News articles and links from Jan. 31, 2011

Groundwater Management – Another Elephant in the Living Room

Blog

By Barry Nelson

From NRDC – Monday, Jan. 31, 2011

Coalition response...The author’s reference to a bank ATM card ignores the fact that most people have a second bank account. That second bank account for farmers and 25 million Californians is the surface water deliveries from State and federal projects. Recent reductions in surface water deliveries caused by environmental regulations in the Delta and drought years have forced farmers and others to turn back to groundwater supplies. Those environmental regulations were based on flawed science as determined by a federal court. Add a growing population and increased demands from the environmental community for more water and a result is the need to draw more water from the underground by farmers who are producing the food we all rely upon.

Brown needs to find a way to fix the Delta

Editorial

From SJ Mercury News – Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011

Coalition response...Farmers do pay for their share of costs relating to the State Water Project, even when they receive less water than their contracts call for. It is also understood that new water infrastructure, including a conveyance system to move water around the Delta, will be funded by those who benefit. California farmers have been conserving water for years, spending billions of dollars to install improved irrigation systems while increasing their crop production...which benefits the consumer.

Delta’s biggest enemy hard to pinpoint

Story

From The Record – Monday, Jan. 31, 2011

Farmers subsidize cities

Letter

From Fresno Bee – Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011

USGS estimates higher risk to Delta levees from quakes

Story

From Sacramento Bee – Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011

Earthquake in the Delta

Blog

By Alex Breitler

From The Record - Friday, Jan. 28, 2011

Melones fish plan discussed

Story

From Sonora Union Democrat – Monday, Jan. 24, 2011

People choose their paths

Blog

By David Zetland

From Aguanomics – Friday, Jan. 28, 2011

Sierra snowpack good, but dry spell still a threat

Story

From SF Chronicle – Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011

Sierra snowpack remains deep despite dry January

Story

From Fresno Bee – Friday, Jan. 28, 2011

News articles and links from Jan. 28, 2011

Water flow affects more than ag

Letter

From Modesto Bee – Friday, Jan. 28, 2011

Coalition response...A few facts are needed to correct this writer’s comments. The Delta flow report written by the state water board was admittedly done in a vacuum, as stated by water board representatives. This narrow study was ordered by the Legislature with specific instructions not to consider any other water needs. There is nothing “landmark” about it. Also, a UOP study put the job losses in the salmon industry as only 1,823.

Westland, farmers silent

Letter

From Fresno Bee – Friday, Jan. 28, 2011

Coalition response...It is important to remember that sales and transfers of water are closely reviewed before moving forward. The directors of LTRID will determine whether to move forward with the action only if it is beneficial to the district and its farmers.

An unenviable task

Blog

By Alex Breitler

From The Record – Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011

There’s that Tulare Lake Basin buzz again

Blog

By Mark Grossi

From Fresno Bee – Friday, Jan. 28, 2011

The politics of water

Column

By Erik L. Ness

From Natural Resource Report – Friday, Jan. 28, 2011

MID hires man to spread news

Story

From Merced Sun-Star – Friday, Jan. 28, 2011

Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors fires general manager

Story

From IV Press – Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011

Water supply to get less reliable

Story

From NC Times – Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011

Flood releases continue from Success Lake

Story

From Porterville Recorder – Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011

Prices for ag land hold steady in Merced area

Story

From Merced Sun-Star – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

News articles and links from Jan. 27, 2011

Allocations Show a Better Water Year for California

Blog

By Doug Obegi

From NRDC – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Coalition response...San Joaquin Valley farmers with State Water Project contracts and 25 million Californians will pay as if they are receiving 100% of their contracted supply of water this year. Yet, they will only receive 60% of their supply from the SWP according to current estimates. That does not seem to be the “manufacture” of a crisis as described in this blog. The unwillingness to move forward with a conveyance system to safely move water around the Delta to these users is another crisis. The further refusal to acknowledge that guidelines that keep water in the Delta beyond environmental and fishery needs instead of allowing it to be used by California’s public is another crisis. A recently released report by the Environmental Water Caucus (that includes this blogger’s organization) said, “... there is no such thing as ‘too much water’ for the environment.” Statements like that do little to assure Californians of a stable future and economy. Perhaps it’s time for the author to get a reality check and see what has been the human cost of water supply cuts and then work toward real balance for California.

Smoked Salmon and the State of the Union

Blog

By Barry Nelson

From NRDC – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Coalition response...The phrase “agricultural water subsidies” as used by this author rings hollow upon a factual analysis. Farmers receiving water from the federal CVP pay the full cost of operation and maintenance of the system and most construction costs. The only part of the CVP system that they do not pay is the interest on the initial construction costs of the CVP. Considering the amount of fruits and vegetables grown with that water, it seems like a pretty good investment.

Plan for Delta Water Use Should End Big Agriculture Takeover of State Water Project, Groups Say

Release

From Biological Diversity – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Coalition response...These groups fail to acknowledge the role that federal biological opinions have in restricting water deliveries from the Delta to users south of the Delta, including farms and 25 million Californians. They further ignore the benefit of the Kern Water Bank under its current ownership. The operation of the Kern Water Bank helped in offsetting supply losses caused by the biological opinions by providing a supply of water that was previously stored. The Kern Water bank is working for the benefit of California, despite the innuendos expressed by these groups.

Delta Independent Science Board releases report on Delta stressors

Report

From Delta Stewardship Council – Monday, Jan. 24, 2011

Comments Submitted on Reasonable Use Report

Release

From ACWA – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Where Westlands water flows, California’s agriculture follows

Story

From Grist – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Delta Smelt and Water Supplies – Part One

Blog

By Tom Philp

From SF Chronicle – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Possible Shasta Dam changes, water conservation discussed

Story

From Red Bluff Daily News – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Siskiyou letter requests McClintock’s help on Klamath issues

Story

From Siskiyou Daily News – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Wolk to serve on committees hearing legislation on key state and local issues

Release

From Wolk – Monday, Jan. 24 2011

News articles and links from Jan. 26, 2011

Interior Blues

Blog

By Zeke Grader

From SF Chronicle - Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2011

Coalition response...Everyone knows that it takes several years for salmon to return from the ocean after passing through the Delta. In 2009 that saw the lowest number of salmon on record at only 39,500, three years prior in 2006 the amount of water flowing through the Delta was the largest on record at 50.81 maf. Exports that year totaled only 10% while water passing through the Delta equaled 86%. It’s not the pumps, folks, it is other factors like predator fish, poor water quality resulting from wastewater discharges, and poor habitat and food conditions for salmon in the ocean caused by warm temperatures. To blame the pumps is simply wrong and ignores the science that says otherwise.

Managing California’s Water: From Conflict to Reconciliation

Release

From PPIC – Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011

Meeting attracts southern perspective

Story

From The Record – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Quotables

Blog

By Alex Breitler

From The Record – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

San Joaquin County to sue state; hopes to protect water rights

Story

From Lodi News Sentinel – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Improved price and water supply aid cotton farmers

Story

From Ag Alert – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Epic snowpack is now just very good

Blog

By Mark Grossi

From Fresno Bee – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Assembly Committee Sets Oversight Hearing on Groundwater

Story

From ACWA – Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011

Legislation provides grants for increased water supply

Release

From Aquafornia – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Joint Recommendations for the Delta Plan...

Blog

By Barry Nelson

From NRDC – Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Government roundup: Fuller and Costa announce committee assignments

Story

From Bakersfield Californian – Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011

News articles and links from Jan. 25, 2011

Agribusiness Trying to Pit Fishermen Against Each Other

Blog

By Dan Bacher

From Red Green & Blue – Monday, Jan. 24, 2011

Coalition response...The OID study applied the biological opinions governing water demands in the Delta to the historical operations of New Melones. The study included models using statistical information from Reclamation to determine what the effects would have been had the biological opinions been in place. The FACTS resulted in the low water levels indicated in the study. It’s easy to say that New Melones will never reach these low levels and everyone is hopeful that will be true. But the threat posed by the biological opinions demonstrates the need to revise these errant guidelines.

Craig Wilson is wrong about ag water use

Blog

By David Zetland

From Aguanomics – Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011

North state needs to work together

Letter

From Chico Enterprise-Record – Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011

Thank a farmer

Letter

From Fresno Bee – Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011

Did the Imperial Irrigation District give away $246 million worth of water last year?

Blog

By JFleck

From Inkstain – Monday, Jan. 24, 2011

Denham’s office says he expands his influence over water issues

Story

From Merced Sun-Star – Monday, Jan. 24, 2011

The California Bay-Delta and the Rime of the Ancient Salmon

Blog

By Barry Nelson

From NRDC – Monday, Jan. 24, 2011

Applause and high hopes for California’s new Secretary of Agriculture

Blog

By Jonathan Kaplan

From NRDC – Monday, Jan. 24, 2011

Brown Appoints John Laird Secretary of Natural Resources

Blog

By Dan Bacher

From IndyBay – Monday, Jan. 24, 2011

News articles and links from Jan. 24, 2011

State constitution should play key role in water conservation

Editorial

From Contra Costa Times – Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011

Coalition response...This editorial is correct in calling for increased storage to be part of the solution to California’s water supply. But it misses the mark in touting the recent report by the Delta Watermaster that is lacking any supporting science or studies and is simply one person’s opinion. Reference to the Pacific Institute’s report provides an example of what is wrong with the watermaster’s report. Irrigation experts from California’s agricultural universities discounted the Institute’s report for its lack of real-world knowledge of how farmers apply irrigation water. It would better serve the Delta Watermaster and the State Water Board to gather input from these irrigation experts when considering how to improve water use on California farms.

Roadtrip!

Blog

By David Zetland (scroll down)

From Aguanomics – Monday, Jan. 24, 2011

Coalition response...If you did a little research you would know that sprinklers are a sensible irrigation choice during certain times of the year, like seed germination. Farmers often combine sprinklers early in the year with drip irrigation later to finish the crop’s growth cycle. I bet you didn’t know that and I bet you couldn’t tell whether there also was an underground (very common nowadays) drip system in place in the field where you shot that picture. Dave Zetland, there is often more to a story than meets the eye. If you’re interested in real irrigation research and technology please check out the work that has been going on for decades at Fresno State, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and in the UC Cooperative Extension System. You’ll be amazed…and enlightened.

Agriculture, urban goals are similar in California

Column

By Don Curlee

From Visalia Times-Delta – Monday, Jan. 24, 2011

Public gets say on Delta’s future

Story

From The Record – Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011

Discussion on Delta Plan set for Wednesday in Chico

Story

From Chico Enterprise Record – Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011

Is the Imperial Irrigation District giving water away?

Story

From IV Press – Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011

Water not being wasted

Letter

From Fresno Bee – Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011

Despite hopeful signs, drought designation to stay

Story

From SF Chronicle – Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011

Centuries-old poem takes a bruising in California water policy debate

Story

From Sacramento Bee – Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011

Water Demands Collide With an Antitax Push

Story

From Wall Street Journal – Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011

State Water Project allocation increases to 60 percent

Story

From Chico Enterprise Record – Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011

Farms replenish city’s water

Letter

From Modesto Bee - Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011

News articles and links from Jan. 21, 2011

GOP assemblyman proposes 25% cut in water bond

Story

From SF Chronicle – Friday, Jan. 21, 2011

Brown puts longtime environmental advocate in charge of state delta policy

Story

From SJ Mercury News – Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

The West Coast’s Big Uneasy – and the Delta Stewardship council’s 88 Year Delta Plan

Blog

By Barry Nelson

From NRDC – Friday, Jan. 21, 2011

Delta restoration is vital to our entire state

Editorial

From Fresno Bee – Friday, Jan. 21, 2011

IID to present Law of the River workshop

Release

From IID – Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

Water supply to flow for Yolo County farmers

Story

From Woodland Daily Democrat – Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

Dry weather forecast for remainder of year

Story

From Ventura County Star – Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

Water, Water Everywhere...Except for California Farms

Blog

By Rep. Tom McClintock

From McClintock – Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

News articles and links from Jan. 20, 2011

On agricultural water conservation and reasonable use

Blog

from Bay Delta Blog – Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

Coalition response...To use the term "broadly examines" to describe the watermaster's look at reasonable use doctrine and agricultural water use characterizes the failure of the report to fully understand water use on California farms. The report is simply one person's opinion on farm water use and includes no factual studies as resources. Calling for the Water Board to launch an extensive and expensive effort is a duplication of effort. Meetings are already underway through the legislative approval of SBX7-7 to identify and quantify water conservation and efficiency measures. The best action the water board could take would be to invite irrigation experts from California’s agricultural universities to explain what irrigation system improvements have already occurred and what more could be accomplished at various investment levels. That is a sensible way to generate trust in the agriculture community while working toward practical solutions.

Delta’s health must take high priority

Editorial

from Woodland Daily Democrat – Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

Coalition response...While the restoration of the Delta’s ecosystem and a reliable water supply must remain a priority, it is important to recognize that the SWRCB flow study is not as “comprehensive” as many people believe and as presented in this editorial. The flow study was conducted in a vacuum requested by the Legislature and directed to only consider water flows and nothing else. The SWRCB stated in the report’s executive summary that further studies should be conducted before applying the information contained in the report. Admittedly, there is valuable information in the flow report but there is more valuable information that was not included and should be considered...and that is what the BDCP process is doing.

Fresno’s rainfall midpoint: Groundhog Day

Blog

from Fresno Bee – Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

By Mark Grossi

Why should we subsidize farmers?

Story

from Modesto Bee – Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

Upcoming conference to end with tour of Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant

Release

from CII – Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

UC expert compares problems in the Delta to New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina

Story

from Contra Costa Times – Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

Going with the flow: Regional first step taken on overall water planning

Story

from Oroville Mercury-Register – Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

IID board tasked to crafting realistic Salton Sea plan

Story

from IV Press – Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

Local growers: Water allocation still not enough

Story

from Bakersfield Californian – Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

Shouldn’t we be saving all that water we’ve been getting in recent storms?

Blog

from Fresno Bee – Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

Westlands elects Don Peracchi new president of WWD board

Release

from Aquafornia – Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

News articles and links from Jan. 19, 2011

More storage could save rain water that we are losing

Editorial

from Fresno Bee – Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

Good time to push for water storage

Editorial

from Visalia Times Delta – Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

Water wars carry on in California

Story

from Western Farm Press – Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

Water group’s first meeting today

Story

from Chico Enterprise Record – Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

Tulare County reservoir levels rise

Story

from Visalia Times Delta – Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

La Nina in the area...Rainy December replaced by predicted drier pattern

Story

From Hanford Sentinel – Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2010

Grant providing funds to go forward with recharge study

Story

from Williows-Journal – Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

Upbeat first assessment for year’s supplies

Story

from SF Chronicle – Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

Big water forecast still falls short for Valley farmers

Story

from Fresno Bee – Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

Westside farmers to get 45 percent of water in initial forecast

Story

from Hanford Sentinel – Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

Big snowpack means communities and farms will likely get more water

Story

from Sacramento Bee – Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

Feds increase Valley water allocation

Story

from Central Valley Business Times – Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

Cardoza calls for 100 percent water supply allocation for Central Valley

Story

from Merced Sun-Star – Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

News articles and links from Jan. 18, 2011

New Report Targets Unreasonable Water Use in California

Blog

from Alter Net – Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011

By Dan Bacher

Coalition response...This author can’t seem to make up his mind. Six months ago in a blog posted on the Internet he labeled Wilson as a “new bureaucrat to further Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s plan to build a peripheral canal and new dams...” Now he is touting Wilson for a report that is short on understanding how water is used on California farms. I wonder what he will be saying in another six months.

The author continues to present misguided information relating to farming along the San Joaquin Valley Westside. Farmers and their water districts are working with State and federal agencies and environmental organizations to reduce the flow of drainage water to the San Joaquin River. This program has accomplished such significant reductions in drainage water flowing to the San Joaquin River that the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has issued a permit for the efforts to continue. While these efforts continue, farmers are producing fruits and vegetables that are both healthy, safe and in great demand by consumers.

Bond urged to boost Valley water storage

Story

from Fresno Bee – Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

Coalition response...A lot of water is currently flowing through California but how much water will be available for farmers during the upcoming irrigation season that stretches through the summer months? Deliveries from State and federal water systems are expected to be less than existing contracts call for. If more storage was available, all of California would benefit flood protection, recreation and the environment, in addition to a more reliable supply of water to grow the fruits and vegetables we rely upon.

Oversight committees and ground-water banks

Blog

from Fresno Bee – Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

By Mark Grossi

DWR Releases Central Valley Flood Protection Plan Progress Report

Release

from DWR – Monday, Jan. 17, 2011

Davis, Woodland seek right to divert Sacramento River Water

Story

from Sacramento Bee – Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

Wasting Water

TV News

from 47/TV Fresno – Monday, Jan. 17, 2011

Irrigation districts file Klamath agreement validation request

Story

from Siskiyou Daily News – Monday, Jan. 17, 2011

Delta Stewardship Council to meet on January 27 & 28

Release

from Aquafornia – Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

Delta Smelt and Undocumented Farm Workers:

How Federal Policy Is Failing California’s Central Valley

Video

from ReasonTV – Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011

Practical solutions for efficient, integrated and cost effective agricultural water management

Conference

from FC Business Intelligence