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On the calendar today …
- MEETING: Delta Independent Science Board from 9am to 4:30pm. The Board will begin by commemorating Dr. Jim Cloern and his Legacy. Agenda items includ an overview of the Delta ISB review process & the planning retreat; update on implementing the Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring Strategy for the Delta; Debrief on the Delta Invasive Species Symposium; Future reviews & 2026 priorities; Future site visits; Draft 2026 Delta Science Plan Review; and a discussion on the subsidence review. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.
- MEETING/WORKSHOP: Central Valley Flood Protection Board beginning at 9am. Agenda items include regular Board business and a workshop on projects accomplished in 2025. Click here for the meeting agenda; click here for the workshop agenda.
- PUBLIC MEETING: Second Statewide Agricultural Expert Panel from 3pm to 6pm. These sessions will facilitate Panel deliberations on issues relevant to the Panel charge questions, which ask the Panel to consider the approaches in State Water Board Order WQ 2018-0002, In the Matter of Review of Waste Discharge Requirements General Order No. R5-2012-0116 for Growers Within the Eastern San Joaquin River Watershed that are Members of the Third-Party Group and State Water Board Order WQ 2023-0081, In the Matter of Review of General Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges from Irrigated Lands Order No. R3-2021-0040 (Central Coast Ag Petition Order). Click here for the meeting notice and remote access instructions.
Reclamation adopts new rules for water project operations …
Trump administration adopts plan to pump more water in California over state objections
“Acting on an order from President Trump, the federal government on Thursday announced plans to pump more water to Central Valley farmlands from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, a unilateral action that California officials warned could threaten fish and reduce the amount of water available for millions of people in other parts of the state. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation said in a statement that its update of the operation plan for the federally operated Central Valley Project aims to “maximize water deliveries across California while maintaining protections for endangered fish species.” The revised plan will increase water deliveries to farmlands and communities across the San Joaquin Valley. A spokesperson for Gov. Gavin Newsom strongly criticized the plan. “The Trump administration is putting politics over people — catering to big donors instead of doing what’s right for Californians,” Tara Gallegos said. … ” Read more from the LA Times. | Read via Yahoo News.
California water wars reignite as Trump administration plans to send more water to farms
“The Trump administration is pressing forward with its pledge to send more Northern California water south to farms, even as state officials warn that the move could cut vital supplies for cities and fish. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced its plan Thursday in an update to operations at the Central Valley Project, calling for increased pumping from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to points south. The delta, where California’s biggest rivers converge, is the crux of the state’s water supply and a lifeline for fish and wildlife. How it’s managed is a perennial source of tension, and the Bureau of Reclamation’s change in operations is already stoking a fresh round of fighting between the federal government and California. In a statement Thursday, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the federal government’s move would ship much needed water to farms and communities in the San Joaquin Valley with little downside: “This updated operations plan reflects our commitment to using the best available science to increase water deliveries while safeguarding the environment.” … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle. | Read via Yahoo News
Like fire and water, Newsom and Trump face off again
“It’s January all over again: Gov. Gavin Newsom is pressing the Trump administration to fund Los Angeles fire recovery. And the Trump administration is pressing California to send more water to farms and cities. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation issued new rules Thursday that allow federal pumps to send more water from the sensitive Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta south to Central Valley farmers by removing some environmental protections for fish. … While the two issues appear unrelated, recall that Trump threatened to make disaster aid to California contingent on the state agreeing to changes in water policy. … ” Read the full article at Politico.
SEE ALSO:
- Reclamation updates long-term operation plan for the Central Valley Project, press release from the Bureau of Reclamation
- Trump administration to direct more water to California farms, from the Associated Press
- Feds approve new water policy expected to boost supplies to Valley farmers, from SJV Sun
Statement from Golden State Salmon Association
““This administration’s rollback of already weak protections for salmon, steelhead and other imperiled species is disastrous, especially in dry years,” said Vance Staplin, Executive Director of the Golden State Salmon Association. “As a result of past attacks on salmon protections, several salmon runs that depend on this water are close to extinction. When people talk about job loss, we must remember that a healthy salmon industry generates $1.4 billion and 23,000 jobs annually in California. The state’s commercial salmon fishery has already been shut down for three straight years. Weakening protections even further would be devastating. In fact, this decision is so reckless that the state Department of Water Resources has concluded that it could reduce water supply for 23 million Southern Californians – all to steer more water to a handful of rich Central Valley growers. We urge Gov. Newsom to file a lawsuit to challenge this unlawful federal move.”
Statement from San Luis-Delta Mendota Water Authority
On December 4, Reclamation executed a Record of Decision (“ROD”) implementing modified operations of the Central Valley Project (“CVP”) and State Water Project (“SWP”) (collectively “Projects”). This action represents a step towards improving water supply reliability for communities, farms, and ecosystems, while maintaining protections for species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. The ROD updates the rate and timing of available export pumping of the Projects during certain periods of the year and reflects science developed over the last decade showing that several prior operational constraints were not achieving their intended environmental benefits to protect species and were reducing water supply reliability for some of the most economically disadvantaged regions of the United States.
In response to the execution of the ROD, the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority issued the following statement:
“Water ratepayers have invested tens of millions of dollars over the last decade to expand the scientific body of knowledge that supports operations of the CVP and SWP, with the goal of advancing scientifically-based adaptive management of Project operations. The execution of this Record of Decision brings that future into the present,” said Federico Barajas, Executive Director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. “This action restores an estimated average of 250,000 to 400,000 acre-feet of combined federal and state surface water supplies annually to farms, communities, and ecosystems – surface water that is critical to the economic and social fabric of the San Joaquin Valley, particularly as groundwater supplies become less accessible as a result of implementing California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. We thank our partners at the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Marine Fisheries Service for their hard work and diligence in ensuring that this action was able to take place prior to the beginning of operations for this winter, and especially the many federal employees whose dedication, long-hours, and commitment to public service made this possible.”
“The Water Authority and its members look forward to building on this development through further partnerships and investments in science that can inform future operational improvements – improvements that can enhance surface water supply reliability and ensure the protection and long-term recovery of California’s listed species.”
Specifically, the ROD updates the operations of the Projects by:
(1) Removing the Delta Smelt Summer and Fall Habitat Action (Fall X2), in response to findings by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that the action is not anticipated to have observable effects on delta smelt survival,
(2) Removing the early implementation measure of the Delta export reduction of the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes (“HRL”) program, in response to uncertainties associated with the timing of potential adoption and implementation of the HRL Program by California’s State Water Resources Control Board,
(3) Updating the Delta operating criteria to expand the opportunities for Old and Middle River (“OMR”) management at no more negative than -5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), and a stormflex action of -6,500 cfs, including the use of predictive tools for real-time assessment of environmental conditions.
Statement from the Westlands Water District
Today, the Bureau of Reclamation signed the Record of Decision for Action 5, which updates the long-term operations of the Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP). These operational refinements reflect a thoughtful, data-informed approach that strengthens water supply availability for growers while maintaining California’s commitment to environmental stewardship. In less than a year’s time, Reclamation developed and adopted Action 5 for a water management operation that benefits communities, agriculture, and the environment alike.
Westlands has long advocated for the need to modernize regulations through a common-sense approach that strikes a balance between supporting a resilient and strong agricultural economy, quality drinking water, and a healthy environment. By operating within the existing environmental review, Reclamation was able to move quickly and responsibly to deliver on President Trump’s Executive Order 14181, directing federal agencies to maximize water deliveries, and adhering to Executive Order 14303, implementing the Gold Standard of Science. Action 5 is also consistent with the direction in Executive Order N-16-25, issued by Governor Newsom to state agencies to maximize water supplies.
Westlands is grateful for the Trump Administration’s rapid development and adoption of Action 5, resulting in focused changes to the CVP operations plan that was adopted last December, while providing the same or better environmental and ecosystem protections as last year’s plan.
“These changes will help ensure that our growers have the water they need to support local communities and the nation’s food supply, while also protecting California’s wildlife,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager, Westlands Water District. “Action 5 is a testament to what can be accomplished with a data-driven, results-focused adaptation to water supply operations.”
For Central Valley Project South-of-Delta agricultural contractors like Westlands, Action 5 is expected to deliver an average of 85,000 acre-feet per year of additional water. This increased supply will help keep more land in production, reduce reliance on groundwater, support the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and strengthen the economic vitality of the region.
Key elements of Action 5 include:
- Removal of the Delta Smelt Summer and Fall Habitat Action (Fall X2): Based on the 2024 USFWS Biological Opinion, this action is not believed to yield benefits to Delta smelt.
- Elimination of Early Implementation Measures for Healthy Rivers and Landscapes/Voluntary Agreements: Early implementation was anticipated, but is no longer possible in the near-term, nor are the processes needed to evaluate the effects of early implementation.
- Updated Delta Operating Criteria: The Old and Middle River (OMR) requirement is set at no more negative than -5,000 cfs (from -3,500 cfs), or higher during certain conditions. Fisheries monitoring and evaluations conducted over the past 20 years have demonstrated a low, nearly insignificant, effect on endangered aquatic species at this level.
- Revised Governance Structure: Ensures that any actions restricting water supply are based on population-level benefits to listed species, using predictive tools for real-time environmental assessment and decision-making.
These changes are grounded in the best available science and ensure that environmental protections remain robust, while water supply improves. Westlands remains committed to continuing to work with all stakeholders to advance California’s water supply and management. Together, we can achieve a water system that works well for people, food production, and the environment.
Statement from the Winnemem Wintu Tribe
Caleen Sisk, Chief and Spiritual Leader for the Winnemem Wintu Tribe: “Our Tribe is working hard to restore healthy Central Valley salmon runs and return salmon to the McCloud River, the Tribe’s homeland. This new decision by the Bureau of Reclamation to cut protections for Winter Run Chinook salmon threatens a salmon run that is at the heart of the Tribe’s history, religion and culture. The State of California has worked hard to help us find a way to return salmon to the McCloud River. We urge the State to fight this federal decision that threatens salmon in the Sacramento River and in the Delta. We can’t successfully return salmon to our river above Shasta Dam if the federal government kills those same salmon below Shasta Dam.”
In other California water news today …
‘A bit like poker,’ California’s wet winter brings La Niña/El Niño confusion
“Californians can be excused for being confused about the weather forecast. Scientists in October said La Niña had arrived, which many associate with dry conditions, particularly in the Southland. But we have instead experienced a very wet season — at least so far — with rain bringing much-needed moisture to the brush, likely putting an end to the autumn fire season, and helping to keep the state’s reservoirs in good shape. So what is going on? It is still true that La Niña tends to correlate with dry water years, which the National Weather Service defines as from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. … But La Niña “doesn’t always mean drought,” said meteorologist Jan Null, an adjunct professor at San Jose State University. In fact, out of the seven La Niñas seen over the last 15 years, three were whoppers when it came to rain. …” Read more from the LA Times. | Read via AOL News.
Drought Status Update for California-Nevada
“Water Year 2026 (October 1, 2025–September 20, 2026) began very differently than Water Year 2025. Drought developed in the first few months of the last water year and expanded over the region. This water year, over the course of 2 months, drought across California-Nevada has improved by 1-3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Since the start of the 2026 Water Year on October 1, several areas of California-Nevada have received more than 300% of normal water year to date precipitation, improving soil moisture conditions. Snowpack is starting to build, albeit slowly due to much-above-normal temperatures. Long-term drought (according to the U.S. Drought Monitor) lingers from central-southern Nevada to the California border, an extension of drought conditions from the Southwestern U.S. Extended range outlooks remain uncertain for December. NOAA’s National Weather Service forecasts a break in precipitation over the next two weeks, with slight indications for Southern California to be drier than normal through February.” Read the full update from NIDIS.
Research: Californian water suppliers consistently overestimate water demand
A study of 61 water suppliers in California found that projections of water demand from 2000 to 2020 consistently overestimated actual demand — by 25% for five-year projections and by 74% for 20-year projections, on average. Water demand per capita, which suppliers typically assumed to be stable or growing, dropped nearly 2% per year over the study period. Researchers attribute this to an increase in rebate programs and mandatory regulations for limiting outdoor water use. As climate change makes water conservation more uncertain, they write, water suppliers should improve forecasting methods to avoid needless infrastructure costs and support sustainable water management. Read the paper at Water Resources Research.
Most threatened and endangered Pacific Coast salmon populations increased after listings
“Most Pacific Coast salmon and steelhead listed under the Endangered Species Act have increased in abundance over the past 25 years, arresting earlier declines. These findings were published in new research by NOAA Fisheries scientists who have studied the species. The scientists examined trends in 28 population groups, called distinct population segments, within five species of salmon and steelhead listed from 1989 to 2007. These groups represent specific geographic areas and genetic characteristics, and are the smallest units that can be listed under the Act. The scientists found that a majority of the population groups protected as threatened or endangered increased in abundance. None disappeared into extinction. Protected population groups also increased faster than unprotected populations of the same species. … ” Continue reading from NOAA Fisheries.
Ground zero: Golden Mussels threaten Delta boaters with skyrocketing maintenance costs
“A rapidly growing infestation of invasive golden mussels is raising concerns among engineers, boaters, and water agencies as the species spreads through the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife believes the Golden mussels originated in China or Southeast Asia. They are believed to have arrived in the Delta through bilge water from international shipping. They thrive on submerged hardened surfaces, reproducing quickly and creating dense colonies that are difficult to remove. … ” Read more from KMPH.
In commentary today …
Rescinding Public Lands Rule would hurt recreation economy
John Haschak, a Mendocino County supervisor, writes, “Here on the North Coast of California, public lands and waters define our way of life. The rivers, Bureau of Land Management lands and forests in and around Mendocino County provide us with clean drinking water and places to get outside to hike, hunt, fish and more. They create sustainable outdoor recreation and tourism jobs. These public lands make up our cultural and economic fibers. How they’re managed impacts us every day. As a Mendocino County supervisor, I am keenly aware of how local governments need to manage the real-world impacts of land and water policies that are sometimes decided thousands of miles away in Washington without proper transparency and public input. That’s why I was deeply concerned when the Trump administration announced its intention to fully rescind the Public Lands Rule. … ” Continue reading at the Marin Independent Journal.
In regional water news and commentary today …
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
It’s not ‘land stewardship’ vs ‘building resiliency’ – it’s all taking care of the land
“Looking at a map of large fires in the Sierra Nevada reveals a “green island” amidst the burn scars: Nevada County. We often hear it’s not if, but when a large fire will fill this gap. How we protect the land and our homes depends on who you ask – or does it? In late October, the Resilience Project of Western Nevada County launched to answer that question. The goal: move beyond language and get to work.“We sat down and thought about how can we all be from different areas and come up with solutions,” said District 4 Supervisor Sue Hoek, a member of a multi-generational ranching family. “I think it takes a huge village to make something happen. Because I don’t think there’s anybody in here that doesn’t love where we live.” District 5 Supervisor Hardy Bullock added that while he and Sue Hoek often disagree, that friction is useful. “We drew a Venn diagram about the things we agreed on and we focused on that,” Bullock said. “When you get in a room of this size with people like us… I find that we have more in common than we do have differences.” … ” Read more from YubaNet.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Community water meeting draws about 20 in Red Bluff
“On Wednesday night, around 20 people gathered in a meeting room at the Red Bluff Community Center to hear updates and get information about groundwater in the county. Water Resources Deputy Director of Public Works Justin Jenson said he has done “a bit” of outreach in the county, and he rarely sees that level of turnout, so he was happy to see the small crowd. Information was presented by Jenson, as well as technical consultants from Luhdorff & Scalmanini Consulting Engineers, and facilitators from the Consensus Building Institute. The meeting started at 6 p.m., and the presentations wrapped up around 7:30 p.m., at which point the facilitators opened the floor to public questions. At this stage, tensions rose somewhat, as members of the public expressed concerns and frustration, primarily around future fees and how the money would be spent. … ” Read more from the Red Bluff Daily News.
BAY AREA
Dublin San Ramon Services District receives national honor for effective water-reuse efforts
“The Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) recently earned the 2025 Utility of the Future Today award from the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and its national partners for leadership in water reuse. WEF is a national organization that honors utilities across the country for advancing sustainability and environmental protection. Arun Goel, DSRSD board president, told The Independent that the recognition reflects the district’s long-term commitment to collaboration and sustainability. “Through strong collaboration with our partners, DSRSD is advancing recycled water initiatives, safeguarding precious drinking water resources and promoting environmental stewardship for a sustainable future,” he said. … ” Read more from the Livermore Independent.
CENTRAL COAST
Program to turn food waste into biogas launches in Monterey County
“A new program designed to turn food scraps into electricity and renewable natural gas that could eventually help power homes in Monterey County launched with a celebratory kickoff this week. Monterey One Water held a ribbon-cutting on Dec. 2 at its Marina facility for a new food waste receiving and co-digestion program that will divert up to 51,000 tons of organic food waste from local landfills annually. “It all begins with food waste,” Monterey One Water Executive Officer Paul Sciuto said. “This includes things like spoiled food, produce scraps, leftovers from grocery stores and restaurants.” By adding a food-waste receiving station and upgrades to existing anaerobic digesters, Monterey One now combines food waste with wastewater biosolids to significantly increase biogas production. … ” Read more from the Salinas Californian.
Study: Vistra battery plant fire left 55,000 pounds of heavy metals in wetland soil
“Scientists are now getting a clearer picture of how last winter’s fire at the Vistra battery plant in Moss Landing has affected nearby wetlands. Researchers at San José State University’s Moss Landing Marine Labs have been monitoring the Elkhorn Slough area since the fire more than 10 months ago. Their new study estimates roughly 55,000 pounds of heavy metals are now embedded in the wetland’s soil. “We set out to understand whether there was any impact on the local wetlands,” said Ivano Aiello with SJSU’s Moss Landing Lab. … ” Read more from KSBY.
San Miguel CSD prepares to remove decades of ‘sludge’ from wastewater ponds
“Months after the Machado Wastewater Treatment Facility received approval for a $54 million expansion, the San Miguel Community Services District (CSD) is preparing to clean up more than 20 years of accumulated sludge to prepare for the upgrades. For nearly two decades, two of the facility’s four treatment ponds have collected sludge without any full-scale removal. “As the solids accumulate in the ponds, it reduces efficiency, reducing the plant’s ability to break down additional solids,” San Miguel CSD General Manager Kelly Dodds explained in an email to New Times. “If the solids levels are allowed to build too much, the solids start carrying over in the plant effluent, affecting the effluent quality.” … ” Read more from New Times SLO.
Cambria’s Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Management Plan set for first updates in 20 years
“The Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) is moving forward with the first update to the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Management Plan in more than 20 years. The 437-acre coastal preserve stretches along the Pacific Ocean, with rolling grasslands, dense groves of Monterey pines and oaks, and cliffside trails that offer sweeping views of the bluff and ocean below. “Updating the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Management Plan is an essential step toward ensuring the long-term, sustainable stewardship of one of Cambria’s most significant public assets,” CCSD General Manager Matthew McElhenie told New Times in an email. … ” Read more from New Times SLO.
EASTERN SIERRA
Settlement wipes out $24 million in groundwater fee debt, removes pipeline opposition in high desert dispute
“A settlement between a desert mining company and groundwater authority in eastern Kern County will erase $24 million in past groundwater fees by allowing the company to use other sources, including 2,000 acre feet of reclaimed water. In exchange Searles Valley Minerals agreed to drop its lawsuits against the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority and not oppose its planned pipeline project to import water from the Antelope Valley, according to recent press releases. Searles will, however, continue to “actively participate” in a larger legal action, known as an “adjudication,” in which a judge will ultimately determine how much water can be pumped from the Indian Wells Valley basin and who has rights to that water. Though the groundwater authority characterized the settlement as a “partnership” and the “beginning of cooperative planning” in its Nov. 20 press release, Searles was less collegial. In its own press release, the company stated it would actively participate in the “safe yield” portion of the adjudication set for trial in June 2026. It will also continue to oppose Assembly Bill 1413, which would require judges in adjudications to accept local groundwater authorities’ safe yield figures. AB 1413 was tabled in the last legislative session but could come back as a two-year bill. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Snowpack delivers good news; SCV Water issues reminder
“There was good news flowing downstream from the latest Northern California snowpack measurement, local water officials said Monday. Kevin Strauss, spokesman for the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, said in a phone interview Monday that the latest measurements likely mean the area is on pace to meet or exceed last year’s allocation. The state’s Department of Water Resources announced an initial State Water Project allocation of 10% of requested supplies for the new water year, which started Oct. 1. The figure represents the first water-supply forecast of the season for roughly 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland served by the State Water Project. “The initial allocation of 10% is an increase from the allocation that was initially in December of last year. So, it’s a positive sign for the weather to come for the projections of what the snowpack will be in the available water supplies from the State Water Project,” Strauss said. … ” Read more from The Signal.
Replumbing Los Angeles – painfully slowly
Professor Jonathan Zasloff writes, “This caught my attention last week: The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power says it has captured nearly 5.5 billion gallons of water since Oct. 1 following the recent storms. Mayor Karen Bass’ office announced the estimate on Tuesday, saying it’s enough to serve almost 68,000 homes for an entire year. According to the National Weather Service, downtown Los Angeles received more than five and a half inches of rain in November, making it the 5th wettest November on record – that’s dating back to 1877. My first thought was that was big news: 5.5 billion gallons. But 68,000 homes isn’t as big as it sounds: ot basically totals a little less than 2% of Angelenos. Later in the article, DWP CEO Janisse Quiñones promises an annual average of 48,9 billion gallons, or 150,000 acre feet: but that actually represents only about 17% of the City. Why can’t Los Angeles do better? Using advanced journalistic techniques unknown to most reporters, I picked up the phone and spoke with Art Castro, the head of the Department’s stormwater replenishment program. … ” Read more from Legal Planet.
Metropolitan highlights storage as California SWP opens at 10%
“On December 1, the California Department of Water Resources set the initial State Water Project allocation at ten percent. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the largest State Water Project contractor, responded by placing this early forecast in a long-term context that reflects both storage preparedness and the uncertainties of a California winter. General Manager Deven Upadhyay described the ten percent allocation as a familiar starting point that accounts for early-season hydrology and reservoir levels. He noted that recent storms are encouraging and added that Southern California could see an increase in supplies if the remainder of the wet season proves productive. … ” Read more from Western Water.
Post-fire survey reveals quality habitat after fire in Trabuco Creek
“Trabuco Creek was one of many coastal waterways in Southern California that historically supported annual runs of Southern steelhead. However, like many other Southern California watersheds, dams, water diversions, and bridges were built – some of which are migratory barriers that prevent anadromous fish from accessing the upper portions of these coastal rivers and streams where prime spawning habitat exists. Southern steelhead are an iconic species that migrates between the ocean and freshwater, and their presence is a key indicator of healthy watersheds. However, they are on the brink of extinction. Two barriers in particular along Trabuco Creek located in the city of San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, only 3 miles inland from the ocean, have blocked fish passage since the mid-1900’s. Southern steelhead populations have been largely extirpated from 15 miles of Trabuco Creek habitat, including the headwaters in Cleveland National Forest where the fish traditionally spawned. … ” Read more from CalTrout.
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
California lawmaker calls for public review of massive Imperial Valley data center project
“Democratic state Sen. Steve Padilla is calling for public review of a massive data center designed to power generative artificial intelligence technology that has been proposed in the heart of the Imperial Valley. The planned data center would be located on unincorporated land near the center of the city of Imperial. Many Imperial Valley residents learned that it was in the works just last week when officials in the city of Imperial released a notice online. According to the notice, county officials decided in early November that the project would not have to undergo an environmental review. … ” Read more from KPBS.
SEE ALSO: Senator questions exemption for proposed Imperial County data center, from the Desert Review
Developer defends proposed 330 MW Data Center, calls project a major economic boost
“The developer behind a proposed 330-megawatt AI data center in Imperial County is defending the project as a long-planned, economically significant investment amid recent concerns raised by the City of Imperial. In a letter responding to the city’s comments on grading activities, the developer, Sebastian Rucci, emphasized that the project—expected to generate millions in annual tax revenue, create more than 1,500 construction jobs and support about 100 permanent high-skilled positions—represents “a transformative infrastructure investment” with lasting regional benefits. The data center campus, which would be the largest in California by both electrical load and physical footprint, is planned on land zoned for industrial use for more than 27 years. “We deliberately selected land zoned for industrial use, where data centers are a permitted use as-of-right,” Rucci wrote, noting that nearby homes were built with “full notice that industrial development—including data centers—was always a potential and lawful use.” … ” Read more from the Imperial Valley Press.
SAN DIEGO
Tijuana River sewage still pollutes the San Diego Coast. She’s fighting to clean it up
“Hours after a November storm, the Tijuana River flooded a grove of trees in Imperial Beach, gushed through a row of calverts and exploded into mounds of fetid foam. This is ground zero for the contaminated river, which sickens thousands of people in southern San Diego County. “The Tijuana River is one of, if not the most polluted, river in the entire United States,” said San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre, who viewed the overflowing river wearing black rain boots and a hot pink respirator mask. “The river is carrying dangerous chemicals, pollutants, pathogens and toxic gases that are impacting South San Diego communities.” The site, known as the Saturn Boulevard hot spot, is part of a system of polluted waterways and failed sewage treatment plants in the cross-border region. In the ocean, the contamination leaves swimmers and surfers with breathing problems, digestive illness and rashes. Unsafe conditions have closed parts of the Imperial Beach shoreline for three years. … ” Read more from Cal Matters.
Along the Colorado River …
Autumn rains delay Colorado River Basin-wide reservoir depletion
“Unusually wet conditions in the Basin in October and November 2025, combined with reduced releases from some reservoirs, led to a basin-wide increase in storage for the two-month period. The combined contents of Lake Powell and Lake Mead increased during the two months for only the second time since 2010, and storage in the San Juan River basin increased by 19%, especially in Vallecito and Navajo Reservoirs. These changes were a welcome respite from the relentless depletion of storage that has dominated the last few years. Nevertheless, the upcoming winter snow season is predicted to be below average, and total active storage in the Basin is less than a 2 year supply when compared with recent Basin-wide consumptive uses and losses. … ” Read more from Inkstain Blog.
Commentary: Government owns the damns [sic lol]. Who owns the water?
Greg Walcher, president of the Natural Resources Group and author of “Smoking Them Out: The Theft of the Environment and How to Take it Back,” writes, “A couple years ago, I criticized the Bureau of Reclamation for draining Blue Mesa Reservoir without bothering to warn anyone. I got a little pushback for saying that while the bureau owned the dam, it did not own the water. A close friend and water lawyer told me to be careful, that the bureau does in fact own some water rights in the Gunnison River. I admit the legal nuance but insist it is a debatable point. Congress did not fund such projects so that the government could own and control western water. The Colorado River Storage Project Act of 1956 authorized the Aspinall Unit (including Blue Mesa), named for the late House Interior Committee Chairman Wayne Aspinall (D-Colo.). He spoke often about water projects, and I was in the room a number of times. He talked about the vital importance of agriculture to the Southwest, and the needs of growing populations. He never talked about flows for endangered fish, and not once did he suggest the bureau should keep people from using the water stored in the reservoirs, much less decide who could use it. … So, who owns the water in federal reservoirs? It is a fascinating debate that has raged for years, and the U.S. Supreme Court may be about to weigh in on it again. … ” Read more from the Grand Junction Sentinel.
NASA satellite data show decrease in Colorado River Basin aquifers
“The Colorado River is one of the most famous rivers in the United States, in part because of the Grand Canyon and other iconic landscapes it and its tributaries have created. The river is also notable because its water provides the American Southwest with large reservoirs, notably Lakes Mead and Powell. Millions of people in this desert region rely on the Colorado River for water, and it is also critical for local agriculture. Increasing demands for the Colorado River’s water, combined with changing weather patterns in the region, have led to noticeably lower water levels in its major reservoirs. These declines are easy to see as “bathtub rings” on the shorelines of Lakes Mead and Powell. The marks of high water levels in the lake, compared to where the current reservoir levels stand, indicate that every drop of this vital resource is being used. … ” Read more from NASA.
Interior Secretary Burgum tours Arizona water systems with ADWR, CAP and SRP leadership
“In late November, the Arizona Department of Water Resources, along with the Central Arizona Project and the Salt River Project, led a tour of vital Arizona water systems for U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Andrea Travnicek, the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, who has helmed Colorado River negotiations on behalf of the federal government since her confirmation earlier this fall. ADWR Deputy Director Clint Chandler and CAP General Manager Brenda Burman briefed the Secretary on Arizona’s considerable efforts in recent years to support the Colorado River system, while SRP’s Associate General Manager of Water Resources Leslie Meyers spoke about the critical ways SRP and CAP can support one another with water exchanges. … ” Read more from the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
Nevada tribe seeks review of ruling built on Navajo Nation water case
“A Nevada tribe is asking a federal appeals court to reconsider a ruling that relies in part on a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision involving the Navajo Nation, a case that reshaped the limits of federal responsibility for tribal water rights. The Winnemucca Indian Colony this week petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit for an en banc rehearing of a decision that dismissed its $208 million breach of trust lawsuit against the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The tribe argues the court wrongly applied the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Arizona v. Navajo Nation to justify the dismissal of its claims involving the diversion of existing tribal water. … ” Read more from the Navajo Times.
First-of-a-kind rules to protect Colorado streams, wetlands face final hearing
“Draft rules designed to implement a landmark bipartisan law to protect thousands of miles of streams and vast wetlands have triggered an angry dispute among environmental groups, state health officials and lawmakers just days before a Dec. 8 state hearing to finalize them. The draft rules cover dozens of issues related to how the state will regulate construction, homebuilding and farming activities that disturb waters and wetlands. The idea is to protect these natural resources while giving businesses the flexibility they need to operate. But it is one definition of a farm-based wetland that has everyone up in arms, with industry groups and a prominent Republican lawmaker claiming that new wording doesn’t honor the intent of the 2024 law. … ” Read more from the Colorado Sun.
In national water news today …
Are there forever chemicals in your water? Here’s the latest data.
“Drinking water for at least one of every seven Americans – about 49.5 million people – contains unsafe levels of “forever chemicals,” according to new test results the Environmental Protection Agency published in November. Since the EPA last updated these records in August, over 100 additional public drinking water systems have reported yearly averages of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, that exceed new limits the EPA approved in 2024. USA TODAY’s analysis of the records shows water utilities in Anaheim and San Jose, California, and Brownsville, Texas, have now joined the 944 systems scattered across the country that have recently failed to meet the new EPA standards. … ” Read more from USA Today.
SEE ALSO: PFAS or Not?: TOF Analysis Poses Tough Challenges for Identifying PFAS, from JD Supra
Federal wildlife agencies propose ESA changes including narrowing the scope of consultation
“On November 21, 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) released four proposed rules revising implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Two proposed rules issued jointly by USFWS and NMFS (together referred to as the Services) relate to (i) interagency consultation and (ii) listing/delisting of species and designation of critical habitat. Two additional proposed rules issued solely by USFWS relate to (iii) critical habitat exclusions and (iv) threatened species protections. These alterations to the ESA framework could impact local land use and economic development priorities, advancement of public infrastructure, and federal water project operations. … ” Read more from Best Best & Krieger.
