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On the calendar today …
- MEETING: SAFER Drinking Water Program: Advisory Group Meeting #1 from 9am to 2pm. This meeting will bring together the SAFER Advisory Group to discuss the Fund Expenditure Plan Overview, give SAFER Program Updates and Announcements, and hear Advisory Group Member Announcements. Click here for the meeting notice and remote access instructions.
- WEBINAR: Faster and Better: Restoring our Environment to Protect People & Nature from 12pm to 1pm. California is a global biodiversity hotspot on the front lines of climate change. Extreme events threaten our communities and ecosystems at an increasing pace. In response, we’re moving faster to strengthen our landscapes and waterways, protect people from climate impacts, and safeguard fish and wildlife. Join us to evaluate our progress “Cutting Green Tape” to deliver environmental projects and hear from state leaders about what comes next. Click here to register.
- MEETING: California Advisory Committee on Salmon and Steelhead Trout from 12:30pm to 4:30pm. Agenda items include a presentation on the Yuba River Daguerre Point Dam Fishway Project; a briefing and discussion on the Status of the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) Salmon Fisheries Process; and a presentation and discussion on the State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) implementation plan for AB263 in the Shasta and Scott Rivers. Click here for the agenda and remote access instructions.
- WEBINAR: Groundwater Awareness Week Coffee Chat: Connecting with your DWR Region Office from 1pm to 2pm. Bring your favorite hot or cold beverage to your desk for your afternoon pick-me-up, as you join us virtually for this Coffee Chat: Connecting with your DWR Region Office. This is an opportunity to connect informally with your DWR Region Office Regional Coordinators in region-specific breakout rooms. We hope you can join us for this afternoon of coffee and connections! Visit our maps listed under Regional Office Points of Contact to guide your breakout session selection: https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater-Management/Assistance-and-Engagement Click here to register.
In California water news today …
A record heat dome is about to hit the West — in March
“A record-breaking heat dome will develop near the West Coast late this week, smashing records and sending temperatures into the triple digits through next week — when it will feel like summer during the final days of winter. This follows the warmest start to March on record for the United States. There are many potential firsts for March on the horizon: It could reach 100 degrees in Los Angeles next week, after record-breaking 95-degree heat on Thursday and Friday. In Phoenix next week, temperatures could exceed 100 degrees several times. It could also reach the century mark in Las Vegas. The pattern is occurring as a marine heat wave builds offshore, an expansive area of well-above-average sea temperatures that is likely to expand as summerlike warmth arrives and intensifies into next week — following a meteorological winter with widespread record-breaking warmth and snow droughts in the West. … ” Read more from the Washington Post.
Prolonged March heat wave could set North Bay records, further shrink Sierra Nevada snowpack in bad sign for fire season
“March enters like a lion, according to the old weather proverb, and leaves like a lamb. Between those two points this month, in this part of California, we can expect a lengthy interlude of unusually hot and potentially record-breaking temperatures, starting Thursday and lasting at least a week. The same high-pressure ridge delivering mid-80s temps to Santa Rosa by Sunday will also end up precluding the possibility of “Miracle March” that might have dumped additional snow in the Sierra Nevada, boosting what is now sure to be a dismal snowpack measurement next month. With no storms in the forecast, conditions could be setting up for an early dry season and an earlier fire season — in the state’s interior, at least. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
SEE ALSO: Extraordinary and prolonged March heatwave to break records and decimate mountain snowpack across U.S. Southwest, including much of California, from Dr. Daniel Swain at Weather West
Signs of strong El Niño emerge. Here’s what California can expect.
“El Niño, the seasonal climate pattern that brings a cascade of global weather impacts, is emerging in the Pacific Ocean, according to new data. There is a 62% chance that El Niño conditions will begin between June and August and last at least through the end of the year, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center reported on Thursday. La Niña, which started last fall and ruled the winter, is expected to fade out any day. In general terms, El Niño signals a wet winter for California, especially the southern part. But experts cautioned that may not always be true. “Even if a Niño is born in summer, there’s no guarantee that California will get a wet winter,” Alexander Gershunov, a research meteorologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, wrote to SFGATE in an email. … ” Read more from SF Gate.
SEE ALSO: Odds Rise That El Niño Will Soon Bring Weather Extremes, from the New York Times
New NOAA El Niño-Southern Oscillation Index supports drought early warning
“The Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) has traditionally been NOAA’s official measure, or index, to track the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The ONI is calculated as the rolling 3-month average sea surface temperature departure from average (anomaly) in the east-central tropical Pacific Ocean. The warmer-than-average phase of ENSO is called El Niño, the cooler-than-average phase is called La Niña, and near-average is called ENSO-neutral. In February 2026 NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center adopted the Relative Oceanic Niño Index (RONI) to better characterize the past, present and future of ENSO. RONI accounts for the long-term ocean temperature trends in a way that the traditional ONI does not, thus providing a better representation of the seasonal climate variability. As a result, in most cases, RONI will dampen the strength of El Niños and amplify La Niñas when compared to the traditional ONI. … ” Continue reading from NIDIS.
Hydrologist Laurie Huning on extreme climate and protecting California’s water supply
“Few issues shape California’s future more than water. Drought, floods and rising temperatures are pushing the state’s water systems to their limits. At Cal State Long Beach, hydrologist Laurie Huning studies how climate extremes affect snowpack and water availability — research aimed at helping water managers keep reservoirs balanced, communities safe and water flowing. An associate professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Management, Huning leads a team of Beach students who analyze water-cycle data across the western United States. Their research explores how heat waves, snow droughts and “climate whiplash” — that is, rapid swings between wet and dry conditions — affect water supplies. We spoke with Huning about her latest research and how College of Engineering students are helping investigate climate extremes. … ” Read more from California State Univeristy Long Beach.
Pacific Fishery Management Council releases options for 2026 West Coast ocean salmon fisheries
“The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has adopted three options for 2026 ocean salmon fisheries off Washington, Oregon, and California, which are available for public review. The Council will make a final decision on salmon seasons at its next meeting on April 8-12, 2026. Detailed information about season starting dates, areas open, and catch limits for the three options are available on the Council’s website at www.pcouncil.org. Forecasts for West Coast Chinook and coho stocks in 2026 are looking largely encouraging coastwide, with forecasts mostly stable or slightly higher than last year. Federal requirements to conserve Fraser River (Canada) coho, Washington coastal coho, lower Columbia River natural coho, lower Columbia River natural tule Chinook, Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast natural coho, Klamath River fall Chinook, and California Coastal Chinook will be the main constraints for this year’s ocean salmon fisheries. “Working closely with our advisors, the Council developed options for commercial, recreational, and Tribal fisheries that aim to maintain a careful balance across fisheries along the coast,” said Chair Pete Hassemer. “This year brought encouraging signs for both salmon and fishing communities, and we look forward to hearing feedback from the public as we move toward finalizing the 2026 season.” … ” Read more from the Pacific Fishery Management Council.
REPORT: From planning to action: The Mutibenefit Land Repurposing Program’s 2025 progress and impact
“The 2025 Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP) Annual Report is now available, detailing program progress and regional activities. Prepared by the Statewide Support Entity with input from block grantees and Department of Conservation staff, it highlights the shift from planning to implementation. The report showcases collaborative efforts to advance groundwater sustainability while benefiting ecosystems, local economies, and communities. Key updates include outreach, planning, and implementation across eight block grant regions, summaries of 23 approved projects, and visual overviews of program-wide progress and engagement. The Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP) supports California’s groundwater sustainability by helping communities and growers transition less-viable irrigated agricultural lands to more beneficial uses. Through regional grants, the program fosters proactive, community-led strategies that reduce reliance on groundwater while promoting healthy ecosystems, resilient communities, equitable economies, and regional adaptability. MLRP empowers local planning and coordination to implement projects that balance environmental, economic, and social benefits. … ” Continue reading at Maven’s Notebook.
California water board will soon release a new rule to limit water pollution from dairies in the state
“California dairies are out of balance. Everyone from environmentalists to regulators to the industry agrees that the nitrogen from milk cow manure is ending up where it can pose a health threat. Excess nitrogen from dairies turns into excess nitrate in the soil, spilling into waterways, seeping into groundwater and contributing to widespread contamination of drinking water in the Central Valley. In some counties there, 40 percent of drinking wells are above the safe limit established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, posing health risks like miscarriages and infant mortality. In the next two months, the State Water Board says it will release a long overdue draft order that will chart a course to fix that. A first draft of the board’s thinking came in October 2024, when it proposed a new framework requiring that Central Valley dairies comply with a nitrate drinking water standard of 10 milligrams per liter and meet new rules for storing waste, applying manure to crop fields and providing alternative drinking water to residents when nitrate levels in their water are unsafe. … ” Read more from Inside Climate News.
SEE ALSO: Ten million tons of manure in california are unaccounted for, new report shows, from Sentient Media
Golden mussel poses threat to California agriculture and infrastructure; John Bison and David Hammond, PhD, detail risks and potential solutions
“The golden mussel, an invasive species that was first detected in the California Delta in October of 2024, has spread more than 400 miles along the California State Water Project (SWP). Described as catastrophically prolific, these mussels pose a problem too great to ignore. To better understand the risks and potential solutions, I spoke with John Bison, Water Treatment Specialist with Bennett Water Solutions and CWS, and David Hammond, PhD, Senior Scientist at Earth Science Laboratories. “Mussels have been an issue before, but nothing even close to this,” John said when I hopped on the phone to discuss this latest threat to California ag. “Golden mussels become fertile within their first year and can spawn multiple times per summer, with each individual female mussel producing 1 million larvae per year. It’s important that we get ahead of this problem soon, when they are most vulnerable and susceptible to treatment.” … ” Read more from And Now U Know.
PFAS pesticide residues found on 37% of conventionally grown California produce
“California farming has a PFAS problem, with traces of “forever chemicals” from pesticides found on 37% of nearly a thousand samples of the state’s conventionally grown produce, according to a new analysis of 2023 data from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR). The analysis, published March 11 by the Environment Working Group (EWG), found residue of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on 40 types of fruits and vegetables. Individual pieces of produce often contained multiple types of PFAS chemicals, with residues of 10 different PFAS found on strawberries, and over 90% of nectarines, plums and peaches testing for fludioxonil, a PFAS pesticide considered an endocrine disruptor by the European Food Safety Authority. … “ Read more from The New Lede.
SEE ALSO: A surprising percentage of produce from the nation’s largest supplier contains ‘forever’ pesticides, from KCRA
Solano Co.: California Forever Or California for never? Plan to build new city polarizes county
“The two men stood near a rickety barbed wire fence by state Highway 12 between Suisun City and Rio Vista in Solano County, looking east over a vast tract of gently rolling rangeland. In the summer, this sprawling property will be sere and brown. But now, freshened by heavy winter rains, it is intensely green. Wetlands dot the landscape, some supporting Canada geese and mallard ducks dabbling in the water. Northern harriers and red-tailed hawks cruise overhead, seeking mice and voles in the grasses and emerging wildflowers below. Both men admired the view. But Jim DeKloe, a biology professor at Solano Community College, and John Harter, the owner of Waterfront Comics in Suisun City, have different visions for the property. To DeKloe, the land is fine just as it is: a spectacular open space burgeoning with wildlife and supporting rare ecosystems such as vernal pools and native grasslands. Harter, on the other hand, shares the dream of Flannery Associates, a group of wealthy investors led by Jan Sramek, a former Goldman Sachs trader. Flannery — and Harter — want to see this 100-square-mile parcel developed. They hope to see a new city rising here, one that will ultimately support 400,000 residents at full build-out. … ” Read more from SF Gate.
SEE ALSO: Newsom to Meet with Billionaires Behind ‘California Forever’ Project, from California City News
‘Reef-safe?’ California moves to restrict misleading sunscreen labels
“California’s environmental committee legislators unanimously voted Tuesday to advance a consumer transparency bill that would prohibit sunscreen products from being inaccurately labeled as “reef safe,” “reef friendly,” “ocean safe,” “marine safe” when the products contain chemicals harmful to marine ecosystems. Proposed in February, the Assembly Bill 1744 is co-authored by Assemblymembers Gregg Hart, D-Santa Barbara, and Dawn Addis, D-Morro Bay. Addis stressed that reefs and marine ecosystems are a vital pillar of the state’s biodiversity and economy, with coastal tourism generating about $51 billion a year — and that “manmade factors” are damaging both. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
In commentary today …
DWR continues to improve forecasting as spring heats up in California
DWR Director Karla Nemeth writes, “For California water managers, the painfully sunny skies of March 2026 bear striking resemblance to March 2021. In the spring of 2021, the snowpack was, like now, about half of average. Temperatures were breaking records. Then the news got worse. The snowmelt DWR forecasters expected to drain into reservoirs failed to appear. Unexpectedly, the mountain runoff disappeared into dry soils and a thirsty atmosphere. Caught off guard by this reality, DWR heeded this new climate signal. The work done at DWR over the last five years to understand and track how snowpack translates into water supply means we know a great deal more about what to expect this dry, warm spring. We do not control what, if any, rain and snow will fall in the next month and a half. But we will know a lot more about what water supply to anticipate, thanks to these forecasting improvements since 2021 … ” Continue reading from DWR.
Donald Trump has opportunity to make water great again
Arizona State Representative Gail Griffin and U.S. Representative Andy Biggs write, “After decades of finger pointing and failed negotiations over the rights and distribution of the Colorado River, the future of the West stands at a crossroads. The stalemate over water scarcity between seven western states threatens America’s economy and national security. It’s the kind of stalemate that only a grand deal and a major investment can break through to save our region. With the Colorado River under strain, and time running out, America needs a visionary, a builder and a deal maker. Thankfully, we have all three of those in President Donald J. Trump. For over half a century, the construction of large dams and canals was the mark of a truly great president. Beginning with Teddy Roosevelt, the first major water reclamation project in the West—the Roosevelt Dam—was authorized to provide Arizona with water that expanded our country’s agricultural, industrial, and military base. … ” Continue reading at the Arizona Free Press.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
California’s northernmost ski area closes for the season amid paltry snowpack
“Mount Shasta’s only ski area announced Tuesday that it will close for the rest of the season amid a rapidly deteriorating snowpack. Mt. Shasta Ski Park, the northernmost ski area in California, is the latest casualty of a difficult winter for resorts across the west. Some mountains opened late to start the season because of unseasonably warm weather and limited snowfall. This is California’s worst snowpack since 2015, with more rain than snow this winter. “The forecast looks terribly warm with no (precipitation) at all,” said Brendan Hickey, the chief financial officer of the resort, which is locally owned. “It’s just not going to happen.” Shasta Ski Park’s season lasted for 55 days, five days short of its sixty-day guarantee and will be providing season pass holders credits that can be used next season, Hickey said. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
SEE ALSO: California ski park ends season early. Weather hitting 90s?, from the Redding Record Searchlight
SIERRA NEVADA
SYRCL and the Sierra Meadows Partnership: Restoring Our Headwaters
“Mountain meadows are among the most valuable landscapes in the Sierra Nevada. These high-elevation wetlands store water during spring snowmelt, release it gradually through summer and fall, filter sediments, sequester carbon, provide critical wildlife habitat, and create natural firebreaks that slow wildfire spread. For SYRCL, meadow restoration is central to our mission of protecting and restoring the Yuba River watershed. That’s why we’re proud to be part of the Sierra Meadows Partnership (SMP), a collaborative network of organizations working to restore and protect Sierra Nevada meadows at an unprecedented scale. We’re excited to announce the release of a new short film that showcases the partnership’s recent impact: the restoration of thousands of acres of meadow habitat across California and advances in meadow ecology research. The film highlights work made possible through a $24.7 million block grant from the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB). … “ Read more from the South Yuba River Citizens League.
Nevada Irrigation District releases draft Agricultural Water Management Plan
“The Nevada Irrigation District (NID) has released its Public Draft 2025 Agricultural Water Management Plan (AWMP) for public review. The draft plan is available on the District’s website at nidwater.com. The plan outlines how the District manages irrigation water for thousands of local farms and ranches while improving water-use efficiency and preparing for drought conditions, helping ensure a reliable water supply for the region’s agricultural community. The NID Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on March 25, 2026, to review the draft and consider adoption of the updated plan. … ” Read more from YubaNet.
Why Tahoe City PUD Consolidates Water Systems — And What It Means for Customers
“For decades, the Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) has worked quietly behind the scenes to do something most people never think about until something goes wrong: make sure clean, reliable water comes out of the tap every day. TCPUD formed in 1938 when local residents came together to take ownership and responsibility for a private water system in Tahoe City, a true example of “by the people, for the people”. What began as a small, community-driven water utility steadily grew alongside the developing region it served. Today, TCPUD provides drinking water, wastewater collection and parks and recreation services across a 31 square mile area on the north and west shore of Lake Tahoe. These services support a diverse year-round population and millions of annual visitors. Central to this evolution has been the District’s role as a locally governed public utility to acquire neighboring privately owned water systems and consolidate them into one locally controlled public water system. … “ Read more from ACWA Water News.
Tuolumne County asks state for $6.3M to build emergency water reservoir
“The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 Tuesday morning to request $6.3 million in state funding to build a 25-acre-foot reservoir at the former Sierra Pines Golf Course property in Twain Harte that would provide water during water emergencies, including unplanned failures and annual shutdowns of the Pacific Gas and Electric Co.-owned Main Tuolumne Canal flumes and ditches. The board’s move came five days after PG&E announced Friday that the storm-damaged canal, which provides 95% of Tuolumne Utilities District’s drinking water, was repaired with water flowing for the first time since PG&E shut off water in the canal on Feb. 17 due to storm damage. … ” Read more from the Union-Democrat.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Removing fluoride from the City of Oroville’s water
“Drinking water in Oroville will soon be free of added fluoride. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in February approved a request from the Oroville City Council to remove it. The decision marks a significant shift for Oroville, which has a long history with fluoride in its water. In 1957, city leaders successfully advocated for its addition to the system. In July of 2024, the Oroville City Council passed a resolution to work with California Water Service (Cal Water) and state regulators to end fluoridation. Cal Water then filed a formal request with the CPUC. Over several months, the CPUC reviewed the proposal, gathered information, and held public hearings in Oroville. Many community members expressed concerns about potential safety risks. … ” Read more from Action News Now.
Column: The Long Shot – On water and social media rights and responsibilities
Shanna Long writes, “The horses are shedding, the ground is warming, and the wind is blowing blossom petals across the landscape. I guess that means spring is headed our way. Good news for water users in the Corning Water District came this week in the form of a very nice letter from its board, stating that we will receive 100 percent of our water allocation for the 2026 crop year. That’s always nice to hear early because it lets growers know how much surface water we can rely on, which helps us offset our groundwater use and, in many cases, rely strictly on surface water when the price is right. This is especially beneficial to growers who produce annual crops. Now they can make plans for seed orders, budget fertilizers, and more. Tehama County Farm Bureau has been an unwavering partner with the county in offsetting groundwater use as we move forward in the SGMA process, which mandates groundwater sustainability by 2042. … “ Read more from the Corning Observer.
BAY AREA
Bay Area, Sierra Nevada brace for unusual March heat wave
“Break out fresh sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats and shorts because forecasters expect California to have its first heat wave of the year starting Wednesday, with well-above-normal temperatures through next week. The wave threatens to break some Bay Area cities’ high temperature records and rapidly melt the Sierra Nevada’s snowpack. National Weather Service meteorologists said Bay Area cities can expect widespread temperatures in the 70s and some in the 80s this week, and even warmer temperatures on Sunday into next week. Next Tuesday will likely be the hottest day of the heat wave, said meteorologist Brayden Murdock with the weather service’s Bay Area office. He said Oakland and San José are among cities that could surpass monthly high-temperature records, and San Francisco could sizzle into the 80s by Sunday. … ” Read more from KQED.
Data centers ditched from industrial project Oakley council approves for former vineyard
“The Oakley City Council on Tuesday approved an industrial development project that will turn vineyards into a logistics hub near Big Break Regional Shoreline, though the project will no longer include data centers. Following an at-times contentious meeting in a packed city council chambers, the council voted 4-1 — with District 5 Councilmember George Fuller opposed — to approve the controversial Bridgehead Industrial Project, set for a 164-acre project site bound by Bridgehead Road to the west, Big Break Road to the east, Main Street to the South, and the San Joaquin River to the north. … ” Read more from Local News Matters.
SEE ALSO: Oakley Drops Data Center Plans, Approves Massive Industrial Project, from KQED
Paddling a resurrected wetland: A formerly barren landscape transforms into thriving habitat at Pacheco Marsh in Martinez
“A great egret takes to the sky from a nearby pool. Rusty marsh wrens call to each other from common reeds. In the distance, a white-tailed kite glides above uplands. It’s a clear and pleasant morning in late September at Pacheco Marsh—a 237-acre redesigned salt marsh landscape in Martinez that opened in May 2025. Although surrounded by industry, its 2.5 miles of new trails and navigable sloughs for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards feel like a wetland in balance, its pools and uplands pulsing with life. Dave and I roll our canoe cart about a quarter mile down a paved trail to the small-craft boat launch. We’ve waited until my NOAA Tide Alert app tells me that the tide is halfway to its peak of 5.39 feet so we can paddle on a rising tide. … ” Read more from Bay Nature.
Could oil derricks come to Mount Diablo?
“ount Diablo would look a lot different surrounded by oil derricks. So too would Pinnacles National Park, Henry W. Coe State Park, Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, multiple parks in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and huge swaths of the southern Diablo Range. But with new plans from the Trump administration, that sight could materialize on all these Bay Area lands—along with ample portions of the rest of California, from its oceans to its valleys to its mountains. How likely is this to actually happen? Here’s our primer on the situation. … “ Read more from Bay Nature.
CENTRAL COAST
Arroyo Grande will ask voters for option to buy state water outside of droughts
“Arroyo Grande voters will decide in November whether the city should have the option to buy state water outside of drought emergencies. On Tuesday, the Arroyo Grande City Council directed its staff to put a measure on the November 2026 ballot that will ask voters whether the city should upgrade its agreement with the California State Water Project from emergency uses only as allowed by Measure E-16 in 2016 to a new as-needed contract. … “ Read more from the San Luis Obispo Tribune.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Water Blueprint for the SJV Chair Eddie Ocampo Participates in CA State Board of Food and Agriculture Panel on Water Management
“Last week, Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley Board Chair Eddie Ocampo presented before the California State Board of Food and Agriculture as part of a panel discussion on current water issues. The group engaged in a thoughtful discussion, underscoring the shared understanding that water reliability is foundational to California’s agricultural economy. Chair Ocampo noted that in the San Joaquin Valley, up to one million acres of farmland may be fallowed in the coming decades due to state water shortages. Chair Ocampo focused his remarks on Action 5, the recently adopted long-term operations plan for the Central Valley Project and State Water Project that’s aimed at modernizing the state’s water management. … ” Read more and watch video from the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley.
More agave farming — and fallow fields — in Fresno after unstable 2025 water deliveries
“The nation’s largest agricultural water district, located in west Fresno County, says agave growing almost doubled in acreage and the amount of farmland that’s stopped producing crops also expanded within its boundaries last year. The Westlands Water District released its latest crop report Tuesday, calling 2025 a year of “unreliable water supply” in a news release. The uncertainty resulted in 242,712 acres of the district’s irrigable land being fallowed, or paused from growing crops, the district said. That’s an increase of about 13% from the 2024 total, according to Westlands data. It also means the amount of fallowed land in Westlands now makes up about 43% of district’s total irrigable land. Westlands covers over 1,000 square miles in west Fresno and Kings counties and delivers water to 700 family-owned farms. According to an economic report from last year, the district’s growers produce 3.3% of fruits and nuts in the U.S. … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Dozens of groups sign joint letter urging Metropolitan Water District to prioritize funding for massive wastewater recycling project
“Nearly fifty organizations and five water-oriented coalitions submitted a joint letter to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California in advance of today’s Finance, Affordability, Asset Management, and Efficiency Committee meeting, where Metropolitan’s biennial budget will be discussed. The letter signals support for including $150M for planning and design for Pure Water Southern California (PWSC) in MWD’s 2026-2028 biennial budget. PWSC is an ambitious regional wastewater recycling project that would produce up to 150 million gallons of purified water daily once it reaches full production capacity. In addition to creating a new source of local, reliable water, the project would reduce nutrient loads released into the ocean, which would benefit marine life. It would also create 75,000 local job-years to support project construction and operations and maintenance. “Pure Water Southern California is the smartest and most reliable investment Metropolitan’s leaders could make for our region’s water future,” said Bruce Reznik, executive director of Los Angeles Waterkeeper. “We will always have wastewater available for purification and reuse. The same cannot be said for water we might be able to get from the Colorado River, the Bay-Delta, or the potential Sites Reservoir a decade or two from now. Hands down, these are the best dollars Metropolitan could spend when looking for options to insulate us from the deluge-to-drought extremes that continue to plague our region.” A copy of the letter is available here.
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Lawmakers introduce ‘DROUGHT Act’ to bolster water infrastructure in Coachella Valley and beyond
“In a direct response to the persistent water crisis gripping the American West, Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) joined a coalition of California lawmakers this week to introduce the Drought Relief Obtained Using Government Help Today (DROUGHT) Act. The legislation aims to modernize how the federal government funds critical water projects, ensuring that low-income and drought-stricken regions—including the Coachella Valley and surrounding desert communities—can break ground on infrastructure without being sidelined by high costs. The bill, led by Reps. Scott Peters (CA-50) and John Garamendi (CA-08), would adjust the funding limits for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). Under current law, the federal government cannot cover more than 80% of a project’s cost. The DROUGHT Act would raise that cap to 90% for projects in areas facing extreme drought or serving historically disadvantaged communities. … ” Read more from the Imperial Valley Press.
Calif. tribe takes back over 600 acres near Palm Springs in historic land return
“A 656-acre parcel of land tucked into the desert mountains south of Palm Springs and Cathedral City has been returned to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the tribe and local conservation groups announced this week. The parcel is located deep in the upper Palm Canyon area within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains and neighbors several parcels that are already owned and managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians as part of its Indian Canyons trail system. Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich called the return of the unceded ancestral land “the restoration of responsibility” in a news release issued Monday. “Since time immemorial, our people have stewarded these mountains and waterways. We are grateful to Friends of the Desert Mountains, the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, and the State of California for their partnership in advancing land conservation through Tribal stewardship,” Milanovich said in the news release. … ” Read more from SF Gate.
Salton Sea feasibility study progress takes center stage during ‘Tier 1’ meeting
“Senior leaders and project delivery team members with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers joined key partners for a meeting and site tour of the Salton Sea Feb. 22-23 in Imperial County. The interagency teams met to discuss updates on the Imperial Streams and Salton Sea Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study and provide leaders with a deeper familiarity of the issues surrounding the Salton Sea. USACE Los Angeles District and its partners — the California Department of Water Resources and Salton Sea Authority — signed a cost-share agreement in December 2022 for the feasibility study, aimed at identifying potential ecosystem, flood-risk management or other land- and water-resource projects and actions for the long-term restoration of the sea. The purpose of the study is to evaluate solutions to address the degradation of the sea and its tributaries, as well as ecological and public health concerns. “This Tier 1 meeting brings together our most senior leaders on the oversight committee,” said Lindsay Floyd, water resources planner with USACE’s Sacramento District. “It gives us a chance to talk about study progress, challenges, issues and ways to resolve problems in a timely manner. It’s also a good opportunity to communicate study successes with senior leaders.” … ” Read more from DVIDS.
Mexicali farmers accuse water authorities of diverting $4.5 million in compensation funds
“Tension is rising in the Colorado River delta as local farmers accuse Mexican water authorities of backtracking on a $90 million peso (approximately $4.5 million USD) compensation deal intended to offset land fallowing and water conservation efforts. Ana Quirino Hernández, representative of the Irrigation District 014 User Base Commission, reported that the National Water Commission (Conagua) is now offering less than the amount previously brokered by the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), La Voz newspaper reported. The dispute stems from Minute 330, a landmark 2024 agreement in which Mexico agreed to forgo 493.3 million cubic meters of its annual Colorado River allotment through 2026. In exchange, the United States provided $65 million USD to fund water conservation, infrastructure, and direct payments to farmers who “fallow”—or leave unplanted—their fields to save water. … ” Read more from the Imperial Valley Press.
SAN DIEGO
How to fix the contamination in the Tijuana River? A new report lays out the multi-step solution
“Authorities charged with cleaning up Tijuana River pollution should finish upgrades to wastewater plants on both sides of the border, fund operations as well as construction of those facilities, and plan for eventual wastewater reuse, a report issued today recommended. Those are some key suggestions of the report “Tijuana River Contamination Crisis: A Five-Pillar Framework for Binational Solutions,” released today by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Prebys Foundation. Maria Elena Giner, former Commissioner of the U.S. International Boundary and Doug Liden, a former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency official, authored the report. “For far too long the Tijuana River contamination crisis has been discussed in fragments,” Chris Cate, president and CEO, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce said at a press conference on the report, held at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve Wednesday. “What’s been missing is a comprehensive binational roadmap that connects the problem to clear, coordinated, and accountable action.” … ” Read more from Cal Matters.
SEE ALSO:
- San Diego chamber releases binational roadmap for Tijuana River sewage crisis, from the San Diego Union-Tribune
- Chamber report proposes five pillars to solve Tijuana River sewage crisis, from KPBS
- New report offers ‘roadmap’ to end Tijuana River sewage pollution that’s persisted for decades, from iNewsSource
Along the Colorado River …
A shrinking Colorado River is forcing farms to change
Caitlin Ochs writes, “For a century, the Colorado River has been managed in pieces. Legally and politically, it’s divided into two basins, with each state and community focused on securing its respective water supply. But that is not how a river functions. The Colorado River is an interconnected system, sustained by Rocky Mountain snowpack, rainfall and groundwater. It is fragile, and under increasing stress. Two and a half decades into this century, the river that built the modern West has 20% less water flowing through it than it did on average in the last century. As heat and drought intensify, so do the stakes: Failure to recognize the severity of changing conditions, managing the river in parts without considering needs of the whole and inadequate planning for long-term shortages put the future of all the basin at risk. For the last five years, I have documented how the Colorado River Basin’s farmers are navigating water shortages and uncertainty amid deep political divisions about the river’s future. This project, called American Adaptation, examines three agricultural communities whose survival is threatened by a shrinking river, examining what happens to people when policies and water management struggle to keep pace with a changing climate. … ” Read more from High Country News.
Arizona delegation unites against plan that could cut state’s Colorado River water
“Arizona’s congressional delegation has united in opposition to a proposal that could sharply reduce the state’s share of Colorado River water. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation recently released a draft environmental impact statement outlining options for responding to declining water levels in the Colorado River’s two largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell. Among the alternatives is a scenario that would reduce Arizona’s allocation of Colorado River water by 77%, a cut significantly larger than those facing any of the six other states that share the river. The report states that this option is the only one the bureau could impose without a new agreement among all seven basin states. The potential reductions could affect much of Arizona, which receives about 36% to 39% of its water through the Central Arizona Project. … ” Read more from the Payson Roundup.
SEE ALSO: Federal river plan could devastate Arizona water supply, from Western Water
Arizona tribal leaders testify in support of water settlement
“Tribal leaders and U.S. senators spoke out in support of a measure that would solidify access to water for three tribes with land in Arizona during a Wednesday hearing at the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement, or NAIWRSA, would settle claims to water by the Navajo, Hopi and San Juan Southern Paiute tribes, and provide $5 billion to build new water delivery systems and help the tribes access their water. The settlement would need to be authorized by congress to go into effect. … ” Read more from KJZZ.
SEE ALSO:
- Senators mull water settlement’s hefty price tag, from E&E News
- Arizona tribal leaders look to sway lawmakers on water settlement at Senate hearing, from KJZZ
2 new Arizona bills would allow rural groundwater to be sold to large cities
“Two bills in the Arizona Legislature would let groundwater from western Arizona be sold to cities like Phoenix, drawing criticism from local leaders who warn it could harm rural communities. House Bills 2757 and 2758 would affect groundwater in McMullen Valley and Butler Valley in western Arizona. Investment group Water Asset Management owns thousands of acres of farmland in both areas and could profit by moving and selling groundwater from the aquifer under those lands, according to critics of the bills. La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin said the legislation raises concerns about the long-term impact on rural residents. “Setting a precedent to move water away from rural Arizona to the urban areas is morally disturbing,” Irwin said. … ” Read more from Arizona Family
What did Gilbert’s water meter audit find?
“Gilbert and its residents have been in conflict since October over their water rates and claims of billing accuracy. An audit into those claims nears completion. The town hired the consulting firm Kimley-Horn to conduct an audit of its water billing system and to inspect its water meters. The contract cost $477,000. Residents came to the town pleading for help after they saw inconsistencies with their water usage that led many to question the water meter accuracy. Others had issues with how the town rolled out a new billing system with little notice. … ” Read more from Arizona Central.
City of Chandler secures $1 million to construct new drinking well
“The city of Chandler has received $1 million in federal funds to construct a new drinking water well, officials announced Tuesday. Mayor Kevin Hartke said the project will allow the city to reduce its reliance on Colorado River water and strengthen the reliability of the city’s water system. The groundwater comes from the East Valley aquifer and is expected to be dispending water by 2029. ,,, “ Read more from KTAR.
Lake Mead Fish Hatchery helping to rebuild endangered species in Colorado River
“Wildlife officials are just weeks away from turning the water on at the Lake Mead Fish Hatchery, a facility that had to abandon raising trout as water levels dropped at the nation’s largest reservoir. Now, the hatchery is refitted to bolster numbers of two endangered fish native in the Colorado River — the “rarest of the rare” bonytail chub, and the razorback sucker. Amos Rehm, a Nevada Department of Wildlife biologist, has been working on the project, raising the fish from larvae to sizes large enough to release back into the river. The target is 12 inches. “As soon as we get this water turned on, we’re already prepped to have massive numbers of fish ready to go,” Rehm told 8 News Now on a recent tour of the operation. Restoring the water source has been the biggest obstacle to ramping up the operation, but that should be finished sometime in April, he said. … ” Read more from KLAS.
Las Vegas: ‘I am very sorry’: Health district responds to public uproar, ditches proposed septic regulations
“Board members, including several public officials from across the valley, unanimously voted to rescind proposed regulations for about 18,000 septic systems in the valley. More than 1,000 people showed up to a public outreach meeting last month to express their dissatisfaction with any change to current regulations. Though not under consideration at Wednesday’s meeting or the last one, a previous version of the rules could have required homeowners to apply for a permit every five years for $226. “All I want to say is I am very sorry,” said County Commissioner April Becker, following an hour of public comment that even included a caller from Sandy Valley. “I‘m thankful that you came out every single time. And as painful as these meetings are for me, I’m just happy I’m here right now to be able to vote the way you want me to.” … “ Read more from the Las Vegas Review Journal.
Colorado’s record-dry winter, forecasted heat wave brings worry for farmers, future water supply
“Colorado is bracing for a potentially historic March heat wave that could accelerate snowmelt across an already record-low mountain snowpack, raising serious concerns for the state’s farmers and water supply heading into summer. Denver Water says levels for its snowpack, which supply water to 1.5 million people in Denver and surrounding suburbs, are among the worst on record for this point in the year. According to Denver Water, as of March 9, the South Platte River Basin snowpack within its collection area stood at 55% of normal, ranking as the lowest on record. The Colorado River Basin within its collection area sat at 71% of normal, ranking fourth lowest on record. … ” Read more from Channel 9.
Lake Powell: A reservoir at the crossroads: the looming low-water crisis of 2026
“The sprawling blue expanse of Lake Powell, long the crown jewel of Western recreation and a critical battery for the regional power grid, is facing a transformative and difficult year. As of February 2026, a perfect storm of record-low snowpack, dwindling inflows, and expiring federal management guidelines has converged to place the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (GCNRA) in a precarious position. While park officials remain optimistic that “lake access is not anticipated to be lost this summer,” the reality on the ground—and in the high mountains of Colorado—suggests a season defined by congestion, logistical shifts, and a race against receding shorelines. The most recent data from the Bureau of Reclamation and the National Park Service paints a sobering picture for the thousands of residents and visitors who depend on the lake. With the water level hovering around 3,531 feet—just over 24% of its total capacity—the region is witnessing a historic “snow drought” that may fundamentally alter how Lake Powell is managed for the remainder of the decade. … ” Read more from the Lake Powell Chronicle.
In national water news today …
Do you really need a water filter? Here’s what experts say
“U.S. tap water is generally safe and high quality. But that doesn’t mean every glass tastes the same, or that every building’s plumbing delivers identical water to the faucet. That uncertainty has fueled a booming market for water filters, from simple pitcher models to multi-thousand-dollar reverse osmosis systems. Yet experts say most American households don’t need extensive treatment. The challenge is knowing how to decide whether you need a filter. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency sets health standards for more than 90 contaminants in public water systems, including chemicals and microbes. Utilities treat water with disinfectants like chlorine to kill harmful germs before it reaches homes. Most public utilities meet those standards and most Americans can safely drink from the tap. … ” Read more from the Associated Press.
Can hydropower ride the wave of the energy boom?
“The International Energy Agency’s executive director has called hydropower a “forgotten giant,” and has urged governments to do more to remember it. U.S. President Donald Trump has said hydropower is “fantastic,” a sharp contrast to his disdain for wind and solar. But federal energy data shows that U.S. hydropower output has been nearly flat while other sources are growing. Last year, electricity generation from hydroelectric dams was up 1.7 percent from the prior year, according to the Energy Information Administration. The plants use the force of water to spin turbines and produce electricity. Hydropower was long the country’s leading source of renewable energy, but it was passed in 2019 by wind and in 2025 by utility-scale solar. It’s still significant, though, with 5.6 percent of U.S. electricity generation. It’s the top electricity source in Washington state and Oregon and an important part of the mix in many other states. … ” Read more from Inside Climate News.
A warning for the AI era: Why America’s energy infrastructure isn’t ready for what’s coming
“As tech giants race to power AI data centers and extreme weather becomes more frequent, America’s electrical grid is straining under conditions it was not built to handle. Alice Hill, senior director for resilience policy on the National Security Council during the Obama administration, has a message for business leaders and policymakers: prepare now. “We need to stop treating rapid grid expansion and resilience needs as competing priorities, Hill said. “Resilience is growth policy.” Hill, a leading architect of the first federal flood risk standard and national wildfire standard for federal buildings, is one of two fellows in a new Visiting Policy Fellows Program at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. Launched in February, the program is designed to bring experts with deep federal and state agency experience to mentor Stanford students, collaborate with faculty, and connect the university’s research community to real-world policy challenges. The other fellow in the inaugural cohort is Michael Jordan, CEO of Banneker Capital and former special advisor at Power Africa, a U.S. presidential initiative supporting power sector investment across sub-Saharan Africa. … ” Read more from Stanford News.
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
NOTICE: SGMA Reporting Open for Groundwater Pumpers in the Tulare Lake and Tule Subbasins
