Curious...just how do you go about reducing creek and river temperatures in a time of global warming?

Secondly, while it would be great to preserve the miniscule trout and steelhead population in our local creeks, the midpeninsula is not a haven for fishermen.

I would be more concerned if the NorCal rivers were overheating to the point of threatening the commercial and recreational fishing in that area.

This is yet another frivolous lawsuit brought about by progressive troublemakers with too much time on their hands.

Mike, warmer temperatures in streams are caused by human interference, and human action is necessary to cool the water. For example, when a stream is diverted too many times, or the water is otherwise taken from it, the result is a lower amount of water flowing through. Shallower streams heat up more quickly. Similarly, Dams can lead to overheating both by diverting too much flow and by holding water stagnant in reservoirs. Stagnant water heats up more quickly than running water.

Another way that human behavior leads to overly warm streams is through the removal of tree canopy. As local authorities (e.g. VW) allow clearcutting and other forest removal, streams lose protection from direct sunlight. When streams are exposed to the heat of the sun during extended droughts like the one we are experiencing, evaporation happens materially more quickly. As stream water evaporates, less of it is left in the streams, and the cycle continues.

What to do? A successful approach is through regeneration of native ecosystems, reforestation, and carbon capture. We must stop building dams and diverting streams and other waterways, and give nature a chance to recover. This is what Valley Water should be doing, and will be doing with a change in leadership.

For an excellent historical overview this subject, many people recommend the book _Cadillac Desert_, and I join that recommendation: Web Link

For a more scientific exploration of these topics, a top recommended book (which I also share) is _The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water_ Web Link

Both of these books provide excellent overviews for a topic that is truly one of the most urgent and pressing matters of our time. And, let me know what you think after reading! :)

Agricultural irrigation necessities contribute to the diverting of rivers and streams. Farmers must learn to grow more hydroponic fruits and vegetables.

"A successful approach is through regeneration of native ecosystems, reforestation, and carbon capture."

^ So true as this will involve a mass exodus of human population from areas that need to be restored to their original natural state including many parts of the suburban SF Bay Area and beyond.

We will need to channel our 'inner Ohlone' to make this ecological restoration a reality.

@Rebecca Eisenberg,

“What to do? A successful approach is through regeneration of native ecosystems, reforestation, and carbon capture. We must stop building dams and diverting streams and other waterways, and give nature a chance to recover. This is what Valley Water should be doing, and will be doing with a change in leadership. “

Since the City of Palo Alto is donating money for carbon offsets (usually in far away lands and many investigated for being scams) how about using our virtuous donations for local needs to address climate change?