California water news ~ MAVEN'S NOTEBOOK | California Water News Central

CALIFORNIA WATER NEWS

Planning and management Research article

INSIDE CLIMATE NEWS: ‘Nature-based’ solutions could save insurers and policyholders billions

Inside Climate News October 5, 2026

Planning and management Reports

WHITE PAPER: CMUA releases new policy paper about water affordability from a system cost perspective

Guest Contributor October 5, 2026

Groundwater News Reports

NOW AVAILABLE: Groundwater recharge: Incentives and strategies

Sustainable Conservation October 5, 2026

Fact Sheets/Tools/Info Groundwater News

NOW AVAILABLE: On-Farm Recharge Methods Manual: A Summary of Strategies and Challenges

Sustainable Conservation October 5, 2026

Fact Sheets/Tools/Info Groundwater News

NOW AVAILABLE: A Groundwater Recharge Guide for Vineyards

Sustainable Conservation October 5, 2026

Delta science Research article

SFEWS: Regional studies of algal blooms, Delta smelt habitat, Hydrodynamic conditions for Chinook juveniles, Adaptation of rainbow trout, and considerations for long-term monitoring programs

San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science October 5, 2026

Groundwater News

SJV WATER: Project to reduce groundwater pumping near Friant-Kern Canal – damaged by excessive pumping – gets underway

SJV Water October 4, 2026

Wildfires and watersheds

CAL MATTERS: No single failure caused LA fires, report finds. Who fixes the system?

Cal Matters October 4, 2026

Groundwater News

PRESS RELEASE: 13-year Lawsuit with Steinbeck Vineyards Resolved

Guest Contributor October 4, 2026

DWR: As new water year begins, California prepares for strong El Niño and expanded water supplies

Department of Water Resources (DWR) October 2, 2026

HIGH COUNTRY NEWS: Toxic algal blooms are spreading across the West

High Country News October 2, 2026

Water project operations

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION: Major federal investment accelerates modernization of Friant Kern Canal

Bureau of Reclamation News October 2, 2026

Hanford, Kings County

Groundwater News

SJV WATER: Hanford-area growers agree to new fees they hope will hold off further state intervention

SJV Water October 2, 2026

Groundwater News

SJV WATER: Will Tulare County water district settlement foster more cooperation or open the door to water exports?

SJV Water October 2, 2026

Fact Sheets/Tools/Info Water project operations

ARMY CORPS: New Bullards Bar and Oroville Water Control Manual Updates

US Army Corps of Engineers October 2, 2026

Latest news from around the web

DAILY DIGEST, 10/5: CA agencies use confidentiality agreements to keep some Bay-Delta science secret; ‘Nature-based’ solutions could save insurers and policyholders billions; El Niño hype is loud. The numbers back it up, but here’s what they really mean; How a century-old pricing system has emptied the Colorado River; and more …

October 5, 2026

IN THIS POST ...In California water news today …California agencies use confidentiality agreements to keep some Bay-Delta science secret‘Nature-based’ solutions...

DAILY DIGEST, weekend edition: Lake Oroville water level drops faster than previous years; Reclamation closes Delta Cross Channel indefinitely to protect salmon; San Francisco could see ‘30 king tides’ this winter as El Niño looms; No single failure caused LA fires, report finds. Who fixes the system?; and more …

October 4, 2026

DAILY DIGEST, 10/2: As new water year begins, CA prepares for strong El Niño and expanded water supplies; The West’s best shot at snowpack recovery comes from El Niño; Major federal investment accelerates modernization of Friant Kern Canal; Toxic algal blooms are spreading across the West; and more …

October 2, 2026

DAILY DIGEST, 10/1: Scott river has dried up. Critics say the state should do more to protect its salmon; CA rushes to prepare for massive ‘Kelvin’ wave; DWR completes major rehabilitation of Oroville Dam’s River Valve Outlet System; The Colorado River nears a worrisome threshold. These farmers are worried.; and more …

October 1, 2026

ONLY ON MAVEN'S NOTEBOOK

NOTEBOOK FEATURE: San Joaquin Valley water vision highlights urgent need for coordinated action

September 14, 2026

NOTEBOOK FEATURE: Pop-up wetlands for birds expand into Suisun Marsh

August 25, 2026

Cleaning water with co-benefits: Case studies with beavers and porous pavement

July 30, 2026

California water news

INSIDE CLIMATE NEWS: ‘Nature-based’ solutions could save insurers and policyholders billions

Inside Climate News

Planning and management Research article

October 5, 2026

Wetlands restoration and wildfire prevention can drive down insurers’ costs and skyrocketing premiums, a new study shows By Emmett Gartner,...

WHITE PAPER: CMUA releases new policy paper about water affordability from a system cost perspective

Guest Contributor

Planning and management Reports

October 5, 2026

From the California Municipal Utilities Association: A new policy paper from CMUA called Understanding Water Affordability in California: A System...

NOW AVAILABLE: Groundwater recharge: Incentives and strategies

Sustainable Conservation

Groundwater News Reports

October 5, 2026

From Sustainable Conservation: Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) are responsible for developing and implementing...

NOW AVAILABLE: On-Farm Recharge Methods Manual: A Summary of Strategies and Challenges

Sustainable Conservation

Fact Sheets/Tools/Info Groundwater News

October 5, 2026

From Sustainable Conservation: Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) have been charged with developing and...

NOW AVAILABLE: A Groundwater Recharge Guide for Vineyards

Sustainable Conservation

Fact Sheets/Tools/Info Groundwater News

October 5, 2026

A Groundwater Recharge Guide for Vineyards helps California winegrape growers assess recharge opportunities and outline a plan for their operation....

SFEWS: Regional studies of algal blooms, Delta smelt habitat, Hydrodynamic conditions for Chinook juveniles, Adaptation of rainbow trout, and considerations for long-term monitoring programs

San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science

Delta science Research article

October 5, 2026

In the latest issue of the San Francisco Estuary & Watershed Science Journal: Regional Variability in Conditions Favoring Cyanobacterial Harmful...

SJV WATER: Project to reduce groundwater pumping near Friant-Kern Canal – damaged by excessive pumping – gets underway

Groundwater News

October 4, 2026

By Lisa McEwen, SJV Water A groundbreaking ceremony in southern Tulare County last week signaled the start of another chapter...

CAL MATTERS: No single failure caused LA fires, report finds. Who fixes the system?

Wildfires and watersheds

October 4, 2026

A 723-page review ordered by Gov. Gavin Newsom finds LA fires overwhelmed a system never designed for a wind-driven conflagration. Protecting...

PRESS RELEASE: 13-year Lawsuit with Steinbeck Vineyards Resolved

Guest Contributor

Groundwater News

October 4, 2026

Santa Clara Superior Court issued its final judgment in Steinbeck Vineyards v. County of San Luis Obispo From the County...

DWR: As new water year begins, California prepares for strong El Niño and expanded water supplies

Department of Water Resources (DWR)

October 2, 2026

From the Department of Water Resources: Today marks the start of Water Year 2027 in California and the Department of...

HIGH COUNTRY NEWS: Toxic algal blooms are spreading across the West

High Country News

October 2, 2026

Climate change is increasing the frequency of the blooms. Here’s what you need to know. By Christine Peterson, High Country...

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION: Major federal investment accelerates modernization of Friant Kern Canal

Bureau of Reclamation News

Water project operations

October 2, 2026

Pump station replacements boost water reliability, strengthen regional economies and support more than 1 million acres of farmland From the...

Delta

DELTA COUNCIL: Tracking Harmful Algal Blooms in the Delta

September 22, 2026

Building a coordinated approach to monitor, forecast, and address Delta blooms By late summer, harmful algal blooms are a familiar...

DELTA COUNCIL: Public hearing set on revised Delta Conveyance Project certification

Delta Conveyance Project

September 15, 2026

BAY-DELTA PLAN: Reclamation Provides comments on California State Water Resources Control Board’s Bay-Delta Plan Update

Planning and management

September 5, 2026

BAY-DELTA PLAN: Westlands Water District to end participation in Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program absent reversal by the State

Planning and management

September 5, 2026

Groundwater News

NOW AVAILABLE: Groundwater recharge: Incentives and strategies

Sustainable Conservation

Groundwater News Reports

October 5, 2026

From Sustainable Conservation: Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) are responsible for developing and implementing...

NOW AVAILABLE: On-Farm Recharge Methods Manual: A Summary of Strategies and Challenges

Fact Sheets/Tools/Info Groundwater News

October 5, 2026

NOW AVAILABLE: A Groundwater Recharge Guide for Vineyards

Fact Sheets/Tools/Info Groundwater News

October 5, 2026

SJV WATER: Project to reduce groundwater pumping near Friant-Kern Canal – damaged by excessive pumping – gets underway

Groundwater News

October 4, 2026

Ecosystems

NOTEBOOK FEATURE: Uninvited guests: Protecting California from invasive species

September 30, 2026

Experts explain how prevention, early detection, and coordinated response can help protect California’s ecosystems, waterways, agriculture, and communities. Invasive species...

INSIDE CLIMATE NEWS: A century of sand debt comes due in Malibu

September 27, 2026

DWR: How managed wetlands are boosting food production in Suisun Marsh

September 23, 2026

UC Santa Cruz researchers launch real-time study on kelp resilience as a super El Niño unfolds

September 21, 2026

Colorado River

CIRCLE OF BLUE: At Glen Canyon Dam, Trump administration privileges hydropower over ecosystems

September 16, 2026

Grand Canyon ecology not a priority in 2026 water release decisions. by Brett Walton, Circle of Blue In the struggling...

COURTHOUSE NEWS: Dam it: 10th Circuit lets Denver Water complete Gross Reservoir expansion

September 16, 2026

CRONKITE NEWS: Central Arizona Project disputes fairness of new Colorado River cuts

September 13, 2026

UC BOULDER: The Colorado River water supply crisis in a few graphs: Part 2 Agricultural water use in the Lower Basin

September 11, 2026

Announcements

DELTA CONSERVANCY: Climate Bond Grant Program now accepting concept proposals

Delta Conservancy

September 16, 2026

Learn More by Attending Webinar on Oct. 1 As part the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy’s dedication to environmental and economic...

YOUR INPUT WANTED: New Groundwater Survey Invites GSA and Basin Manager Perspectives on Water Accounting in California

Guest Contributor

August 15, 2026

The California Water Data Consortium has launched a new survey to better understand how groundwater is accounted for across California....

REGISTER NOW for New Industrial Water Reuse Webinar Series

Guest Contributor

August 15, 2026

Join the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and leading organizations for an interactive webinar series designed to explore the evolving...

NOTICE of Department of Fish and Wildlife Rulemaking: Invasive Mussels

Department of Fish and Wildlife

ANNOUNCEMENTS Ecosystems

August 8, 2026

From the Department of Fish and Wildlife: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) has published the Notice of...

NOTICE: USACE Public Comment on Yuba River Daguerre Point Dam Nature Like Fishway outgrant closes August 16

Guest Contributor

ANNOUNCEMENTS Planning and management

August 8, 2026

The Yuba County Water Agency (Yuba Water) is proposing to construct, operate, and maintain the Lower Yuba River Daguerre Point...

AMENDED NOTICE of hearing to consider modification of California American Water Company cease and desist order (State Water Board orders WR 2016-0016 and WR 2009-0060)

State Water Board

ANNOUNCEMENTS Policy and regulation

July 10, 2026

From the State Water Resources Control Board: On July 1, 2026, the State Water Resources Control Board received an objection...

NOTICE of hearing to consider modification of California American Water Company Cease and Desist order (State Water Board Orders WR 2016-0016 and WR 2009-0060)

State Water Board

ANNOUNCEMENTS Policy and regulation

June 20, 2026

From State Water Board: The State Water Board or Board, Division of Water Rights (Division) in coordination with the Administrative Hearings Office...

NOTICE of Consideration of a Proposed Resolution: Kern River Aquifer Exemption Proposal

State Water Board

June 14, 2026

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the Board will consider a proposed Resolution authorizing the Executive Director, or designee, to issue...

NOTICE: Proposition 4 DWR CIMIS Project – Release of Draft Guidelines and Public Comment Period Open

Department of Water Resources (DWR)

May 21, 2026

From the Department of Water Resources: The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is receiving public comments on the Public Review...

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY of the Scoping Report for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project Surrender and Decommissioning Project

State Water Board

May 13, 2026

On May 12, 2026, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) posted the Scoping Report for the Potter...

Reports

Planning and management Reports

WHITE PAPER: CMUA releases new policy paper about water affordability from a system cost perspective

Guest Contributor October 5, 2026

Groundwater News Reports

NOW AVAILABLE: Groundwater recharge: Incentives and strategies

Sustainable Conservation October 5, 2026

Agriculture Reports

YOUR INPUT WANTED: Farmland Conversion in the Delta: Protecting Agriculture as Part of the Coequal Goals

Delta Protection Commission September 28, 2026

Delta science Reports

REPORT: 2026 Delta Science Program Research Impact Report

Delta Stewardship Council September 25, 2026

Planning and management Reports

DWR Releases Bulletin 161-2026 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Summary Report

Department of Water Resources (DWR) September 23, 2026

Ecosystems Reports

NEW REPORT: Wetlands for Climate Partnership Report

Conservation organizations & coalitions September 14, 2026

Planning and management Reports

WATER BLUEPRINT: Unified Water Plan for the San Joaquin Valley released: Congressionally authorized report gives decision-makers a roadmap for Valley water investment

Water Blueprint for the SJ Valley September 4, 2026

Delta science Planning and management Reports

RECLAMATION: Final monitoring special study report advances scientific understanding of Delta hydrodynamics and water quality

Bureau of Reclamation News August 27, 2026

Planning and management Reports

CRS REPORT: Data Centers and Water: Frequently Asked Questions

Maven August 27, 2026

Groundwater News Reports

NOTEBOOK FEATURE: New report focuses on groundwater sustainability without leaving small farms behind

Maven August 26, 2026

Podcasts and webinars

Author Podcasts WATER SHELF

WATER SHELF PODCAST: “The Water Recycling Revolution” by Bill and Rosemarie Alley

Justin Scott-Coe March 6, 2026

Author Podcasts WATER SHELF

WATER SHELF PODCAST: “Legal Geographies of Water” by Cristy Clark

Justin Scott-Coe February 6, 2026

Author Podcasts WATER SHELF

WATER SHELF PODCAST: “Body in a Barrel” by Aaron Mead

Justin Scott-Coe January 11, 2026

Fish and wildlife Science Podcasts

DELTA DISPATCH: How To Have Our Fish, and Eat Them, Too

Estuary News Group November 22, 2025

Author Podcasts WATER SHELF

WATER SHELF PODCAST: “Living with Water Scarcity” by David Zetland

Justin Scott-Coe August 31, 2025

Author Podcasts WATER SHELF

WATER SHELF PODCAST: “Replumbing the City” by Sayd Randle

Justin Scott-Coe July 11, 2025

Podcasts and webinars Science Podcasts

PODCAST: Destination: Delta

Estuary News Group June 2, 2025

Ecosystems Science Podcasts

DELTA DISPATCH: Restoration, reciprocity

Estuary News Group April 26, 2025

Science Podcasts

DELTA DISPATCH: From Snowpack To Spigot

Estuary News Group April 26, 2025

Author Podcasts WATER SHELF

WATER SHELF PODCAST: “Too Good to Be True” by Paul Brown

Justin Scott-Coe April 18, 2025