Drought 2021: Here We Go Again

I'm still bothered by state Sen. Scott Weiner's naïve response to a water question he got during his visit to B'game almost two years ago.  When asked "where will the water come from to support all the new housing (and people) you are demanding?" his response landed squarely between "I don't know", "We should look at that" and "It's not my concern".  Two years have passed--both drought years -- and we are no closer to a state-wide plan than we were then.  There's always something "more important" getting in the way and yet the development addicts seem able to press on with their demands.

Here in B'game, the every five-year update to our Urban Water Management Plan is behind schedule.  Public works has been swamped (no pun intended) with parklets, paving projects, going green and adding traffic lights and signage.  The next update will be the first to comply with a new state mandate that it examine a five-year drought instead of only a three-year episode.  That should make for interesting reading when the first draft comes out--hopefully soon.

In the meantime, here we go again according to the Comicle

The state’s monthly snow survey on Tuesday will show only about 60% of average snowpack for this point in the year, the latest indication that water supplies are tightening. With the end of the stormy season approaching, forecasters don’t expect much more buildup of snow, a key component of the statewide supply that provides up to a third of California’s water.

Urban water agencies, meanwhile, are asking customers to think twice about long showers and outdoor watering. The calls for austerity will feel familiar to many Californians who less than five years ago faced mandatory water restrictions during the 2012-2016 drought.  More importantly, the northern Sierra’s 8-Station Index, which tracks rain in the region where California gets the bulk of its water, measured only 45% of average precipitation.  While March and April could still bring rain, the heart of the wet season is over. Much of the state is now poised to have a top-10 dry year.

As an avid skier, I can recall several Miracle Marches and even an Amazing April or two, but let's face it, the people who are trying to overbuild the Bay Area just don't care.  It's time some other leaders stepped in and called for a reset, a review, a plan and compliance.

Update:  Yesterday a huge branch fell off a street tree at Vernon and Clarendon hitting the nearby house.  The drought is stressing trees throughout the state, so expect more of this until we prioritize trees over condos and offices.

Update:  March 24.  In today's Comicle:  "It would have to be biblical to adjust a water allocation at this point," (Karla) Nemeth (director CDWR) said, referring to the end of the winter season.

Comments

[hollyroller@gmail.com]

Great observations and questions.
Thank you.

[Joe]

From the city e-newsletter:

The City of Burlingame Parks Division encourages residents to water their City trees, as well as their private property trees, especially during these warm summer months. Watering will help maintain our beautiful urban forest. As a general rule of thumb, younger trees should receive at least five gallons of water every week, not only to keep the tree from dying, but also to help the young tree grow and remain healthy throughout its life cycle.

We are aware of recent drought conditions but are asking residents to assist us in maintaining our beautiful urban forest by remembering to water. All trees should receive regular watering, particularly during dry weather conditions.

Our citywide tree inventory boasts a total of 16,166 City-owned trees. Burlingame (also known as “The City of Trees”) has received the Tree City USA award for the last 42 years. The Parks Division extends its sincerest thanks as we all work together to maintain this important and prestigious recognition. Please contact the Parks Division at 650-558-7330 if you have any questions.
-------------------
Get the water while you can. I'm giving 5:1 odds we go to "voluntary restrictions" this summer.