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On the calendar today …
- MEETING: Drought Resilience Interagency & Partners (DRIP) Collaborative from 10am to 5pm. Join the Department of Water Resources for the Drought Resilience Interagency & Partners (DRIP) Collaborative meeting. Remote participation will be conducted via a Zoom platform. Register here. The meeting will also be streamed on YouTube at youtube.com/live/Tgz1j4W3ofE?feature=share.
- SCOPING MEETING: DWR’s Petition to the State Water Resources Control Board for Extension of Time to modify the timeframe of Conditional Water Rights Under the State Water Project beginning at 12pm. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) will prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the petition it filed with the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) for a water right extension of time (Extension of Time) to modify Water Right development timeframes but otherwise remain consistent with the existing conditions of the permits. The EIR will evaluate potentially significant environmental impacts of the proposed Project, on both a direct, indirect, and cumulative basis; identify feasible mitigation measures that may lessen or avoid such impacts; and identify alternatives that may lessen one or more potentially significant impacts associated with the proposed Project. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: Managing California’s Groundwater from 12pm to 1pm. Speaker: Ellen Bruno, Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Berkeley. California’s agricultural economy relies heavily on groundwater, and its management is increasingly important due to climate change. The state passed the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) in 2014 to bring basins into balance over 20 years. Despite passing almost 10 years ago, there is still a long road ahead to achieve sustainability. This presentation will examine how farmers are responding to anticipated regulation under SGMA by presenting empirical research on the effects of future regulation on new perennial plantings and agricultural well drilling. The talk will also provide an overview of SGMA management actions, with a focus on the potential for groundwater trading. An empirical analysis of one of the world’s largest and most liquid groundwater markets in California’s Mojave Desert, which has been trading since the mid-1990s, illustrates lessons for groundwater markets. Click here to register.
- SCOPING MEETING (Sac/Virtual): EIR for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project Surrender and Decommissioning from 12:30pm – 2:30pm. The State Water Resources Control Board plans to prepare an environmental impact report (EIR) for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project Surrender and Decommissioning (Proposed Project). The State Water Board will hold scoping meetings to provide information about the Proposed Project, the CEQA process, and to receive written or oral comments from trustee agencies, responsible agencies, Tribes, and other interested persons concerning the range of alternatives, potential significant effects, and mitigation measures that should be analyzed in the EIR. Via Zoom: https://waterboards.zoom.us/j/8698460882 Click here for the notice of preparation.
In California water news and commentary today …
LETTER: State Water Contractors send letter to Governor Newsom on the path forward for the State Water Project
Sara Nevis / DWR
“Earlier this month, Jennifer Pierre, General Manager of the State Water Contractors (SWC), sent a letter to Governor Newsom acknowledging his work on water management and infrastructure investment. However, the letter cautions that several ongoing legislative and administrative actions could undermine these efforts and calls for leadership from the Governor and the legislature in 2026 to address these critical issues. The letter notes that the State Water Project (SWP) serves as a foundational system for water supply, flood control, and green energy generation. It also provides significant environmental and water quality benefits, the costs of which are almost entirely paid for by SWC members and their ratepayers. However, the letter points out that despite the statewide benefits of the SWP, ongoing actions continue to drive up costs and reduce its reliability, ultimately harming all Californians. … ” Continue reading from Maven’s Notebook.
California’s solar canals make clean power and save water at the same time
“In California’s Central Valley, an ambitious project is transforming the way we think about renewable energy by installing solar panels across canals instead of on land. The $20 million pilot, called Project Nexus, has turned sections of the Turlock Irrigation District (TID) canal network into clean electricity generators. Completed in August 2025, this 1.6-megawatt installation is the first of its kind in the state and only the second in the United States. The idea behind this project is simple but powerful. Instead of covering farmland or natural habitats with solar farms, why not use the open space above canals to produce electricity? This approach not only generates renewable power but also conserves water in a drought-prone state—a win-win for both energy and the environment. … ” Read more from ZME Science.
California Beaver Help Desk
“Living alongside beaver can bring benefits and challenges, and now Californians who need help with beaver conflicts have a place to turn for coexistence information and free technical assistance. The WATER Institute was awarded a California Department of Fish and Wildlife grant to design and launch the first-ever California Beaver Coexistence Training and Support Program and, in partnership with the Beaver Institute and CDFW, created the California Beaver Help Desk to address the needs of land managers, farmers, ranchers, water districts, and municipalities. Explore the new California Beaver Help Desk to find technical support, financial assistance, and training opportunities that turn beaver problems into beaver solutions.” Check out the California Beaver Help Desk.
AB 1466 to become law, delivering clarity to protecting small well users and the Indian Wells Valley Basin’s water future
“The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) applauds the signing of Assembly Bill 1466, key legislation that strengthens the legal foundation for groundwater sustainability efforts in adjudicated basins across California. The bill was passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on October 11, 2025, and goes into effect on January 1, 2026. It ensures that courts reviewing Groundwater Sustainability Plans under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) have further clarity in groundwater adjudications. AB 1466 allows courts to exempt or treat separately users who extract minor quantities of water. This means small well owners are less likely to be dragged into expensive and lengthy court battles such as was the case when the Indian Wells Valley Water District filed an adjudication in 2021 against all water users, including small well owners, in the Indian Wells Valley basin. “This is a major win for Ridgecrest and for every community in California working to protect its groundwater rights, especially among small well users,” said Scott Hayman, chair of the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority. “AB 1466 gives local groundwater authorities a clearer path to move forward in groundwater adjudication actions and reinforces our role as the technical experts in our respective groundwater basins.” … ” Read more from the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority.
SB 695 signed – Improving intersectional infrastructure project development
“On October 13, Governor Newsom signed SB 695 into law, directing the California Department of Transportation and the California Transportation Commission to prepare a regular report identifying non-transportation infrastructure projects that enhance climate resiliency throughout California that also have significant transportation infrastructure funding cost exposure. In response to the Governor’s signature of SB 695, the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority issued the following statement: “Governor Newsom’s signature on this legislation is clear recognition that unrelated components of many water and energy infrastructure projects influence their affordability, and that the first step is to understand the scope of the issue,” said Federico Barajas, Executive Director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. “We thank Senators Cortese and Caballero, Assemblymember Soria, and our legislative delegation, for their leadership to create a framework to help resolve this issue, not only as it relates to the B.F. Sisk Dam Raise and Reservoir Expansion Project, but for beginning to create an organized process to address these issues of interconnected infrastructure with project funding development timelines that don’t align.” … ” Read more from the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority.
LAO Report: The 2025-26 California Spending Plan: Natural Resources and Environmental Protection
“This post begins by providing an overview of total spending for the departments overseen by the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) and California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA). Next, we discuss a number of cross-cutting issues that affect departments in both agencies, including Proposition 4, budget reductions, and spending from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). We then discuss individual departments that had notable budget changes within each of the two agencies.” Read the report from the Legislative Analyst’s Office.
LAO Report: The 2025-26 California Spending Plan: Proposition 4
“This post describes the first year of implementation funding for Proposition 4 as authorized by the 2025-26 budget package. We begin with a high-level summary, then provide an overview of each of the major Proposition 4 categories.” Read the report from the LAO.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Klamath River ecosystem is booming one year after dam removal
“At a virtual press conference on Thursday, Oct. 9, Klamath River scientists announced that a year after the last of the dams were removed, river health has begun to bounce back. With salmon swimming upstream, bald eagles flying overhead, and increased bear, beaver, otter and osprey activity, the ecosystem is booming with ecological shifts thanks to the completion of the world’s largest dam removal effort. “The rivers seem to come alive almost instantly after dam removal, and fish returned in greater numbers than I expected, and maybe anyone expected,” said Damon Goodman, Mount Shasta-Klamath regional director for California Trout, a conservation nonprofit that works to keep waterways and wild fish healthy. … ” Read more from the Shasta Scout.
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
All hands on deck to protect Tahoe from golden mussels
“Quick actions by boaters and paddlers this year helped prevent the dangerous golden mussel and other aquatic invasive species from entering the Lake Tahoe watershed, according to agencies leading the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD), which manage the watercraft inspection program, reported that inspectors performed more than 4,700 decontaminations in 2025, a 60 percent increase compared to the previous year. Inspectors attribute the dramatic jump in decontaminations to actions taken earlier this year to confront the threat of golden mussels, a new and highly invasive mollusk discovered in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta of California one year ago. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
Winter has arrived: See how much snow fell at California’s top ski resorts
“The snow is settling after the first major Californian storm of the season, and ski resorts across the state are tallying up their powder totals. Well, some are. Before ski resorts open each year, public snowfall tracking can be a bit spotty. Still, where numbers aren’t available, encouraging webcam images show that, indeed, many of California and Lake Tahoe’s major ski resorts now have top-to-bottom snow coverage. This is how a few of the best-known mountains have fared over the past few days. … ” Read more from Powder Magazine.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Tehama County Groundwater Commission holds special meeting on setting future fees
“At a special meeting for the Tehama County Groundwater Commission on Wednesday, Deputy Director of Public Works – Water Resources Justin Jenson told the commission members and the public to keep in mind the meeting was not to vote on a dollar figure for future fees, but rather to make recommendations on the “theory” or methodologies that may be used to determine those fees. Overall, Jenson said it will be an “arduous process” to set the fees, with many meetings and opportunities for public comment. Wednesday’s meeting, where commissioners voted to have staff move forward with a fee structure report showing both flat fees and the option of using fees based on the volume of groundwater used, was just one step forward. It was not without some technical difficulties that delayed the meeting’s start, and some passionate public comments. … ” Read more from the Red Bluff Daily News.
Sacramento approves long awaited river trail project in Pocket and Greenhaven
“On Tuesday afternoon, the Sacramento City Council unanimously approved a plan to construct four miles of a paved trail between Garcia Bend and Zacharias Parks. The plan will also build access ramps at North Point Way, Audubon Circle and Country River Way, which are intended for residents living in the interiors of the neighborhoods. The city has envisioned developing a continuous Sacramento River Parkway, a multi-use trail spanning the west edge of the Pocket through Freeport, since 1975 when it adopted a master plan for the parkway. Tuesday’s approval will close the “largest outstanding gap” in the river trail, said Megan Johnson, a senior engineer for the Sacramento River Parkway project. “This is something that we’ve been working on, I’ve been working on as a councilmember for the last 12 years, and it’s something that I think is very important,” said Councilmember Rick Jennings, who represents the area, at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
BAY AREA
Marin Municipal Water District secures water agreement with Sonoma County agency
“A 15-year water supply agreement between agencies in Sonoma and Marin counties has received final approval. Under the agreement, the Marin Municipal Water District will pay $12.5 million to the Sonoma County Water Agency to boost regional drought resiliency. The agreement replaces previous contracts and establishes the terms for how Russian River water is delivered to Marin County through 2040. Marin Municipal Water District officials approved the contract at a meeting in August. The board governing the Sonoma County agency solidified the agreement on Tuesday. “This agreement is an important step forward for regional collaboration and long-term water reliability,” said Jed Smith, a board member of the Marin Municipal Water District. “We appreciate Sonoma Water’s partnership and commitment to shared solutions.” … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
This high-powered water cannon will help S.F. firefighters fight post-earthquake fires
“A minor earthquake that shook the Bay Area Thursday morning was a fitting prelude as San Francisco officials gathered to watch the city demonstrate its unique system for fighting fires in the event of a major seismic event. At 10:20 a.m., 40 minutes after the temblor hit and immediately following a scheduled regionwide earthquake drill, a firehose atop a 100-foot ladder truck cranked on to send a spout of high-pressure bay out into San Francisco Bay. The test of the city’s Emergency Firefighting Water Training System capped an eight-year, $20-million upgrade of Pump Station No. 2 at Aquatic Cove, which was built in 1913 in the aftermath of the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. The fire-fighting system is designed to ensure that when water lines break and the power grid is out, the city will still have a supply of water as vast as San Francisco Bay, and a way to send it citywide. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Brentwood may expand wastewater treatment facility to accommodate growth
“The City of Brentwood may soon expand their wastewater treatment facility to accommodate the needs of the growing city, while also staying in compliance with state legislation related to certain types of waste. The City Council voted 4-0 to have city staff bring additional information about the project to a future meeting. Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson was absent. “In 2015, we began to plan for the phase 2 expansion,” Director of Public Works Casey Wichert explained during his presentation. “It increases the wastewater capacity…which is sufficient to accommodate all the future growth that was contemplated in the General Plan at that time.” … ” Read more from the Brentwood Press.
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 Livermore Independent.
First of its kind: Palo Alto’s horizontal levee construction begins
“The Palo Alto Horizontal Levee Pilot Project construction is underway, a nature-based approach providing protection against sea level rise and enhancing habitat in the San Francisco Bay. This project is the first of its kind to be built on the San Francisco Bay shoreline using effluent from the Regional Water Quality Control Plant to irrigate native plantings and informing future “living levee” designs all around the Bay Area. The San Francisco Estuary Partnership is partnering with the City of Palo Alto on this pilot project located on a 500-foot-long section of coastline on Harbor Marsh in the Palo Alto Baylands. It restores various marsh habitat types, such as seasonal and perennial wet meadows, freshwater marsh, riparian scrub and upland habitat. Save The Bay will plant the levee with native plants, which will be irrigated with treated wastewater from the adjacent Regional Water Quality Control Plant. … ” Read more from the Association of Bay Area Governments.
A day without water? Not on our watch.
“Valley Water joins the Value of Water Campaign again this year to recognize Imagine a Day Without Water, an annual national initiative that highlights the vital importance of safe, reliable water in our daily lives. Water is at the heart of everything we do, from the meals we cook and the gardens we grow, to the hospitals that care for us and the businesses that drive our economy. Without water, daily life would come to a standstill. Clean clothes, safe food, public health and even fire protection all depend on a reliable water supply. That’s why protecting this resource isn’t just important, it’s essential. Across the nation, the infrastructure that carries and stores our water supply is aging. At Valley Water, we’re tackling this challenge head-on by investing in critical upgrades to pipelines, treatment plants and storage facilities, ensuring a reliable water supply for generations to come. … ” Read more from Valley Water News.
CENTRAL COAST
TAMC: Frog pond CDFW permit extension approved for FORTAG work
“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has told the Transportation Agency for Monterey County that the request for extending its permit was approved one day passed its expiration date of Oct. 15. Work in the frog pond ended Wednesday per the permit’s instructions. “We just heard that our time extension request to Dec. 15 was approved by CDFW,” said TAMC Senior Engineer Laurie Williamson. TAMC requested a two-month extension to Dec. 15 of the CDFW permit in mid-August when it recognized that construction in the Frog Pond Wetland Preserve would not be finished by Oct. 15 due to a prior delay. “I was at the site (Wednesday) and construction crews were working hard to complete as much as possible before the permit expired,” said Del Rey Oaks Mayor Scott Donaldson. “Work will continue on other segments of the trail as we wait for a decision from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.” … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald.
Soledad breaks ground on recycled water project to conserve millions of gallons
“The city of Soledad has initiated a recycled water conveyance project, expected to save millions of gallons of water annually by using recycled water for parks and sports fields. This project, in development for the past 20 years, is made possible through a $16.66 million state grant. The city is installing a pipe system using purple pipes to deliver the water across town, with the potential to save between 54 to 75 million gallons of water per year. Soledad generates roughly 2 million gallons of wastewater per day and is the first in the tri-state area to implement this system. … ” Read more from KSBW.
SLO County takes over San Simeon CSD amid leadership shortage
“San Luis Obispo County recently assumed control of the San Simeon Community Services District’s day-to-day operations to ensure that water and wastewater services continue for local residents. The county’s temporary involvement comes under the California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CalWARN), a mutual aid program that allows public agencies to assist one another during emergencies, according to a staff report. “This is the first time I’m aware that we have used the CalWARN agreement to assist a special district in our county,” county 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson told New Times via email. … ” Read more from New Times SLO.
New law requires Ventura County water agencies to improve wildfire preparedness
“It comes in the wake of the destructive Thomas Fire in 2017. Firefighters in Ventura experienced low water pressure while attempting to fight the fire. Having sufficient water pressure to fight a wildfire was a significant issue during the 2017 Thomas Fire in Ventura County, which destroyed more than a thousand structures. Now, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill into law that aims to improve resiliency in the county’s water system. … ” Read more from KCLU.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Increased Merced River flows to aid salmon migration can pose risk to people, officials say
“The public is urged to exercise caution in and around the Merced River below the new Exchequer and McSwain dams, as increased water flows are scheduled to take place this week and into the next in an effort to aid salmon migration and spawning. The increased flows are expected to begin Thursday, Oct. 16 and on Tuesday, Oct. 21, according to the Merced Irrigation District. The increased flows are to support the migration of the Chinook salmon, but could pose potential risks to recreational users of the river downstream from the New Exchequer and McSwain dams. MID said pulse flows released from the dams can result in sudden fluctuations in water levels downstream. MID Government Relations Manager Mike Jensen, said the Merced River’s current flow as of Wednesday is roughly 525 cubic feet-per-second. With the increased pulse flows, the river’s flow is expected to nearly double to roughly 1,000 cubic feet-per-second over the weekend, before decreasing to roughly 180-200 cubic feet-per-second sometime next week. … ” Read more from the Merced Sun-Star.
With Yosemite gates unstaffed, tourists delight in a free park despite shutdown concerns
“As uncertainty swirled around Yosemite National Park’s ability to safely operate during the ongoing government shutdown, Northern California native Shannon Schiess made her first trip to the park in two decades. A bare-bones staff has kept Yosemite running since the federal government went dark on Oct. 1. Former National Park Service officials have urged a closure of all 433 of the agency’s sites until the government reopens, citing safety concerns and the threat of wilderness destruction. Those warnings have largely gone unheeded — President Donald Trump’s administration hasn’t wavered from its commitment to keep the parks open. The debate has done little to stanch the flow of park visitors. … “I feel like there’s a lot of negativity around it, but there shouldn’t be,” Schiess said. “It was amazing. That’s how I feel it should be. It should always be open. There shouldn’t be restrictions.” … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Building resilience: wildfire, water, and extreme heat
“As climate volatility accelerates across the American West, the Los Angeles Business Council convened civic and utility leaders for a plenary on “Building Resilience: Wildfire, Water, and Extreme Heat.” Moderated by David Nahai, Chair of the LABC and former LADWP General Manager, the conversation brought together Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, LADWP CEO Janisse Quiñones, MWD Chief Sustainability Officer Liz Crosson, Clean Power Alliance CEO Ted Bardacke, and HDR’s One Water Planning Lead Jacquelin Mutter to discuss how Los Angeles is advancing local water, clean-energy, and climate-adaptation investments. TPR shares excerpts from the discussion, which explored the intersection of infrastructure, equity, and governance at the heart of California’s climate transition. Nahai: […] I’ll start by saying this: you know what a difference a year makes, right? I remember being at this podium last year, extolling the virtues of the Inflation Reduction Act and talking about all of the renewable energy projects it was spawning across the country. We stood then at the precipice of a new dawn of environmental protection and renewable energy development. … ” Read more from The Planning Report.
The state’s wildfire policy long overlooked SoCal. Now it’s course correcting
“At last month’s meeting of the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force in Redlands, Director Patrick Wright remembered the group’s early days: “Candidly, when I started this job, we got an earful from Southern California.” Gov. Gavin Newsom created the task force in 2021 and at the time, Southern California’s wildfire experts told Wright that he and other state leaders “didn’t understand Southern California was different. Its vegetation is different. Its fire risk is different.” It’s true — the coastal chaparral native to much of Southern California is entirely different from the mixed-conifer forests of the Sierra. More than a century of humans attempting to suppress nearly every fire meant the low-intensity burns that northern forests relied on every 5 to 20 years to promote regeneration no longer came through to clear the understory. As trees and shrubs grew in, they fueled high-intensity fires that decimated both the forest and communities. Meanwhile in Southern California, as humans settled into the wildlands, they lit more fires. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Judge orders oral arguments next month over Cemex
“Lawyers for the longstanding lawsuit against Cemex, a mining company with rights to extract 56 million tons of gravel from Soledad Canyon, have been ordered to argue their case next month in front of the California Court of Appeal. Online notice was sent Tuesday morning to request a Nov. 20 hearing for Cemex’s oral arguments on why the State Water Board was wrong to deny the company an appeal of its decision to re-notice its application for water rights. In its past filings, Cemex has described the water board’s ruling as consequential for the future of its investment in the region, and the need to fulfill the future demand for aggregate expected for the region’s development, namely the infrastructure for about 10,000 more homes in the Santa Clarita Valley alone. … ” Read more from The Signal.
LADWP expands turf replacement rebate for commercial & public agency customers
“As part of its ongoing commitment to water conservation, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has significantly increased the turf replacement rebate for commercial, multi-family (5+ units), industrial, institutional, and public agency customers. As of September 1, the rebate offers $9 to $10 per square foot of turf replaced with a sustainable landscape, which includes low water-use plants. This is an 80 to 100 percent increase from the previous rebate of $5 per square foot to support customer’s transition to an eco-friendly California Friendly® landscape. LADWP’s enhanced turf replacement rebate is made possible by the Metropolitan Water District’s recently increased rebate. This limited-time increased incentive amount is made possible by state and federal grant funding and is available on a first come first served basis until funds are exhausted. … ” Read more from the LA Department of Water Resources.
First major storm of the season adds 700 million gallons to LA County water supply
“This week’s storm, the first major rainfall of the 2025-26 season, dropped roughly 3 inches of rain in Los Angeles County, adding more than 700 million gallons to local water supplies, officials announced today. The storm began late Monday night with rain intensifying into the following morning and later slowed in the evening. Rain collected during Tuesday’s storm was enough to supply 18,400 people for a full year and brought the total amount collected since Oct. 1 to a billion gallons, according to Los Angeles County Public Works. The majority of stormwater was captured behind the region’s 14 major dams, which will be held and later distributed among the county’s 27 spreading ground facilities to recharge local groundwater aquifers. County officials patrolled and monitored the rainfall to ensure a prompt response for any potential storm damages, particularly in fire-impacted areas such as Pacific Palisades and Altadena. No major issues were reported in L.A. County’s burn scar areas, although homeowners and local agencies were prepared, according to Public Works. … ” Read more from the Long Beach Press Telegram.
SEE ALSO: Dazzling satellite photos show California mountains before and after snowstorms, from the LA Times
Yucaipa Valley Water District releases its strategic plan and will hold public hearings
“The Yucaipa Valley Water District is committed to keeping local water faucets flowing on demand and planning a long-term protection plan for local residents and businesses. The YVWD District staff has recently released A Strategic Plan for a Sustainable Future – The Integration and Preservation of Resources. This comprehensive, long-term plan was designed to help insulate customers from periodic droughts as well as occasional interruptions in water imports. “We think this is a responsible way to plan for our future,” YVWD General Manager Joe Zoba said of the strategic plan, which will be discussed during public hearings in July. He added, “We are inviting members of the public to offer their feedback. The plan will guide the district’s policy, planning and management practices for the next 50 years.” … ” Read more from the Yucaipa News-Mirror.
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Imperial Irrigation District joins national ‘Imagine a Day Without Water’ campaign
“The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) joined utilities and organizations across the country in recognizing the critical role water plays in daily life through the nationwide “Imagine a Day Without Water” awareness campaign, the district announced Thursday, Oct. 16. From the morning cup of coffee to the crops in the fields, water powers every part of life in the Imperial Valley. The “Imagine a Day Without Water” message encourages communities to pause and consider what life would be like without this essential resource. “Water really is at the heart of what we do — from sustaining families and farms to driving our local economy,” said IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader in the press release. “IID is proud to participate in this national campaign, reaffirming our commitment to protecting and managing the water resources that make our region thrive.” … ” Read more from the Desert Review.
SAN DIEGO
Rain barrels help San Diego County residents capture stormwater
“San Diego County residents are turning to rain barrels to make the most of Tuesday’s rainfall, with environmental advocates saying even small amounts of precipitation can provide months of garden irrigation. A 50-gallon rain barrel can capture significant amounts of water during San Diego’s infrequent rain events, according to Jessica Toth, executive director of the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation. “By collecting the water, you’re able to sink it back into the land by watering your plants,” Toth said. … ” Read more from Channel 10.
How the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis continues to affect San Diego residents and students
“The Tijuana River Estuary, located on the U.S. side of the Tijuana River, is the last 10% of California’s wetland that remains. According to the Tijuana Estuary National Park, it serves as a stop for migratory birds to feed and reproduce. The site also serves as a local attraction with guided tours offered by the park. In recent years, the city of Tijuana in Mexico has caused runoff that gets into the water and flows to the American part of the river, according to a ResearchGate study. According to the study, the rise in migration to the city contributes to the Tijuana River pollution because the city’s infrastructure isn’t equipped to handle all these migrants. The runoff has had a devastating impact on the ecology of the Tijuana estuary, as the water is full of sewage, creating filthy water and foul odors. Jeff Crooks, a researcher at the Tijuana Estuary, expressed his concerns about the environmental impact affecting residents of San Diego, including SDSU students. … ” Read more from The Daily Aztec.
Community gardens become a symbol…but of what?
“It’s 20 acres you’ve probably never heard of. Until now. The Tijuana River Valley Community Garden suddenly is all over the news. Since the start of this month, the hub of more than 200 community garden plots and small-scale farms nestled amid woodsy scrubland near the U.S.-Mexico border has been on TV, in the newspaper and all over social media. That’s because the small government agency that managed the garden without incident for years suddenly informed gardeners two weeks ago the agency was pulling out and gardeners had 60 days to pack up and leave. The uproar that ensued has reached the highest levels of county government. … ” Read more from the Voice of San Diego.
Along the Colorado River …
Lake Mead projections show steep drop by end of summer 2027, but Lake Powell would go up
“Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the nation’s two largest reservoirs, are following patterns very similar to 2021, the year the water shortage was declared by the federal government. There’s one big difference: Lake Mead is already 10 feet lower than it was then, despite ongoing conservation efforts. And that’s a problem for Las Vegas and millions of people who rely on the Colorado River for water. A report released on Wednesday shows that Lake Mead is expected to be 5 feet lower a year from now. More concerning is the projection that shows it will drop an additional 15 feet by September 2027 — so, a total of 20 feet compared to now. … ” Read more from Channel 8.
Colorado River Basin states have less than a month to come up with water deal
“Federal leaders at the Department of the Interior have given the Colorado River Basin states a deadline of November 11 to come up with a deal on how to share the river for the next two decades. The talks have dragged on for years, and if there’s no deal, the federal government will impose one, potentially sparking years of lawsuits and uncertainty for farmers, cities, and tribal nations that depend on the river.” Watch video from Channel 15.
Editorial: The feds could take over the Colorado River. Utah shouldn’t object.
The Salt Lake Tribune editorial board writes, “Representatives of the seven U.S. states — including Utah — that live on the water flowing through the Colorado River system have until November 11 to come up with a tentative plan to manage the ever-decreasing amounts of liquid in the basin. While we can’t be sure — substantive talks are happening behind closed doors — there seems little hope of meeting that deadline. Political and financial incentives push each state to protect its own narrow interests. If those talks do fail, the federal government may have to step in to manage the river. Which might be the best we can hope for. If that’s what happens, Utah’s leaders should let it go. Not dam up an already overdue process by filing lawsuits or lobbying Washington. … ” Read more from the Salt Lake Tribune.
A likely La Niña winter and what it could mean for Arizona snowfall
“La Niña is here, and it will likely stick around for most of the winter. During La Niña, ocean temperatures are cooler than average in a critical part of the equatorial Pacific Ocean. For the winter, this tends to send the jet stream north, leaving Arizona and much of the southwest in a drier-than-average weather pattern. … ” Continue reading at Arizona Family.
Study finds humans outweigh climate in depleting Arizona’s water supply
“A study led by University of Arizona researchers shows that decades of groundwater pumping by humans has depleted Tucson-area aquifers far more than natural climate variation. Published in the journal Water Resources Research, the study provides the first multi-millennial reconstruction for the region that places human impacts on groundwater into long-term context. “This is the first time we’ve been able to get a record of the water table through time,” said Jennifer McIntosh, senior author and the Thomas Meixner Endowed Chair of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences in the College of Science. … ” Read more from Arizona State University.
In national water news today …
Weak and exposed: US water utilities a Chinese hacker target
“Rural America is a long way from Taiwan. But cyber power is no respecter of geography. Should China make good on its repeated threats to reunify the island by force, the utilities that provide water and power to small towns all over the United States may find themselves on the digital front lines of a 21st century superpower war. Hackers linked to China have accessed the IT networks of hundreds of small and medium-sized U.S. water systems and other utilities with a view to sabotaging American water and power supplies in the event of a conflict, CBS reported this week, detailing a threat that U.S. officials warned of two and a half years ago. The revelations highlight the vulnerability to online sabotage of automated and remotely controlled operational technology systems, and the growing resource gap faced by those charged with defending them. In the event of a war in the Pacific, if China seeks to undermine America’s will and ability to fight by crippling its civilian infrastructure, small town utilities might be on their own. … ” Read more from Bank Info Security.
Scientists must join forces to solve forecasting’s predictability desert
“Should I wear a jacket to work today, or will I be too warm? Will that hurricane miss my town, or should I prepare to evacuate? We rely on accurate short-term weather forecasts both to make mundane daily decisions and to warn us of extreme events on the horizon. At the same time, Earth system scientists focus on understanding what drives variations in temperature, precipitation, and extreme conditions over periods spanning months, decades, and longer. Between those two ends of the forecasting spectrum are subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) predictions on timescales of 2 weeks to 2 months. S2S forecasts bridge the gap between short-term weather forecasts and long-range outlooks and hold enormous potential for supporting effective advance decisionmaking across sectors ranging from water and agriculture to energy, disaster preparedness, and more. Yet these timescales represent an underdeveloped scientific frontier where our predictive capabilities are weakest. Indeed, the S2S range is often referred to as the predictability desert. … ” Read more from EOS.
Environmentalists aim to limit Trump Endangered Species Act rules
“As the Trump administration prepares to issue more business-friendly Endangered Species Act regulations, environmental advocates are hoping for a legal victory to limit the looming changes. Because litigation over the Endangered Species Act is already underway, a federal court may soon weigh in on what’s legally required under the law. Environmental nonprofits are counting on that court decision to potentially prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service from relaxing regulations as much as the Trump administration wants. “We’re hoping that the court will say that the ESA is clear and that it requires the Services to take meaningful action to conserve endangered species and their habitat amidst the ongoing extinction crisis, not to roll protections back,” said Ryan Shannon, senior attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity nonprofit. … ” Read more from Capital Press.
U.S. threatens countries that back a fee to clean up ship pollution
“The limits of American influence are being tested on Friday, as the Trump administration brings a battering ram of trade and visa threats to try to stop a proposed global pollution tax on the shipping industry. At issue is a scheduled vote among the 176 countries that belong to the International Maritime Organization, an agency of the United Nations, to require cargo ships to lower their greenhouse gas emissions below a certain threshold or pay a fee. That proposal has the backing of the leading shipping lobby, and most of America’s most steadfast allies, including Britain, Canada, the European Union and Japan. China too supports the measure. A vote is expected Friday. The Trump administration has brought a raft of threats to dissuade countries from voting for the measure, including visa restrictions and additional fees on flagged ships from those countries landing at U.S. ports. … ” Read more from the New York Times.
