UC Cooperative Extension is teaching people how to measure and report the water they divert from streams. Water is diverted onto a crop field Photo by Khaled Bali

California water-rights holders are required by state law to measure and report the water they divert from surface streams. For people who wish to take the water measurements themselves, the University of California Cooperative Extension is offering a virtual training to receive certification on May 26. 

At the workshop, participants can expect to

• clarify reporting requirements for ranches.
• understand what meters are appropriate for different situations.
• learn how to determine measurement equipment accuracy.
• develop an understanding of measurement weirs.
• learn how to calculate and report volume from flow data.

“We are limiting the number participants for the water measurement training to 30 people per session,” said Larry Forero, UC Cooperative Extension livestock and natural resources advisor. “If you need this training, please register soon.” 

The scheduled trainings will be held Thursday, May 26, at two locations:

• Redding at Shasta College Farm.  Registration is required and costs $25. To register visit https://ceshasta.ucanr.edu. For more information, contact Larry Forero (lcforero@ucanr.edu) or Sara Jaimes (sbjaimes@ucanr.edu) or by calling the UCCE office in Shasta County at (530) 224-4900. Training will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 11:30 am.

• Woodland at the UC Cooperative Extension at 70 Cottonwood Street. Registration costs $20. To register, visit https://cecapitolcorridor.ucanr.edu. For more information, contact Morgan Doran at mpdoran@ucanr.edu or the UCCE Yolo County office at (530) 666-8143. Training will begin at 2:30 p.m. and conclude at 5:30 pm.

Background:

Senate Bill 88 requires all water right holders who have previously diverted or intend to divert more than 10 acre-feet per year (riparian and pre-1914 claims), or who are authorized to divert more than 10 acre-feet per year under a permit, license or registration, to measure and report the water they divert. Detailed information on the regulatory requirements for measurement and reporting is available on the State Water Resources Control Board Reporting and Measurement Regulation webpage. The legislation requires that installation and certification of measurement methods for diversion (or storage) greater than or equal to 100-acre feet annually be approved by an engineer/contractor/professional. 

California Cattlemen's Association worked with Assemblyman Frank Bigelow on a bill that allows a self-certification option. Assembly Bill 589 became law on Jan. 1, 2018. This bill, until Jan. 1, 2023, allows any diverter who has completed this instructional course on measurement devices and methods administered by the University of California Cooperative Extension, and passes a proficiency test, to be considered a qualified individual when installing and maintaining devices or implementing methods of measurement.

1. 2019 California Plant and Soil Conference

February 5-6, 2019

DoubleTree Hotel & Fresno Convention Center
2233 Ventura Street, Fresno, CA 93721
Tel: 559-268-1000.  http://calasa.ucdavis.edu

CA-ASA Conference Registration Fees

Early registration fees through Monday, January 29^th:

• Full (both days) professional: $195
• Full (both days) student: $20
• First day only (Feb. 5^th) professional: $115
• Second day only (Feb. 6^th) professional: $80
• First or second day only student: $20

Late (after January 29) and walk-in registration fees:

• Full (both days) professional: $220
• Full (both days) student: $20
• First day only (Feb. 5^th) professional: $130
• Second day only (Feb. 6^th) professional: $90
• First or second day only student: $20

Lunch is provided to all registrants both days of the conference.

Register on-line at: https://portal.sciencesocieties.org/LogIn/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=https%3a%2f%2fweb.sciencesocieties.org/Meetings/Registration/MeetingId/74dfa6ea-13c7-e811-80f1-005056a7afa5

Hotel Reservations:

Call the Doubletree Hotel and Convention Center at (559) 268-1000
and mention “CA Plant & Soil Conference-ASA”. 

Conference rate = $139 + taxes, guaranteed through Jan. 21, 2019.

The agenda can be accessed here: http://calasa.ucdavis.edu/agenda2019/. Presentations will include information about: sustainable water resources, water use efficiency, climate smart agriculture, agricultural technology, pest control and nutrient management. Continuing education units have been applied for.

2. Water and the Future of the San Joaquin Valley

The San Joaquin Valley is in a time of great change and growing water stress. New cooperative approaches are needed to bring groundwater basins into balance, provide safe drinking water, and manage water and land to benefit people and nature. Authors of a new PPIC study and a diverse group of experts will discuss key issues and solutions to some of the valley's looming challenges. This event will be held at the California State University - Fresno in theSatellite Student Union. Please register online at: https://www.ppic.org/event/water-and-the-future-of-the-san-joaquin-valley/. There is no charge to attend, but space is limited. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. This event will also be webcast live. 

Agenda:

8:30 a.m. Registration and continental breakfast

9:00 a.m. Welcome
Robert M. Harper, provost and vice president for academic affairs, Fresno State

Michael Frantz, co-owner, Frantz Wholesale Nurseries

9:10 a.m. Presentation: Water Stress and a Changing San Joaquin Valley
Ellen Hanak, center director, PPIC Water Policy Center

9:45 a.m. Panel 1: Balancing the Valley's Water Supplies and Demands
Moderator: Alvar Escriva-Bou, research fellow, PPIC Water Policy Center

Eric Averett, general manager, Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water Storage District

Katarina Buelna Campbell, supervisor of resources, Westlands Water District

Thomas Esqueda, associate vice president for water and sustainability, Fresno State

Ric Ortega, general manager, Grassland Water District

10:45 a.m. Break

11:00 a.m. Panel 2: Managing for Water Supply and Water Quality
Moderator: Sarge Green, project director, Center for Irrigation Technology at Fresno State

David Cory, consulting attorney and farmer

Helen Dahlke, associate professor in integrated hydrologic sciences, UC Davis

Veronica Garibay, co-director, Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability

Anja Raudabaugh, chief executive officer, Western United Dairymen

12:00 p.m. Lunch

12:30 p.m. Panel 3: Valley 2040: Planning For Water And Land Use Transitions
Moderator: Nathaniel Seavy, research director, Point Blue Conservation Science

Vito Chiesa, supervisor, Stanislaus County

Soapy Mulholland, executive director, Sequoia Riverlands Trust

Lorelei Oviatt, director, Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department

Jon Reiter, chief executive officer, Maricopa Orchards

1:25 p.m. Closing Remarks
Mas Masumoto, author and farmer

Complying with SB88 - Water Measurement and Reporting Shortcourse

Senate Bill 88 requires that all water right holders who divert more than 10 acre-feet a year measure and report the water they divert. For diversions greater than 100 acre-feet, SB 88 requires installation and certification of measurement methods be approved by an engineer, contractor, or other professional. AB 589 provides a self-certification option (AB 589 (Bigelow) - Water diversion: monitoring and reporting training). AB 589 allows a water diverter who has completed a course on measurement devices and methods administered by the University of California Cooperative Extension and passed a proficiency test to be considered a “Qualified Individual”. While this course was specifically developed for water diverters who divert more than 100 acre-feet of water each year, the course has proved helpful for anyone who is required to report their water diversions under SB-88.

At the workshop you will:

·Clarify reporting requirements for ranches and farms.

·Understand what meters are appropriate for different situations.

·Learn how to determine measurement equipment accuracy.

·Develop an understanding of measurement weirs.

·Learn how to calculate and report volume from flow data.

These trainings will move fast and will include a proficiency test. Bring a clipboard and a hand calculator. We encourage family/staff members' attendance.

Additional workshop locations are being offered throughout California. You can register online at http://ucanr.edu/sites/AB589/.

AGENDA:

2:15 – 2:30 PM Registration - Refreshments

2:30 – 3:00 PM Open Ditch Flow - Larry Forero

3:00 – 3:30 PM Measurement with Weirs - Larry Forero

3:30 – 4:00 PM Measuring Water in Pipes - Allan Fulton

4:00 – 4:30 PM Break - Refreshments

4:30 – 5:00 PM Calibration and Accuracy of Measuring Devices - Khaled Bali/Daniele Zaccaria

5:00 – 5:30 PM Determining Reservoir Diversion Quantity - Khaled Bali/Daniele Zaccaria

5:30 – 6:00 PM Reporting - Larry Forero