La Canada/Flintridge: Residents want bond details; Foothill water district customers say they aren’t getting enough information
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 16, 2010 at 4:37 amFrom the Glendale News Press:
“Residents who will likely be asked to approve a $20-million bond told water officials Monday that they were frustrated by the lack of information about the proposal.
The proposed bond would fund infrastructure upgrades and water conservation programs at Foothill Municipal Water District and would affect nearly all property owners who get water from the agency, including those in the Crescenta Valley, La Cañada and Altadena.
At the public information meeting Monday, residents told Foothill Municipal board members that they had received few details about the complicated bond measure. … “
Continue reading this article from the Glendale News Press by clicking here.
YouTube: Aguas con el Agua – Water in Maywood, CA
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 16, 2010 at 4:28 amPosted at YouTube (hat tip to the LA Creek Freak):
Sub Rosa blog: Pasadena’s waterfall – Raymond Basin in jeopardy
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 15, 2010 at 6:22 amFrom the Pasadena Sub Rosa blog:
“In the early 1900s, the Raymond Basin, a huge underground water reservoir that made the development of early Pasadena possible, was overtapped and on the verge of being depleted.
Is Pasadena about to repeat the past, and this time will the precious resources of the basin fall below a safe level in the name of “emergency water conservation?”
Possibly so.
Allow us to explain why, oddly, doing something “green” such as mandating water conservation will have negative environmental impacts that need mitigating.
All across California cities are facing water-conservation restrictions. In response, Pasadena has adopted a New Comprehensive Water Conservation Plan and is about to adopt both new water policing and increased water-rate ordinances in June. But there is a flaw in Pasadena’s proposed plan that could lead to its fall – it is environmentally unsustainable.
We believe that if residents seriously cut back on irrigation in their yards, there will be a profound effect on the Raymond Basin’s replenishment. Simply put, not enough water will seep down from our landscaping, and well-intentioned efforts to “conserve” will backfire. … “
Continue reading this blog commentary from the Pasadena Sub Rosa blog by clicking here.
Blog commentary: War declared – People vs. DWP — No rate hikes without total transparency, clear plans, IBEW givebacks
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 9, 2010 at 7:56 amFrom the Ron Kaye L.A. blog:
“If ever there was something to go to war about in the shocking mismanagement of city affairs, it’s the Department of Water & Power.
It’s time to put the public in charge of this renegade agency, the nation’s largest municipally-owned utility.
For a century, the DWP has operated as a law unto itself, unaccountable to no one. From the theft of Owens Valley water, to the land grab of the San Fernando Valley, through back room deals and sweetheart contracts and its refusal to “green” its power supply, the DWP has been run as if it were a privately-owned business beyond the reach of the people or political leaders.
It is the source of the Chinatown story, the darkest chapter in LA’s history that has become a never ending story. … “
Continue reading this blog commentary from Ron Kaye by clicking here.
Layne Christensen commits to Cadiz water conservation & storage project
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 8, 2010 at 8:07 amFrom Earth Times, this press release from Cadiz:
“Today, Cadiz Inc. (NASDAQ: CDZI) announced that following the completion of extensive field studies, Layne Christensen Company (NASDAQ: LAYN), a recognized leader in water-related drilling, installation, and maintenance services, will be its preferred provider of well-field construction for the Cadiz Water Conservation & Storage Project (the “Project”). Under an agreement between Layne Christensen and Cadiz, Layne Christensen will have the right of first refusal on well-field construction for the Project.
One of Layne Christensen’s largest offices in the United States is located in Fontana in San Bernardino County, California. From its Fontana office, Layne Christensen can provide water well infrastructure and labor for the Project.
Cadiz plans to conserve up to 50,000 acre-feet of water per year and to store and recover potentially one million acre-feet of water as part of the Project.
Layne Christensen has made a significant commitment to the Project to obtain its preferred status. Through the agreement with Layne, Cadiz intends for Layne Christensen to construct a multi-million dollar well field. Under such an agreement, Layne Christensen can drill and maintain the wells, install pumping equipment, and perform other related repair and maintenance services. Named by DeMarche Associates as one of America’s best companies and in business for over a century, Layne Christensen will bring to the Project expertise and high standards rivaled by none. … “
Continue reading this press release from Cadiz by clicking here.
Goleta Water District delves into details of agreement
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 6, 2010 at 5:23 amFrom Noozhawk:
“While the Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District, Improvement District 1 — better known as ID1 — seemed recalcitrant at last week’s meeting of the Cachuma Operations and Maintenance Board, this week the agency quietly entered into a memorandum of understanding with COMB regarding a major construction project that it had refused to endorse.
Dubbed the Second Barrel project, COMB has touted the 8,200-foot-long section of pipeline as a key part of its partial revamp of the South Coast Conduit — the South Coast’s main water artery — and ID1’s vote on Cachuma’s board was needed for it to go ahead.
ID1 had taken issue with a jurisdictional transfer of a few fish habitat restoration projects it was involved with and refused to budge on Second Barrel — seemingly in retribution. It was enough for COMB representative and Santa Barbara City Councilman Das Williams — discouraged with the latest in a nearly yearlong series of complications to what had at first seemed like a straightforward plan by COMB to make needed repairs to the South Coast’s water delivery system — to call for a “divorce,” asking for ID1 to voluntarily remove itself from COMB. … “
Continue reading this article from Noozhawk by clicking here.
On Catalina, a tussle over Edison plant: Ratepayers fear a sale would boost costs, but their own bid for the facility is up in the air
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 6, 2010 at 5:16 amFrom the Los Angeles Times:
“Reporting from Avalon, Santa Catalina Island – Southern California Edison wants to sell its antiquated water and gas utility on the eastern edge of this quaint harbor community.
That plan has unleashed a torrent of anxiety among ratepayers, who fear that rates would increase sharply and that supplies might be jeopardized. They have organized a consortium to try to take over the operation before it can be sold to a Canadian company.
“If it is sold to an outside company, our rates will go so high we’ll all be forced to drink bottled water and quit bathing,” said Norris Bishton Jr., president and representative of the town’s Hamilton Cove Homeowners Assn. “Ain’t gonna happen. Island ratepayers will object to a sale.”
The power company, based across the water in Rosemead, is entertaining two prospective bids for the gas and water business, which Edison has valued at $35 million; one is from Corix Utilities Inc. of Richmond, a Vancouver suburb, and another comes from the consortium representing the island’s 1,800 ratepayers. Edison intends to continue providing the island’s electricity service.
Unloading Edison’s only nonelectric utility won’t be easy. … “
Read more from the Los Angeles Times by clicking here.
Commentary [Santa Clarita]: One valley, one water agency — is bigger really better?
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 4, 2010 at 6:32 amFrom the Santa Clarita Signal:
“At a February meeting, the Castaic Lake Water Agency announced its decision to expand its retail authority to encompass its full boundaries. Currently it can only provide retail service for the Santa Clarita Water Co.
This idea is not new. Last year, along with the release of the One Valley, One Vision update for our Local Area Plan, CLWA began its campaign to take over all the local water agencies with the mantra of “One Valley, One Water Agency.”
To most people, water issues are pretty complicated until their rates go up. Then they complain, but by that time it is usually too late. This time the public will be watching. … “
Read more from the Santa Clarita Signal by clicking here.
Blog commentary: The fate of LA in Freeman’s hands, Heaven help us
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 3, 2010 at 6:22 amFrom Ron Kaye L.A. (a blog):
“The Department of Water and Power is at the heart of the story of Los Angeles’ transformation into the city it is today, the light and the dark of it, the play of good and evil.
It is the soul of LA, the shimmering lights and hopes of the city and the dark side of its “Chinatown” past — and present.
Writer Yasha Levine in an article on Alternet.org today and excerpted on OurLA.org captures the origins of this story from the theft of the water in Owens Valley a century ago that turned the spectacular beauty of the area into a dust bowl to the DWP’s plan now to cover the lake bed with 80 square miles of solar panels, the largest such installation in the world.
“L.A.’s New Scheme to Plunder Owens Valley Water, This Time with Solar Panels” reads the headline. “L.A. has sold the idea of enriching the residents of the Owens river valley before, while ripping them off in the dark. Will the residents buy into it.” … “
Continue reading this post from Ron Kaye L.A. by clicking here.
Orange officials sue couple who removed their lawn
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 2, 2010 at 6:38 am
From the Los Angeles Times:
“Some Southern California cities fine residents for watering their lawns too much during droughts. But in Orange, officials are locked in a legal battle with a couple accused of violating city ordinances for removing their lawn in an attempt to save water.
The dispute began two years ago, when Quan and Angelina Ha tore out the grass in their frontyard. In drought-plagued Southern California, the couple said, the lush grass had been soaking up tens of thousands of gallons of water — and hundreds of dollars — each year.
They said they were trying to do something good for the environment. “We’ve got a newborn, so we want to start worrying about her future,” said Quan Ha, an information technology manager for Kelley Blue Book.
But city officials told the Has they were violating several city laws that require residents to cover significant portions of their frontyards with live ground cover. On Tuesday, the couple is scheduled to appear in Orange County Superior Court to challenge the city’s lawsuit against them. … “
Read more from the Los Angeles Times by clicking here.
Water district in Temecula may go hydro to generate power
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 2, 2010 at 6:35 amFrom the Riverside Press-Enterprise:
“The Rancho California Water District could enter the electricity business by building a hydroelectric generator atop an existing river valve.
District engineers are studying the feasibility of a generator at a site on the Santa Margarita River where a valve discharges untreated water. The valve has been in place since 2002 near the south end of Pujol Street in Temecula.
Temecula, part of Murrieta and surrounding unincorporated areas are served by the district. … “
Read more from the Riverside Press-Enterprise by clicking here.
Latest radio advertisements tell Southern Californians that water supply is still restricted, even with wet winter
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 27, 2010 at 7:23 amFrom the Metropolitan Water District, this press release:
“Reminding consumers that the region’s water problems are not over despite the recent rains, the Metropolitan Water District has launched the latest in its series of radio advertisements asking Southern Californians to continue conserving water. Metropolitan is delivering its water-saving message in 10-second radio traffic sponsorships on more than 75 radio stations in English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese throughout the Southland through March 12.
“Winter storms may have left many of us with the misperception that Southern California’s reservoirs are being filled this winter. But that isn’t true,” said Metropolitan General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger. “The water shortages throughout the state are far from over because supplies from Northern California through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta remain constricted.”
The state Department of Water Resources’ revised allocation to Metropolitan from the State Water Project is now at 15 percent, up from an initial record-low of 5 percent.
Although the allocation may be adjusted upward as the season unfolds, Kightlinger said, the Southland and other areas of the state must deal with the reality that they will continue to receive less water than normal due to three years of statewide drought and the impacts of environmental restrictions aimed at protecting endangered fish species in the Delta, particularly the delta smelt.
In the past, about 30 percent of Southern California’s overall water supply came across the Delta and was delivered to Metropolitan through the state project. In wetter winters, Metropolitan and its member public agencies have depended on these supplies to replenish reservoirs and groundwater basins throughout Southern California.
In April, when much of the wet season has passed and the availability of water is better known, Metropolitan’s Board of Directors is expected to consider whether to further reduce supplies delivered to the district’s member agencies.
“Southern Californians made saving water a priority in 2009. Those efforts, combined with the recent winter storms, mean we have not drawn as heavily from our water storage which has allowed us to maintain reliable deliveries,” Kightlinger said. “The bad news is that we have not increased our reserves because of the significant supply challenges.”
The rain, however, did bring welcome relief to the area’s landscapes, Kightlinger noted. “With all the rain we’ve experienced this winter, yards and gardens don’t need as much water. Nature did it for us. So consumers and businesses can turn off their sprinklers.”
More water-saving tips are available at “bewaterwise.com.”
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs. “
King Harbor entry fountain remains dry a year after unveiling
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 26, 2010 at 5:49 am
From the Daily Breeze:
“For months after Redondo Beach unveiled a new King Harbor entry fountain, the city scrambled to ease concerns from the utility company that operates high-voltage power lines overhead.
Worried that the fountain’s misting function could malfunction and pose safety risks, Southern California Edison asked the city to keep the structure dry until it could demonstrate that the water would automatically shut off in the event of a storm.
Redondo Beach leaders say that concern is now behind them, as they’ve assured Edison the fountain has sensors that would cut off the water during rains and high winds.
But the structure remains dry more than a year after it was unveiled during a grand-opening celebration – with the mist still the missing piece of a $1 million improvement project that also includes new lighting and landscaping. … “
Read more from the Daily Breeze by clicking here.
Cachuma Operations Board fights for water reliability
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 25, 2010 at 6:41 amFrom Noozhawk:
“What began as an expensive but run-of-the-mill list of maintenance projects for the South Coast’s water supply infrastructure has erupted into a full-blown battle as water policymakers struggle to look out for the interests of their respective customers while seeking — often unsuccessfully — to find common ground among one another.
For the past eight months, problems have arisen among the various water agencies, leading some South Coast water managers to worry that the region’s water supply may be in jeopardy from the inaction caused by constant conflict.
At a meeting Monday of the Cachuma Operations and Maintenance Board — an organization made up of the city of Santa Barbara Public Works Department, the Goleta, Montecito and Carpinteria Valley water districts, and the Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District, Improvement District 1 (known simply as ID1) — board President Das Williams called for a “divorce” from ID1, citing irreconcilable differences and a need to confine Cachuma’s South Coast-specific water issues to South Coast agencies.
“You have held the South Coast’s water supply hostage over an arcane legal dispute no one really cares about,” he shot at ID1’s COMB representative. … “
Continue reading this article from Noozhawk by clicking here.
Rate increase request getting a closer look: Division of Ratepayer Advocates will investigate Valencia Water’s request for an 18 percent boost
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 25, 2010 at 6:28 amFrom the Santa Clarita Signal:
“The Valencia Water Co. wants to raise rates by almost 20 percent next year, but a state agency wants to take a closer look at the company’s finances before allowing the increase.
The proposed rate hike would mean the average household could be paying $6 more each month come January.
Valencia Water Co. President Bob DiPrimio said the increase is needed to pay for escalating water and power rates charged to the company, Santa Clarita Valley’s only private water company which serves more than 100,000 people via 30,000 connections. The California Public Utilities Commission oversees private utility retailers such as Valencia Water Co. … “
Read more from the Santa Clarita Signal by clicking here.
$7.5 million to replace useless fish ladder in Santa Paula Creek
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 23, 2010 at 6:00 amFrom the Ventura County Star:
“Eight years after about $1 million was spent on a Santa Paula Creek fish ladder for steelhead trout, the federal government is looking to spend $7.5 million to build a new one because the old was deemed useless when the fish most need it.
That the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is having to complete an expensive do-over of the project highlights how difficult and costly it will be to restore populations of the endangered fish, especially in rivers that have been altered with dams or channels. Ladders are supposed to help the fish get around such man-made structures, but this one has proved more of hindrance than help.
“It just doesn’t work as anticipated,” Darren Brumback, a fisheries biologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service, said as he looked at the battered structure that fills up with sand during big floods. … “
Read more from the Ventura County Star by clicking here.
L.A. County Flood Control District faces state fines
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 23, 2010 at 5:57 amFrom the Los Angeles Times:
“The Los Angeles County Flood Control District faces a state fine of almost $275,000 for allegedly allowing bacterial pollution to flow into the harbor at Marina del Rey for more than two years, officials said Monday.
The staff of the Los Angeles region of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a complaint against the district Feb. 18, recommending $274,896 in fines.
The board, part of the California Environmental Protection Agency, cited 186 violations from 2007 to 2009 of the district’s storm water permit, which was issued in accordance with federal and state clean-water standards.
The state water board is scheduled to vote May 17 on the complaint. The panel can modify the fine, reject it or let it stand.
The regulatory action and fine are precedent-setting, said Samuel Unger, the water board’s assistant executive officer and principal engineer. Previous storm drainage complaints typically dealt with industrial or construction discharges, Unger said. … “
Read more from the Los Angeles Times by clicking here.
Being water-wise saves money, resources
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 20, 2010 at 8:43 amFrom the San Bernardino Sun:
“Though heavy rains have moistened Southern California’s dry soil, it hasn’t lessened the state’s dehydrated condition or provided any long-term answers to its water woes.
“We’re still in a drought,” said Debby Figoni, conservation specialist/education coordinator for the Chino Basin Water Conservation District (CBWCD). “Cutting back on water usage will conserve our resources, be better for the environment and benefit everyone. So many people want to conserve – they just don’t know how,” she said.
The CBWCD is taking people from just wanting to conserve water to conserving water – by showing them how.
Based in Montclair, the CBWCD is a public agency serving Chino, Montclair and parts of Chino Hills, Upland, Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga. Its mission is to protect the Chino Groundwater Basin, educate individuals and organizations in water conservation and promote the efficient use of water resources. … “
Read more from the San Bernardino Sun by clicking here.
Column: Talking about water can make you crazy
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 19, 2010 at 6:02 amFrom the Pasadena Star News, this column by Steve Scauzillo:
“An informed resident, John King of the Covina City Council, called me from his car phone last week and asked why aren’t the spreading grounds up at the 605 and 210 freeway junction being used to store rainwater?
A very good question.
I called the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District and PIO Peter Rodriguez said: “What water!” There is no water.”
And I thought, well, um, what was all that wet stuff that came down from the sky for what seemed like 40 days and 40 nights? 7-Up? But as Shakespeare would say, there is a method to their madness. Only I would add, there seems to be a lot more madness in this water world than method.
I turned to more experts, including the San Gabriel Basin Watermaster, whose name sounds like something from the movie “Ghost Busters” when Sigourney Weaver moaned about being ” …the key master.” Anyway, they told me the water from all that rain won’t bring up the water table very much. … “
Read more from Steve Scauziilo at the Pasadena Star News by clicking here.
The Pasadena Sub Rosa blog responds, saying there’s a reason not explained in Steve’s column as to why the spreading basins aren’t filled right now:
” … There is another important reason that rainwater is impounded behind dams in the upper San Gabriel Canyon: releases of water from the dams will evaporate quickly or runoff to the ocean unless the ground in the above-ground settling basins is tilled like a farmer does. Water has to be “harvested” just like crops.
The problem is that the ground downstream from a dam is typically composed of silt and sand. The silt can form a somewhat impervious layer that can prevent percolation of the water into the groundwater table (i.e., a “hardpan.”). Rain runoff brings a new layer of silt that covers the sand and rock bed of the San Gabriel River. The only way to get efficient recharge of our water table is thus to till the ground. … “
More commentary from the Pasadena Sub Rosa blog by clicking here.
YouTube: LA’s fragile water supply
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 18, 2010 at 6:02 amPosted on YouTube by gogreenpost (hat tip to Water Wired!):
“Leon Kaye, Patrick Benson, Annie Wang and Ara Babaian present this film short discussing the Silver Lake Reservoir and its connection to Los Angeles’ fragile water supply. Sourcing water in Los Angeles is a constant struggle and there is no easy solution, and some interim solutions are only a temporary band-aid that do little more than raise questions and eyebrows. … ”
Ditch is getting some historical attention
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 18, 2010 at 5:59 amFrom the Riverside Press Enterprise:
“Parts of it are gone, but a 12-mile ditch is getting more attention these days as part a new book about its part in the San Bernardino area’s history.
The Mill Creek Zanja (pronounced sahn-ha), or ditch, is probably the oldest remains from the Mission Era of the San Bernardino Valley and was constructed by Serrano and Cahuilla Indians to bring water from the Mill Creek Canyon to the San Gabriel Mission Rancho in 1819-1820.
During its history, the zanja has supplied water for life and irrigation to the San Bernardino pioneer ranchers, the San Bernardino Estancia, Rancho San Bernardino, Mormon settlers and the Redlands water supply. And these days it is getting more attention from Tom Atchley, author of the newly released book “Mill Creek Zanja Driving Tour and Brief History.” … “
Read more from the Riverside Press-Enterprise by clicking here.
Legal Planet blog: The trouble with Chinatown
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 17, 2010 at 6:08 am
From the Legal Planet blog:
“Ann proposes Chinatown as the greatest environmental movie of all time. Now, Chinatown is my favorite movie: the poster above is currently hanging on my office wall. it is a great movie. But Chinatown can’t be a great environmental movie for one simple reason:
It gets the environment wrong.
The conceit of Chinatown is that a diabolical mogul, Noah Cross, essentially invented a water shortage so that the city of Los Angeles could build an aqueduct. Cross then secretly bought up land in the San Fernando Valley, knowing that this land would be extremely valuable. This is at best a half-truth, and the part that is false continues to have debilitating impacts in California water policy. … “
Read more from the Legal Planet blog by clicking here.
NextEra, California City call truce in water war over solar power plant
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 14, 2010 at 7:38 amFrom the Los Angeles Times:
“A developer who proposes to cut down hundreds of trees to make way for a massive project could expect to provoke a fair amount of environmental outrage.
Not in California City. Officials in this sprawling desert community east of Bakersfield are thrilled at NextEra Energy’s move to break out the chain saws.
The firm, a subsidiary of utility giant FPL Group, is seeking to build a solar power plant in the area that would consume a large amount of water. The trees are tamarisks, a water-hungry invasive species, and removing them could help recharge the aquifer in this arid region.
“The water that normally would go into the tamarisk will go down into the basin — it’s a big environmental win,” said Michael Bevins, California City’s public works director.
The tree deal is just one way that what threatened to become another intractable fight over the environmental effect of desert solar power plants is turning into a blueprint for the resolution of similar disputes. … “
Read more from the Los Angeles Times by clicking here.
With cheap replenishment water no longer available, rates bound to increase more
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 14, 2010 at 7:33 amFrom the Whittier Daily News:
“For decades, agencies in the Southeast and San Gabriel Valley area has relied on cheap water to replenish the underground aquifers.
But the days of purchasing low-priced “replenishment water” from Metropolitan Water District are over because of the drought and new restricted rules on pumping in Northern California.
As a result, agencies such as the Water Replenishment District of Southern California and the Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster are finding themselves having to purchase the more expensive “Tier 1″ water MWD sells to water utilities.
And that can only mean even higher rates for water consumers.
“It’s probably going to up the cost of water to our customers,” said Dan Arrighi, water resources manager for San Gabriel Valley Water Co. that serves an area from Arcadia to Whittier Narrows and Monterey Park to Hacienda Heights as well as unincorporated West Whittier. … “
Ventura County water customers warned to reduce water consumption or face higher costs
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 11, 2010 at 6:32 amFrom the Ventura County Star:
“Some Ventura County residents were recently spared higher water rates, but that could change by the end of this year, county officials said at a forum this week in Moorpark.
Reddy Pakala, the county’s water and sanitation director, said the Metropolitan Water District, which supplies water to most of the county, is demanding a 15 percent reduction in use by the end of June or it will assess penalties the county would pass on to water customers.
Tuesday’s forum was for customers in Ventura County Waterworks District No. 1, which serves Moorpark and nearby areas, and District No. 19, which serves Somis and surrounding areas.
The county Board of Supervisors recently decided against instituting higher prices on those customers without first trying a public education campaign to encourage conservation.
Supervisor Peter Foy, who initially called for the delay in the rate hike, said Tuesday that it was important to let water customers know what is happening before they receive bills double or triple what they normally pay. … “
Read more from the Ventura County Star by clicking here.
Pico Rivera creates ad hoc committee to look into water issues Read more: City creates ad hoc committee to look into water issues
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 11, 2010 at 6:26 amFrom the Whittier Daily News:
“PICO RIVERA – The city on Tuesday created a committee to discuss issues related to a recycled water pipeline slated to run from Pico Rivera to Vernon.
The project – the Southeast Water Reliability Project, or SWRP – is intended to save millions of gallons of potable water by building reclaimed water infrastructure for landscape irrigation, water officials said.
But the Central Basin Municipal Water District project has drawn ire from the Pico Water District, accusing the wholesaler of partnering with the city without keeping retailers in the loop.
“I want to make sure there’s some council oversight to administrative action from this point on,” said Mayor Gregory Salcido. “By establishing the committee, it ensures council involvement in all future decisions from this point forward, particularly related to SWRP.” … “
Read more from the Whittier Daily News by clicking here.
Blue Ribbon Committee named to provide Metropolitan with insight, changes needed to meet future demands
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 10, 2010 at 8:03 amFrom the Metropolitan Water District, this press release:
“A blue ribbon committee of more than 20 of Southern California’s corporate, community and academic leaders was appointed by Metropolitan Water District’s Board of Directors today to identify and recommend new business models and strategies that will help the region meet its long-range water needs.
“This broad-based and diverse mix of leaders will give us a fresh perspective on developing approaches to reliable and sustainable imported water supplies over the next 50 years,” said Metropolitan board Chairman Timothy F. Brick.
“We’re counting on the committee’s insight into the global, natural, economic and demographic changes that our 5,200-square-mile service area will encounter in the future,” Brick said. “The observations and recommendations to be made are critical in positioning this agency to meet the region’s water-related needs and in providing sustainability in the coming decades.”
East Mojave groundwater basin might hold more than Lake Mead, CH2M Hill geologists say; Really? say bloggers
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 9, 2010 at 8:28 am
That’s a picture taken from the desert in the vicinity of the proposed Cadiz project. Do you think there’s an aquifer the size of Lake Mead underneath that desert? Apparently so, some say in today’s story from the Riverside Press Enterprise:
“More water could exist below privately owned valleys in the eastern Mojave Desert than in all of Lake Mead, the nation’s largest reservoir, according to a geological study released Monday by the company that hopes to tap the vast supply.
The study by CH2M Hill, a Colorado-based environmental consulting firm, also estimated that rain and snowmelt add about 32,000 acre-feet of water a year into the aquifer below the Cadiz Valley and nearby areas. That’s more than three times as much as previous estimates, a company official said.
“We always believed that this is a significant water resource, but having these findings, we are now able to point to the science behind it,” said Courtney Degener, investor relations manager for the Los Angeles-based Cadiz Inc. … “
Read more from the Press-Enterprise by clicking here.
It’s the same old story, says the Chance of Rain blog:
” … Environmental reviews carried out ten years ago by the Department of Interior, and now available through the Pacific Institute, reveal what US Geological Survey hydrogeologists called “gross exaggeration” by Cadiz of the amount of water available. Their estimates of the sustainable yield, which were roughly 15 times lower than Cadiz’s, may be found in Volume II of the federal review.
But since signing on as Cadiz chief counsel last year, Southern California water lawyer Scott Slater has argued that those reviews no longer apply. Everything about the project is new, he told Larry Mantle on KPCC’s “Air Talk” last September. It’s now a “conservation” project, he said.
The odd thing is, it turns out from today’s new release about the new study for the new conservation project, the amount of water they hope to mine from the desert is exactly the same as found grossly excessive by the original environmental impact review. … “
Read more from the Chance of Rain blog by clicking here.
The Mojave Desert blog says there’s trouble ahead:
“That’s right folks, if you are special enough to have access to ample capital, financing and real estate in the Mojave you can lay claim to thousands of acre-feet of water (1 acre foot = 325,851 gallons) deposited underneath the Mojave Desert, and earn $50 million dollars per year for as long as the water lasts, according to a Business Week article.
Unfortunately, this treasure hunt can impact the wildlife and people of the Southwest long after the treasure is spent. Cadiz Inc, which has been growing lemons and raisins on some of its Mojave land as it conducted studies to ascertain the volume of subterranean water it could sell, is planning to pump that water as soon as it can manage the paper work. … “
Read more from the Mojave Desert Blog by clicking here.
Southern California water agencies meet, discuss self-sufficiency
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 9, 2010 at 6:09 amFrom the Contra Costa Times:
“With dwindling water supplies, agencies throughout California are grappling with how to survive under the current drought conditions.
Regional water experts convened Monday to discuss options to be more self-sufficient, such as groundwater, recycling and conservation. “I don’t know if there is one solution to self-sufficiency. There is no silver bullet, but you and your water agencies will have to figure out yourself,” Chino Basin Watermaster CEO Ken Manning said to the others in attendance.
An issue of concern to many water agencies was “fixing the Delta” or paying for infrastructure investments needed in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. A judge has halted much of the water pumping there to protect the tiny delta smelt fish.
A $11.1 billion bond has been created to overhaul the state’s water system and will be on the ballot in November. “The whole idea on the bond and selling an $11 billion bond in this environment is not going to be easy,” Manning said. … “
Read more from the Contra Costa Times by clicking here.
Cadiz study shows enough desert water to supply 400,000 people
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 8, 2010 at 8:18 amFrom Business Week:
“Cadiz Inc., the owner of thousands of acres of California desert, said a study shows there’s more water under its land than the company previously estimated, giving it enough to supply 400,000 people.
A study conducted by engineering company CH2M Hill shows the aquifer under the Mojave Desert land ranges in size from 17 million to 34 million acre-feet, potentially larger than the Lake Mead reservoir near Las Vegas, according to Cadiz. The data will be presented today at a water-resources conference in Ontario, California.
“It’s as close to a lake as you’re going to find in sub- surface geology,” Scott Slater, general counsel for Los Angeles-based Cadiz, said in an interview. “I don’t think there’s new water like this anywhere.” … “
Read more from Business Week by clicking here.
From MarketWatch, this press release from Cadiz:
“Today the internationally respected environmental firm CH2M Hill will unveil the findings of a comprehensive year-long study measuring the vast scale and recharge rate of the Cadiz aquifer system. The study, to be presented at a conference of the Association of Ground Water Agencies and American Ground Water Trust, describes a groundwater basin consisting principally of an alluvial and carbonate aquifer ranging in size between 17 and 34 million acre-feet, a volume of water larger than Lake Mead, the nation’s largest surface reservoir.
The findings also confirm the presence of highly permeable limestone carbonate rock lying beneath the alluvium, which contributes significantly to the productivity of the aquifer system.
CH2M Hill’s findings have been peer-reviewed by leading hydrology experts and the results corroborated by extensive field research and pump testing involving the excavation of four borings and test wells to depths of between 1,000 and 1,947 feet beneath the earth’s surface. Based on this study of natural recharge in the aquifer system, Cadiz Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!cdzi/quotes/nls/cdzi (CDZI 11.99, +0.51, +4.44%) will develop a groundwater management plan providing for the safe long-term annual withdrawal of 50,000 acre-feet of water each year, an amount that can sustainably supply the total water needs of 400,000 Southern California residents. … “
Plenty more on the study in this press release from Cadiz posted at MarketWatch by clicking here.
The Santa Clarita Valley’s 2010 water scene
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 7, 2010 at 7:30 amFrom the Santa Clarita Signal, this commentary by R. J. Kelley of the Castaic Lake Water Agency:
“If you’ll pardon the expression, 2010 has the potential to be a watershed year for California’s water supply.
As the new year gets under way, the voting public will soon face the state’s biggest water-related decision in decades, with an initiative on the November ballot designed to tackle California’s water crisis, enhance water supply reliability from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and restore the delta’s ecosystem.
This promises to be a busy year for water professionals statewide, and the Castaic Lake Water Agency will be no exception. Last week we looked back at CLWA’s goals and achievements in 2009.
Today we look ahead at 2010 and outline the goals, objectives and issues we are facing this year. For our local water picture and for California as a whole, 2010 is a pivotal year … “
Read more from the Santa Clarita Signal by clicking here.
‘Niagara’ of mud hits Southern California homes
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 7, 2010 at 7:28 amFrom the Los Angeles Times:
“An unexpectedly powerful rainstorm unleashed a torrent of mud that inundated more than 40 houses Saturday, leaving La Cañada Flintridge’s northernmost neighborhood awash in boulders, dented cars and broken homes.
The force of the mudflow appeared to catch residents and officials off guard, as the forecast initially called for a light to moderate rainstorm. No evacuations had been ordered Thursday or Friday, when the rain began to fall.
But before dawn on Saturday, an intense band of rain cells formed over the mountains burned in the massive Station fire. What was supposed to be a fast-moving storm instead stalled, dumping rain at an alarming rate. The power of the debris flowing off the mountain pushed a 10-ton boulder into a critical catch basin in La Cañada Flintridge. … “
Read more from the Los Angeles Times by clicking here.
$20 million could be spent to save Broad Beach
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 5, 2010 at 6:45 amFrom the Malibu Times:
“The first phase of a long-term solution to the ongoing erosion of Broad Beach began last week with the emergency construction of an eight-foot-tall, 4,100-foot-long rock wall designed to shield beachfront homes and their septic tanks from being undermined by high tides and stormy surf.
Paid for entirely by homeowners, the $3.4 million rock wall, expected to reach completion in six weeks, is part of a $15 million to $20 million plan to permanently restore Broad Beach to its 100-foot width within the next six years, according to members of the Trancas Property Owners Association. … “
Read more from the Malibu Times by clicking here.
Malibu: Water allocation at all time low
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 4, 2010 at 7:56 amFrom the Malibu Times:
“Increased mandatory water conservation for the City of Malibu will mean rising water prices and drastic water saving measures this year. Solutions to boost water reserves for residents were major topics at a special joint meeting of the Malibu Public Works and Public Safety commissions last week Wednesday.
Representatives from Metropolitan Water District 29, which services Malibu and the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, were present at the meeting to relay assessments concerning water supplies and project funding.
A 5 percent water allocation for the district is the lowest initial allocation in history from the state, said Greg Even, senior civil engineer for Los Angeles County Waterworks District. Although the district met and exceeded last year’s mandatory decrease of 15 percent in water usage, Even said supplies are still dropping as population growth increases. Even said the low supplies normally increase during the year, allowing the distributor to reanalyze supplies for the district. … “
Read more from the Malibu Times by clicking here.
Southern California: Where did the water go?
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 3, 2010 at 7:57 amFrom KTLA News:
“Even with the powerful storms that have swept through the state, Southern California continues to face significant supply challenges in 2010 and beyond, regional water managers cautioned.
“These storms may have left many consumers with the misperception that the region’s water supply problems are over. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth,” said Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
Metropolitan’s main sources of imported supplies, particularly deliveries from Northern California through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, remain hindered by limitations, Kightlinger said. He pointed to the state Department of Water Resources record-low allocation of 5 percent of State Water Project supplies to Southern California and other areas of the state.
“Although that allocation may be adjusted soon, the Southland and other parts of California must continue to deal with continued shortages because of the effects of three years of statewide drought and the Delta’s deteriorating environmental conditions,” Kightlinger said. … “
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