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In California water news this weekend …
Trump administration proposes Colorado River options that could hit California hard
“The Trump administration has released an outline of four new options for dealing with the Colorado River’s deepening water shortages, and they could dramatically cut the amount of water available for Southern California. Several of the alternatives are “alarming” because they could mean major water cutbacks for Southern California, said Shivaji Deshmukh, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District, which distributes water in the region. He said any of the alternatives would likely “lead to lengthy litigation.” “The various alternatives highlight the significant risks we could face if we don’t reach an agreement,” Deshmukh said. “Our Colorado River supply cannot be randomly slashed.” … ” Read more from the LA Times. | Read via AOL News.
Metropolitan statement on federal release of Draft EIS for Colorado River operations
Metropolitan Water District General Manager Shivaji Deshmukh: “The release of today’s Draft EIS is yet another wake-up call that we need a consensus agreement supported by all water users that rely on the Colorado River. None of the five alternatives analyzed by the Bureau of Reclamation are endorsed by any of the Basin States. The various alternatives highlight the significant risks we could face if we don’t reach an agreement. And implementation of any alternatives would likely lead to lengthy litigation. Several of the alternatives are particularly alarming for Metropolitan, indicating potentially dramatic cuts to our supply. While the people and communities we serve are committed to reducing their use through conservation and investments in new supplies, our Colorado River supply cannot be randomly slashed. Our people, our economy, our state depend on this river – half of the 40 million people who rely on this critical water source live in Southern California. That is why we are so committed to forging a path to sustainability that all states can support. The Draft EIS serves an important role, analyzing a range of possibilities for future operations, but we can do better. We must do better.”
Colorado River basin states get first look at proposed operating rules
“The seven states that rely on the Colorado River for water are racing against time to avoid getting drenched by an operational plan they don’t like. The latest alarm on the ticking clock sounded Friday with the release of a draft environmental impact statement proposing new guidelines for managing and operating Lake Powell and Lake Mead. The statement issued by the federal Bureau of Reclamation, called an EIS, would take effect when existing agreements expire at year’s end. It’s an option the states are trying to avoid as they work toward negotiating a new agreement, as opposed to the federal government imposing one on them. “To provide stability and predictability to [Colorado River] basin water users, the secretary [of the Interior] intends that the interim period extend approximately 20 years,” the bureau said in the report. “However, given the ongoing efforts toward achieving consensus among various basin entities regarding appropriate post-2026 operations, the secretary remains open to a shorter duration or phased implementation as part of a longer-term framework.” … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service.
Feds release draft long-term plans for Colorado River management
“Amid stalled state negotiations over how to share the Colorado River’s dwindling water supply, the Bureau of Reclamation on Friday released a range of options that will serve as the foundation for how to manage the river’s largest reservoirs – Lake Mead and Lake Powell. The highly anticipated 1,600-page document details five alternative proposals that will guide new water management rules to replace the current ones set to expire in August 2026. The proposals primarily focus on the operation of Lake Mead’s Hoover Dam and Lake Powell’s Glen Canyon Dam. The seven states that share the river’s flows have been deadlocked for nearly two years over how to govern the waterway through the coming decades — even as water levels at Lake Mead and Lake Powell are forecasted to reach record lows after two straight years of disappointing snowpack across the West. The alternatives include a compliance option that could be implementable in 2027 if states can’t reach a seven-state agreement on how to share the river’s water supply, however under that alternative Nevada, Arizona, and California would face water shortages up to 1.48 million acre-feet. … ” Read more from the Nevada Current.
SEE ALSO:
- Colorado River plan could bring sweeping water cuts to California, from the Desert Sun
- Reclamation releases draft environmental review for post-2026 Colorado River operations, press release from the Bureau of Reclamation
- Feds begin review of 5 possible plans for Colorado River shortages, from the Arizona Central
- Feds release draft report outlining management plans for Colorado River’s future, from the Colorado Sun
- 5 alternatives for Colorado River water released; some new ideas, some sacred cows, from KLAS
- Bureau of Reclamation charts potential paths forward for Colorado River, from the Las Vegas Review-Journal
In other California water news …
California is free of all drought, dryness for first time in 25 years. Inside the remarkable turnaround
“After experiencing one of the wettest holiday seasons on record, still soggy California hit a major milestone this week — having zero areas of abnormal dryness for the first time in 25 years. The data, collected by the U.S. Drought Monitor, are a welcome nugget of news for Golden State residents, who in the last 15 years alone have lived through two of the worst droughts on record, the worst wildfire seasons on record and the most destructive wildfires ever. Right now, the wildfire risk across California is “about as close to zero as it ever gets,” and there is likely no need to worry about the state’s water supply for the rest of the year, said University of California climate scientist Daniel Swain. Currently, 14 of the state’s 17 major water supply reservoirs are at 70% or more capacity, according to the California Department of Water Resources. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News.
Lake monsters: Here’s why sturgeon grow to be so big in Shasta Lake
“For anyone who’s been lucky enough to take a trip to Shasta Lake, you’ve surely heard of the legend of giant sturgeon sitting on the bottom of the lake. I have to admit, the legends even freaked me out as a kid. With modern-day photos and videos, we’ve actually seen some of these fish reach up to 500 pounds. So why the heck do they get so big? That’s actually a story that’s 75 years in the making. Sturgeon are an ancient species of fish that have been known to grow to 12 feet long at up to 3,000 pounds (the record sturgeon weighed in at 3,463 pounds. These distinct look fish live most of their lives feeding at the bottom river deltas near the ocean, like the Sacramento River delta, and swim upstream to spawn. Their life cycle is typically 50-60 years, but they can grow as old as 100 years. … ” Read more from Active NorCal.
Underneath California Forever
“State Route 12 cut to the horizon line of Solano County. Somewhere out of sight lay the small town of Rio Vista and the Delta. But about an hour northeast of San Francisco, midway through southern Solano, grasses swayed, wicked dry and golden by months of sun, shimmering in the day’s warmth. Al Medvitz and Jeanne McCormack—a few years married, on summer break from their studies at Harvard University in the late ’70s—drove down the road. For McCormack, it was a homecoming to the Rio Vista ranch where she grew up, like her father before her, and her grandfather before him. For Medvitz, this was an inaugural visit to his wife’s family’s roots. Looking out the car window, he took in the uniform landscape and thought: It’s kind of barren. McCormack turned to Medvitz. “Oh, isn’t this so beautiful?” … Season by season, Solano County has won over Medvitz: the bright green of the winter hills, the golden grain in the wind, the thick silver cords of the Delta. He has spent almost 40 years living and farming here. Now, he calls it beautiful, and worries about what might come next. … ” Read more from Bay Nature.
California launches new wildfire tracking technology to identify risks
The California Natural Resources Agency, working with state and federal partners, launched the state’s first-ever LiDAR mapping data platform that can identify wildfire risks.
RELATED: Last week, Governor Newsom took action to extend fast-tracking wildfire safety projects. Now, projects have until May 1 to apply for streamlined approvals. Already, nearly 220 projects spanning over 40,000 acres have been fast-tracked since March – fuel breaks, prescribed burns and other types of projects to protect us from catastrophic wildfire. Check out this story map for progress.
In people news this weekend …
Promotions, passings, profiles – submit people news items to maven@mavensnotebook.com.
Richard Atwater retires after 40 years of dedicated service to the water industry
“The Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD or the District) announces the retirement of Richard Atwater from its Board of Directors, effective February 1, 2026. Mr. Atwater was appointed Director in 2006 and served as Foothill’s representative to Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s (Metropolitan) Board from 2014 to 2023. Director Atwater has been an invaluable member of the District and the broader water industry for over four decades. Director Atwater’s career has been marked by significant contributions and commitment to government, water resource and environmental management in resolving complex water problems throughout the western United States. “I have enjoyed my time working in the water industry and developing new ways of solving the water supply challenges that southern California has,” said Director Atwater. “Conservation, recycling, stormwater capture and groundwater recharge are the best ways we can be self-sustaining especially considering the uncertainties we are facing due to climate change. … ” Read more from the Foothills MWD.
Dorene D’Adamo reappointed to the State Water Resources Control Board
From the Office of the Governor: Dorene D’Adamo, of Turlock, has been reappointed to the State Water Resources Control Board, where she has served since 2013. D’Adamo was a Senior Policy Advisor for the Office of Congressman Jim Costa in the United States Congress from 2013 to 2014. She was a Senior Policy Advisor for the Office of Congressman Dennis Cardoza in the United States Congress from 2003 to 2012. She was Legal Counsel for the Office of Congressman Gary Condit in the United States Congress from 1994 to 2003. D’Adamo was a Member on the California Air Resources Board from 1999 to 2013. She was Legislative Director for the Office Congressman Gary Condit in the United States Congress from 1990 to 1991. D’Adamo was a Visiting Instructor at California State University, Stanislaus from 1992 to 1998. She was an Associate Attorney at the Law Offices of Perry and Wildman from 1992 to 1994. D’Adamo was a Policy Consultant at D’Adamo Consulting from 1991 to 1992. She was Assistant Director of Legislation for the California Youth Authority from 1988 to 1990. D’Adamo was Legal Counsel at the California State Assembly Committee on Public Safety from 1986 to 1988. D’Adamo earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Service at the University of California, Davis. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $186,271. D’Adamo is a Democrat.
Central Coast Water Authority appoints Peter Thompson new Executive Director
The Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Peter Thompson has been appointed as the new executive director, effective May 15, 2026. Before serving as executive director, Thompson will serve as the associate director from Feb. 9, 2026, to May 14, 2026. Ray Stokes, CCWA’s current executive director, will retire in 2026 after nearly 30 years with CCWA and 13 years as its executive director. “As I conclude my career at the Central Coast Water Authority, I’m excited for what lies ahead for the Authority,” said Stokes. “The selection of Peter Thompson as the next executive director is an excellent choice, and I’m certain that with Peter’s extensive background and knowledge of the State Water Project, CCWA will build on the foundations established over the past 35 years to ensure the Authority is able to continue to deliver high-quality supplemental water to the entities it serves in Santa Barbara County.” … ” Read more from the Central Coast Water Authority.
‘Showed up when called.’ Remembering Doug LaMalfa’s time of service
“North State conservative Nadine Bailey remembers her early days working as a field representative for former California State Sen. Sam Aanestad more than 20 years ago. It was then when she got to know Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who at the time was representing District 2 in the California State Assembly. Aanestad had defeated former Assemblyman and former Redding Mayor Dick Dickerson in a contentious race between Republicans. Bailey remembers Shasta County voters were still upset that Aanestad had won. “And Doug, who didn’t know me but he knew Sam, bridged that gap. Whenever he would introduce me (at community events), he would say, ‘I want you to treat her like you treat me.’ And we became friends because of that,” Bailey said Tuesday morning, Jan. 6. … ” Read more from the Redding Record Searchlight.
Podcasts …
RIPPLE EFFECT: California water markets
Matthew Fienup, CEO and Founder of H2Omarkets.com and Executive Director of the Center for Research and Forecasting at California Lutheran University, joins us to discuss his involvement in the development of California water markets. We dive deep into the fascinating history of California water rights and how newly developed fair-trade water markets address critical groundwater scarcity issues. By critically focusing on communication and fair representation for all parties involved, Matthew and his colleagues achieved an astonishing 100% unanimous agreement on the implementation of these water market systems and 80% participation in the market in the first year.
SIERRA NEVADA ALLY: Where’s the mountain snow we love?
As of Jan. 7, Sierra snow pack is at 91% of normal for this time of year, buoyed by more than usual snow in the Southern Sierra. For the Tahoe area, mountain snow pack is slightly lower, 89% of the normal amount by this date. The mountains are seeing precipitation, but with warmer temperatures, it’s falling as rain. What does the late, and warmer, start to the snow season mean for the region, local businesses and more? We turn to our environmental contributor Claire Carlson who joins Ally Audio to talk about her latest story and what she found out.
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING: Down by the Levee
Every year we hear of levee failures across the continent. Usually, they are associated with rainfall events and virtually always adversely impacting people and properties. Hurricane Katrina was one such event that brought levee failures and their consequences into the minds of all Americans and nations around the world. What is a levee and how does its purpose become compromised. 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 530-205-6388TALKING UNDER WATER: EPA proposal for perchlorate MCL, new PFAS treatment, and infrastructure failures
In this episode of Talking Under Water, Mandy Crispin and Bob Crossen discuss the EPA’s proposal to establish a national primary drinking water regulation for perchlorate under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The hosts break down the proposed rule, monitoring requirements, cost implications, and what utilities should prepare for, plus give updates on PFAS treatment research and recent wastewater spills.
In regional water news this weekend …
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Cal Water begins infrastructure upgrade to water system in Chico, installing treatment equipment to comply with PFAS regulations
“On Friday, the California Water Service announced that they have started a significant water infrastructure upgrade in central Chico this week. The project aims to improve water quality and supply by meeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2029 deadline for new PFAS regulations. “This is going to be another busy year for our team as we remain focused on improving water quality, along with supply and system reliability for our customers’ everyday and emergency needs,” said Evan Markey, District Manager of Cal Water’s Chico District. “Providing safe, clean, reliable drinking water to our customers’ homes remains our top priority,” Markey said. Crews will install approximately 3,100 feet of new eight-inch and six-inch water main to enhance water supply reliability and fire protection. … ” Read more from Action News Now.
NAPA/SONOMA
3 coastal beaches cleared for public use after Russian River sewage spill
“Three coastal beaches in Sonoma County were cleared for public use Friday, days after heavy rains led to a raw sewage spill into the Russian River. Water tests from Doran, Campbell Cove and Salmon Creek beaches all came back within acceptable ranges and those beaches are now safe to visit, according to the Sonoma County Environmental Health department. People are still being told to stay out of the water at Gualala, Black Point, Stillwater and Goat Rock beaches until more test results come back, which could happen as soon as Monday. Beaches on the Russian River downstream from the Russian River County Sanitation District treatment plant spill in Guerneville are still off-limits, as well, according to health officials. … ” Read more from NorCal Public Media.
BAY AREA
Stunning stretch of California coastline opens to public for first time in 100 years
“A windswept stretch of undeveloped Sonoma coast, privately owned for a century and containing a sandy beach that had been virtually inaccessible to the general public, has opened to visitors with new hiking trails and sensational views. Just south of Bodega Bay, the Estero Americano Coast Preserve spreads across grassy terraces sandwiched between the Pacific and the snaking Estero Americano tidal estuary — the natural water boundary separating Sonoma and Marin counties. The 547-acre property historically operated as a ranch but was sold in 2015 to a coalition of conservation groups. Opening the land for public recreation was part of the vision, though it wasn’t until 2024 that Wildlands Conservancy, the nonprofit that owns and manages the preserve, was able to obtain the requisite permits, craft an access plan and lay down trails. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Marin’s king tide preparations worked — until they didn’t
“Elected officials from Marin communities inundated by flooding this month said they were prepared, coordinated and largely successful — until tidal surges exceeded 8 feet above sea level and raced inland, overwhelming infrastructure and all their efforts. “One of the questions we keep being asked is sort of, why weren’t we ready for this?” said Dan Schwarz, the city manager in Larkspur. “What I’d like folks to understand is we program ahead of time. We monitor those predictions.” “Everyone, not just Larkspur, but all the Marin agencies, were affected,” he said. Larkspur was just one of the communities caught off guard last week as atmospheric river storms teamed up with king tides and southerly winds. The forces sent sea water surging into homes, schools and businesses, swallowed up parking lots and streets and clogged county transportation corridors. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
It’s one of the wealthiest parts of the Bay Area — but can Marin fix its $17 billion problem?
“Marin County got an alarming glimpse of its future last week when it experienced some of the worst flooding in decades — and a reminder of the vast climate challenges that await. With its 70 miles of coastline and 40 miles of bay shore, Marin is one of the counties most vulnerable to sea level rise in the Bay Area. The low-lying areas that flooded over New Year’s weekend — during storms that coincided with king tides — will be inundated more frequently in the future, until some end up permanently underwater. It will cost an estimated $17 billion to protect Marin County from the 2 feet of sea level rise expected toward the end of the century, according to a recent study, and federal grants for climate change projects have disappeared. The county has to balance both long-term and immediate needs that are increasingly overlapping, such as $25 million to fix an aging levee in San Rafael that was damaged during the recent flooding. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Editorial: Marin officials need to take tidal flood damage seriously
The Marin Independent Journal editorial board writes, “It is going to take awhile for Marin to dry out from the latest round of king tides. The tides reached historic highs, causing destructive flooding and closing roads, including Highway 101. King tides are a regular occurrence. Often, they cause minor flooding – even on sunny days – of lower-lying areas close to marshland and sloughs. The flooding we endured last week hit in the midst of a series of storms and at tidal intensities that came as a surprise to many. If the storms had brought even more rain, it could have been worse. In their wake, property owners are cleaning up and sorting out the damage. … ” Continue reading at the Marin Independent Journal.
Column: Flood mitigation solutions will be gigantic public projects
Columnist Dick Spotswood writes, “Marin just simultaneously experienced two natural phenomena: extreme king tides accompanied by wet storms. Unless wildly expensive mitigation measures are promptly pursued, the flooding we’ve experienced will gradually increase until we reach the time when it will be the new normal. California’s Coastal Commission explains, “King tides themselves are not related to climate change, but they allow us to experience what higher sea level will be like. King tides are the highest high tides of the year, one to two feet higher than average high tides, which is a good approximation of how high we expect everyday tides to be over the next few decades due to human-caused sea level rise.” It doesn’t matter whether folks believe sea-level rise is “human-caused” or a natural event. What matters is that we understand that it is coming. Those who believe President Donald Trump that climate change is “the greatest con job perpetrated on the world” should invest in Florida coastal real estate. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
CENTRAL COAST
Monterey County well registration- free until January 31, 2026
“As part of the Groundwater Monitoring Program, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency, together with the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency, has launched a new county wide Well Registration Program. The Groundwater Monitoring Program consists of four parts: well registration, groundwater extraction monitoring, groundwater level monitoring, and groundwater quality monitoring. The program is supported through a fee system. … ” Read more from UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Lake Cachuma fills to 101 percent during weekend storm
“As Santa Barbara County emerged from last weekend’s soaking storm, the new focus shifts to the water left behind and where it went. The storm, which pushed the county past its average annual rainfall for the water year and claimed one life in Goleta, sent runoff coursing through creeks, across low-lying coastal areas, and into reservoirs already filled from the storms of November and December. County and city officials continue to assess and monitor flooding impacts along the waterfront as well as Lake Cachuma levels, which reached 101 percent over the weekend. … ” Read more from the Santa Barbara Independent.
Don’t call Ventura County water future ‘fragile’
“Kristine McCaffrey delivered a blunt message to the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District board: Ventura County’s water future will be drier, more expensive and less predictable—but it does not have to be fragile. Speaking at the district’s Dec. 10 meeting, the general manager of Calleguas Municipal Water District said the region’s primary water wholesaler is rethinking its long-term strategy after consecutive drought years exposed weaknesses in Southern California’s water delivery system. Calleguas, formed in 1953 to supplement local groundwater, wholesales imported water to 19 retail agencies serving about 650,000 people—roughly three-quarters of Ventura County’s pop- ulation. The agency relies entirely on water purchased from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and delivered primarily from Northern California through the State Water Project. … ” Read more from the Camarillo Acorn.
‘It is scary’: Oak-killing beetle reaches Ventura County, significantly expanding range
“A tiny beetle responsible for killing hundreds of thousands of oak trees in Southern California has reached Ventura County, marking a troubling expansion. This is the farthest north the goldspotted oak borer has been found in the state. Given the less-than-one-half-inch insect’s track record of devastating oaks since being first detected in San Diego County in 2008, scientists and land stewards are alarmed — and working to contain the outbreak. “We keep seeing these oak groves getting infested and declining, and a lot of oak mortality,” said Beatriz Nobua-Behrmann, an ecologist with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, or UCANR. “And as we go north, we have tons of oak woodlands that are very important ecosystems over there. It can even get into the Sierras if we don’t stop it. So it is scary.” … ” Read more from the LA Times. | Read via the Lawton Constitution.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Lodi students get up-close look at life cycle of a salmon
“Lodi Unified School District students this week participated in the first step to hatch salmon and return them to the Mokelumne River. Representatives from East Bay Municipal Utilities District visited more than 80 classrooms throughout the region Thursday, delivering eggs that students will nurture and monitor for the next couple of months. District spokeswoman Mary Campbell visited Reese Elementary and Millswood Middle schools to deliver the eggs to six different classes. Holding the small pink orbs in her hand, Campbell let students take a closer look before depositing them in tanks holding water kept at about 55 degrees. … ” Read more from the Lodi News-Sentinel.
Proactive creek bank maintenance underway on Miles and Bear Creeks in Merced County
“In an effort to maintain flood protection measures, proactive maintenance is being performed along Miles Creek in the Planada area and Bear Creek in the McSwain area to reinforce existing creek bank repairs. Crews from the California Conservation Corps were mobilized following a request from Merced County Public Works for remediation work in line with recommendations from the California Department of Water Resources. Based on the request, reinforcement work is being performed to strengthen previously repaired sections of the creek banks. There is no failure and no imminent risk—this work is preventative in nature and part of routine efforts to maintain the integrity of the creeks. The maintenance includes the placement of new sandbags and protective plastic sheeting along targeted areas of the creek banks to enhance stability and resilience during future weather events. … ” Read more from Merced County.
California no longer in drought, but Fresno, Valley farmers still praying for snow, rain
“It’s a rare site to see the U.S. Drought Monitor Map show California without a drought, or even abnormally dry conditions. That hasn’t happened for a quarter-century. A growing snowpack and above-average rainfall is credited for lifting the state out of the dreaded drought status. The last time the drought map showed no drought was December, 2000. Perhaps no other state in the nation has been more impacted by drought than California. Dry conditions have resulted in devastating wildfires and caused billions of dollars in losses to San Joaquin Valley farmers and their surrounding communities. “To know it’s been 25 years since no part of the state shows any symptoms of a drought is pretty remarkable,” said Ryan Jacobsen, chief executive officer of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee. | Read via Yahoo News.
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Imperial Irrigation District files CEQA challenge to Imperial County’s Big Rock 2 Cluster Solar and Storage Project
“The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) has filed litigation under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) challenging Imperial County’s December 9, 2025, approval of the Big Rock 2 Cluster Solar and Storage Project, citing inadequate environmental review and analysis of potential impacts associated with the 1,849-acre project. IID’s legal action asserts that the County’s environmental documentation fails to fully disclose, analyze, and mitigate significant impacts related to water resources, including reductions in inflows to the Salton Sea, the conversion of agricultural resources—the economic base of Imperial County—and other critical environmental and public interest considerations within IID’s service area. The filing also asserts the County has established a pattern and practice of approving these types of projects without adequate CEQA compliance. … ” Read more from the Imperial Irrigation District.
Imperial residents continue speaking against proposed data center
“The Imperial City Council heard public comments from residents regarding the proposed data center during the regular council meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Robert Powell, who said he has been an Imperial resident since 1995, told councilmembers how much he appreciated their “recent engagement on this data center.” “It’s just absolutely awesome that you guys are considering the well-being of your residents and that you’re taking a stand against this with the county,” Powell said. After acknowledging the city’s advocacy, Powell discussed his concerns regarding the health risk assessment completed regarding the emissions from the “giant generator farm” required for the data center. … ” Read more from the Desert Review.
Along the Colorado River …
House approves bill to free $50M for Hoover Dam maintenance
“The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that would free about $50 million in funds for maintaining Hoover Dam. House members approved the bipartisan Help Hoover Dam Act on Thursday as part of a larger appropriations bill. It now moves to the U.S. Senate for approval. Lawmakers say the measure will allow the Bureau of Reclamation, which manages Hoover Dam’s operations, to access about $50 million in stranded funding from an orphaned federal account. The bureau could then use the money on operations, capital improvements and clean-up actions. … ” Read more from Channel 3.
The Grand Canyon’s water is supposed to be pristine. Scientists just found pharmaceuticals in it.
“The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most famous waterways, and its stretch of the Colorado River and its tributaries are protected. But a new study has discovered that some of the canyon’s water systems may contain pharmaceutical drugs and forever chemicals. Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and National Park Service (NPS) found multiple contaminants of concern (CECs) in water emerging from several springs near the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. These areas include the Bright Angel Wash, Monument Spring, and Upper Horn Bedrock Spring. The USGS published the findings in a scientific investigation report last December. … ” Read more from Outside Magazine.
Arizona comes to agreement with major dairy farm to cut groundwater pumping that is draining wells
“Nearly two years ago, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes held a town hall in this desert community, which is widely regarded as the epicenter of the state’s groundwater crisis. She heard countless stories from residents about how their water wells had run dry, the damage to their homes as land subsided from groundwater pumping and their fears that the situation would only get worse. Every day since, she said, she’s woken up thinking of those people. Thursday she returned with major news: Her office has entered an agreement with Riverview LLP, a Minnesota-based dairy company that moved into the area over the last decade and quickly became a major driver of the Willcox groundwater basin’s decline. Under the agreement, the company is agreeing to reduce its groundwater usage by fallowing 2,000 acres of land and maintaining best practices to conserve water. The company also agreed to deliver $11 million to residents affected by the company’s overpumping that will pay to redrill wells, haul water and ensure the community has access to the critical resource. … ” Read more from Inside Climate News.
Arizona drought persists despite heavy Phoenix rainfall
“Hurricane-fueled downpours ravaged some Arizonans and gave others hope for a wetter future, but climate experts say extreme drought conditions are likely to stick around for at least a while longer. For most citizens of the Grand Canyon State, last year’s meteorological fall (September-November) was the wettest on record, which still isn’t saying much. The official rain gauge at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport recorded 6.31 inches of rainfall — nearly four times the seasonal average and 0.13 inches above the previous record set in 1939. Yuma County received four inches of rain, also setting a seasonal record. But despite heavy flooding in Gila and Mohave Counties that killed at least four and prompted Governor Katie Hobbs to declare a state of emergency and request FEMA resources, the rest of the state remained relatively dry. … ” Read more from the Tucson Sentinel.
Utah’s snowpack is at a record low. Here’s what the latest water forecast shows.
“Snowpack in the mountains that feed the Colorado River, the water supply for 40 million people, is off to its worst start in a quarter century. “Very poor snow conditions are out there right now,” said Cody Moser, a hydrologist with the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center, during a water supply briefing on Thursday. Snow cover in the Upper Colorado River Basin, which includes Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming, sat at 28% of the 25-year median as of Jan. 1, according to the forecast center — the lowest recorded level since 2001. While recent storms since the new year have boosted snow conditions slightly in northern Utah, overall conditions are still “extremely poor” across much of the Colorado River Basin, Moser said. Soils across much of the region are also drier. … ” Read more from the Salt Lake Tribune.
Abnormally warm winter leaves snowpack below average, with low spring runoff in the forecast
“It’s been an abnormally warm winter, and snowpack is below average across most of the Upper Colorado River Basin. Basin-wide, snow-water equivalent, or the amount of water stored in snowpack, is about 75% of median for this time of year. In the northern parts of the Upper Colorado River Basin, snow-water equivalent is near or above average. The Upper Green River Basin in Wyoming, for instance, is at 137% of usual snowpack for this time of year. But along the river’s main stem in Colorado and Utah, and further south, that number is much lower. The Gunnison River Basin is at 63% of the median snow-water equivalent for this time of year, the Colorado River headwaters are at 58%, and the San Miguel, Dolores, Animas, and San Juan river basins are at 56%. … ” Read more from Aspen Public Radio.
SEE ALSO: Warm winter, uneven relief in the Colorado River Basin, from Western Water
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