The Colorado River Water Conservation District’s (District) recent acquisition of the senior water rights associated with the Shoshone hydropower plant has raised concerns within Pitkin County. While widely considered a positive step for the Western Slope, officials are examining potential repercussions for the upper Roaring Fork River. At the heart of the concern lies the…
On February 28th, 2024, Colorado state legislators issued a joint resolution expressing support for ongoing efforts to restore the clarity of Grand Lake. This marks a significant step forward for a project with a long history and potentially far-reaching implications for water management in the state. Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake, was…
In 2023, there were significant strides made in dam removal marking a watershed moment in river restoration efforts nationwide. While the spotlight often shines on monumental projects like the Klamath River dam removal in California, it’s crucial to recognize the collective impact of the 79 other dam removals across the country that have reconnected 1,160…
Scientists have discovered a potentially groundbreaking method for destroying PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” in water. This news offers significant hope in the fight against these persistent environmental contaminants. PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in various products, from non-stick cookware to clothing and firefighting foam. These chemicals don’t easily break down…
The Klamath Basin stakeholders, including farmers, tribes, and the Department of Interior, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on improving the ecosystem and water security in the region. This agreement marks a significant shift from past years of disputes, with all parties committing to work together. The MOU outlines several key points:…
The USDA is offering a variety of funding opportunities for sustainable agriculture projects. This blog post provides an overview of these grant programs, including deadlines, eligibility requirements, and program highlights. Funding is available across various focus areas, including research and education, local food systems, and climate-smart practices are all supported. Watch out for quickly upcoming…
The USGS has launched the Colorado River Basin Science Portal, a one-stop shop for critical scientific data and collaboration. Here’s why this portal is a game-changer: Centralized Hub: Access a wide range of USGS scientific data on the Colorado River system in a convenient, user-friendly format. Enhanced Collaboration: The portal fosters discussion, data integration, and…
The Biden administration announced a significant milestone on Mar. 5th, 2024 to protect the Colorado River System. The goal is both immediate relief and long-term solutions. Short-Term Gains: Record-breaking conservation efforts, driven by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, have reduced the risk of critically low water levels in Lakes Mead and Powell. A final…
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) recently released a comprehensive report titled “Mainstream Evaporation and Riparian Evapotranspiration,” shedding light on historical natural losses along the lower Colorado River. This study delves into water surface evaporation, soil moisture evaporation, and plant transpiration, providing crucial data for managing regional water operations and enhancing modeling efforts. The report highlights…
The dusty Salton Sea witnessed a groundbreaking ceremony on Jan 25. 2024 marking the start of a potentially game-changing lithium extraction project known as Hell’s Kitchen 1. This $1.85 billion venture by Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) promises to be the world’s first “fully integrated” lithium and renewable power production facility, extracting lithium from underground brine…
A new initiative called the “Climate Solutions and Clean Energy Innovation Hub” has launched, bringing $15 million in initial funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This hub, led by a partnership between the two states, aims to help startups develop and scale up their climate solutions. Funding opportunities: The hub will provide grants to…
California’s iconic salmon populations are in steep decline, facing threats from dams, water diversions, and climate change. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom recently unveiled a comprehensive plan outlining strategies to protect and restore these vital fish. Key components of the plan: Dam Removal and Improved Passages: The plan prioritizes removing barriers to fish migration, including…
The Arizona Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) is issuing $9.8 million in grants to help irrigation districts in Arizona upgrade their aging infrastructure, leading to significant water savings. Projects receiving funding include canal lining, automated control systems, spill water capture, and reservoir construction. Canal lining: Reduces seepage losses by up to 30%, exemplified by the…
The Colorado River Water Conservation District just committed $20 million towards purchasing the Shoshone Power Plant water rights from Xcel Energy. The Shoshone Power Plant holds senior water rights in the region and greatly impacts flows through the Colorado River and its tributaries. These senior water rights stabilize river flows, benefiting farmers, fish, and downstream…
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a draft testing method (EPA Method 1634) on Jan 30. 2024 in response to concerns about 6PPD-quinone, a by-product of the common tire additive 6PPD. This method empowers government agencies, Tribes, and other groups to identify the presence of 6PPD-quinone in local water sources. This new testing method…