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.
In California water news this weekend …
Invasive plants threaten Delta waterways, treatments begin
“California parks officials will begin another season of herbicide treatments in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta later this month, targeting invasive aquatic plants that clog waterways, threaten boaters and disrupt marinas and irrigation systems. Starting March 19, California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) plans to treat thousands of acres across the Delta and its southern tributaries as part of its 2026 control program. The invasive plants include water hyacinth, South American spongeplant, Uruguay water primrose, Alligator weed, Brazilian waterweed, curlyleaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, coontail, fanwort and ribbon weed. … ” Read more from the Stockton Record.
SEE ALSO: Water hyacinth has plagued the Delta over the years, photo gallery from the Stockton Record
Sea levels are already higher than we thought, according to new calculations
“For decades, California has been bracing for the sea. Communities from Pacifica to Imperial Beach have fought over seawalls, buyout programs to move people away from shorelines, and the loaded politics of “managed retreat.” Now, a new study suggests researchers globally may have built these plans on a shaky foundation. Published Wednesday in Nature, the research from Katharina Seeger and Philip Minderhoud at Wageningen University in the Netherlands uncovered discrepancies in what most scientists thought they knew about how high the sea already sits at coastlines around the world. The researchers analyzed 385 peer-reviewed studies on coastal flooding and sea-level rise published between 2009 and 2025 — including dozens cited in the United Nations’ most recent major climate assessments. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Microirrigation School, starting March 30, offers guidance on maximizing water use efficiency and productivity
“In a time of increasing water scarcity and regulatory complexity, enhancing irrigation efficiency and improving on-farm water management practices are critical for California agriculture. Microirrigation – using highly efficient, low-flow and low-pressure systems that deliver water and nutrients close to plants’ roots – is one key solution. “Microirrigation is no longer optional in many agricultural production regions worldwide,” said Daniele Zaccaria, professor of agricultural water management for Cooperative Extension at University of California, Davis. “It is essential for producing more food per unit of water and for achieving higher fertilizer use efficiency, relying on greater application precision and pursuing improved environmental stewardship.” Zaccaria is organizing the 2026 Advanced School on Microirrigation for Crop Production, offered in California for the first time, from March 30 to April 3 (register by March 25). … ” Read moire from UCANR.
Reps. Garamendi, Peters introduce legislation to combat drought, build local water infrastructure
“Yesterday, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21), Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52), Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) introduce the Drought Relief Obtained Using Government Help Today (DROUGHT) Act, to help address the Western water crisis caused by severe and ongoing drought conditions affecting the Colorado River and its reservoirs. The DROUGHT Act would allow drought-impacted and underserved communities to both bring in additional federal funds and remain eligible for long-term, low-interest Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans. It does not affect the obligation of borrowers to repay their loans, the timeline for repayment, or interest rates of applicable loans. “Every Californian deserves access to safe, clean, reliable drinking water. I’m proud to join Congressman Peters in introducing the DROUGHT Act to ensure communities have the resources and federal support they need to advance equitable, sustainable water infrastructure projects,” said Rep. Garamendi. … ” Read more from Congressman Garamendi.
Podcasts …
AgNET NEWS HOUR: Cannon Michael warns west side farmers face major challenges with 15% water allocation
The March 6 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured a detailed and eye-opening conversation with Cannon Michael, President and CEO of Bowles Farming Company, about the serious challenges facing farmers on the west side of California’s Central Valley. Speaking with hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill, Michael discussed water allocations, rising regulatory pressure, and the long-term future of farming in the state.
WATER SHELF PODCAST: “The Water Recycling Revolution” by Bill and Rosemarie Alley
The dynamic writing team Bill and Rosemarie Alley discuss their latest book, The Water Recycling Revolution: Tapping into the Future (Rowan & Littlefield, 2022). What’s revolutionary about recycled water? How did we get over the “yuck factor”? What are recycled water developers currently getting right and wrong? Find out here!
TALKING UNDER WATER: EPA’s legal PFAS battle, tariff fallout, and America’s aging water systems
In this episode, Talking Under Water co‑hosts discuss the newest PFAS regulatory developments, major legal challenges, and the mounting strain on water and stormwater infrastructure across the U.S. The episode also explores the Supreme Court’s recent ruling striking down President Trump’s tariff plan and how the administration is seeking new legal pathways to maintain tariffs. From there, the hosts examine the politically charged response to the Potomac Interceptor sewer collapse, highlighting the operational, financial, and communication challenges surrounding the incident. Closing out, the show turns to stormwater struggles on both coasts — catch basin failures and compliance gaps in Connecticut, and severe flooding, lawsuits, and multibillion‑dollar funding shortfalls in San Diego — underscoring nationwide infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Sunday videos …
Meadows Rising: Restoring California’s mountain heartlands
California’s 18,000 mountain meadows are more than beautiful landscapes — they are the green hearts of the Sierra, keeping our water clean, reducing flood and fire risks, storing carbon, and providing vital wildlife habitat. They are also sacred cultural sites for Indigenous peoples. But most of these meadows are in poor health, threatening the watersheds we all depend on. The Sierra Meadows Partnership is leading the charge to restore and protect these emerald jewels. With support from California’s Wildlife Conservation Board, we’ve already restored thousands of acres and built 70+ partnerships across 20 counties. And we’re just getting started. Restoring mountain meadows is one of the most important actions we can take for climate resilience, biodiversity, and water security.
Improved water data saves time and water in the Russian River telemetry study
California’s water future relies on timely, accurate data and collaboration between the people who use water and the agencies that manage it. The Russian River Telemetry Study is a first-of-its-kind project exploring how real-time water monitoring can reduce reporting burdens for users while improving water management for everyone. The study, which runs from 2025 to 2027, tests telemetry equipment and develops approaches that work for both local water users and state regulators. This video introduces the study, shares perspectives from participating landowners and water managers, and explores how better data can help balance the needs of agriculture, communities, and the environment. The Russian River Telemetry Study is led by the Telemetry Research Unit at the California State Water Resources Control Board, with support from the California Water Data Consortium, Balance Hydrologics, and local partners.
In regional water news this weekend …
SIERRA NEVADA
Rain adds billions of gallons to Lake Tahoe, highlighting the need for water management
“Recent rain and snowstorms have delivered a massive amount of water into the Lake Tahoe Basin, and while the lake itself is rising, most of that water is flowing across the forests, meadows, and neighborhoods that surround it. According to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, since Feb. 15, rain and snow have added an estimated 16 billion gallons of water to Lake Tahoe, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. While the lake spans roughly 190 square miles, only about 35 percent of that water falls directly on the lake’s surface. Most precipitation falls across the surrounding 310 square mile watershed of forests, meadows, streams, and neighborhoods that drains into the lake. The intensity of recent storms and the visible dirt and sediment on roads highlight why stormwater management and water flow restoration projects are critical to protecting Lake Tahoe. Homeowners contribute by installing and maintaining Best Management Practices, while Team Tahoe partners through the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program implement larger solutions across the basin. … ” Read more from KTNV.
Scientists gather at Lake Tahoe to protect the world’s largest trout
“At the Tahoe City Marina, scientists from around the world prepared to board a research boat on Lake Tahoe. It was a sunny afternoon, but on the water, the air was still cold. The boat, named Liberty, is part of the research fleet used by scientists at UNR. It helps researchers collect data, study water clarity and monitor conditions in the lake. A second, larger research boat with space for up to 15 people is expected to arrive this September. As the boat moves into deeper water, the lake’s clear blue surface surrounds the group. Research professor Zeb Hogan says Lake Tahoe is an important place to talk about giant trout. “And so we’ve come together to try to share information, to try to figure out ways to better protect these fish,” Hogan said. “And one of the reasons why being out here on Tahoe is so relevant is that Lake Tahoe used to be home to North America’s largest cutthroat trout species.” … ” Read more from KUNR.
The SNC board approves nearly $8.7 million in wildfire resilience grants at March meeting
“The Governing Board of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC), a California state agency focused on improving the environmental, economic, and social well-being of the Sierra-Cascade region, awarded $8,649,243 in wildfire and forest resilience grants to 10 different projects in the Sierra-Cascade that will help protect natural landscapes and nearby communities from major disturbances, such as wildfire. “Getting funds into the hands of our local and regional partners to reduce fuels in overly dense forests, widen and lengthen strategic fuelbreaks, and enhance critical ingress/egress routes, which all help to protect communities throughout the Sierra-Cascade, has been one of our primary goals since voters passed the Climate Bond in 2024,” said SNC Executive Officer, Angela Avery. … ” Read more from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy.
Yuba Water Agency and CDFW complete oily debris cleanup on Englebright Lake
“Yuba Water Agency and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response have completed the containment and removal of oily debris from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Englebright Lake following the Feb. 13 rupture of Yuba Water’s penstock pipe above New Colgate Powerhouse. During the nearly three-week cleanup effort, crews installed large debris and oil booms in the upper stretch of Englebright Lake, about a mile downstream of New Colgate Powerhouse, to capture and hold floating debris. Barges equipped with an excavator and large bins were then used to collect and remove oily materials from the water. Smaller boats also supported debris removal by hand. … ” Read more from YubaNet.
SEE ALSO: Oily debris cleanup completed at Englebright, from the Appeal Democrat
Nevada Irrigation District Board to continue discussion on proposed water rates
“The Nevada Irrigation District (NID) Board of Directors will continue its discussion of proposed water rate adjustments at its March 11 meeting, when Directors are expected to consider initiating the Proposition 218 process. Any proposed rate changes are guided by the District’s commitment to setting fair and equitable rates that generate sufficient revenue to meet operational and financial obligations. An adjustment is necessary to ensure revenues keep pace with rising costs and to support the continued reliable delivery of water to customers. NID has not adjusted water rates since January 2021. In the years since, the District has maintained high-quality service while absorbing significant increases in expenses. Inflation, rising energy costs, and higher material and construction costs have all contributed to increased operating costs. … ” Read more from YubaNet.
With primary water source back online, Tuolumne County seeks funds for emergency reservoir
“Water is flowing again in the Main Tuolumne Canal following a weeks-long outage due to damage from winter storms that led to the declaration of a local state of emergency and served as a stark reminder about the fragility of Tuolumne County’s primary water source. Pacific Gas and Electric Co., which owns and maintains the roughly 14-mile canal system of wooden flumes and open-air ditches that were originally built by miners during the Gold Rush, announced Friday morning that repairs had been completed ahead of schedule to the critical piece of infrastructure that provides drinking water to about 95% of the county’s residents. … ” Read more from the Union Democrat.
Repairs complete on canal supplying majority of clean water to Tuolumne County residents
“The canal that supplies most of the clean water for Tuolumne County residents has been repaired after recent winter storms caused significant damage to it. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company, who run The Main Tuolumne Canal, stopped water flow on Feb. 17 after 250 trees fell into and onto the canal due to strong winds, heavy rain and deep snow. About 95% of Tuolumne County’s residents get their water from the canal. Residents were urged to reduce their water use until repairs could be made. County officials also issued a state of emergency in a push for more resources to repair the damage done by the trees that fell on the 14-mile canal, breaking parts of its wooden flumes. … ” Read more from KCRA.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
CPUC OKs request to discontinue fluoride in Oroville’s water
“The city is finally foregoing fluoride. The California Public Utilities Commission on Feb. 26 approved a request by Oroville to discontinue fluoride in its municipal water supply, managed by Cal Water. Cal Water will begin working with the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking water to send notices to costumers that, in April, they won’t be able to depend on the fluoride that comes with the city’s tap water, according to City Administrator Brian Ring. “Fluoride is strictly monitored by Cal Water, but if someone is relying on fluoride in the water, and if (fluoride) is no longer going to be in the water … they will communicate to them, ‘By April, don’t rely on fluoride in the water; we’re going to stop doing it.” … ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record.
BAY AREA
Bird flu rips through another beloved Bay Area species
“Since mid-February, biologists have been struggling to control an outbreak of avian flu in a colony of more than 1,300 elephant seals at Año Nuevo, a state park 55 miles south of San Francisco. It’s the first time the virus has been detected in marine mammals in California, and so far, the outbreak has been linked to at least 30 seal deaths. Testing remains underway as scientists scramble to understand how the disease is spreading and what other species may be at risk. According to a new study, though, a local population of beloved peregrine falcons has likely been falling victim to the same strain for years. The study, published as a preprint on Feb. 14 by a team of scientists in Santa Cruz, Oakland, San Francisco and Idaho, has tracked the presence of falcons at dozens of nesting sites over 26 years. The research shows a precipitous decline of Bay Area peregrine falcons, including the suspected death last year of a famous bird who captivated audiences as they watched her raise her chicks atop UC Berkeley’s Campanile. … ” Read more from SF Gate.
Proposed new wells will spread PFAS plume
“Zone 7 Water Agency plans to drill new wells in southwest Pleasanton near the leading edge of an enormous plume of PFAS, a.k.a. “forever chemicals”, underlying the Tri-Valley. And they’re pushing Pleasanton to join them. New groundwater modeling commissioned by Zone 7 appears to be very accurate in predicting groundwater levels based on historical data, but this is not the same as predicting PFAS plume movement. The model doesn’t show how the PFAS plume grew from nothing 50 or 60 years ago (from recently confirmed sources) to its current titanic size: six miles long and two miles wide. A model that can’t reproduce the historical plume movement is not useful in predicting future plume movement. … ” Continue reading from Pleasanton Weekly.
CENTRAL COAST
One of California’s ‘best kept secrets’ is in full bloom
“Death Valley is not the only California landscape carpeted with flowers. One-hundred and fifty miles to the west, at Carrizo Plain National Monument, located off Highway 58 between San Luis Obispo and Bakersfield, the hills are blossoming with vibrant yellow daisies, fiddlenecks and California poppies, visitors say. The Bureau of Land Management calls it “one of the best kept secrets in California.” Between 50,000 to 60,000 visitors make their way to the national monument every year, according to the BLM — far less than the more than 1.1 million people who visited Death Valley in 2021. But visitation is higher during good wildflower years; in March 2023, the area’s most recent superbloom, more than 120,000 visitors came to witness flowers paint the Temblor Range in yellow, orange and purple. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Water deal could help fish, farmers, pay for SSJID work
“Efforts over the years to modernize irrigation water delivery and reduce water waste has put the South San Joaquin Irrigation District in a position to assist south of the Delta farmers as well as allow for more robust fish flows on the Stanislaus River. The SSJID along with Oakdale Irrigation District are negotiating to pursue the release of water for diversion and use by the San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority as well as the California Department of Water Resources. If a deal is reach, the districts will commit to 50,000 acre feet in a normal water year and up to 20,000 acre feet in critical dry years for release during the April-to-May pulse flow for Chinook salmon. … ” Read more from the Manteca Bulletin.
California park’s use of human compost draws outcry
“The use of compost from human bodies on public parkland has a Central California conservation group facing criticism. The soil has been used at Sumner Peck Ranch, a 76-acre site north of Fresno overseen by the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. Its calendar lists events including school field trips and u-pick citrus and blueberry seasons. The human compost has put the trust at odds with the San Joaquin River Conservancy, a group with which it has partnered in the past. The conservancy’s chairperson, Kasey Austin-Tibbets, and Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld, who’s on the group’s board, were among officials who held a news conference Thursday, March 5, in Fresno to decry the use of the compost, the Fresno Bee reported. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News.
Kern Water Summit tackles mussels and water supplies
“The Water Association of Kern County hosted the 10th annual Kern County Water Summit on March 5, where industry experts discussed the complexities of managing the state’s water resources. Topics ranged from the invasive golden mussels species, state and federal government relations, and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. According to Valerie Goodwin, a golden mussel research coordinator and biologist at Dudek, after the golden mussel species was first detected in California in October 2024 — concentrated in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta — they have continued to spread south and infest critical water infrastructure. … ” Read more from Valley Ag Voice.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Metropolitan wins silver for best tasting tap water in United States
“Tap water served by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is among the best-tasting in the nation, a panel of judges has determined as part of the 36th annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition, which included more than 100 entries of water sourced from five continents. Metropolitan garnered second place in the municipal water category – the eighth medal the agency has won in the international competition in recent years. “Metropolitan water quality and treatment staff work hard to ensure the water we deliver not only meets all water quality standards, but also consistently tastes good. While safety is always our top priority, for consumers good taste can be an important confirmation of water quality,” Metropolitan General Manager Shivaji Deshmukh said. … ” Read more from the Metropolitan Water District.
500 goats chew vegetation in the Sepulveda Basin to address fire issues ahead of LA28
“The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society has deployed over 500 goats in the Sepulveda Basin, in partnership with Mayor Karen Bass’ office, to address wild,mostly invasive vegetation called firebrush that accelerates fires in the area. The Sepulveda Basin has seen numerous brush fires in recent years, with the most being the Burbank fire in August 2024, which blackened 75 acres of almost entirely invasive, nonnative plants. “Goat grazing is an ecologically sound way to address fires in the region,” says Michael Choi, the owner of Fire Grazers Inc., whose family business has beenaddressing fire issues in Los Angeles for over 17 years. … ” Read more from the LA Daily News.
SAN DIEGO
What one company’s shift towards data centers says about Imperial County’s lithium industry
“One of the three energy companies with plans to extract lithium from deep beneath the Salton Sea is shifting its focus to generating power for the booming artificial intelligence industry. Late last month, Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) said they were planning to build six new geothermal power plants on the north end of Imperial County. Eventually, the California-based company said they hope to offer 600 megawatts of energy — enough to power around 500,000 U.S. households — for large-scale data centers. The announcement is one of the clearest indicators yet of the challenges facing Imperial County’s emerging lithium industry as it struggles to get off the ground. … ” Read more from KPBS.
San Diego deserves progress on cleaning up Tijuana River — not promises
Al George, chief executive officer of Greenwater Services, an Ohio-based company focused on water quality improvement projects using Nanobubble Ozone Technology, writes, “Anyone living near the Tijuana River knows the ongoing frustration of the pollution problem. Beaches remain closed with unsightly warning signs. There is the ever-present smell, which is worse after heavy rains. For the residents of Imperial Beach and the surrounding areas, the Tijuana River isn’t just another environmental issue; it’s an everyday affliction. There have been decades of studies, funding cycles and false starts to find a solution. When a new pilot project appears, frustrated residents want to know if it will actually address the pollution problem, or is it just another experiment that goes nowhere. … ” Read more from the Times of San Diego.
Along the Colorado River …
Colorado River outlook ‘not a pretty picture’ after warm, dry winter
“There was no reason for the hydrologists who help predict the annual water supply for metro Phoenix to visit the snow survey site here until the last week of February. Until a storm passed through heading into that week, there had been no snow to speak of. Even then, they measured just 10 inches, with a density equating to 2 inches of water, or about half the median volume for the date. It was a pittance compared to the waist-deep snow that sometimes forces them to strap on snowshoes to reach the measurement plot southeast of Flagstaff. “It’s been an interesting winter,” Salt River Project field hydrologist Zachary Keller said. “Interesting” would be a euphemism throughout most of the inland West, where the snowpack that substantially supplies the Colorado River and tens of millions of people has been positively dreadful. … ” Read more from Arizona Central.
Western states pour cold water on federal Colorado River plans
“Water-starved western states say the federal government’s plan to manage how to split up the Colorado River is doomed to be picked apart in court. If not, representatives from desert states like Arizona say some scenarios would force them to truck in water to keep some communities alive. After years of fighting between themselves, states with a claim to Colorado River water via a 1922 compact missed a key deadline earlier this year. That meant the federal government was to intervene and begin the process of solving the problem for them. After the U.S. Department of the Interior released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) with a series of options in January, representatives from the states aren’t happy. The current agreement lasts through 2026. Representatives from multiple basin states — which include Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico in the Upper Basin and Nevada, Arizona and California comprising the downstream Lower Basin compact members — say the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation plan to divvy up the water ranges from concerning to unconstitutional. … ” Read more from Straight Arrow News.
Colorado River district head: Deal between states still possible, necessary
“The general manager of the Colorado River District says that despite blown deadlines, a deal between states is still possible and needed to deal with the crisis regarding the river’s management. But Andy Mueller says time is running short to do so with an existing agreement due to expire later this year and drought and Lower Basin overuse of the river putting water levels in Lake Powell at perilously low levels. “The best alternative from our perspective is still to have the seven states find an agreement that provides certainty. It’s really hard to do that in the middle of a really terrible drought. It’s a multi-decadal drought,” Mueller said. Absent an agreement, the federal government is expected to take action on its own later this year to govern future operations pertaining to Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the two major reservoirs along the river. … ” Read more from the Grand Junction Sentinel.
Colorado River allocation debate could pose a massive impact for Arizona farmers
“The debate continues over the new draft of Colorado River water allocations, as Arizona would receive large cuts to its allocation of river water. If that happens, the agriculture industry in the state could be devastated. The industry plays a huge role not only in the southwest but across the country, and it has already been hit hard by previous cuts. “My family has been farming here since 1919, so we got a little history here, so to say the least, this is probably the worst it’s ever been,” said Jace Miller, a Partner with Triple M Farms in Pinal County. Miller knows the ins and outs of the agriculture industry in Pinal County, a sector that is the most affected by allocations from the Colorado River. “The problem is agriculture has been the scapegoat for years in this state regarding water; anytime there was a shortage somewhere, take it from the farmer or rancher,” Miller said. … ” Read more from Channel 13.
Arizona farmers turn to conservation as Colorado River cuts loom
“With Arizona facing a proposed 77% cut to its Colorado River water allocation based on a recent proposal from the Bureau of Land Reclamation, farmers in Pinal County are turning to conservation methods to keep their operations running. Nancy Caywood, co-owner of Caywood Farms in Pinal County, said her operation is already feeling the effects of reduced water access due to increased drought. She said the proposed Colorado River cuts could make things worse for farmers like her, as she owns acres of land that rely on the water. “If there’s further cutbacks on that farm, we might not have any water,” Caywood said. … ” Read more from Channel 13.
Desalination might figure into Las Vegas water solution; early step announced in San Diego
“An agreement announced late last week in San Diego could be the start of a new kind of water solution for Las Vegas and other cities in the desert Southwest. A desalination plant in San Diego County is working, but it’s only running at about half-capacity because the process is expensive. The “memorandum of understanding” signed last week would start the exploration of an interstate water transfer and exchange pilot program. That could mean that, someday, water produced by the desalination plant could be “moved” to Nevada or Arizona. The agreement is early in the stages, and it hasn’t been approved by everyone involved. 8 News Now reached out to a Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) spokesperson, who said the memorandum was being reviewed, but it was too early to comment. … ” Read more from Channel 8.
2026 Utah legislature on Great Salt Lake, Colorado River and the environment
“The announcement hit like a welcome thunderstorm in the drought. FOX 13 News was the first to report that Utah’s Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands had successfully won an auction for the bankruptcy assets of U.S. Magnesium, a company branded one of Utah’s top polluters and located on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. The state wanted the water to help save the shrinking lake. Lawmakers rushed through $30 million in funding to make it happen. Rep. Jill Koford passed a major bill that seeks to solve a big problem of ensuring that water that is conserved actually makes it to the Great Salt Lake. It ensures that the water is released in a timely manner for the lake and gives the state more power to find water sources to prop up the lake. … ” Read more from Fox 13.
Lake Powell now on track for 5th-lowest runoff on record, per new projections
“Last month’s precipitation improved Utah’s water outlook somewhat, but Lake Powell’s and Great Salt Lake’s tributaries are still on pace to produce some of their worst spring runoffs in history. In fact, Lake Powell is currently on pace for its fifth-worst runoff on record, according to new projections released by the National Weather Service’s Colorado Basin Forecast Center on Friday. The agency doesn’t provide a similar comparison for the Great Salt Lake, but it warns that spring snowmelt runoffs could flirt with the bottom 10 runoffs in the many decades of tracking the Bear, Provo and Weber river basins, as well as Big Cottonwood Creek. “Snowmelt runoff forecasts for Utah range from 21% to 83% of average,” added Jordan Clayton, a hydrologist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, in a water supply outlook the agency also issued on Friday. … ” Read more from KSL.
A record warm winter could send Lake Powell to a historic low. Flaming Gorge may be its lifeline.
“A cream-colored band lines the orange sandstone walls that rise above the blue-green waters of Lake Powell. The so-called “bathtub rings,” these chalky layers remind boaters zooming across the popular reservoir how far the lake has fallen. After two decades of drought and an exceptionally warm winter, those rings will likely soon span even wider as Powell continues to drop towards a record low. “Right now the hydrology that we have in front of us puts us in a very, very precarious situation,” said Gene Shawcroft, Utah’s Colorado River negotiator. Utah just wrapped up its warmest winter on record. Salt Lake City broke its previous maximum average winter temperature by 2 degrees Fahrenheit — a significant increase, according to the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center. While the state received similar precipitation compared to last year, much of that fell as rain, leading to the worst snowpack since 1981 in parts of the state. Now, the water supply outlook is “well below normal,” according to the center. … ” Read more from the New York Times.
In national water news this weekend …
Earth is warming faster than previously estimated, new study shows
“Planetary warming has significantly accelerated over the past 10 years, with temperatures rising at a higher rate since 2015 than in any previous decade on record, a new study showed. The Earth warmed around 0.35 degrees Celsius in the decade to 2025, compared to just under 0.2C per decade on average between 1970 and 2015, according to a paper published on Friday in the scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters. This is the first statistically significant evidence of an acceleration of global warming, the authors said. The past three years have been the hottest on record, compared to the average before the Industrial Revolution. In 2024, warming went past 1.5C, the lower limit set by the Paris Agreement. That target refers to temperature increases over 20 years, but breaching it for one year shows efforts to slow down climate change have been insufficient, the scientists who wrote the new paper said. … ” Read more from Bloomberg News.
