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In California water news this weekend …
DWR launches operations at Big Notch Project, expanding critical salmon habitat
Andrew Nixon / DWR
“Operations have officially begun for the Big Notch Project, one of the largest floodplain salmon-rearing habitat projects in California history. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) held a ribbon cutting ceremony today in Yolo County to kick off the first operational season of the Big Notch Project. The project includes three seasonally operated gates at the Fremont Weir, making it easier for juvenile salmon and sturgeon to move into the Yolo Bypass — a critical floodplain habitat that plays a key role in the recovery of these threatened and endangered species. The Big Notch Project is one of the key actions highlighted in Governor Newsom’s California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future which aims to restore populations of salmon as the state experiences increased temperatures as a result of a changing climate. The project was designed with cutting edge science and a highly public process that incorporated decades of fisheries research and land-use knowledge. Big Notch will be operated to benefit fish in a way that protects existing land-uses like agriculture, recreation, and flood protection. … ” Read more from DWR.
California data center health impacts tripled in 4 years
“Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, found that health impacts from pollution associated with California’s computer processing data centers tripled from 2019 to 2023 — and could rise by another 72% by 2028 unless mitigation policies are enacted. The greater health consequences came with a near doubling of electricity consumed by California data centers in the same time period, said a report by UCR computer engineering scholars and produced by the nonpartisan think tank Next 10. Meanwhile, projections show that demand could rise to more than three times 2019 levels by 2028. At the high end, data centers could consume 25.3 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of 2.4 million average American households. … ” Read more from UC Riverside.
Milk Producers Council’s Geoff Vanden Heuvel highlights urgent water challenges at 2025 Sustainable Agriculture Summit in Anaheim
“Yesterday, at the 2025 Sustainable Agriculture Summit in Anaheim, Geoff Vanden Heuvel – Vice Chair of the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley and Director of Regulatory and Economic Affairs for the Milk Producers Council – delivered a compelling presentation on the future of California’s agricultural water supply. His talk, “Water Stewardship for Resilient Agriculture,” underscored both the historic roots and current fragility of the state’s water system, while calling for unified, commonsense solutions to protect the nation’s food supply. The annual Summit, with nearly 1,000 attendees, brought together farmers, suppliers, processors, brands, academia, conservation organizations, and the public sector to discuss a vision for a sustainable and resilient U.S. food system. … ” Read more from the Milk Producers Council.
Wildlife Conservation Board approves $87.1 million for habitat, salmon recovery and Tribal land return projects
“The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) approved $87,125,538 in grants for 16 projects across 14 counties to protect critical wildlife habitat, restore rivers and streams, and conserve culturally and ecologically significant lands. Among these, seven projects advance the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future, restoring fish passage, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, and improving spawning and rearing habitat for endangered salmon and steelhead. The board met at MiraCosta College’s San Elijo Campus in Cardiff, San Diego County, marking its first meeting outside Sacramento. The WCB’s grants advance Gov. Gavin Newsom’s goal of conserving 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030, a globally adopted target known as 30×30. The initiative seeks to protect biodiversity, expand access to nature for all Californians and adapt to climate change. … ” Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
PFAS settlements: Debunking the myths and revealing what’s really at stake for water utilities
“When news first broke about the historic PFAS drinking water settlements with 3M and DuPont, many utility leaders assumed the payouts would be small — a few hundred or a few thousand dollars per system, and not worth the time and paperwork required to file a claim. In reality, these settlements represent one of the largest recovery opportunities for environmental contamination in U.S. history: approximately $14 billion in total available funds. Many cities are already recovering millions of dollars each, and more stand to join them if they act before the 2026 filing deadlines. Misinformation and confusion could prevent some utilities from benefitting from the aqueous film-forming foam multidistrict litigation (AFFF MDL) settlements. Here are five common myths about the AFFF MDL PFAS settlements and how public water systems can make the most of this unprecedented funding opportunity. … ” Read more from Water Online.
Podcasts …
DELTA DISPATCH: How to have our fish, and eat them too
Across all of California, perhaps no other fish has as great of a cultural, economic, and ecological impact as that of salmon. These fish, who migrate incredible distances from mountain headwaters to the vast oceans and back again, have formed a cornerstone of subsistence, industry, and ecological function throughout California’s history. But what happens when we as humans – needing to reroute water for our own needs – put barriers in the way of these fish making their incredible journey? In this episode of the Delta Dispatch, learn about the incredible role and stories of salmon (and other migratory fish!) as we speak with guests Colin Purdy (California Department of Fish and Wildlife) and Meghan Quinn (American Rivers) to discuss fish passage among a landscape of dams and other barriers in California.
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING PODCAST: Weighing Out Our Priorities
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta supports California in more ways than you can shake a stick. Water is a Many Splendor’ed Thing brings you another water relationship that has a personally significant impact to your life. Produced by Stephen Baker, Bringing People Together to Solve Water Problems, water@operationunite.co 530-205-6388TERRA VERDE: Tackling PFAS in California
Popular for their water and grease resistance, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in countless everyday products, from cookware and cosmetics, to rain gear and cleaning supplies. They are sprayed on crops, added to food packaging, utilized in electronics, and much more. As a result, these substances — which have been linked to serious health impacts and have earned the nickname “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment — are now widespread in our water, soil, and air. Several states have begun to take action on the issue. But the road to PFAS regulation has proven challenging, including in the Golden State. Terra Verde host and Earth Island Journal managing editor Zoe Loftus-Farren speaks with Andria Ventura, legislative and policy director with Clean Water Action, and Bernadette Del Chiaro, senior vice president for California with the Environmental Working Group, about ongoing efforts to reign in our use of these toxic substances California.
WATERLOOP: Perspectives of professionals on California’s recycling renaissance
California’s water recycling movement has evolved from experiments to expansion—driven by progressive regulations, proven technology, and positive public trust. In this episode, Traci Minamide, Greg Wetterau, and Roshanak Aflaki of CDM Smith share expert insights from decades of experience advancing reuse across the Golden State.
WATER TALK: Disasters and emergency management
A conversation with Professor Samantha Montano (Massachusetts Maritime Academy, author of Disasterology) about the stages of emergency management, needs following different types of disasters, and the changing emergency management landscape across the United States.
In regional water news this weekend …
NORTH COAST
Some Klamath River access sites will remain open
“Some recreation access sites along the restored Klamath River between Keno and Hornbrook, Calif. will remain open as winter conditions allow. According to a news release from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildllife, the five recreation day-use access sites now open until further notice include two in Oregon — Pioneer Park West near Keno, and Moonshine Falls further downstream. The recreation sites in California include K’utárawáx·u (pronounced ku-ta-ra-wa-hu) that is also known as Grizzly Hill; K’účasčas (pronounced ku-chas-chas) and also known as Fall Creek; and Iron Gate. It was previously announced that closures were in place but those closures have been lifted after managers reassessed opportunities for river access in areas of the Klamath River that were not accessible before dam removal. … ” Read more from the Herald & News.
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Snow-starved California ski resorts delay openings despite powerful recent storms
“It may have felt like the recent rain would never end in Los Angeles, but the record-breaking precipitation in Southern California has failed to translate into a much-desired dumping of snow at ski resorts across the state. While Friday was originally set as the opening date of the Heavenly and Northstar ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area, officials said mild weather and stubbornly insufficient flurries have delayed those plans. Vail Resorts, which owns both resorts, has yet to announce an updated opening date. But the forecast ahead does not look promising. “A dry forecast is in store for the next week through Thanksgiving and Black Friday,” Open Snow wrote in its Tahoe area forecast Friday. “We could see a change in the pattern the weekend of the 29th with colder air moving in and maybe some snow. Overall, through the long-range, there are no big storms showing up, but hopefully that changes as we go deeper into December.” … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Tahoe Conservancy to hold public workshops on Upper Truckee Marsh South Project
“The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) invites residents and visitors to participate in the next round of public workshops on the Upper Truckee Marsh South project. The Conservancy looks forward to sharing concepts—informed by community engagement earlier this year—for potential restoration and access and recreation improvements on state land that includes the site of the former Motel 6. The Conservancy acquired the Upper Truckee Marsh South property in 2024, and removed the former motel and restaurant development in 2025. The 31-acre property includes 25 acres of wetland and meadow, and four acres of fill where the former motel had been built atop a wetland. It also serves as a key link between hundreds of acres of protected floodplain upstream and downstream. One of the most heavily used shared-use trails in South Lake Tahoe, the South Tahoe Bikeway, crosses the property. As such, the Upper Truckee Marsh South project presents an opportunity to restore an extraordinary natural resource, benefit the community, and enhance connections for people and wildlife. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
World of change: Seasons of Lake Tahoe
“Perhaps the most familiar change in our changing world is the annual swing of the seasons. In the course of a year, all landscapes outside the tropics transform, exchanging light, warmth, and green plants for darkness, cold, and exposed earth. This series of images from the Advanced Land Imager (ALI) on NASA’s Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) satellite shows the changes around Lake Tahoe, on the border between California and Nevada, from August 27, 2009, to September 7, 2010. Snow, plants, light, and the lake itself all shift in accordance with the seasons. … ” Read more and see photos from Earth Observatory.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Judge pauses razing 100s of trees on a Sacramento river, finding ‘irreparable harm’
“A Sacramento federal judge granted a preliminary injunction late Thursday to pause razing more than 650 trees clustered along the American River Parkway, citing “irreparable harm” for recreationists who will lose access to the area. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began installing flood protection measures on the Sacramento River, Natomas East Main Drainage Canal, Arcade Creek, Magpie Creek, the lower American River after Congress approved funding in 2016 for these projects. The judge’s order temporarily halts construction on the lower American River, about 3.3 miles of riparian forest rooted around Howe and Watt avenues. Federal officials planned cutting at least 675 trees and trimming thousands of others to install riprap, or rocks, to strengthen banks. Sacramento and national nonprofits filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and others to find less destructive alternatives to flood protection. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
BAY AREA
Foulin’ on the dock of the Bay: Inside a world of alien marine critters
“An observer strolling past the Jack London Square waterfront on a recent Saturday afternoon might have witnessed an unusual sight: A group of people on the dock, some of whom were lying on their bellies with their heads dangling just above the water, scooping up what looks like green and brown gunk. Others huddled over plastic Tupperware containers excitedly passing around hand lenses to peer at wriggling specimens. They were among a group of about 30 attendees who gathered Nov. 8 to try out what’s known as dock fouling — observing the aquatic life that’s taken up residence underwater on the dock that are considered to be “fouling” it. In other words, they were looking up close at the mystifying and frequently difficult to identify marine creatures that live under the water attached to the docks. And they were having a blast. “It’s special to see so much life, and worlds you’ve never seen before, in a place that’s so familiar,” said attendee Kristen Kellinger of Berkeley. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News.
Sausalito bayfront interests throw cold water on sea level plan
“Amid criticism by businesses and property owners, the Sausalito City Council has sent a sea level strategy plan back for more work. The council received the shoreline adaptation plan at its meeting on Tuesday but deemed it incomplete. The 168-page plan, addressing the forecast of rising waters in coming decades, detailed a menu of remedies that presumed pulling back from the current shoreline. Opponents said that could threaten their livelihoods. “After reviewing these options, I need to clearly say if any of these move forward, the maritime industry in Sausalito will not survive,” said K.C. Pederson, Clipper Yacht Harbor vice president. “Maritime uses are not optional amenities.” … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
‘Epic’: Salmon seen far upstream in Bay Area creek for first time in 70 years
“Leaping over small man-made jumps and swimming determinedly upstream in Alameda Creek, a small group of bright red chinook salmon are back from the Pacific Ocean and ready to spawn. Twenty miles upstream in the Sunol Valley, at least one salmon had made it farther than the rest by Wednesday — and farther than any known salmon since the 1950s, said Jeff Miller, director of the nonprofit advocacy group Alameda Creek Alliance. “I’d say it’s epic — this is what we’ve been working for the last three decades,” Miller said. “It’s going to be a really interesting change and enhancement for a lot of wildlife, but also for the public, seeing these fish back in the stream after so long.” … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Antioch adds new, drought-proof source of water
“The city of Antioch is doing what many Bay Area communities have only talked about: turning salt water into drinking water. The city’s new $120 million desalination plant, which began operating in September, was built to ensure that the local water supply, from the vast Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, would remain drinkable despite its rising salinity. The city now can get up to 30% of its total water from desalination. While Antioch’s water needs are specific, the challenge is not. Across California, communities are looking to firm up their water supplies in the face of myriad climate pressures, including increasing droughts and decreasing snowpack. Several water agencies are turning to desal. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
PFAS contamination found in Livermore Airport’s groundwater, soil
“A city consultant recently discovered PFAS chemicals in the soil and groundwater of the Livermore Municipal Airport, spurring the regional water board to call for additional evaluation of the site. The PFAS Investigation Report published Oct. 13 by Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. was meant to determine whether PFAS — an abbreviation for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances — have been released at the airport and whether a discharge has contributed to PFAS plumes in the Livermore Valley Main Basin or contamination in municipal drinking water supply wells operated by the Zone 7 Water Agency. … ” Read more from Pleasanton Weekly.
CENTRAL COAST
Monterey County receives update on Moss Landing battery fire response
“Monterey County Environmental Health Bureau staff reported this week community soil sampling in the area of January’s battery storage fire in Moss Landing showed limited areas where contaminants exceeded health screening levels. The report was part of an update the Board of Supervisors received this week on the ongoing cleanup process and environmental review efforts related to the battery storage fire. Of 108 samples taken at 27 locations, eight exceeded screening criteria. State toxicologists at the Department of Toxic Substances Control, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and the California Department of Public Health reviewed the results. A revised report was approved, though state reviewers recommended additional testing for metal leaching and particulate movement. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald.
Federal funding bills include $1M for Solvang wastewater treatment plant upgrade
“Federal funding bills signed into law last week included $1 million in community project funding for Solvang’s long-awaited $18 million Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 2 upgrade project. “This federal funding represents a critical investment in Solvang’s future. Modernizing our wastewater treatment plant infrastructure is essential to maintaining reliable service for our residents and businesses while ensuring we meet environmental standards and emergency preparedness needs for years to come. “This federal support helps make this important project possible, and we are deeply grateful,” said Mayor David Brown. U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) reported the funding was secured through his advocacy. He began championing the project in spring 2025 through formal requests to the House Appropriations Committee for fiscal year 2026. … ” Read more from the Santa Maria Times.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Porterville City Council backs water feasibility study
“The Porterville City Council on Tuesday night agreed to participate in a state-funded feasibility study that will explore long-term drinking water solutions for roughly 280 homes currently relying on private wells north and south of the city. The Community Water Center, working with the State Water Board’s Division of Drinking Water, asked the city to sign a nonbinding letter of interest to allow the study to move forward. The 12- to 18-month analysis, paid for entirely by the State Water Resources Control Board, will examine whether consolidating those homes into the city’s water system is technically and financially feasible. … ” Read more from the Porterville Recorder.
Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District talks ongoing projects, local and state water issues
“At a regular meeting of the Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District Board of Directors Nov. 19, members discussed a number of ongoing projects at the district and heard updates on local and state-level water management issues. The directors unanimously approved a change order and a contract related to two projects the district has going on, one, to partially remodel one of their existing storage buildings to create necessary new office space for staff, and another to build a new storage building, in part, to house what will be displaced by that project. In a brief interview after the meeting TCCWD General Manager Tom Neisler said the new building would be 2,400 square feet and would be on the district’s existing property. … ” Read more from the Tehachapi News.
Tulare County high in ‘forever chemicals’ use
“Tulare County was among the leading users in the state of pesticides containing “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, a report from an environmental organization found. The Environmental Working Group found 840,830 pounds of PFAS pesticides were used in Tulare County over a six-year period from 2018-2023. While Tulare County ranked among the highest in the state for the use of PFAS pesticides it still ranked the lowest by far among the state’s three largest ag producing counties. The report found Fresno County used the most PFAS pesticides from 2018-2023 at 2.1 million pounds while Kern County used 1.6 million pounds. Tulare County also ranked behind San Joaquin County, which used 923,000 pounds and Imperial County, which used 890,000 pounds. … ” Read more from the Porterville Recorder.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Even a full Santa Ynez reservoir wouldn’t have kept Palisades hydrants working, state report finds
“As the Palisades Fire was still burning in January, residents saw an eye-grabbing headline: the Santa Ynez reservoir, perched directly above the Palisades, was offline for repairs and empty. The reservoir’s closure frustrated residents and spurred Gov. Gavin Newsom to announce a state investigation into whether the reservoir being full of water would have made a difference fighting the deadly fire. After months of analysis, California agencies including the state’s EPA, Cal Fire and the Department of Water Resources issued a report confirming the explanations given by local officials and experts in the aftermath of the fire: the water supply was too slow, not too low — and even a functioning reservoir likely wouldn’t have done much in the face of an unprecedented natural disaster. … ” Read more from the LAist.
Southern California can breathe a sigh of relief: Fire season is all but over
“Southern California — from the coast to the mountains to the deserts — has gotten so much rain over the past month that large-scale, fast-moving fires are essentially no longer a concern. And they likely won’t be until well into 2026. Expert assessment: “Basically, we’re out of fire season across all of Central and Southern California,” said Matt Shameson, meteorologist with the U.S. Forest Service’s South Ops Office, which regularly assesses wildfire conditions. … ” Read more from the LAist.
Huntington Beach neighborhood swamped by major flooding following storm
“The recent storm to soak Southern California caused major flooding Friday in Orange County where some neighborhoods were overwhelmed by water. AIR7 was in Huntington Beach over the area of Edinger Avenue and Goldenwest Street, near the 405 Freeway, where streets were inundated. At nearby Greer Park South, the park was completely flooded. Crews were on scene pumping water from the park into the storm drain. Firefighters and police responded to numerous calls throughout the night regarding flooding, particularly, in the north side of Huntington Beach, according to city manager Travis Hopkins. … ” Read more from ABC 7.
SAN DIEGO
‘A win-win’: In 180, water authority keeps discounted water rate for struggling San Diego County farmers
“A feared hike in water costs for local farmers won’t be as bad as first expected following a reversal from the San Diego County Water Authority. Water officials have bailed on earlier plans to sharply reduce a special water-rate discount enjoyed by many San Diego-area farmers — a discount the agricultural sector sees as a key policy keeping their struggling industry afloat. In May, the authority had warned it might have to roll back the special discount because of falling demand for its water and other financial challenges. But on Thursday, the authority’s board unanimously backed a plan to spend millions in property tax revenue each year to keep farmers’ water costs down. Lisa Marie Harris, the authority’s finance director, called the new framework a “win-win.” … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Along the Colorado River …
Hageman says California needs to get in gear, stop going after Wyoming’s water
“Wyoming Republican congresswoman Harriet Hageman blasted California for supposedly failing to upgrade its water infrastructure, leaving it too dependent on Wyoming and other Upper Colorado River Basin states. “California has essentially the same water infrastructure in place today, with 40 million people, that they had in the 1960s with 16 million people,” Hageman said Thursday during an appearance on the Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake Nichols. California could reduce its demand for river water through desalination technology, or removing salt from Pacific Ocean water, she said, adding that desalination has been used effectively for water supplies in Israel. However, California’s leadership has failed promote the technology, she said. “But again, their leadership is such a failure, they want to spend their money on stupid things such as the climate change and global warming and social justice issues rather than actually providing water to their citizens,” said Hageman, a lawyer with a background in water and natural resources litigation. … ” Read more from Cowboy State Daily.
Arizona stalled in fight for share of the Colorado River: What to know
“Cuts are coming to Arizona’s water supply. We just don’t know yet how bad they’ll be. Last week, the seven states that rely on water from the Colorado River blew a federally imposed deadline to reach a new agreement. The Bureau of Reclamation had given the states until Nov. 11 to reach a new water conservation plan for the river, which has far less water flowing through it than when the original agreement governing the river was struck in 1922. Talks are ongoing, with the current agreement set to expire next October. But time is running out, and Arizona — which already is receiving less water from the river than it used to — is bracing for some cuts. Here’s what to know about the river negotiations, and how Arizona could be affected. … ” Read more from New Times Phoenix.
Arizona: ‘Ghost Development’ rises on Cave Creek’s outskirts
“Remember Cahava? The ghost of a project many assumed was dead and gone has risen … And these phantoms are thirsty, demanding water. This may raise eyebrows, as Cave Creek leaders have repeatedly warned residents of anticipated cuts from the Colorado River system that provides most of the town’s water. The “grave” from which spirits of development are stirring is a 1,000-acre site, roughly the size of 800 football fields. A revised agreement would provide millions of gallons of water to hundreds of new residents — if the long-dormant plan ever actually comes to life. … ” Read more from The Foothills Focus.
Utah governor says states are ‘closer’ to solution on Colorado River
“The governor of Utah said Thursday he understands there isn’t as much water as before in the Colorado River. But Spencer Cox is not quite ready to simply accede to demands by Arizona and other “Lower Basin” states to simply curb the amount of water it takes from the river and its tributaries. Instead, he said, it’s going to take talks — talks that have so far failed to yield the deal that the Department of Interior had given the states until Nov. 11 to resolve when talks broke down. “The Upper Basin … has refused to budget at all and refused to take any cuts,” Hobbs said at the time. “A Colorado River future that puts all the cuts on Arizona, that the Upper Basin doesn’t take any cuts, is not acceptable.” And she backed that up again Thursday at a meeting here of the Western Governors Association. … ” Read more from the Eastern Arizona Courier.
State water board agrees to use powerful water rights for health of Colorado River
“Colorado’s top water agency approved a plan Wednesday to acquire and use the powerful Shoshone water rights in Glenwood Canyon to protect fish, the environment and the overall health of the Colorado River. The plan is a $99 million bid from water users on Colorado’s West Slope to ensure some of the state’s most valuable and senior water rights, which are currently used to power a hydroelectric power plant, continue to keep a huge volume of water in the river. It took more than 20 hours of public hearings, months of negotiations and tens of millions of dollars of investment from a wide range of West Slope stakeholders to arrive at Wednesday night’s vote from the Colorado Water Conservation Board advancing the deal. … ” Read more from KUNC.
SEE ALSO: Shoshone water rights deal takes major step towards completion, from Colorado Public Radio
In national water news this weekend …
In one week, Trump moves to reshape U.S. environmental policy
“The environmental rollbacks came one after the next this week, potentially affecting everything from the survival of rare whales to the health of the Hudson River. On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed to strip federal protections from millions of acres of wetlands and streams, narrowing the reach of the Clean Water Act. On Wednesday, federal wildlife agencies announced changes to the Endangered Species Act that could make it harder to rescue endangered species from the brink of extinction. And on Thursday, the Interior Department moved to allow new oil and gas drilling across nearly 1.3 billion acres of U.S. coastal waters, including a remote region in the high Arctic where drilling has never before taken place. … ” Read more from the New York Times.
