Several news sources featured in the Daily Digest may limit the number of articles you can access without a subscription. However, gift articles and open-access links are provided when available. For more open access California water news articles, explore the main page at MavensNotebook.com.
On the calendar today …
- PUBLIC HEARING: Sacramento/Delta updates to the Bay Delta Plan beginning at 9am. The State Water Board will receive public comments on the December 2025 revised draft updates to the Sacramento/Delta portion of the update to the Bay Delta Plan and Chapter 13 of the draft Staff Report. Click here for the notice.
- WEBINAR: Scaling Wetland Intelligence with GeoAI: Tools, Trends, and a National Vision from 12pm to 1:30pm. The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the most authoritative national dataset for wetlands, yet in many areas its coverage is decades old. Recent policy changes, including the Sackett v. EPA decision, place greater responsibility on states to develop strategies for protecting wetland resources. In this webinar, you’ll learn how the state of Tennessee partnered with Skytec to enhance Esri’s Wetland Identification Model (WIM) with advanced GeoAI and cloud computing to produce more accurate, scalable wetland predictions. We’ll also cover tools to help states get started, how these efforts align with emerging policy trends, and a vision for scaling this approach nationally. Join us to see how these innovations help states make informed, data-driven decisions for conservation, permitting, and land-use planning. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: Tribal Leaders in Conversation: Collaboration Challenges and Opportunities from 12pm to 2pm. The Watershed Solutions Network will host a virtual workshop featuring Tribal leaders Emily Burgueno, Trina Cunningham, and Jazzmyn Gegere; they will discuss the challenges and opportunities of partnering with non-tribal leaders and organizations. “Tribal Leaders in Conversation: Collaboration Challenges and Opportunities” will open with a candid discussion, creating space for reflection and shared learning. The second half of the workshop will focus on a Q&A session and participants will break into groups to discuss what they learned and how their learning can inform their work. Click here to register.
- WEBINAR: CSU WATER Legislative Webinar Series Part 1 of 3 from 2pm to 3pm. CSU-WATER, in partnership with the Maddy Institute and the Office of Assemblymember David Tangipa, is hosting a three-part Legislative Webinar Series focused on California water policy, governance, and workforce leadership. This series is designed for individuals interested in water, climate, environmental science, engineering, public policy, and public service. Webinar details and the full session lineup are included in this flyer. Click here to register.
- PUBLIC MEETING: Second Statewide Agricultural Expert Panel for the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program 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 (Eastern San Joaquin Water Quality Order) 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 Water Quality Order). Click here for the notice.
In California water news today …
Heated debate over California water plan as environmentalists warn of ‘ecosystem collapse’
“The question of how to protect fish and the ecological health of rivers that feed California’s largest estuary is generating heated debate in a series of hearings in Sacramento, as state officials try to gain support for a plan that has been years in the making. “I am passionate that this is the pathway to recover fish,” said state Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “This is the paradigm we need: collaborative, adaptive management versus conflict and litigation.” The plan is being discussed in three days of hearings convened by the State Water Resources Control Board. It sets out rules for water quality that will determine how much water can be pumped out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta for the state’s farms and cities. … ” Read more from the LA Times. | Read via Yahoo News.
Tire manufacturers fight accusations that toxic runoff harms fish
“On the last day of a three-day bench trial, tire manufacturers maintained that there is not yet enough data to form opinions about the effects of a runoff tire chemicals on protected and endangered fish populations. Environmental organizations claim the tire manufacturers — including Bridgestone America, Goodyear Tires and Michelin North America— make or distribute products that contain 6PPD, a chemical that ultimately transforms into 6PPD-quinone when it reacts with ozone. As the tire interacts with the environment and roads, 6PPD-Q leaches onto hard surfaces. When it rains, the chemical falls into rivers and other waterways, where it can kill fish in a matter of hours, the Institute for Fisheries Resources and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations claim. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service.
How the State Water Project used adaptive management to capture more water during recent storms
“As runoff from the last sizable storm was rolling down California rivers to San Francisco Bay in December, operators of the State Water Project used scientific information and modeling about the movement of fish species in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to adjust operations and capture additional water supply without compromising species protections. Flexibility in the project’s Incidental Take Permit (ITP), plus tight coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), allowed for a modest boost in State Water Project storage. Such flexibility is increasingly important in an era of weather whiplash. Long stretches of dry days frequently follow big storms, as happened in January. Operation of the State Water Project during the storm that began in mid-December illustrates how the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) managed adaptively, in coordination with regulators, to balance protection of endangered species and water supply for 27 million Californians. It demonstrates the usefulness of cutting-edge science and the importance of coordination among agency scientists. … ” Read more from DWR.
Western states face ‘snow drought’ as snowpack hits record lows
“Last weekend’s winter storm may have covered much of the country in a glut of snow and ice, but the season has not delivered out West, where several states face a snowpack drought. In Colorado, the snowpack is “the lowest on record for this point in the season,” said Peter Goble, the assistant state climatologist. “All of our mountain ranges are well below normal.” It’s the same story in Utah. “We’re in uncharted territory right now, and we’re headed toward the lowest snowpack we’ve ever had on Feb. 1,” said Kevin Perry, a University of Utah atmospheric scientist. … ” Read more from NBC News.
The latest Northern California rain, snow totals and where the snowpack stands as January comes to a close
“A fast-moving system delivered what will likely be the Northern California region’s final rainfall of January. A line of showers moved into the Valley shortly after dinner on Tuesday. Sacramento Executive Airport recorded 0.10 inches of rain, while higher totals fell in the Foothills. Auburn measured 0.15 inches. In the Sierra, the system produced 1-2 inches of snowfall. The storm exited into Nevada early Wednesday morning, leaving many to wake up to little more than damp roads.This latest rainfall brings Sacramento’s January total to 2.40 inches, about 75% of normal. Thanks to storms late last year, the overall water year remains in good shape. … ” Read more from KCRA.
Delta Conveyance Project: Looking back at progress made and ahead to what’s next
Sara Nevis / California Department of Water Resources
“The Delta Conveyance Project is one of California’s most important infrastructure modernization projects, protecting water supplies for 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland in communities across the state. Significant progress has been made to date in moving this critical project forward and there are additional important milestones anticipated in 2026. We are starting the new year by reflecting on how much has been accomplished and how this momentum will carry us into 2026 and beyond. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has made considerable progress in completing complex state and federal planning and permitting processes, in addition to movement on the community engagement, design and engineering, and planning funding aspects of project development. … ” Read more from the Department of Water Resources.
Flooded California rice fields provide critical habitat as scientist work to recover salmon populations
“Building a bridge between farmers and wildlife conservation is the goal behind a new project designed to help salmon populations recover in California’s Central Valley. Researchers say winter flooded rice fields in the Central Valley can provide critical habitat for young salmon, giving them a stronger start on their journey to the ocean. “Numbers have been pretty low the past few years,” said Brett Galyean with the Coleman National Fish Hatchery. “Fishing hasn’t been open. So we’re partnering with folks to try different rearing techniques.” … ” Read more from CBS News.
CDFW to host public meeting on California’s salmon fisheries
“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites the public to attend its annual Salmon Information Meeting. The hybrid meeting will feature the outlook for this year’s ocean salmon fisheries, in addition to a review of last year’s salmon fisheries and inland spawner returns. This year, the meeting will be held in person at the California Natural Resources Agency Auditorium at 715 P St. in Sacramento on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at 1 p.m., and will also be livestreamed online. The 2026 Salmon Information Meeting marks the beginning of a two-month public process to help develop annual sport and commercial ocean salmon fishing seasons. The input is also used to inform inland salmon season development later in the spring. … ” Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Golden mussel invasion in California threatens water systems and agriculture
“The fight to remove the golden mussel continues in California. The invasive species is damaging boats, clogging pipes, and threatening water systems across the state, according to the San Joaquin Farm Bureau. As we have relentlessly reported, they reproduce quickly and create dense colonies that are difficult to remove. Sightings are heavily concentrated in the Northern Central Valley, with confirmed detections stretching through the valley and into Southern California. Here at home, they have been detected in the San Luis Reservoir and the Friant-Kern Canal. … ” Read more from Fox 26.
Embattled reservoir project in Colusa and Glenn counties gets federal approval
“The U.S. Department of the Interior just approved the Record of Decision, or ROD, for the controversial Sites Reservoir Project that’s slated for the Maxwell community and edges of Glenn County. The ROD released last week authorizes the Bureau of Reclamation to provide up to 25% of the total cost for the 1.5 million acre-foot off-stream reservoir. Designed to capture and store water during wet periods, for later use in dry years, federal officials claimed that the project will “strengthen reliability for communities, agriculture and the environment” across the state. “President Trump made clear that federal water projects must deliver real results for American families,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in a statement. “This administration is getting it done in record time. The Sites Reservoir Project and the gains achieved over the past year demonstrate how a disciplined, mission-focused approach can expand water reliability for communities, agriculture and the economy.” … ” Read more from the Chico News & Review.
Climate change, electric vehicles and Delta tunnel among the focuses of gubernatorial candidate forum
“The schism between Democratic environmental ideals and California voters’ anxiety about affordability, notably gas prices, were on full display during an environmental policy forum among some of the state’s top Democratic candidates for governor on Wednesday. The Democrats questioned the economic impact Californians could face because of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s goal to have the state transition to zero-emission vehicles, a policy that would ban the sale of new gas-powered cars and trucks by 2035. The Trump administration has attempted to negate the policy by canceling federal tax credits for the purchase of such vehicles along with invalidating California’s strict emission standards. “It’s absolutely true that it’s not affordable today for many people to choose an” electric vehicle, said former Rep. Katie Porter of Irvine. “It’s the fact that, particularly with expiring federal subsidies and the cuts that Trump has made, an electric vehicle often costs $8,000 or $10,000 more. If we want people to choose EVs, we have to close that gap.” … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Sen. Schiff, 15 Senate Democrats raise alarm on EPA’s new rule abandoning federal water pollution protections
“Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works’ Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, led 15 Senate Democrats in opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)’s new Waters of the United States (WOTUS) proposed rule which threatens to undo significant progress made to restore the quality of our nation’s waters. The new rule limits the definition of waters, including removing coverage for waters that are not wet for the duration of an undefined “wet season” and excluding all waters but those with continuous surface connections. This leaves water bodies vulnerable to pollution, flood, and damage, and leaves communities without clean drinking water. “The proposed rule is legally unnecessary, scientifically unsound, and will harm public and environmental health by allowing more harmful chemicals into our waterways. We urge you to abandon this rulemaking and refocus your efforts on making Americans healthier,” the Senators wrote. … ” Read more from Senator Schiff.
In commentary today …
C-WIN: Big tunnel, big taxes: Newsom’s gigantic water project would spike property taxes
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Feds to rewrite Klamath River endangered species rules
“Federal water managers are reopening endangered species and water-sharing rules in the Klamath Basin as salmon return to newly free-flowing stretches of the river and as the Trump administration pushes agencies to maximize water deliveries. What happened: The Bureau of Reclamation formally asked federal fisheries agencies last week to help rewrite the endangered species rules that govern its dams and pumps that deliver water from the Klamath River on the California-Oregon border to farms and wildlife refuges in both states, Adam Nickels, the bureau’s acting California regional director, told a Reno-based conference of federal and local water managers Wednesday. Alan Heck, the bureau’s Klamath Basin manager, told the conference attendees that he expected the new guidelines to represent a “fairly large shift in the way we do business” following President Donald Trump’s executive order to maximize water supply last year and an assessment earlier this month of endangered species protections in the region. … ” Read more from Politico Pro (sorry, subscription required).
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Marysville ring levee almost federally certified, which could save residents thousands in flood insurance
“The Marysville ring levee project started in 2010. Now, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is nearing completion of the project. Engineers are submitting for federal certification. “We are currently starting the FEMA certification, so that should be underway here any day now. So the one-in-100-year standard, we determined that we definitely meet that,” said Tom Engler, the project manager for the Army Corps Marysville ring levee project. By federal standards, the project is done. FEMA requires a one-in-100-year level of protection. But the state of California requires a 200-year level protection, which the project might already have, but engineers are double-checking data and say state certification could happen within the next two years. … ” Read more from CBS News.
Water Forum members begin formal approval process for Water Forum 2050 agreement
“Nearly 40 organizations across the Sacramento region are beginning the formal process of approving the Water Forum 2050 Agreement, a major milestone in advancing the next generation of regional water management. Over the coming weeks and months, cities, counties, water providers, environmental groups, business organizations, and community interests will bring the draft agreement to their elected boards, councils, and governing bodies for consideration. Several organizations have already completed this review and formally approved the Water Forum 2050 Agreement, while others are now beginning their public approval processes. Together, these actions mark the final phase before signatories gather in spring to formally sign the Water Forum 2050 Agreement. … ” Read more from the Water Forum.
NAPA/SONOMA
Regenerative vineyards can pay their way, new Sonoma County study finds
“Sonoma County grape growers weighing a shift to regenerative practices now have some hard numbers to work with. A study published this month in the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture tracked costs and revenues at four vineyards in Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley, comparing conventional management against regenerative approaches like no-till farming, composting, and integrating sheep for grazing. The verdict: over a 30-year vineyard lifespan, the two approaches come out roughly even financially—with regenerative running just 2 to 8 percent lower in net present value. That’s assuming yields stay the same. And that’s the key assumption growers will want to scrutinize. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
SEE ALSO: Regenerative vineyards can pay their way, new Sonoma County study finds, from the San Jose Mercury News
BAY AREA
Another round of king tides may cause localized flooding in Marin County
“Seasonal king tides are forecast to impact Marin County from Thursday through Monday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This weekend’s tides are forecasted to be lower than the last round in early January, and there will not be an accompanying storm surge, but the county warned business owners, homeowners and commuters to always be aware of when king tides occur so they can prepare for potential impacts. Impacts are most likely along the Bay shoreline, near creeks and in locations that have experienced flooding during previous king tide events. During peak tide periods, water levels may rise high enough to flood coastal and bayside roadways, parking areas and pedestrian pathways. … ” Read more from Local News Matters.
Mokelumne River salmon returns highlight hatchery program success
“The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) reports more than 10,500 Chinook salmon returned to the Mokelumne River from the Pacific Ocean to spawn during the 2025 fall run. These returns represent a healthy count for natural spawning in the river and allowed EBMUD’s fish hatchery to reach its goal of collecting and fertilizing 7.5 million salmon eggs in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Though the Mokelumne contributes only about 3 percent of the freshwater flow into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, its salmon population has made up as much as 50 percent of the commercial catch off the California coast. “These results reflect EBMUD’s dedication to the stewardship of the Mokelumne River, our commitment to habitat restoration, and our investments in science-driven fish hatchery operations and river management,” said EBMUD Board President Luz Gómez. “We are proud of our successful partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and thank our many local, state, and federal partners as we work together to strengthen California’s salmon populations and protect our vital natural resources.” … ” Read more from EBMUD.
Land trust buys scenic Bay Area ranch, halting controversial plan for a quarry
“For decades, the storied Sargent Ranch in southern Santa Clara County has piqued the interest of developers, all with big-money dreams of building out one of the South Bay’s largest remaining private rural properties. This week, however, a Palo Alto-based land trust ended those prospects, purchasing 2,284 acres of the scenic ranch for $23 million and sidelining the most recent proposal for a controversial sand and gravel quarry. Peninsula Open Space Trust, or POST, which plans to permanently conserve the acreage off Highway 101 near Gilroy, had previously bought two neighboring plots to secure as open space. Its new piece of land, which includes the planned quarry site, had long been reserved for development. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
SEE ALSO: Palo Alto group buys 2,284 acres at Sargent Ranch, ending 10-year battle over proposed quarry on scenic property, from the San Jose Mercury News
Solano Together releases Suisun Expansion Plan polling
“Less than one in five Suisun City likely voters support California Forever’s annexation and development proposal in their city, according to polling data released Wednesday by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) and opposition coalition Solano Together. According to FM3, total support for the proposal sits at 19 percent (10 percent of respondents strongly support, and 9 percent somewhat support), and total opposition sits at 58 percent (48 percent strongly oppose, and 10 percent somewhat oppose). Undecided voters account for the remaining 23 percent of responses. … ” Read more from the Daily Reporter.
CENTRAL COAST
Cal Am proposes double-digits rate increase to begin in 2027, citing infrastructure needs.
“Tens of thousands of California American Water Company customers in the Monterey area could face a rate hike of 16.1 percent beginning Jan. 1, 2027. On July 1, 2025, the company filed an application with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), requesting to increase rates to fund a range of system improvements. Cal Am is seeking authorization to increase revenues for water service statewide by $63.1 million, or 17.2 percent in 2027; $22.1 million, or 5.1 percent in 2028; and $26 million, or 5.8 percent in 2029. The proposed increases would be spread across systems in 11 counties across the state that Cal Am serves. … ” Read more from Monterey Now.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Stanislaus adopts plan to protect wells in Modesto area, comply with state
“Stanislaus County supervisors adopted a well mitigation and management plan Tuesday for the groundwater underlying most of the northern part of the county. County government has jurisdiction over the eastern and western unincorporated areas that are not within irrigation districts — about 22% of the groundwater basin. Modesto, Oakdale, Riverbank, Waterford, Modesto Irrigation District and Oakdale Irrigation District are the other members of the Stanislaus and Tuolumne Rivers Groundwater Basin Association, which is expected to comply with the state’s groundwater mandates. … ” Read more from the Modesto Bee.
SEE ALSO: Stanislaus County supervisors approve groundwater management program, from KCRA
One of the world’s largest solar projects is headed for California’s Central Valley
“Solar energy has been popping up across California for decades, from neighborhood rooftops to panels arching over canals to grids floating in a retention pond. Now, a massive new project could blanket 136,000 acres of farmland in the Central Valley with solar, transforming a traditionally agricultural region into a major energy producer over the next few decades. The Westlands Water District, the utility company that provides water to a huge swath of Fresno and Kings counties, approved the plan recently, which, when completed, could become one of the largest solar installations in the world. The panels would span an area roughly four times as large as the city of San Francisco. The Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan would also create energy storage and electric transmission facilities, allowing the electricity to reach far beyond the center of the state. Meanwhile, local landowners can supplement their farms with another revenue stream, offset water needs and prevent further subsidence. … ” Read more from SF Gate.
SEE ALSO: Over 100,000 acres of solar panels could be coming to Fresno County farmland, from Your Central Valley
EASTERN SIERRA
Major Mono Lake report to be released soon by UCLA climate science team
“To understand how Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (DWP) stream diversions affect Mono Lake in the era of climate change, the California State Water Resources Control Board commissioned UCLA’s Center for Climate Science to conduct a major study. Launched in 2023 on the heels of the Board’s Mono Lake workshop, which highlighted the perils of low lake levels and urgent need for action, the Board has indicated that the study will soon be released. A final report and interactive modeling tool are expected by March 2026. … ” Read more from the Mono Lake Committee.
DWP continues exporting from the Mono Lake Basin
“After months of wet weather, Californians are embracing some welcome news. According to the US Drought Monitor’s five-level scale, there are no areas of drought in the state for the first time in 25 years. This information was well received at a January Los Angeles Board of Water & Power Commissioners meeting. Senior Assistant General Manager for the Water System, Anselmo Collins, referred to the drought-free conditions as “quite outstanding,” and a commissioner described the status as “unbelievable.” Beyond the drought-free news, water reservoir supplies bolster this positive outlook. While water observers keep a watchful eye on snowpack and conditions across the West, they are celebrating reservoir levels in California. … ” Read more from the Mono Lake Committee.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Wildflower superbloom this season? Experts weigh in on winter rain and what it means for season
“First came the heavy winter rains that soaked the soil. Then, the sunny weather — not too hot, but just warm enough to fuel the growth. A few more winter rainfalls and Southern California could be ripe for an epic wildflower season in the coming weeks and months. And when they bloom — the vibrant colors popping from rolling hills as far as the eye can see — thousands of people are bound to seek out their beauty, if past years are any indication. California State Parks recently announced it is expecting a moderate-to-strong wildflower bloom across the desert region, courtesy of the storms that showed up in fall and winter. … ” Read more from the LA Daily News.
Scattergood modernization – facing the future today
“As the City of Los Angeles continues to grow, so does the demand for more power and water. It takes research, dedication and the ability to look years ahead into the future to prepare for the complexities of this growing city. The Scattergood Generating Station Units 1 and 2 Green Hydrogen-Ready Modernization Project is a testament to LADWP’s leadership in adopting innovative solutions to meet L.A.’s growing needs. As the number one priority for LADWP’s Power System, this project aims to support the City of Los Angeles’ goal of achieving 100 percent clean energy while ensuring grid reliability. Located in Playa Del Rey, the Scattergood Generating Station serves as an additional power resource to LADWP customers in the west Los Angeles area. This transformative project will replace the generating capacity of existing Units 1 and 2, which are conventional natural-gas-fired steam-boiler generators originally commissioned in the late 1950s. These two units utilize ocean water for cooling to generate power. Due to the Statewide Once-Through Cooling Policy, this use of ocean water must be discontinued no later than December 31, 2029. This is a transformative and environmentally friendly direction for the environment. … ” Read more from the LA DWP.
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Should a town with an ‘inferiority complex’ welcome a giant data center?
“Giant computer data centers that power artificial intelligence and cloud computing are popping up around California, as are fights with communities that don’t want to live near them. The contests promise to become increasingly common as local governments question whether the economic benefits of new development outweigh concerns about environmental impacts, including enormous water and energy use. The fights come amid a growing demand for cloud computing and AI services used for everything from chat bots to analytics, navigation, gaming and social media. One of the latest battles emerged recently in Imperial County, where a court fight has erupted between the city of Imperial and a developer who wants to build a nearly 1 million-square-foot computer center on vacant land along the city’s border. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
SAN DIEGO
Cheaper recycled water is coming. But your water bill will still go up. Here’s why.
“Three communities – San Diego, Oceanside and parts of East County – are entering the era of recycled water, at a crucial moment for local water politics. How that gets sorted out will be reflected in San Diegans’ water bills. A decade ago, amid worries about the impact of drought on water supplies, those San Diego municipalities turned to recycled water, that is, turning sewage into drinking water. One local city, Carlsbad, also has a desalination plant, which turns seawater into drinking water. All those recycled water projects now are coming to fruition. But angst about drought has been overtaken by concern about the rising cost of water from the San Diego County Water Authority, which sells water to 22 cities, water districts and other member agencies in the county. In the past two years, the water authority’s rates have grown by 23%. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Supes OK $9 million for new Tijuana River sewage crisis initiatives
“Millions of dollars from county reserves will go toward new initiatives intended to provide South County residents with some relief from the ongoing Tijuana River sewage crisis. On Wednesday, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved setting aside nearly $9 million from its rainy-day funds to pay for a pipeline project in the Tijuana River Valley. The project is designed to mitigate airborne contaminants, provide more air purifiers for people exposed to the pollution, and fund public health studies. “South Bay residents, myself included, have been enduring this crisis for decades — breathing in sewage gases and cancer-causing chemicals,” Supervisor Paloma Aguirre said in a statement. “This funding isn’t just a line item; it’s a lifeline. Clean air is a fundamental human right, and today, we took action to protect that right for our residents, especially our most vulnerable students, elderly, and families.” … ” Read more from KPBS.
San Diego County will fix a toxic hotspot in the Tijuana River, fund epidemiological study
“Following widespread community complaints about chronic illness as a result of Tijuana River pollution, San Diego County supervisors set aside funds to repair a toxic hotspot and carry out a long-term epidemiological study. They also extended an air purifier distribution program, which doctors and scientists have said is a critical short-term strategy to improve health conditions for residents. Larger infrastructure projects will take years to complete. “The Tijuana River sewage crisis requires both long-term solutions and action now,” said Chair Terra Lawson-Remer. “We’re moving on both tracks at once, advancing permanent fixes while taking immediate steps to reduce the toxic exposure San Diegans face every day.” … ” Read more from iNewsSource.
SEE ALSO: San Diego appoints Pollution Crisis Chief to tackle Tijuana River sewage emergency, from CBS 8
Along the Colorado River …
California faces tough choices as federal water rules near expiration
“Water worries are once again front and center in California as federal officials release a new report outlining five possible paths forward once current Colorado River rules expire — some involving significant cuts that could impact desert agriculture and Southern California cities. The report warns that if the seven basin states cannot agree on how to share reductions, federal officials could step in and impose a solution. That could trigger years of legal battles while reservoirs remain at historic lows. In response, California is voluntarily leaving water in Lake Mead in an effort to avoid mandatory cuts and help stabilize the system. … ” Read more from NBC Palm Springs.
Nevada and six other states approaching deadline to determine plan for Colorado River
“The clock is ticking for the seven Colorado River basin states to come to an agreement on how to manage the river under the worst drought in 1,200 years. “The Law of the River,” a set of longstanding agreements between river stakeholders, was last updated in a 2007 plan that’s set to expire at the end of 2026. Since then, climate change has taken its toll on the river, reducing flows faster than earlier projections anticipated. Now, the Lower Basin states of Arizona, California and Nevada argue that the Upper Basin states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming should face mandatory cuts to their water allocations post-2026. The Upper Basin states counter that they shouldn’t have to because they already collectively use less than their allocated amounts. … ” Read more from Las Vegas Weekly.
Polis, top negotiator to travel to DC in bid to break impasse on Colorado River
“Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and the state’s top negotiator are heading to Washington, D.C., this week to battle with other states over how the Colorado River will be managed for years to come. A 19-year-old federal and state agreement for how to manage the basin’s largest reservoirs, lakes Mead and Powell, will expire this fall. State, tribal, federal, industrial and environmental groups have weighed in on what the next set of reservoir rules will look like. But the rules are about more than just reservoirs: They’re about the future water security for 40 million people, seven states, 30 tribes and parts of Mexico. Federal officials have said they want the basin’s future to be decided locally, but for two years, the seven basin states, including Colorado, have been stuck in a bitter impasse. The Department of the Interior called the seven governors to the Capitol this month to try to hash it out. … ” Read more from the Colorado Sun.
Colorado preps for water rights fight as the river standoff continues
“As Colorado continues to negotiate with the seven Colorado River basin states on the post-2026 operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the state’s attorney general and lead negotiator are ready for a legal battle if the states continue to clash. “If it comes to a fight, we will be ready,” said Becky Mitchell, the Colorado River commissioner, who represents the state on the Upper Colorado River Commission, at the Friday, Jan. 23 SMART Act hearing for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, where the agency provided its annual update on priorities and programs to lawmakers. After two years of back and forth, Colorado River basin states remain deadlocked, unable to agree on the guidelines for how Lake Powell and Lake Mead should operate beyond 2026. The operations of these two critical reservoirs have widespread implications for the approximately 40 million people, seven states, two counties and 30 tribal nations that rely on the river. … ” Read more from Sky Hi News.
EXPLORE MORE COVERAGE:
- Federal Overreach Could Jeopardize the Colorado River, from the Prescott News
- FOX5 Investigates: Panel of experts discusses Colorado River water crisis, from Channel 5
Judge grants emergency hearing in lawsuit against SNWA’s effort to replace grass
“A judge has scheduled an emergency hearing for Feb. 4 as a group of Southern Nevada residents seeks to halt certain water conservation rules. The state law mandates the removal of nonfunctional grass and prohibits irrigation of specific grass areas by the end of the year. The residents are suing the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), claiming the law has resulted in the death of 100,000 trees and millions of dollars in damages. They argue that SNWA is overstepping its authority by determining which grass must be removed and allege the organization is targeting residential turf without providing homeowners a way to appeal. … ” Read more from Channel 3.
Arizona’s cheap water supply is drying up—and it could hit affordability hard
“For decades, the explosive growth of the American West—and Arizona in particular—was made possible by a steady supply of cheap water. But now, that foundational resource is under threat as flows from the Colorado River dwindle and the rules that govern its use are set to expire. Roughly 36% of Arizona’s water comes from the Colorado River, secured in part by a 1963 Supreme Court ruling. But the current agreement that determines how seven states and Mexico split those rights is set to expire on Oct. 1, 2026—and so far, no new deal is in place. Downstream states like Arizona are at odds with upstream states over who should shoulder the largest cuts. The federal government has proposed multiple paths forward, including one scenario that would slash Arizona’s share by up to 57%. … ” Read more from Realtor.com.
High-tech planes gather crucial snowpack data to help SRP manage Valley water supply
“Salt River Project has teamed up with Arizona State University and Airborne Snow Observatories to measure the snowpack in the Salt River Basin. The data gathered provides valuable information for SRP as it manages the water it delivers to more than 2 million Valley residents. California-based Airborne Snow Observatories, or ASO, uses its aircraft fleet to collect accurate and reliable measurements of snow-water equivalent and forecast snowmelt runoff. ASU graduate students then crunch the numbers that SRP uses in its planning. … ” Read more from KTAR.
These ASU professors have a plan to reuse salty wastewater in Arizona — and save money
“With Arizona in drought and cuts likely coming to the state’s allocation of Colorado River water, lots of people are looking for ways to conserve the water we do have. And that means folks are trying to get creative. Two Arizona State University professors think they’ve figured out a piece of this puzzle. Behind the university’s MacroTechnology Works building in Tempe in what looks like a very large carport, is a series of pipes, knobs, measurement tools, basins — and water. The plan at this test facility is to work out how to treat briny water that comes as a result of industrial and manufacturing processes. Basically, how to take the salt out, which leaves water that’s usable for something else — although likely not drinking. … ” Read more from KJZZ.
Snowpack improves after storm, but upper Colorado Basin still below average
“After last weekend’s storm, snowpack across much of the basin saw a modest boost, especially in the northern and central Rockies, but overall levels are still running below average for late January. That means we’re gaining ground, but we’re not out of the woods yet. Here in southwest Colorado and the Four Corners, basins like the Dolores and San Juan picked up some new snow, which is good news for spring runoff. That fresh snow helps protect soils, recharge streams, and build the natural “water savings account” we rely on for summer. But compared to a typical year, totals are still on the light side. … ” Read moire from KSJD.
‘Snow drought’ may result in extra release from Flaming Gorge
“Wyoming’s top water managers are warning that a significant drawdown of Flaming Gorge Reservoir this spring is likely imminent due to low snowpack and generally dry conditions throughout the seven-state Colorado River Basin region. Wyoming is a headwaters of the Colorado River system, mostly via the Green River, which feeds Flaming Gorge. As of Jan. 8, snow cover across the West was at its lowest since 2001, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Rain instead of snow throughout much of the region so far this winter portends a scant end-of-winter “water bank” vital to the river system when snow begins to melt in the spring, the agency noted. NOAA’s Jan. 14 update for the region indicated, “Snow drought has expanded and/or intensified across the Sierra Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and southwest Colorado.” … ” Read more from Cap City News.
In national water news today …
US EPA moves to take action on review of fluoride in drinking water
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched the first step of its expedited review to determine safe levels of fluoride in drinking water, according to a notice posted in the Federal Register on Wednesday, advancing a priority of the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. The agency’s final toxicity assessment will inform potential revisions to fluoride drinking water standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act and will also support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations on fluoride in drinking water, according to the notice. Removing the natural mineral fluoride from drinking water is a priority of the MAHA movement that backs Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. … ” Read more from Reuters.
A startup blamed for deadly floods is pitching cloud seeding to lawmakers
“A startup dogged by conspiracy theories is trying to change the way Washington views technologies that coax snowflakes from the clouds, one Metro station at a time. Rainmaker Technology uses drones, artificial intelligence weather forecasting and particles of snow-forming silver iodide to squeeze additional precipitation from certain types of clouds. That led some conservative influencers and lawmakers last year to accuse the cloud-seeding startup of triggering deadly flooding. It responded to those erroneous claims with a surge of media appearances, lobbying and meetings with Trump administration officials. Now Rainmaker is trying to reach policymakers on their commutes. A series of gold-framed ads showed up in the Capitol South Metro station at the beginning of January. … ” Read more from E&E News.
Trump admin clips EPA oversight amid deregulatory blitz
“The Trump administration has squelched both external and internal oversight of EPA’s deregulatory agenda with moves that silence forums for critics, among other impacts, a review by POLITICO’s E&E News has found. The erosion of scrutiny over the agency’s unparalleled and aggressive wave of environmental rollbacks has happened largely under the radar and with less fanfare than its blockbuster deregulatory announcements. Take the firing of EPA’s in-house watchdog, along with ousting — and thus far not replacing — members of an advisory committee that has the authority to study the scientific basis for proposed rollbacks. Outright abolished are other advisory panels that could have afforded critics a setting to publicly probe two of Administrator Lee Zeldin’s key objectives: a wholesale retreat from air pollution regulations strengthened during President Joe Biden’s term and the dismantling of EPA’s office to combat disproportionate pollution exposure under the umbrella of environmental justice. … ” Read more from E&E News.
Conservationists sue Trump admin over rule cutting public comments on forest projects
“Two conservation groups are suing the Trump administration, challenging a U.S. Department of Agriculture rule that strips public comment requirements from most national forest projects. In a federal lawsuit filed on Wednesday, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Sierra Club accuse the Trump administration of violating environmental law by approving an interim final rule that eliminates the requirement for federal agencies to solicit public comments during project reviews. “It’s illegal and unjust for Trump to shut out the American public while wrecking our national forests so mining, logging and oil companies can make a quick buck,” Wendy Park, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. “We’re suing to make sure people have a say in what happens on their public lands, as they have for 50 years.” … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service.
