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On the calendar today …
- WEBINAR: Habitat Heartbeats: Listening to What Oysters and Mussels Can Tell Us about Southern California Estuaries from 12pm to 1pm. Southern California’s estuaries can experience large swings in water quality due to events like freshwater inflow, sewage spills, and estuary mouth closures. The Tijuana River NERR (TRNERR) monitors several estuaries in San Diego County to better understand how biological communities respond to changes in water quality. In this webinar, the project team will describe their collaborative process within the team and with additional potential end users. Potential users included resource managers, aquaculture practitioners, and research biologists working with these bivalves in other settings. The team will describe the basic components of the biosensor equipment and approaches used in the field and lab for gathering and analyzing data. Data from the focal estuaries will be used to illustrate individual and group responses of the biosentinel bivalves to rapidly-shifting water quality conditions. Remote Access: https://umich.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_c2ajZAyBSTewP3k0SnIKzQ
- WEBINAR: Safe Yield vs. Sustainable Yield: Comparable terms or distinctly different? from 12pm to 1pm. How do SGMA’s “sustainable yield” and the long-established legal concept of “safe yield” align—or differ—in practice? In this session, GRA’s technical and legal experts will evaluate whether sustainable yield estimates in GSPs are grounded in best available science, adequate data, and meaningful stakeholder input. The panel will also explore how groundwater adjudications interact with SGMA and whether they help resolve basin disputes. The discussion will draw directly from statutory language, case law, and relevant court documents, including SGMA provisions, California Water Code sections, and key adjudication decisions. Topics include how courts determine safe yield, how adjudications must coordinate with SGMA timelines, and DWR’s advisory role during adjudications. Click here to register.
- PUBLIC WORKING GROUP MEETING: Second Statewide Agricultural Expert Panel from 10am to 4pm. The State Water Resources Control Board will hold Panel working group meetings for the Second Statewide Agricultural Expert Panel to facilitate Panel deliberations on issues relevant to the Panel charge questions, which focus on nitrates in agricultural discharges. Click here for the meeting notice.
- WEBINAR: Revealing Payahuunadü: Building Community Understanding of the Impacts of Water Extraction from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The Owens Valley Indian Water Commission, the Great Basin Water Network, and Friends of the Inyo are hosting the webinar as part of the Great Basin Water Justice Summit with Friends of the Inyo’s Water Empowerment Organizers Charlene Buff and Emily Ontiveros. We will hear from water protectors and have the opportunity to ask questions, consider futures, and identify new opportunities for collaboration. Click here to register.
- GRA SF BAY (virtual): SF Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Region 2) update from 6pm to 7:30pm. The update includes the Case Intake Process, Overview of Enforcement Activities, Sea Level Rise and Groundwater Rise Update, and PFAS Limits in Groundwater General NPDES Permit. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
No Delta smelt found in Fall Midwater Trawl for 8th year in a row
“For the eighth year in a row, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has found no Delta Smelt in their annual Fall Midwater Trawl survey in the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta in September, October and November of 2025. The results for December haven’t been compiled yet. The smelt, once the most abundant fish in the entire Delta, is an indicator species found only in the Delta. It’s decline to virtual extinction in the wild is a symptom of s larger decline, the Pelagic Organism Decline (POD), of the once robust open water fish populations of the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary. The smelt has been demonized as a “worthless minnow” by President Trump and corporate agribusiness interests in the San Joaquin Valley, while Tribes, environmentalist groups and fishing groups point to the key role that it plays in the ecology of the Bay-Delta Estuary. … ” Read more from the Daily Kos.
Sites Reservoir Authority pushes for water right approval to avoid costly construction delays
“The Sites Project Authority is eyeing a significant milestone this month in its endeavor to build a new water storage reservoir in Colusa County. They are hopeful to secure a draft water right permit for the future reservoir. The Sites Authority said the State Water Resources Control Board might issue the water right order as soon as this summer. Any delays in issuing the water right could increase the project’s cost by $20 million each month, the group said, adding that time is of the essence. Ali Forsythe, the environmental planning and permitting manager for the Sites Project Authority, highlighted the potential benefits. … ” Read more from Action News Now.
California’s winter temperature map is upside down. Here’s why
“One look at the California temperature map on Tuesday and it might seem like something is wrong. Death Valley, home of some of the hottest weather on Earth, reached a high of 68 degrees. Pebble Beach, better known for wind and rain, surged to 84 degrees. As strange as that contrast looks, it’s actually right on script for a calm January pattern in California. A broad ridge of high pressure is sitting over the West, and it’s quietly reorganizing the atmosphere from the top down. Under the high pressure, air generally sinks. As it descends, it warms and dries, forming a mild layer a few thousand feet above the surface. At the same time, long winter nights allow dense, cold air to drain downhill and collect in valleys and basins. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
From flames to faucets: Addressing post-wildfire water contamination
“At the November meeting of the California Water Quality Monitoring Council, a comprehensive presentation shed light on the growing challenges posed by wildfires to drinking water systems. The discussion covered wildfire trends and behavior in California, the contamination that can occur in the aftermath of fires, the critical importance of post-fire water quality monitoring and the evolving best practices to address these issues. As wildfires become more frequent and severe, the presentation highlighted actions the State Water Board’s Division of Drinking Water is taking to protect public health and ensure the safety of drinking water systems in fire-affected communities. … ” Continue reading from Maven’s Notebook.
Growing better tomatoes with less water
“If you visit any Bay Area farmers’ market during the dog days of summer, odds are you’ll find bins labeled “dry-farmed tomatoes.” The red, golf-ball sized tomatoes grow and ripen during the summer drought without a single drop of water. And scientists still don’t know how they manage to thrive on neglect. Researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz are looking for the keys to this local crop’s resilience. This year, they grew 10 tomato varieties side-by-side to see which ones produce best with and without supplemental water. Conventional farmers in California currently use roughly a gallon of water to produce a typical 3-ounce tomato. Jarmila Pittermann, a UCSC biologist working on the project, says the idea emerged from a chance encounter. “I was walking through the farm one day with the director of the Center for Agroecology, and he pointed at some neglected plants and said, ‘I don’t know what the hell they’re doing. They just make tomatoes out of thin air,’” Pittermann recalls. … ” Read more from Knee Deep Times.
Westlands pushes for more water storage as Calif. declared drought-free
“California has been declared drought-free for the first time in a quarter-century. However, Central Valley water experts warn that the state needs to take immediate action to boost water supplies in preparation for future dry conditions. The big picture: The U.S. Drought Monitor declared that California does not have any drought conditions last week. That is the first time that California has not experienced drought conditions since December 2000. Driving the news: California’s long-awaited return to normal conditions was fueled by a wet 2025 water year and a plethora of storms to close out 2025. … ” Read more from the SJV Sun.
Brooke Rollins warns California agriculture faces an existential threat
“Speaking at the 107th American Farm Bureau Convention in California, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins delivered a forceful message: agriculture in California—and across the nation—faces existential threats driven by regulatory overreach, rising costs, and state-level policies that put ideology ahead of food security. In her opening remarks, Rollins said she was grateful to be in California for her first visit since being sworn in as the 33rd Secretary of Agriculture. She emphasized that while the convention celebrated American agriculture, it also highlighted urgent challenges confronting farmers and ranchers, particularly in states like California. Before turning to policy, Rollins acknowledged the recent passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa, calling it a major loss for rural America and agricultural leadership. She then described a roundtable discussion she had just completed with farmers, ranchers, business leaders, and local officials from Potter Valley, California—many of whom traveled long distances to attend. … ” Read more from Ag Net West.
From golden mussels to land conservation, Ag Expo seminars offer plenty of water-related information
“In less than a month, more than 100,000 people will descend on the Tulare International Agri-Center to stroll through rows of imposing tractors while smoke from grilled rib eye steaks and hamburgers wafts through the air at the 59th annual World Ag Expo. The show, being called “Grounds for Innovation,” is Feb. 10-12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, except the final day when it closes at 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. World Ag Expo regularly attracts visitors from more than 80 countries and nearly every state in the nation. This year, more than 1,100 exhibitors will be spread over 2.6 million feet of exhibit space. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
Podcast: ‘Undammed’ investigates what happens when rivers are free to run wild again
“More than 2,000 dams have been removed in the United States over the past 25 years, according to Tara Lohan, an environmental journalist and author of the new book, “Undammed: Freeing Rivers and Bringing Communities to Life.” That figure represents only a fraction of the more than 550,000 still in place nationwide. Lohan takes her readers on an environmental journey through several waterways, beginning with the Elwha River in Washington State and concluding in the final chapter with the story of the Klamath River, which now flows freely on its 250-mile course from Oregon through northern California to the Pacific Ocean. Lohan documents how rivers and surrounding ecosystems can recover in relatively short periods after dams that blocked natural flows for generations are removed. … ” Read more from Jefferson Public Radio.
EPA proposes limiting power of states and tribes to block major projects over water concerns
“The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed limiting states’ and Native American tribes’ power to wield the Clean Water Act to block major projects like natural gas pipelines, advancing the Trump administration’s goal of accelerating the construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure and data centers. The agency said new constraints on local water quality reviews for federally regulated projects will still allow states to protect their environment while preventing unnecessary delays. Successive administrations have seesawed on the scope of states’ power. President Donald Trump’s first administration reduced it, the Biden administration restored it and now the Trump administration is once again adding constraints to what’s called Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. … ” Read more from the Associated Press.
SEE ALSO:
- Trump Administration Rolls Back Critical Clean Water and Air Quality Protections, Silencing Tribes and Environmental Justice Communities, from Restore the Delta
- Trump Rolls Back Critical Clean Water & Air Quality Protections As Delta Ecosystem Collapses, from the Daily Kos
- E.P.A. moves to limit states’ ability to block pipelines, from the New York Times
What you need to know about artificial turf
“The World Cup is just around the corner, and the Bay Area will host six matches from teams coming from as far as Australia, Qatar, Switzerland, and Paraguay. If you’re the kind of fan who doesn’t just watch soccer — or fútbol — but also plays it on the nearest artificial turf field, you’ve probably found those black, rubber crumbs in your socks, shoes, car, and wherever you leave your gear. What you may not be aware of is that these fields are now at the center of a growing public debate, as local officials and scientists try to understand their real impact on human health and the environment. In California, artificial turf is spreading, though no one can say exactly how many fields exist. … ” Read more from Knee Deep Times.
Very little plastic being recycled in California as state efforts falter
“California touts itself as a leader on the problem of plastic garbage, but recent developments suggest otherwise. A new report issued by the state’s waste agency shows plastic yogurt containers, shampoo bottles and restaurant take-out trays are being recycled at rates only in the single-digits. Polypropylene, labeled as #5 on packaging, is used for yogurt containers, margarine tubs and microwavable trays. Only 2% of it is getting recycled. Colored shampoo and detergent bottles, made from polyethylene, or #1 plastic, are getting recycled at a rate of just 5%. Other plastics, including ones promoted as highly recyclable, such as clear polyethylene bottles, which hold some medications, or hard water bottles, are being recycled at just 16%. No plastic in the report exceeds a recycling rate of 23%, with the majority reported in just the single digits. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Trump administration stands up consolidated federal firefighting agency over bipartisan congressional reservations
“The Trump administration has taken the first steps in standing up its new, consolidated federal firefighting agency, despite Congress declining to fund it and voicing bipartisan reservations about the plan. The U.S. Wildland Fire Service will, for now, consolidate wildfire response away from individual bureaus within the Interior Department—such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Office of Wildland Fires and others—and into the new, central office. The administration is looking to further merge firefighting operations currently within the Agriculture Departments’ U.S. Forest Service in the consolidated agency, but has not yet announced its timeline for doing so. The announcement follows an executive order President Trump issued last year to create USWFS by merging firefighting activities within USDA and Interior. The two departments announced in September that they would stand up the agency within Interior in January 2026. Since then, however, Congress has put forward bicameral, bipartisan legislation to fund Interior and the Forest Service, which the House overwhelmingly approved last week and the Senate is expected to send to Trump’s desk in the coming days. … ” Read more from Government Executive.
In commentary today …
Here’s how we can stop LA firestorms from happening again
Chad Hanson, a wildfire scientist with the John Muir Project, writes, “One year ago, in early January, the Eaton and Palisades fires devastated the communities of Altadena and Pacific Palisades. Driven by extremely dry, warm and powerful winds, the fires destroyed more than 10,000 homes and claimed at least 31 lives. How can we make sure it doesn’t happen again? The good news is, science has provided a clear answer: The only effective way to protect homes and lives from wildfires is to implement direct measures to create fire-safe communities — including home hardening, defensible space pruning next to homes and businesses, and evacuation planning and assistance. This community-based approach is highly successful in saving towns from firestorms. … ” Read more from Cal Matters.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Mongolian scientists look to Klamath dams while considering hydropower
“Impressions and information gathered during a visit to sites along the undammed Klamath River by scientists and others last year are shaping their thoughts on the impacts of dams. Eight Mongolian scientists specializing in areas including aquatic ecosystems, biology, chemistry, and construction engineering participated in last October’s tour to see “what it looks like to dam — and undam” the Klamath River, historically a salmon river that begins in tributaries in the Upper Klamath Lake area that feed into the Klamath River. From 1913 until dam removal, the majority of the Klamath River Basin had been blocked to salmon and other fish, such as lamprey and steelhead. Three of the four dams built on the Klamath mainstem — Iron Gate, Copco No. 1, and Copco No. 2 — were built without any fish passage features. … ” Read more from the Herald & News.
City of Clearlake declares emergency over massive Robin Lane sewage spill
“The city of Clearlake has declared a local emergency in response to a massive ongoing sewage spill that began on Sunday due to a failure in the county-managed wastewater system. The incident on Robin Lane, which began on Sunday morning, has impacted dozens of homes in and around the city of Clearlake, spilling raw sewage that has flooded the area south of Pond Road, north of Rumsey Road, east of Pamela Lane and west of Robin Lane, and spreading into drainage ditches, waterways, Burns Valley Creek and Clear Lake, officials reported. The wastewater system is managed by the Lake County Sanitation District, or Lacosan, which is under Lake County Special Districts, headed by Administrator Robin Borre. … ” Read more from the Lake County News.
SEE ALSO: Nearly 60 homes impacted by massive sewage spill in Clearlake, officials say, from ABC 7
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
SMUD cancels agreement with Coyote Creek Project that would spark massive tree destruction and impact threatened wildlife
“The Sacramento Municipal Utility District, or SMUD, has cancelled its power purchase agreement with DESRI, a company seeking to build a controversial energy project called Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch in the eastern part of the county. Three lawsuits were recently filed against Sacramento County for approving the project in November. The Board of Supervisors unanimously green-lit the Environmental Impact Report for the Coyote Creek despite wide-spread opposition from Native American tribes, environmental groups and a collection of outdoor enthusiasts. More 150 people showed up at the supervisors’ November hearing to speak against the proposal, which would remove nearly 3,500 old growth oaks and impact Deer Creek, a tributary of the Cosumnes River, the last undammed river in the Central Valley. Opponents say the creek is a vital habitat for multiple sensitive or endangered species that include the tricolored blackbird, the burrowing owl and the American badger. … ” Read more from the Sacramento News & Review.
NAPA/SONOMA
Sonoma County coastal, river beaches reopen following sewage spill, testing
“Sonoma County residents as of Monday are free to safely re-enter all coastal and river beaches, most of which have been under advisories since last week due to a sewage spill from the Russian River Treatment Plant in Guerneville, according to county health officials. Water sampling and testing conducted over two days at four beaches along the Sonoma County coast — Goat Rock, Stillwater, Black Point and Gualala — and other sites along the Russian River, including Johnson’s Beach, Monte Rio and Patterson Point, revealed the water was within state recreational health standards. Due to the test results, the advisories issued last week warning people and pets to avoid the water were lifted, according to a county news release. This was the second round of warnings lifted after Doran, Campbell Cove and Salmon Creek beaches were cleared Friday. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Experts celebrate after spotting rare US creatures for first time in 30 years: ‘Restoring an entire way of life’
“For over 30 years, no one had seen any young coho salmon in California’s Russian River. That all changed in the summer of 2025, when a Pinoleville Pomo Nation water specialist identified the fish swimming in the river, according to a state press release. Per the report, the tribal member saw multiple coho salmon in one of the river’s tributaries located in Mendocino County. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife first announced the good news in December. This sighting — the first since 1991 — suggests that the species may once again be swimming upstream from the Pacific Ocean to reproduce in the Russian River. … ” Read more from The Cool Down.
BAY AREA
Santa Venetia struggles to resolve flood wall impasse
“For the residents of the Santa Venetia neighborhood in San Rafael, the torrential rains following New Year’s Day were an unsettling reminder of a task long left undone. During the storms, water began to penetrate the 2-mile flood wall that protects about 700 homes along Gallinas Creek. For nearly a decade, the community has sought to repair or replace the rapidly deteriorating barrier. “There was a minor breach,” said Gina Hagen, president of the Santa Venetia Neighborhood Association. “It wasn’t a catastrophic event, but the catastrophic event is likely to happen. The experts that I’ve talked to say it’s not a matter of if, but when, will the levee break. It’s beyond its useful life at this point.” … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
Highway 37 bridge project in Novato gets $25M influx
“A plan to raise a bridge in a flood-prone area of Highway 37 in Marin County is in line for a $25 million funding boost. The Transportation Authority of Marin is set to transfer the funds to the California Department of Transportation for the Novato Creek Bridge replacement project. The funds are part of the county’s share of Regional Measure 3 bridge toll revenue administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. “What’s exciting about the new Novato Creek Bridge is that it’s going to be the first component of the entire 21-mile Highway 37 corridor that is constructed at the ultimate height,” said Marin County Supervisor Eric Lucan, whose District 5 includes Novato. “We’re going to see that segment right here in Marin, in an area that has experienced a lot of flooding and forced closures. We’re looking forward to it.” … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
Trump admin says drilling by Bay Area parks will have ‘minimal’ environmental impacts
“The Trump administration’s plans to expand oil drilling across the state, including in parts of the Bay Area, are another step closer to moving forward after the federal Bureau of Land Management announced Monday that fracking would have “minimal” negative impacts on the environment. With President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce America’s reliance on oil imports by increasing drilling on U.S. soil, a renewed plan to boost oil production in California is back in motion. … Under the onshore plan, BLM is eyeing a total of more than 1 million acres across the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Southern California for fossil fuel drilling. In the Bay Area, the proposal could target lands around Pinnacles National Park, Mount Diablo State Park, Henry W. Coe State Park and the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. … ” Read more from Local News Matters.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Central Valley decision support tool helps predict yield and profitability response to irrigation with saline water
“This study introduces a novel decision support web tool to assist farmers and policymakers in managing salinity in California’s Central Valley. The tool integrates agronomic, economic and spatial data to predict crop yield and profitability under varying irrigation water salinity. This resource also supports policymakers and groundwater sustainability agencies in identifying areas where saline groundwater prevents profitable farming and prioritizing those areas for land repurposing to reduce agricultural water demand. … ” Read more from California Agriculture.
Fresno County well owners get more time to register wells, but not much
“The North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) in Fresno County is making a final push to register approximately 1,000 remaining wells within its boundaries by the end of January. The GSA’s board recently voted to extend the well registration deadline to Jan. 30, giving well owners more time to avoid paying a $100-per-well late fee. Late fees will be charged starting Feb. 1. North Kings’ board first passed a mandatory registration policy in April 2025, requiring that about 7,000 wells, whether agricultural, domestic, industrial, school district or providing water for public water systems, be registered with the GSA. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
Kern County finalizing review of state’s largest solar project, in western Kern
“California’s single-largest solar energy project is scheduled to come up for a vote next month by the Kern County Planning Commission before going on for final consideration by the Board of Supervisors. Proposed by San Diego-based developer Avantus, the nearly 12,000-acre Buttonbush Solar and Storage project would generate 2 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power almost 1 million homes. It is planned to include batteries allowing it to deliver as many as 16 gigawatt-hours of energy. … ” Read more from the Bakersfield Californian.
EASTERN SIERRA
Built to last: The dam that paved the way for Crowley Lake
“About 760,000 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption formed the Long Valley Caldera, a pivotal geologic formation that paved what would become the Long Valley Reservoir. In Mono County along the historic Highway 395, the reservoir is surrounded by the picturesque natural beauty of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range to the west and the volcanic geologic wonders of the Glass Mountains to the east. A volcanic caldera is a large cauldron-like hollow bowl formed from when a magma chamber empties during an eruption. This geologic gift created a natural basin, making it an ideal location to construct the Long Valley Dam at Owens Gorge, a steep, 10-mile canyon where the Owens River already naturally flowed. … ” Read more from the LA DWP.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
A winter heat wave is coming to SoCal, but the fire risk is low
“Time to ditch your winter jackets. Southern California is in for a potentially record-breaking heat wave — in January. Temperatures will peak Wednesday, hitting the mid-80s in some areas, especially in the valleys, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Lewis. Downtown Los Angeles will see a high of about 82 degrees, and Pasadena could be closer to 85 — record numbers for this time of the year. “We’ll see a little bit of a cooling trend toward the end of the week, but it’ll be quite gradual, so we’ll still stay relatively warm into the weekend,” Lewis said. Going into the weekend, temperatures will be in the upper 70s to low 80s. … ” Read more from the LAist.
DWR monitors ‘natural landslide area’ at Pyramid Lake following recent rains
“The California Department of Water Resources is monitoring a natural landslide area at Pyramid Lake in northern Los Angeles County after recent rainfall, officials said Tuesday. “Occasional rock and soil movement into the lake can happen in this region due to the natural landscape. This does not pose a risk to the dam or operations, and DWR has implemented public safety measures,” the department said in a post on X. … ” Read more from KTLA.
Santa Clarita: Groundwater agency delivers update to public on monitoring efforts
“The Santa Clarita Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency gave a virtual update Wednesday on the agency’s efforts to monitor groundwater in the valley, highlighting a few areas where groundwater data could be more robust – with some help from local well owners. The SCV GSA, comprised of a collection of agencies including the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, is one of many joint agencies throughout the state formed after 2015, when the state mandated GSAs be created to protect the state’s groundwater basins. The SCV GSA manages the Santa Clara River Valley East Groundwater Subbasin. … ” Read more from The Signal.
LAFD ‘never had a chance’ in Palisades: What new chief says about facing future disasters
“Take accountability and move forward. Those were the two points Los Angeles Fire Chief Jaime Moore hit repeatedly when speaking with LAist’s Larry Mantle this week. On taking accountability, Moore said hazardous conditions and decisions made before the Palisades Fire erupted a year ago meant “our firefighters never had a chance” to arrest the fire that killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of structures. On moving forward, he emphasized that reform is already in the works. … ” Read more from the LAist.
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Column: Water cuts pending
Guest columnist Kay Pricola writes, “As we start the second full week of the new year, Imperial Valley continues to receive unwelcome news. While our elected IID Board members and key staff have been busy celebrating the growth in the Coachella Valley in ribbon cuttings IID celebrates and filing litigation against the County of Imperial (IID Files Lawsuit), the most important aspect of their responsibility seems to be slipping away from them and without any notice to the public. For all things following the Colorado River, be aware that the interim Guidelines which established criteria for water use, expire in August 2026. The 2025 deadlines set for the seven-state negotiating team for new 2026 guidelines were missed. With that failure, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has released a report with five options for managing the Colorado River after 2026. California faces significant water cuts under some proposals, which could impact cities and agriculture. … ” Read more from the Imperial Valley Press.
SAN DIEGO
San Diego must raise water rates 44% over 4 years, officials warn
“A new analysis says water rates in San Diego must go up another 44.2% between 2028 and 2031 even though the City Council agreed in October to raise them a cumulative 31.3% this year and next. If the council ends up approving additional hikes that large when they come to a vote next year, the cumulative six-year rate increase would amount to more than 90%. The 54-page analysis, which was presented to the council Monday, also says sewer rates must rise a total of 15% in 2030 and 2031. Those increases would be on top of an already-approved four-year cumulative hike of 31%. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Water back on for more than 1.5 million people who lost service in Tijuana last week
“Work on a major water line in Tijuana has been finished and service has been restored to more than 1.5 million residents affected during the repairs. “Since Sunday, we’ve been re-establishing service to all the neighborhoods affected, everyone should be back online by early this week,” said Jesús García Castro, director of Tijuana’s Public Services Commission. More than 690 colonias in Tijuana and Rosarito lost potable water last Thursday when repairs began. That’s roughly two thirds of residents in the region. … ” Read more from the Border Report.
Along the Colorado River …
BOR publishes report on post 2026 Colorado River solution alternatives
“The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Post-2026 Operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead and the Colorado River Basin, a vital water source for over 40 million people across seven U.S. states and Mexico, faces unprecedented challenges from prolonged drought, and growing demands. On January 9, 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Post-2026 Operational Guidelines and Strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead, marking a pivotal step in planning the river’s management beyond the expiration of the current 2007 Interim Guidelines at the end of this year. The comprehensive document evaluates potential strategies to ensure sustainable water allocation, hydropower generation, and environmental protection in an increasingly uncertain hydrologic future. … ” Read more from the Desert Review.
Colorado River states need a ‘federal threat’ to make a water deal, this expert argues
“The federal Bureau of Reclamation late last week released a draft Environmental Impact Statement outlining options for how to deal with the Colorado River going forward. Rules governing the river are set to expire, and the seven basin states haven’t been able to agree to a new plan for the over-allocated river. Michael Cohen is a senior fellow with the Pacific Institute and has been working on the Colorado River for nearly 30 years. He argues the states have had enough time to come up with a solution on their own — and since they haven’t, the federal government needs to come in with a plan for the states and other stakeholders. The Show spoke with him shortly before the Bureau of Reclamation released its EIS about why he thinks this is the best approach at this point.” Listen to radio show or read transcript at KJZZ.
Lake Mead update: Officials reveal 5 options to tackle water level problems
“Officials have issued an update outlining potential plans for managing the Colorado River system. One option detailed in the Friday draft report from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is the “Basic Coordination Alternative,” which the USBR says is designed to be put into action without requiring water users in the Basin to agree on how to share shortages on the lower Colorado River, how to store and deliver conserved water from reservoirs, or any other voluntary arrangements. Another potential option involves building on ideas from Basin Tribes, federal agencies, and other stakeholders. … ” Read more from Newsweek.
A rare desert plant shows benefits of sustainability efforts at a large solar array in the Mojave Desert
“Although sunlight is one of the cleanest forms of renewable energy available, clearing large swathes of desert habitat to build solar arrays has consequences for the plants and animals it displaces. Researchers are trying to find better ways to preserve desert landscapes without impeding solar energy development. Now, a new study demonstrates that with careful planning and consideration for the ecosystem around it, at least one desert plant is surviving — and thriving — amidst the solar panels helping to power Las Vegas. The research, published late November in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, was led by DRI ecologist Tiffany Pereira. She and her team monitored the Gemini Solar Project for a rare plant called threecorner milkvetch two years after solar panel installation. The results were striking, with 93 plants found on site in 2024 compared to 12 plants found before construction in 2018. … ” Read more from the Desert Research Institute.
Arizona draws a line on groundwater use after letting Saudi-owned company pump freely for years
“For years, the water table has been dropping beneath thousands of acres of desert farmland in western Arizona, where a Saudi-owned dairy company has been allowed to pump unlimited amounts of groundwater to grow hay for its cows. But the company and other landowners in the area will now face limits under a decision by state officials to impose regulation. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said Monday that her administration is acting to “crack down on the out-of-state special interests that are pumping our state dry while Arizona families and farmers suffer.” Fondomonte, part of the Saudi dairy giant Almarai, is by far the largest water user in the area, using dozens of wells to to irrigate alfalfa that it ships overseas to the Middle East. … ” Read more from the LA Times. | Read via the Lawton Constitution.
SEE ALSO: Saudi farm faces regulation with new groundwater management area, from Western Water
More water woes at one of the Grand Canyon’s most beloved hotels
“Just a month after all Grand Canyon National Park hotels closed while the park’s Transcanyon Waterline was repaired, yet another break has occurred and is causing more problems, according to an email SFGATE received from the national park’s public affairs office.The newest break happened Sunday, and when park crews shut the pipeline down Monday to deal with repairs, “the chlorination system at Roaring Springs pumphouse was no longer treating water,” the email states. … ” Read more from SF Gate.
Little relief in sight as drought climbs while Colorado snowpack dips to all-time low again
“Colorado’s snowpack is officially back at all-time lows at the statewide level, at just 63 percent of the long-term median for the date. As of January 13, the snow water equivalent is 4.8 inches, slightly below a prior record set on January 13, 2000 of 4.9 inches. Records date back to 1987, and the gap between the previous all-time low and the current snowpack will almost certainly increase in days to come. As far as Colorado winter slopesports go, there’s more bad news – according to OpenSnow, no snow is in the forecast at any resort for at least the next five days, with Joel Gratz noting that January 22 to 24 will be the next chance for “meaningful” snow. The bleak forecast is echoed by National Weather Service long-term outlooks, too. .,.. ” Read more from the Denver Gazette.
In national water news today …
U.S. House passes energy and water funding bill, but final water allocations still ahead
“On Jan. 8, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a three-bill appropriations package that includes the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, as part of a broader funding measure aimed at completing fiscal year 2026 appropriations. The consolidated package passed by a vote of 397 to 28 and now moves to the Senate for consideration. The Energy and Water Development segment of the legislation provides annual funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Civil Works) and other water-related federal programs that support water infrastructure, flood control, navigation, and other essential water systems. While the bill covers a wide range of civil works and energy priorities, the water sector’s interest largely centers on how funds are allocated for water supply reliability, inland navigation systems, and related Corps projects. … ” Read more from Smart Water Magazine.
House passes bill to codify Trump order to rinse away showerhead regulations
“The Republican-controlled House on Tuesday advanced legislation aimed at fulfilling President Donald Trump’s long-running desire to “make showers great again” by voting to loosen federal efficiency standards for showerheads. The bill — dubbed the Saving Homeowners from Overregulation With Exceptional Rinsing, or Shower ACT — passed 226-197, with 11 Democrats crossing the aisle in support. Republicans have argued the measure would wash away unnecessary regulations and allow more water to flow through showerheads. Democrats warn the relaxed standards could soak consumers with higher utility bills and worsen environmental impacts. “If they want a nozzle that dribbles on their head, well then go get one of those. If you want something that slices an orange, well then go get one of those. That should be your choice as a consumer,” said GOP Rep. Russell Fry, sponsor of the bill. … ” Read more from NBC News.
The US is producing more food – without increasing nutrient pollution
“A new study led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with USGS, presents the next generation of the National Nutrient Inventory (NNI). The NNI is a comprehensive source of nutrient data for the entire lower 48 United States from 1987 to 2017. USGS-developed methods and datasets were key inputs to the inventory. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are natural elements in air, land and water, and are also critical to feeding and powering the world our world. Farmers apply these important nutrients as fertilizer on crops, pasture, and orchards to ensure a fruitful harvest–providing food on our dinner tables and sustaining our livestock. However, when nutrients are applied in excess to cropland or released through wastewater, industrial activities, or air emissions, they can pose potential risks to human and ecosystem health. … ” Read more from the USGS.
Data center boom powering AI revolution may drain US grids — and wallets
“The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers is raising alarms over how much power and water they consume — and what that could mean for Americans’ utility bills — as Washington lawmakers clash over whether the boom helps or harms the economy. FOX Business’ Ashley Webster joined Stuart Varney on “Varney & Co.” to report that more than 4,000 data centers currently operate across the U.S., and industry forecasts suggest that number could triple within four years as demand for cloud computing and AI services increases. These facilities run 24 hours a day, housing thousands of servers that require large amounts of electricity and water to stay cool. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have warned that heavy concentrations of data centers could push residential electricity bills up by as much as 25% in some regions as utilities struggle to keep up with rising demand. … ” Read more from Fox News.
2025 finishes as third warmest globally and upper ocean heat content was record high
“2025 ranked as the third-warmest year since global records began in 1850. The annual global surface temperature was 2.11°F (1.17°C) above the 20th-century average, falling behind the record-setting year of 2024 (by 0.22°F/0.12°C) and the second-warmest year, 2023 (by 0.04°F/0.02°C). The 10 warmest years in the historical record have all occurred since 2015. Additionally, 2025 exceeded the pre-industrial (1850–1900) average by 2.41°F (1.34°C). The year was characterized by much-warmer-than-average temperatures across the majority of the Earth’s surface. The largest warm anomalies were in the Arctic, Europe, western and southern Asia and parts of Antarctica. Every continent, as well as the Arctic region, ranked within its top 10 warmest years. Notably, Europe, Oceania and the Arctic recorded their second-warmest year on record. … ” Read more from NOAA.
