A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment
August 6, 2007
2. Supply
SACRAMENTO
Water deal key to Folsom growth; Natomas firm's pact could allow building south of Hwy. 50 - Sacramento Bee
How low will it go?: Lake Shasta water could reach lowest level in 15 years - Redding Record Searchlight
Conservation ideas grow during drought - Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
California Focus: State likely faces a drier future; As population continues to rise, everyone needs to focus on conservation - Orange County
SUPPLY PLANNING:
Local water fight heating up - Ridgecrest Daily Independent
WESTERN WATER ISSUES:
Top Las Vegas water official blasts Utah request for study; Claims southern Utah development is target for water, not protecting environment, farmland - Salt Lake Tribune
SACRAMENTO
Water deal key to Folsom growth; Natomas firm's pact could allow building south of Hwy. 50
Sacramento
By Mary Lynne Vellinga, staff writer
A little-known water company created by farmers in Natomas is on the verge of selling a big chunk of its water to the city of Folsom -- a deal that would clear the way for thousands of homes to be built south of Highway 50.
Folsom would use the water to supply the 12,000 new residential units and accompanying offices and stores proposed for 3,600 acres south of the current city limits.
Finding a water source has been the most significant hurdle facing the city as it seeks to expand.
In a 4-2 vote, the board of directors of the Natomas Central Mutual Water Co. recently endorsed the idea of transferring a portion of its U.S. Bureau of Reclamation water to Folsom.
The water deal -- in which the water company could receive a total of more than $60 million -- is not final, however. Natomas Central will conduct a study to make sure the water being sold is actually not needed by farmers in Natomas. Then it will submit the agreement for a vote of the company's 275 shareholders.
Under the terms approved last week, Folsom would buy the right to an annual allotment of 8,000 acre-feet of water from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Another 7,000 acre-feet could be included in the sale if the district determines it has enough surplus water, said general manager Dee Swearingen.
An acre-foot of water is 326,000 gallons, roughly a year's supply for two households.
Swearingen said the sale price of the water has not been finalized. But former U.S. Representative Doug Ose, a board member of the water company, said the agreement calls for the city to pay roughly $4,000 an acre-foot, with an adjustment for inflation between now and when the deal is complete.
Landowners seeking to develop south of Highway 50 would reimburse the city for the cost, said spokesman Jeff Raimundo.
Folsom officials are eager to finalize an agreement. They hope to begin environmental review of the city's expansion plan by this fall. But that timetable is contingent on securing the water.
Measure W, adopted by Folsom voters in 2004, requires the city to find a new water source for the area south of Highway 50.
Folsom City Manager Kerry Miller declined to comment this week on the agreement with Natomas Central. The city's key staff member monitoring the deal is on vacation, he said.
"We're pleased that the action was taken, but we don't know how to evaluate the details of the vote, so we're just kind of reserving judgment," he said.
Talks between Folsom and the water company have been going on for well over a year as various factions of the water company board vie for position.
The once-obscure water company has become a cauldron of conflicting interests as developers displaced farmers as the most significant players.
Natomas Central is owned by landowners in the
At one time, the company's shareholders were all farmers. But the profile of landowners in the area has changed dramatically. The largest shareholders now include developers, the Natomas Basin Conservancy and
Developer Angelo K. Tsakopoulos, whose firm is a significant shareholder in Natomas Central, also owns much of the land south of Highway 50 that would benefit from the water sale. Mark Enes, Tsakopoulos' representative on the Natomas Central board, recused himself from the vote on the sale.
Enes referred calls to Raimundo, spokesman for the Folsom landowners' group. Raimundo said the water sale "is a good deal for everybody involved."
Urbanization in the basin has put the financial squeeze on Natomas Central and its farmer clients. Fields that were once irrigated with company water are now part of the city of
As a result, the company's costs are spread over a smaller customer base, meaning farmers pay high prices. Aging pumps and equipment need upgrading.
The average Natomas farmer now pays about $100 an acre-foot for
He's convinced that the company has plenty of surplus water to cover the Folsom sale. But Ose said he's not so sure. He voted against the deal, and said he's waiting for proof that the water is really there.
One major issue that hasn't been decided is what the water company will do with the money if the sale goes through. It could invest the funds in the system to reduce the hefty cost of water to its farmers. Or it could distribute the proceeds to its shareholders as a dividend -- an approach that could produce millions of dollars for large landowners.
"That's a lot of money," said Ose, whose family owns 1,000 acres. "I don't think there's any resolution yet, and that's a serious question. If you go to the shareholders and say we're going to do this, they're going to say, 'How does that affect me, and where is the money going?' " #
http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/308481.html
How low will it go?:
Redding Record Searchlight – 8/5/07
By Dylan Darling, staff writer
"Every day it's lower and lower," said the 13-year-old as he bobbed Monday in the murky water of the lake's Salt Creek finger near his home.
As the water has dropped, restrictions have gone up on what boaters can do and how fast they can travel, and questions have been raised about where the lake's water is going.
Each day the water drops three-quarters of a foot, and the water level is expected to be more than 100 feet below its high point by Labor Day weekend and 115 feet below by the end of November, said Sheri Harral, spokeswoman for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation at Shasta Dam.
"We are going down," she said.
While the rate of drop is normal for this time of year, she said, the lake's level isn't. In August, the lake usually is only 40 to 50 feet below the high-water mark, Harral said. Wednesday it was about 80 feet below.
Because of the low water, the
"When it gets to 90 to 100 feet down, it gets dangerous," he said.
Snags, rock outcroppings and entire islands are literally popping out of the lake daily, he said.
Those added obstacles have led to some costly mishaps for some boaters this year, said Brian Davis, general manager at Sugarloaf Resort.
"We've had a couple of boats damaged pretty severely," he said.
Repairs have been in the neighborhood of $2,000,
The abnormally low lake is a result of abnormally low rainfall over the winter and spring, Harral said. The rain gauge at Shasta Dam logged only 37.5 inches from July 1, 2006, to June 30 -- half of the normal total -- causing the lake to crest ahead of schedule. While
And it was close to 19 feet below the "crest" or high waterline, she said. The crest, where the Bureau calls the lake full, is 11 feet below the roadway on top of the dam and 1,067 feet above sea level.
After months of sending water down the Sacramento River to irrigate crops, supply drinking water, keep fish alive and generate power,
"It's certainly been better," said
Last year at its
He said the short supply was caused by the dry winter and spring. When the bureau increases flows down the
Despite the amount of water in the lake, releases have been at or above releases typical in a wet year, said Larry Ball, operations chief for the Bureau's Northern California Area Office. Throughout July, the bureau released 15,000 cubic feet of water per second from Keswick Dam, which regulates flows from Shasta Dam.
He said the releases were high last month to make up for pumping that didn't happen earlier in the year to protect the delta smelt, a tiny fish found in the waters of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Although allocations for farmers south of the delta have been halved this year, there still is demand, he said.
With the short supply to start the year, plus the extra drain of increased flows down the
"We haven't seen those levels in several years," Ball said.
Those levels have led to congested waterways, boat launch closures and dock moves around the lake.
Near where Robert Eade spends his summer swimming, Tim Pawson, manager at Salt Creek Resort and R.V., has had to tell potential guests who call and ask about the water that there simply isn't any near the resort this year.
"You can see what happens to my location, location, location,' with no water," he said, looking out over the muddy gully that's usually part of the lake.
While many boaters said the water is still good once they are out on it, the lowered shoreline has made for a smaller pool to play in.
"Skiing gets scary when you get 16 boats in a square mile," said Garrett Womack, an 18-year-old from
While water managers expect the lake to rebound next year, it all hinges on rainfall, McCracken said.
"If it's another year like this one, then we'll have some real serious challenges," he said. #
http://www.redding.com/news/2007/aug/05/how-low-will-it-go/
Conservation ideas grow during drought
By Canan Tasci, staff writer
In response to extreme droughts in the 1990s, utility agencies and departments began offering incentives to homeowners who found ways to cut their water consumption.
Water agencies and departments are stepping up their efforts to promote water conservation through high-efficiency washing machines, low-flush toilets and through landscaping that requires less water.
Outdoor water use accounts for about 70 percent of all water use, said Bob Muir, spokesman for the Metropolitan Water District, which provides water for much of
"Right now, we're launching the largest public information outreach and education program on water conservation in our history, which dates back 80 years," he said.
The Cucamonga Valley Water District board is also working to get the message out about water conservation, said Kristeen Buxton, the district's public affairs officer.
Buxton said the district offers landscaping workshops and gardening tours, and educational programs such as the
"We are always looking at ways to conserve and looking at daily habits and how to help people conserve," Buxton said.
In April, the CVWD hosted its first Landscape Recognition Program to help educate the public and reward those homeowners who are serious about reducing their outdoor water usage.
The three winners, all from
The Arbuckles planted climate-friendly plants and flowers, which require less water due to their ability to withstand
"We wanted something that was more native and that will not require a lot of watering but still look nice," said Gwen Arbuckle, 53. "And now, most of our plants are drought-resistant."
Tom Arbuckle, 57, said it's amazing how much can be done with a garden while keeping water usage low.
CVSD representative Erin Morales said homeowners can conserve water by doing simple tasks such as fixing leaking sprinklers.
Elrod recommends residents water their lawns 15 minutes right before sunrise four times a week. She also said it's smart to reuse indoor water.
"Watering outside plants with water that is gathered by that leaky faucet in the bathroom can save 20 gallons a day," Elrod said.
Laird said won the CVWD recognition for installing artificial turf on her front lawn - an idea she got from the district grounds.
"When I saw it, I called my husband up right away and told him he had to look at it," she said. "It's pricey but, in the long run, it's an investment."
The artificial turf, which doesn't require watering, replaced dichondra clover grass, which Laird said required watering twice a day and cost too much to maintain.
Muir said he believes the message of water conservation is being received.
"Every little bit of water wasted is going to create a problem," Muir said. "I think people are becoming more aware and that people are aware of how precious this resource is."
Buxton agrees.
"When we had our emergency shutdown to conserve water in February community members had (said) to conserve water by 50 percent, and we ended up conserving water by 60 percent. They responded proactively and quickly," Buxton said. "As a whole, I believe people are responsible and are understanding they need to start using water wisely."
For more information on water-smart landscaping, go to bewaterwise.com, or contact your local water district. #
http://www.dailybulletin.com//ci_6553173?IADID=Search-www.dailybulletin.com-www.dailybulletin.com
California
Orange County
By Reese Halter
The worst drought in 130 years is a wake-up for all Californians: Now we have no choice but to plan to secure water for a drier future.
Tree rings from bristlecone pines living at 11,000 feet above sea level on the White Mountains in east-central
Ninety percent of the fresh water in
Global circulation models predict that as global temperatures rise, so, too, will the occurrence of more intense and frequent wild weather, including periods of prolonged drought.
Currently, there are about 18 million people in
Over the past decade, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has created an important new reservoir at
Two dam-building projects also are currently in the works. One dam would be built above the existing Friant Dam, north of
We'll need all these projects, and more.
Some climate models predict that global temperatures will rise between four and 10 degrees this century. Utilizing the most conservative estimates from the Scripps Institute in La Jolla, modelers estimate that
Moreover, the seasonal distribution of available water will shift from spring and summer to the winter months thereby significantly increasing the frequency of winter floods and lethal summer forest fires.
The total snowpack accumulation this past winter along the Sierras was 40 percent of normal recordings. But the eastern Sierras, where the
What happens if the winter of 2008 is dry? Although initially the effects of a drought are not as fearsome as those of a hurricane or tornado, the long-term outcome of a drought is deadly – especially when droughts persist for years.
Over the past four thousand years, droughts have annihilated the Akkadians, Mayans, the Pre-Incan Moche and Tiwanaku, and the Anasazi of the American West's
Furthermore, droughts promote wildfires. Sixteen million people live in the
We must be very careful in the forests this summer and fall.
Every
Educating primary and secondary school children about water conservation helps ensure that the message is taken home to parents.
Clearly, more reservoirs to capture and store mountain water throughout the summer months must be undertaken and secured.
http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/water-california-drought-1797438-million-droughts
SUPPLY PLANNING:
Local water fight heating up
By Laura Dobbins, Executive Editor
In 1864, William Brewer, working with the California State Geological Survey, had nothing good to say about the
It wasn't long before everyone wanted some of that spring - but how to distribute the source, manage it, or use it was a contentious debate that hasn't been settled even today.
The latest disagreement over water is between the Indian Wells Valley Water District and private well owners.
A move by the Water District to boost water pumping capacities has resurrected age-old arguments, by some well owners, of water depletions - possibly drying nearby wells and the Valley's overall water sources, due to lower water tables.
The District is preparing for future growth and has taken several steps to ready for a possible population increase due to the Base Realignment and Closure 2005 decision -
To ready for possible new water demands, the local water agency will construct two new wells, 35 and 36, with anticipated depths between 900 and 1,400 feet below ground surface. Production capacities are anticipated between 1,000 and 2,500 gallons per minute.
In addition, the Water District is refitting existing wells, 18, 30, 31 and 33 with new pumps that would increase pumping capacities from 1,200 gallons per minute to 2,500 gallons per minute. Well 34 would also be improved so it too could pump up to 2,500 gallons per minute instead of 1,200 gpm.
The construction of 3,500 lineal feet of new 12 to 24 inch diameter water pipelines and pipeline appurtenances is part of the plan. These would be created generally within existing dirt roads.
But the location of the wells, say private well owners, will affect water tables for everyone tapping into the same area for water - meaning even District wells will be competing with each other.
The Water District hired a consultant prior to making their decision. Based on the analysis by Barbara Houghton of the Kern County Environmental Health Services Department, no environmental impact study will be necessary and the District can move forward with their plans.
Private well owners don't agree with her findings. Nor did they feel the Water District went out of their way to inform the public of their plans. Nearly 100 people attended a Water District meeting in July to express their concerns.
The Water District Board of Directors agreed to extend the public comment period until Aug. 13 - which is the next Water District public meeting.
Water District Tom Mulvihill also made a public presentation detailing the entire plan at a July Groundwater Management meeting - something he promised the public he would do. He is expected to do the same at the Aug. 13 meeting.
The Water District Board of Directors, some own private wells, say they understand the concerns but are obligated to service their existing customers with the best quality water at the lowest costs.
Non-customers contend that the District isn't just hurting private well owners but in the long run will also hurt themselves and their customers because of their pumping practices and placement of wells.
Fighting over water is nothing new.
Over the years a number of studies have been conducted to determine how much water is available and of that amount how much is usable for consumption.
The answers to these questions are as contentious and varied as the water wars themselves. There are two school of thoughts:
One - there's plenty of good water but it's too costly - construction of pipelines, environmental impact studies and well drilling - to access the source. There's other factors to consider as well such as property rights, land ownership and well locations.
Two - Water isn't plentiful - at least not quality water. Conservation practices and less reliance on ground water are necessary to ensure enough good water and low costs for the future. Well locations, tapping into other water sources and purchasing more water rights or property should be considered too.
Part of the problem is that everyone wants water but not everyone agrees on how the supply should be managed, regardless of whether one believes there's limited resources or not.
The Daily Independent will be running a week-long series starting Tuesday exploring some of these issues.
The public may comment on this topic all this week by contacting the Water District at (760) 375-5086 or by attending the Aug. 13 Water District meeting starting at 7 p.m. #
http://www.ridgecrestca.com/articles/2007/08/04/news/news/news00.txt
WESTERN WATER ISSUES:
Top
Salt
Combined news services
Southern Nevada Water Authority chief Pat Mulroy on Wednesday also accused
''This isn't about protecting farmers or the environment,'' Mulroy said. ''The truth is they [
On Thursday, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, countered Mulroy's attack, defending Utah's water rights, saying he was "fairly unsympathetic" to Nevada's position.
Mulroy would not consent Friday to a request from The Salt Lake Tribune for a 20-minute interview. Scott Huntley, spokesman for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, said Mulroy could not spare the time.
Mulroy's angry response, first published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, came on the heels of The Tribune's report that
Some
Boyd Clayton of the Utah State Engineer's office said it was reasonable to assume the pumping project would cause the aquifer to drop at least 20 feet.
Conservation groups say if that happens, the vegetation that stabilizes the desert soil will die.
Utah Sen. Margaret Dayton, R-Provo, a member of the legislative committee that wrote the letter, predicted the water project would lead to "a lot of dust blowing into [
But Mulroy said the dust storm prediction was overblown.
''The amount of water we're talking about taking out of
Mulroy called the call for a study ''an absolute deliberate stall tactic'' by
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., on Thursday said he was not interested in a new look at the aquifer.
''It would be a waste of money,'' he said. ''There has already been a study.''
But Hatch said he thought a second federal study of the
''We are fairly unsympathetic to
Hatch said Congress might agree to a study ''as long as there is some equitable approach to the water'' beneath eastern
'
Mulroy predicted the dispute could wind up in court.
In April, Nevada State Engineer Tracy Taylor authorized the Las Vegas-based water authority to take up to 40,000 acre-feet of water annually from Spring Valley, an aquifer in White Pine County west of
The authority is seeking another 25,000 acre-feet of groundwater in
Authorities say an acre-foot of water is about enough water to supply two
The water from both valleys would be piped some 285 miles to
The water would benefit Coyote Springs, a new 50,000-home development 70 miles north of
Reid helped Harvey Whittemore, a multimillionaire lobbyist and
One of Reid's sons is Whittemore's personal lawyer. Another Reid son is on the Southern Nevada Water Authority Board of Directors. Reid also sponsored federal legislation to allow the water pipeline to run through what had been a wilderness area.
Mulroy is not directly involved in the talks.
The water fight could spill over into decisions about more than a dozen separate groundwater basins straddling the Nevada-Utah line, and both states claim rights to water from the
Mulroy said the dispute also could affect talks about sharing
In recent years, water managers have set aside differences to agree to share
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_6542892
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