Farm Water News: April 2012

Last Thursday I ventured down to Coachella Valley. No I wasn't attending the infamous music festival that happened to be occurring simultaneously with my visit. Instead my plans took me on a 430-mile adventure through farmland, canals, dams and even the Salton Sea. The Coachella Valley Water District puts on this tour twice a year- once in the Fall and then again in the Spring. They have been doing so since the 1950's so it's safe to say they have it down pretty well.

We had instructions to arrive at the CVWD’s Palm Desert office at 6:30 am. The bus would be promptly leaving at 6:55. After a few wrong turns I pulled up closer to 6:45, checked in, got my nametag and boarded the bus. 10 minutes later we embarked on our journey. Stop number one was at CVWD's headquarters. There was saw the control room which had a wall size map of the district with lights and numbers on it. This map allows CVWD staff to control the speed at which water travels through the gates. From there it was onto the canals- specifically Drop #1 on the All American Canal. Across from Drop #1 is the beginning of the Coachella Branch of the All American Canal. We learned that the all of the Coachella Canal is lined with concrete to prevent seepage.

All American Canal- Drop #1

After a brief stop at the Old Plank Road (the roadway that was built in 1915 and created a path for motorized vehicles from Yuma to the Imperial Valley then San Diego), we visited Hanlon Heading. This used to be where the California Development Company controlled the water diverted from the Colorado River into the canal system. In 1942 the All American Canal became the only water source for the Imperial Valley.

Next we stopped at Imperial Dam where we were treated to lunch and most importantly, a tour of the dam. It is a mighty dam indeed. Our afternoon stops included the Mesquite open pit gold mine, Osborne Overlook (famous for sand dunes), Slab City and Salvation Mountain (see pictures), and Coachella Canal at milepost 49.3.

Imperial Dam

Our final stop before headed back to Palm Desert was at the Salton Sea. There we discussed the issues facing the sea and were able to smell that infamous scent that the sea is known for.

Salton Sea

Overall it was a great tour and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about water and the issues facing the Coachella and Imperial Valleys. Hats off to CVWD and the tour guide, Bob Keeran!

News articles and links from April 19, 2012

PEOPLE

Senate Rules Committee sends Cowin nomination to full Senate

Story

From ACWA - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

WATER SUPPLY

Rains help but don't solve water shortage

Story

From Patterson Irrigator - Thursday, April 19, 2012

A wet recovery: State upgrades water year to 'normal'

Story

From Trinity Journal - Thursday, April 19, 2012

Water Commission votes to re-circulate ag measurement rule, gets update on BDCP finances

Story

From ACWA - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Last minute winter rain/snow helps water situation

Blog

By Ken Clark

From AccuWeather - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

DELTA

Hundreds of millions spent to protect Delta levees. Is it enough?

Story

From Contra Costa Times - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

From San Jose Mercury News - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

News articles and links from April 18, 2012

Delta

California's Bay Delta Conservation Plan has no clothes

Blog

By Tina Swanson

From NRDC - Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Coalition response...The author attempts to portray concerns of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta with BDCP efforts as a science vs. policy issue. Her analysis includes science overruling policy which, coincidentally, coincides with her personal viewpoints. Yet, scientists of the National Research Council recently released the results of their two-year study that says any resolution of Delta concerns must be a mix of science and public policy. This scientific approach is the same that former Judge Oliver Wanger implemented when he ruled that biological opinions restricting the delivery of water to users south of the Delta did not include consideration for impacts on the public. Consequently, he directed federal agencies to rewrite those biological opinions, which we are still waiting to see.

It is inconceivable that individuals are now ignoring the results of the NRC scientists in order to further their own agendas. The NRC scientists encouraged that groups of differing interests work cooperatively together to address the Delta ecosystem and water supply issues. Unfortunately, blogs such as presented here will not help to reach the answers that we all need.

WATER SUPPLY

Who Controls Water?

Report

From Harvard Business School - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Watermaster, other ag-related bills advancing in California Legislature

Story

From Capital Press - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Osias updates Imperial Irrigation District directors, public on water transfer

Story

From Imperial Valley Press - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Imperial County to appeal federal court QSA ruling

Story