Checking in on California Water, Snow Levels
We are now midway through our typical water year when it comes to rain and Sierra snow.
You are now in California and the U.S. Media Coverage News category.
Trump Rolls Back Standards for Water-Using Appliances, Light Bulbs
President Donald Trump on Tuesday moved to revert to older standards for light bulbs as well as toilets, showers and other water-using appliances, a day after signing an order promoting plastic straws and rescinding a plan to reduce single-use plastics.
Proposed U.S. Bill Aims to Improve Atmospheric River Forecasting to Reduce Flood Risks
U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AL) on Feb. 4 announced bipartisan legislation that aims to reduce flood risks and bolster emergency preparedness by improving atmospheric river forecasting. The bill, supported by ACWA, would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a forecast improvement program within the National Weather Service.
Colorado River Poses Another California Water Conflict That Trump Will Affect
President Donald Trump’s intrusion into California’s long-running conflict over water management – essentially favoring farmers over wildlife habitat – has drawn massive media and political attention. Trump ordered federal water managers to release more water for farmers but the increased flows have so far been largely symbolic because farmers use little water during the winter but need more during the growing season. Trump’s action has been denounced by environmental groups which have long sought to enhance river flows for salmon and other species, with tacit support from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration.
East County AWP Updates Construction Progress for 2025
Progress on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program (East County AWP) continues on schedule at multiple East County locations, with an increasing number of milestones being reached as the project nears completion in 2025.
The East County Advanced Water Purification Program is an important water project for East San Diego County. When complete, it will deliver a clean, reliable, and local water source.
See a time-lapse video of 12 months of construction from January through December 2024.
Over the last 12 months, many milestones have been accomplished, including:
- Completion of the purified water pipelines in Santee
- Fanita Parkway has been repaved, curbs and sidewalks restored, and construction equipment removed
- Completed 95% of concrete pouring required for the site
- Completed 78% of all water pipeline construction
- Installed the Lake Jennings inlet to allow purified water to flow into the lake before it is treated at the R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant
The East County AWP achieved significant milestones in 2024, with more ahead in 2025.
Construction is set to begin in spring 2025 on a newly approved phase of the project that will include work within Mission Trails Regional Park. This phase includes the rehabilitation of the existing East Mission Gorge Force Main, which will help add capacity for increased sewer flows during rainy weather to the City of San Diego for treatment.
It also includes the construction of new pipelines in the East County to manage residuals, which are the organic residues removed from wastewater during the treatment process, sending them from the East County AWP Project around the City of San Diego’s Pure Water Program facilities as a regional solution to residuals management.
Tour the latest East County AWP construction progress in this video update.
Purified Water Pipeline Construction and Road Closures
Work on pipelines is ongoing in Lakeside at the following areas:
- Riverside Drive from Riverford Road to Rio Camino
- Channel Road from the bridge to Rio Camino
- Channel Road from the bridge to Mapleview Street
Expect reduced travel lanes at these locations. Crews have completed purified water pipeline installation along Mast Boulevard, which is being followed by final roadway paving.
Final paving entails grinding and overlaying the existing roadway to be replaced with new asphalt. Crews use a remote-controlled trench roller to compact the top layer of material when paving the roadway.
Jack and bore excavation work is underway near State Route 67 and Mapleview Street in Lakeside ahead of purified water pipeline installation. Photo: East County AWP
Restoration Efforts Underway in Santee and Lakeside
As part of restoration efforts, residents may see hydroseeding, the spraying of a mulch-type mixture with seeds, and a binding agent to prevent erosion and protect the seeds.
Newly hydro-seeded areas along Fanita Parkway in Santee, where pipeline construction is complete. Photo: East County AWP
Hydroseeding work is nearly complete along Fanita Parkway in Santee, with final work to be completed this spring. In addition to newly installed plants, El Monte Road in Lakeside was also recently hydro-seeded.
Avoid walking, dog walking, biking, jogging, and driving in hydro-seeded areas. These activities prolong the revegetation efforts and the length of time these areas are closed to the public.
Protecting Bird Species During Construction
Compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and general wildlife protection within the project vicinity allows birds like this Bald Eagle to safely nest in the construction area during breeding season. Photo: East County AWP
The East County AWP project is committed to complying with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and protecting wildlife within the project areas.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects common, game, and special-status bird species across the United States. This protection includes nests, eggs, and young. With the spring bird breeding season now underway, larger birds such as hawks, owls, and crows build their nests early in the season. Smaller songbirds start nesting in early spring.
If additional vegetation clearing is required, biologists supervise clearance once the absence of nesting is confirmed.
Stay Updated On Program Progress With Interactive Map
When completed, water from this project will be provided to customers in Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, and Lakeside Water District service areas, and the northern portion of the Otay Water District.
With construction in multiple locations throughout East County, the Program’s interactive map continues to be a valuable tool for residents and businesses to track where work is happening. The map is updated regularly and accessible 24/7 through the EastCountyAWP.com website. Information is also available via social media at @eastcountyawp
Newsom and Trump Both Want to Be Water King
President Donald Trump said he’d withhold wildfire disaster aid to California unless Gov. Gavin Newsom goes his way on water. Newsom appears to have gotten the message.
The governor has been working hard to show he also wants to send more water to the state’s farmers and cities ahead of his trip to Washington, D.C., today, where he met with lawmakers and Trump to make the pitch for federal recovery funds for the Los Angeles fires.
Water Is the Other US-Mexico Border Crisis, and the Supply Crunch Is Getting Worse
Immigration and border security will be the likely focus of U.S.-Mexico relations under the new Trump administration. But there also is a growing water crisis along the U.S.–Mexico border that affects tens of millions of people on both sides, and it can only be managed if the two governments work together.
Climate change is shrinking surface and groundwater supplies in the southwestern U.S. Higher air temperatures are increasing evaporation rates from rivers and streams and intensifying drought. Mexico is also experiencing multiyear droughts and heat waves.
Newsom to Meet With Trump Over LA Fire Aid, Water
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who recently revived his relationship with President Donald Trump as he pushes for federal assistance for the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires, is traveling to Washington for Wednesday meetings with Trump and Republican officials. Newsom’s aides confirmed he left the state midday Tuesday. The planned meetings at the White House and likely Capitol Hill follow what Trump and Newsom described as a cordial phone conversation in recent days — part of a breakthrough in their on-again, off-again dynamic that had effectively ended shortly before the president left office in 2021.
Trump’s Order Chaos Hits The Water Taps
The Trump administration’s efforts to block federal spending are disrupting one of the most critical — and typically bipartisan — functions of government: providing clean, safe and affordable water.
The Water Unexpectedly Released From Dams on Trump’s Order Didn’t Help Farms or L.A.
Days after President Trump startled some of his most ardent supporters in California’s San Joaquin Valley by having the Army Corps of Engineers suddenly release water from two dams, many in the region and beyond were still perplexed.
