are so few studies of irrigation for avocados. “Perhaps no one likes to do research on a nearly 45% slope and erect 30-foot-high towers to collect data from sensors above the canopy!” said Montazar, University of California Cooperative Extension irrigation and water management advisor for Riverside, San Diego and Imperial counties. “But if you’re on flat land looking at almonds or pistachios, everyone is happy to do such research there.” Despite the ruggedness of the terrain (avocados are often planted on hillsides in California production systems), Montazar persisted in advancing his groundbreaking research to optimize irrigation for Hass avocado trees. California is the #1 state in the United States in avocado production, with the crop valued at more than $523 million, according to recent statistics. … ” Read more from California Agriculture.
Here’s how much your Otay Water bill is going up next year
“Southeastern San Diego County residents can expect even pricier water bills due to higher sewer rates that their water agency approved earlier this month. Otay Water District board members unanimously approved gradually increasing sewer rates over a five-year period. Next year’s hike takes effect in January and will raise the cost of sewer service by about 4%, though increases in subsequent years could reach nearly 10%. Right now, the average single-family residential customer pays about $20 a month for sewer system charges. By 2030, that household will pay roughly $30. If inflation is higher than projected, residents could pay even more. … ” Read more from iNewsSource.
Commentary: Garden evictions deepen South Bay frustration
Paloma Aguirre, San Diego County supervisor for District 1, writes, “For as long as I can remember, South Bay families have lived with what others in San Diego County only read about — raw sewage in our ocean, toxic air in our neighborhoods and the stench that fills the valley every time it rains. While most people simply close their windows when a storm passes, our residents brace for the fallout: contaminated beaches, polluted floodwaters and the knowledge that our region’s health is once again being sacrificed to neglect. While other parts of the county got cleaner water, stronger investments and faster government responses, our community got excuses. For decades, leaders looked the other way as the Tijuana River Valley filled with trash, sediment and untreated wastewater. Year after year, we heard the same promises but saw little action. That neglect hasn’t just scarred our environment — it has hurt our economy, limited recreation and endangered public health. It has told South Bay families that their safety and quality of life matter less than everyone else’s. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Along the Colorado River …
Infographics: Two-decade hydropower plunge at big Colorado River Dams
“Lakes Mead and Powell, the largest reservoirs on the Colorado River, do not just store water. Their dams, Hoover and Glen Canyon, also generate electricity. This hydropower drives irrigation pumps and fuels industries. It keeps the lights on for customers on tribal lands, in the basin’s largest cities, and in sleepy desert towns. But less of it is being generated these days. Hydropower output at Hoover and Glen Canyon has dropped considerably since 2000. That’s because the reservoirs have declined due to a warming climate and over-extraction. The graphics below show these energy and water trends. … ” View the Infographics at Circle of Blue.
Groundwater issues have halted developments in Buckeye. Arizona has plan to move forward
“A little more than two years ago, the state Department of Water Resources announced a moratorium on building new homes in some parts of the Valley that rely on groundwater. That came after the agency determined that there wasn’t an assured hundred-year water supply in those areas, as required under state law. Tony Davis spent time in one of the most affected cities — Buckeye — to find out how that change is impacting development — and residents. Davis is an environmental reporter for the Arizona Daily Star. He reported this piece for High Country News. And then last week, Arizona announced what it sees as a solution to some of the problems Davis reported on — it’s called the Alternative Designation of Assured Water Supply. Basically, it allows water providers to show proof of an assured hundred-year supply of water other than groundwater that they acquire to supply to a new development. … ” Read more from KJZZ.
‘The city that draws the line’: one Arizona community’s fight against a huge datacenter
“A company’s opaque plan to build a huge datacenter outside Tucson, Arizona has roiled the desert city over the past few months, the latest US community to push back as tech companies aggressively seek to build out infrastructure for cloud computing and to power the AI boom. The proposed datacenter, known as Project Blue, would span 290 acres in Pima county, and become the biggest development ever in the county, or anywhere in the southern part of the state. The $3.6bn project wasn’t on most Tucsonans’ radar until 17 June, when the county board of supervisors narrowly agreed to sell and rezone a parcel of land just south-east of town to the developer Beale Infrastructure. The San Francisco-based company hoped to get the project annexed by the city, a necessary step for it to be supplied by the public utility, Tucson Water. … ” Read more from The Guardian.
Addressing water insecurity and building trust in rural Arizona
“In rural Arizona, access to safe and affordable drinking water is not guaranteed. Households in rural communities often rely on private wells, small treatment systems or hauled water, all of which can be unreliable and expensive. Arizona Water for All, or AW4A, a pillar of Arizona State University’s Arizona Water Innovation Initiative, is addressing water insecurity through a new project that identifies unsafe water sources and engages rural communities in sustainable water practices. The project is being done in collaboration with the Rural Community Assistance Partnership and Rural Community Assistance Corporation. The first phase of the work focuses on engaging water-insecure households with different distribution types, including private wells, shared wells and small treatment systems. With a mix of household interviews and water testing, the team aims to provide an array of possible interventions to residents. …, ” Read more from Arizona State University.
Audio: Arizona: growth vs. groundwater
“Arizona has come up with a way to restart some home building, while being careful about groundwater use. We’ll hear from a longtime water lawyer on finding that balance. Plus, one chef’s mission to deliver cancer-fighting meals across the Valley.” Listen at KJZZ.
Tempe mayor calls Monday microburst the worst storm he’s seen in over 22 years
“A day after a microburst in Tempe leveled trees, damaged buildings and displaced more than 100 people, the city’s mayor had strong words to describe the storm. “I have lived here for over 22 years and I’ve never seen a storm like the one we saw yesterday,” Mayor Corey Woods said during a press conference on Tuesday. The city was hit by what Woods called “an extreme microburst” on Monday afternoon. The storm dropped 0.75 inches of rain within minutes and had wind speeds that reached as high as 70 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix. … ” Read more from KTAR.
Nevada’s groundwater crisis offers lessons for the Mountain West, study finds
“A new study shows Nevada’s groundwater — and the ecosystems that rely on it — is under growing strain. Researchers have mapped out solutions that could help and serve as a guide for other Mountain West states. The Nature Conservancy analyzed data from more than 6,000 wells across Nevada and found that nearly 4 in 10 are losing water, threatening springs, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. Researchers point to groundwater pumping as the main culprit, whether the water is pumped for farms, cities or industry. But climate change, rapid development, and population growth are compounding the strain. “We already do see places where spring flows are declining or where wetlands are drying up,” said Laurel Saito, the Nature Conservancy’s water strategy director in Nevada and the study’s lead author. “How to resolve that is a real challenge.” … ” Read more from KUNR.
In national water news today …
Meta is expanding its AI data centers, leaving locals nervous of water supply interference
“Across the U.S., vast, windowless buildings are rising in fields and deserts, powering the artificial intelligence boom one megawatt at a time. These enormous data centers, warehouses crammed with servers that tick along day and night, are the foundation of the large language models we know and use so regularly. The massive surge in AI use has resulted in an AI arms race of sorts, with the big players like Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon all vying for land, cheap power, and access to water. Meta has recently committed to investing $65 billion to expand its global network of AI data centers. Each facility can cover hundreds of thousands of square feet, drawing enormous amounts of electricity and, critically, water to cool everything. While companies like Amazon use reclaimed water to cool their data centers, the issue requires far greater intervention. What was once a niche industry for cloud computing has now become a major consumer of land and resources. … ” Read more from Yahoo News.
Carbon dioxide levels jumped by a record amount, U.N. Says
“The average level of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere climbed by the largest amount on record between 2023 and 2024, the World Meteorological Organization said on Thursday. Human activities, mainly the burning of coal, oil and gas for energy, have been driving carbon dioxide concentrations higher and higher for more than half a century. This has warmed Earth rapidly, as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases cause energy from the sun to remain trapped near the planet’s surface. Last year was Earth’s hottest year in recorded history. Human-caused emissions remained the major driver of the record recent jump in carbon dioxide levels, the largest since modern measurements began in 1957, according to the organization, which is the weather and climate agency of the United Nations. … ” Read more from the New York Times.
