Apr 12, 2017 - emergency is still in effect in Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Tuolumne counties. ... tour of the Sacramento
April 12, 2017 New executive order lifts drought state of emergency for most of California Using lessons from the recent drought, State releases long-term water use plan Watershed University set to begin a series of monthly, one-hour webinars Two-day conference on developing a GSP set for next month in Modesto California Water Commission to receive briefing, updates on SGMA Sierra Fund holding headwater conference, Sacramento River tour P3 summit offers ideas on managing and improving water systems
Governor Brown’s new executive order ending the drought state of emergency in most of California, but maintaining prohibitions against wasteful practices, is available online. The state had been under an emergency drought proclamation since January 2014. The drought emergency is still in effect in Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Tuolumne counties. Other elements of the executive order are detailed here. In tandem with the governor’s new executive order, State agencies have released a long-term plan for drought preparation and water conservation in California. Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life includes actions based on lessons learned during the drought. Some actions will require new legislation or expanded state authority, while others can be implemented under existing authorities. As a result of recent flooding in areas of California, Watershed University is starting a series of monthly, one-hour webinars. The next one will be Tuesday, April 18, to discuss Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs. Watershed University is a project of the California Silver Jackets. Tools and techniques for developing a groundwater sustainability plan (GSP) will be discussed during a two-day conference in Modesto next month. GSPs are an important element for agencies required to be in compliance with California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The conference, on May 3 and 4, is convened by the Groundwater Resources Association of California. SGMA will play a prominent role in the agenda of the next California Water Commission meeting. Commissioners will receive a briefing from DWR on SGMA activities, there will be discussion on local perspectives for meeting SGMA requirements, plus, there will be details on assistance and support for disadvantaged communities. The Sierra Fund’s fourth biennial conference, Reclaiming the Sierra 2017: Headwater Resiliency will be held May 8 and 9, in Sacramento. Following the conference, on May 10, a charter boat tour of the Sacramento River will be available. It will help illustrate the connection between the headwaters and San Francisco Bay. The annual Public-Private Partnership (P3) Water Summit will be May 4 and 5, in San Diego. The program will offer communities information on innovative ways to finance, manage, and improve their water, sewer, and stormwater systems. The pre-summit events include a tour of a desalination plant in Carlsbad on May 3.
