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State of the Estuary 2019 Update

San Francisco Estuary Partnership (SFEP) | October 22nd, 2019

Summary

The San Francisco Estuary is a large and diverse system. Hundreds of miles of coastline stretch from the wide valleys of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers to the stee

The San Francisco Estuary is a large and diverse system. Hundreds of miles of coastline stretch from the wide valleys of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers to the steep headlands of the Golden Gate, with vast agricultural fields in the Delta and urbanized shorelines in Silicon Valley and many of the region’s cities. The complexity and scale of this system means it can take years to detect and assess changes. This interim State of the Estuary Report checks in on a few indicators of health and explores where the assessment should head over time. In the four years since the 2015 State of the Estuary Report, two issues have emerged as critical to how we assess the health of the estuarine ecosystem at the heart of the Bay Area and the Delta. First, the health of the Estuary and of the people who live near it and depend on it are inextricably linked. We need a healthy Bay and Delta to protect our shorelines from sea level rise, help keep our waters clean, provide food and habitat for fish and wildlife, and give people a place to enjoy nature. We also need to think more about human communities as we assess the health of natural communities. This focus means addressing environmental injustices that are deeply embedded in our culture and patterns of development. The second critical issue to emerge is the need for a greater focus on landscape resilience—how well the Bay and the Delta are equipped to respond to change—so that people and wildlife can thrive as climate change progresses. Taking these two ideas together, this report focuses on the nexus of social and ecological resilience as we look toward the future. The first section of the Report updates indicators of ecological health that span the entire extent of the San Francisco Estuary (Bay and Delta). Recent data show continued progress along the trajectories of the past decade. Tidal marsh restoration is proceeding at a brisk pace in the Bay and gaining traction in the Delta, while urban water conservation continues to meet mandated benchmarks, even during the drought. On the other hand, flows through the Estuary and across its floodplains continue to be well below levels that could increase and restore ecosystem health. Freshwater flows are a lynchpin of ecosystem processes that sustain physical habitats, fuel the food web, and regulate water quality. Creative approaches to using and re-using fresh water for environmental purposes are needed. Long-term trend analysis shows that fish communities in the Bay are declining. This analysis scores an index of 10 attributes of a healthy fish community. The index focuses on fish in offshore areas, and may not capture benefits to fish from near-shore wetland restoration projects. Despite this slow decline, fish communities in the saltier parts of the Estuary remain in good condition, while those in the brackish and freshwater areas are in poor condition. The next section of the report discusses three emerging indicators of Estuary health, offering options for how to assess resilience in future reports. Here, for the first time, the resilience of the Estuary’s shores is evaluated through the lens of subsidence and nature-based features. Elevation relative to sea level is a basic currency that must be tracked as the Pacific Ocean rises into the Estuary. The potential for the Estuary shore to be resilient to climate change and continue to provide benefits to people is related to how much of the shore zone is nature-based. The final emerging indicator, urban green space, is a first attempt to assess how access to nature is distributed across more and less advantaged communities. More work is needed to finalize all these emerging indicators before they can be included in any future quantitative assessment of the State of the Estuary. These emerging and updated indicators will help focus efforts to restore the Estuary’s health. In addition to continuing the successful aspects of restoration and conservation that this report describes, we need more investment in creative ways to use and restore flows for environmental health, to expand and build resilient shorelines and to weave considerations of social equity more strongly into efforts to improve environmental health. - J. Letitia Grenier, Lead Scientist

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State of the Salinas River Groundwater Basin

Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) | January 16th, 2015

Summary

From 6.3 Steps Appropriate to Address Water Supply under Continued Drought Conditions: Based on the continued large storage declines in the East Side and Pressure Su

From 6.3 Steps Appropriate to Address Water Supply under Continued Drought Conditions: Based on the continued large storage declines in the East Side and Pressure Subareas (and resulting groundwater head declines and seawater intrusion), the current distribution of groundwater extractions is not sustainable. Seawater intrusion can account for up to 18,000 afy of the total storage loss of up to 24,000 afy. Sustainable use of groundwater can only be achieved by aggressive and cooperative water resources management. The consequences of no-action under continued drought conditions will be the imminent advancement of seawater intrusion within the next few years and the continued decline of groundwater head. Both of these conditions would necessitate the drilling of deeper groundwater wells, which may not be feasible in some areas because of lower groundwater yield and water quality in the Pressure Deep Aquifer. A more sustainable long-term management practice would encourage the Basin-wide redistribution and reduction of groundwater pumping, which would require cooperative and aggressive resource management. The unsustainability of the current distribution of groundwater extractions has long been recognized by various investigators, and a Basin-wide redistribution and reduction in pumping has been recommended previously (e.g. DWR, 1946). 6.3.1 Technical Option 1: The large storage declines that have occurred in the Basin in the past, especially in the East Side Subarea, have created a significant landward groundwater head gradient that must be reversed before seawater intrusion can be halted. Reduction of pumping in the Pressure and East Side Subareas could help mitigate some of the anticipated effects of extended drought on groundwater storage and water quality in the study area. Shifting of pumping to areas further away from the coast would also be helpful, as long as it is shifted south of the current head trough (Figure ES3) that exists in the East Side Subarea. One of the main reasons that substantial steps must be taken to curtail seawater intrusion is that the large storage declines that have occurred in the Basin in the past (especially in the East Side Subarea) have created a significant landward groundwater head gradient that must be reversed before seawater intrusion can be halted. 6.3.2 Technical Option 2: The shifting of some pumping from the P-180 and P-400 Aquifers to the Pressure Deep Aquifer would reduce the storage deficit in the shallower aquifers; however, this would necessarily lead to head declines in the Pressure Deep Aquifer. Unlike the P-180 and P-400 Aquifers, it is not known whether or not the Pressure Deep Aquifer is hydraulically connected to the ocean in Monterey Bay, so it is not known whether this pumping shift would lead to the onset of regional seawater intrusion. Also unknown is the likelihood of localized interaquifer seawater mixing between the Pressure 400- Foot Aquifer and the Pressure Deep Aquifer. Hence, this Management Option requires more investigation to determine its feasibility. 6.3.3 Evaluation of Potential Solutions: The numerical modeling analysis to be performed as a second part of this Basin Investigation will consider the effects of various management decisions on the water supply and water quality in the study area. The primary questions to be assessed for each scenario are: 1) what will be the rate of groundwater head decline; and, 2) what will be the rate of increase in acreage with impaired water quality due to the advancement of the seawater intrusion front. We can then assess the economic effects of 1) and 2) due to water supply wells becoming inoperable (i.e. dry), and the further loss of aquifer storage capacity due to the advancement of seawater intrusion. The numerical model should be used to predict groundwater head declines under different management scenarios, including implementing targeted pumping rates and optimizing the distribution of pumping. Future declines in groundwater head must be evaluated by simulated groundwater conditions so that “trigger (groundwater) head levels” can be used as a measure of safe yield and an early alert system as part of Basin Management Objectives. That analysis will extend the discussions and conclusions presented in this report.

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State of the Salton Sea: A Science and Monitoring Meeting of Scientists for the Salton Sea

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | January 19th, 2017

Summary

The Salton Sea (Sea) is an ecosystem facing large systemic changes in the near future. Managers and stakeholders are seeking solutions to the decline of the Sea and have

The Salton Sea (Sea) is an ecosystem facing large systemic changes in the near future. Managers and stakeholders are seeking solutions to the decline of the Sea and have turned to the scientific community for answers. In response, scientists gathered in Irvine, California, to review existing science and propose scientific studies and monitoring needs required for understanding how to retain the Sea as a functional ecosystem. This document summarizes the proceedings of this gathering of approximately 50 scientists at a September 8–10, 2014, workshop on the State of the Salton Sea (SoSS). In 1997, a similar gathering of nearly 100 scientists and others in Palm Springs, Calif., yielded a number of scientific proposals establishing a foundation for a program of integrated science investigations. The 1997 workshop results were combined with recommendations from a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Tiger Team (Shipley and others, 1999), resulting in the eventual creation of a Strategic Science Plan (SSP) for the Salton Sea (Salton Sea Science Subcommittee, 2000). The vision from the 1997 workshop of an integrated and coordinated program of scientific investigations, embraced by the SSP, was implemented through the SSC and the USGS Salton Sea Science Office (Science Office). The integrated science program, mandated by the Salton Sea Reclamation Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–372) and spelled out in the SSP, directly led to an increased scientific understanding of the Salton Sea ecosystem. The workshop concluded that “rehabilitation of the Sea is essential and requires that current ills be rectified in a manner that allows the Sea to sustain social values of importance to the human populations of the Imperial and Coachella Valleys, as well as society in general” (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1997). The 2014 SoSS workshop built upon the foundations of the 1997 workshop, with particular emphasis on changes in the condition of the Sea and its environment in the intervening years. Over the past five decades, investigations of the Salton Sea have addressed water quality, biological, recreation, and (or) economic issues at the Salton Sea (California Resources Agency, 2006, chap. 8). Many stakeholders believe that the Salton Sea has been “studied to death” (Claiborne, 1996). Although it is true that a great deal of research has been completed at the Salton Sea, much of it has been short term and focused on specific topics with little or no integration across science disciplines, time, and space. Additionally, there have been numerous attempts at resource management of the Salton Sea (previously referred to as restoration planning). Study objectives have differed, but the main focus has generally been on methods to control the salinity and elevation of the Salton Sea (California Resources Agency, 2006, chaps. 1 and 4). Most investigations resulted in proposed plans to preserve the Salton Sea as a thriving fishery and recreational destination, and most of these plans addressed methods to preserve the “whole Sea.” More recently, however, studies have recognized that maintaining a smaller Salton Sea should be considered, owing to declining inflows to the Salton Sea (California Resources Agency, 2006). Prior investigations considered hundreds of alternatives for managing Salton Sea salinity, nutrients, and water elevation. Some alternatives generated revenue to help pay for rehabilitating the Sea. These alternatives have been addressed in multiple studies, as summarized in chapters 1 and 4 of the “Salton Sea Ecosystem Restoration Program Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Report” (California Resources Agency, 2006). Although there have been multiple efforts to characterize the Salton Sea ecosystem and develop management plans, it was not until 1996 that a comprehensive and integrated research needs assessment was developed (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1997). The 1997 report captured the combined thinking of scientists and managers and identified several areas of scientific research that would be required for a fuller, more complete understanding of the Salton Sea necessary to undertake any management project. The report defined these broad categories of science as physical environment, biological environment, cultural resources, pathogens and diseases, and contaminants. These categories form the basic framework for all scientific investigations at the Salton Sea. Some science categories continue to receive greater emphasis because limited funding has required the prioritization of projects. A Salton Sea Science Subcommittee (SSC) authorized by Public Law 105–372, representing a broad range of Federal, State, local, and other stakeholder interests, endorsed a long-range Strategic Science Plan for the Salton Sea (Salton Sea Science Subcommittee, 2000). Whereas the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1997 report established the types of science needed, the SSP further established the governing processes and expectations of how this science program should be conducted. The SSP provided the framework for scientific investigations and remains the source for identifying how scientific studies should be undertaken to better understand the Salton Sea ecosystem. Based substantially on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1997) analysis of science needs, and in consultation with many stakeholders, the SSC authorized and funded a number of initial reconnaissance-level projects. The structure of this SoSS document follows the basic framework of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1997 report, placing emphasis on physical environment (air and water quality), biological environment (birds, fish, invertebrates, carbon, and algae), contaminants, and socioeconomics. The SoSS meeting in 2014 was convened to build upon previous scientific efforts and to provide guidance to managers on what experts believe are the most critical science needs going forward. Experts were invited to participate in the SoSS meeting based on a review by the organizing committee of individuals with subject area expertise and experience working at the Salton Sea or in similar environments. The SoSS organizing committee presented a synopsis of known science to the gathered scientists, who were then tasked to evaluate the completeness of that science and make recommendations for science needs to fill information gaps. Participants were challenged to think and act independently of their organizational affiliation in order to generate conceptual proposals designed to address scientific and monitoring concerns identified by the managerial meeting participants.

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Status and Trends of Delta-Suisun Services

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | March 1st, 2007

Summary

Covering only about 1 percent of California’s area, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, including Suisun Bay and Marsh (hereafter referred to as Delta-Suisun), contribute

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Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) Final Phase 1 Report – Identification and Characterization of Existing Salt Accumulation Areas

Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) | December 13th, 2013

Summary

The purpose of the Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) is to identify the range of viable Central Valley alternatives for salt disposal to

The purpose of the Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) is to identify the range of viable Central Valley alternatives for salt disposal to provide input for consideration during development of the Salt and Nutrient Management Plan (SNMP) for the region under the jurisdiction of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Central Valley RWQCB). The findings will be used to guide discussions regarding establishment of regional salt management policies and the need for changes to the existing Central Valley RWQCB Water Quality Control Plans (Basin Plans) to facilitate salt disposal in a manner that is most beneficial to the region and consistent with the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) Recycled Water Policy. This work is being conducted under the direction of the Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long- Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) initiative, which is developing the SNMP for the Central Valley. The SSALTS project is being conducted in three phases: Phase 1: Identify and Characterize Existing Salt Accumulation Study Areas–Selection of representative Study Areas to serve as prototype situational examples to facilitate discussions regarding salt accumulation and disposal in the Central Valley. Each of these Study Areas is being characterized to establish baseline information that may be used to support development of salt disposal alternatives in subsequent project phases. Phase 2: Develop Potential Salt Management Strategies–SSALTS will develop potential long- term salt disposal alternatives in three parts: (1) In-Valley alternatives; (2) Out-of-Valley alternatives; and (3) hybrid alternatives that combine In-Valley and Out-of-Valley salt disposal options. Phase 3: Evaluate Potential Salt Disposal Alternatives to Identify Acceptable Alternatives for Implementation – Alternatives developed under Phase 2 will be evaluated using selected feasibility criteria (e.g., regulatory, institutional, economic, technological, etc.). The outcome of this evaluation will be the identification and prioritization of acceptable salt disposal alternatives for potential incorporation into Central Valley SNMP as salt management implementation measures. This draft report represents the findings of Phase 1. Subsequent phases of SSALTS will be implemented following completion of this phase.

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Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) Final Phase 2 Report – Development of Potential Salt Management Strategies

Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) | October 1st, 2014

Summary

The purpose of the Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) is to identify the range of viable Central Valley alternatives for salt disposal to

The purpose of the Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) is to identify the range of viable Central Valley alternatives for salt disposal to provide input for consideration during development of the Salt and Nutrient Management Plan (SNMP) for the region under the jurisdiction of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Central Valley RWQCB). The findings will be used to guide discussions regarding establishment of regional salt management policies and the need for changes to the existing Central Valley RWQCB Water Quality Control Plans (Basin Plans) to facilitate salt disposal in a manner that is most beneficial to the region and consistent with the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) Recycled Water Policy. This work is being conducted under the direction of the Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long- Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) initiative, which is developing the SNMP for the Central Valley. The SSALTS project is being conducted in three phases: Phase 1: Identify and Characterize Existing Salt Accumulation Study Areas–Selection of representative Study Areas to serve as prototype situational examples to facilitate discussions regarding salt accumulation and disposal in the Central Valley. Each of these Study Areas is being characterized to establish baseline information that may be used to support development of salt disposal alternatives in subsequent project phases. Phase 2: Develop Potential Salt Management Strategies–SSALTS will develop potential long- term salt disposal alternatives in three parts: (1) In-Valley alternatives; (2) Out-of-Valley alternatives; and (3) hybrid alternatives that combine In-Valley and Out-of-Valley salt disposal options. Phase3: Evaluate Potential Salt Disposal Alternatives to Identify Acceptable Alternatives for Implementation – Alternatives developed under Phase 2 will be evaluated using selected feasibility criteria (e.g., regulatory, institutional, economic, technological, etc.). The outcome of this evaluation will be the identification and prioritization of acceptable salt disposal alternatives for potential incorporation into Central Valley SNMP as salt management implementation measures. The Phase 1 report was finalized in December 2013. This report summarizes the findings of Phase 2. Phase 3 work will begin after the stakeholders have reviewed the Phase 2 report and provided comments.

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Stratigraphic controls on seawater intrusion and implications for groundwater management, Dominguez Gap area of Los Angeles, California, USA

Hydrogeology Journal (Springer) | May 30th, 2009

Summary

Groundwater pumping has led to extensive waterlevel declines and seawater intrusion in coastal Los Angeles, California (USA). A SUTRA-based solute-transport model was dev

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Strawberry Case Study: What If Farmers Had to Pay for Water?

New York Times | December 29th, 2023

Summary

While American farmers elsewhere have watered their crops by freely pumping the groundwater beneath their land, growers in Pajaro must pay hefty fees for irrigation water

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Study to Evaluate Long-Term Trends and Variations in the Average Total Dissolved Solids Concentration in Wastewater and Recycled Water

Southern California Salinity Coalition | March 30th, 2018

Summary

This report was funded by the Southern California Salinity Coalition (SCSC). SCSC and its member agencies are dedicated to managing salinity in the water supplies, waste

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Suisun Marsh Monitoring Program Annual Data Summary Water Year 1999

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | July 31st, 2001

Summary

This report summarizes data collected in the Suisun Marsh during Water Year 1999 (October 1, 1998 through September 30, 1999) pursuant to the following agreements, perm

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State of the Estuary 2019 Update

State of the Salinas River Groundwater Basin

State of the Salton Sea: A Science and Monitoring Meeting of Scientists for the Salton Sea

Status and Trends of Delta-Suisun Services

Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) Final Phase 1 Report – Identification and Characterization of Existing Salt Accumulation Areas

Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) Final Phase 2 Report – Development of Potential Salt Management Strategies

Stratigraphic controls on seawater intrusion and implications for groundwater management, Dominguez Gap area of Los Angeles, California, USA

Strawberry Case Study: What If Farmers Had to Pay for Water?

Study to Evaluate Long-Term Trends and Variations in the Average Total Dissolved Solids Concentration in Wastewater and Recycled Water

Suisun Marsh Monitoring Program Annual Data Summary Water Year 1999

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