The Natomas Central Mutual Water Company recently held a “ribbon cutting” ceremony at its new fish screened water diversion plant on the Sacramento River near Verona. The aerial photo with this post shows the facility set up for the reception. Of course there were dignitaries from all over that made remarks. After all, this was a joint effort by federal, state and local interests. The idea is that as the Water Company diverts water out of the Sacramento River for its use, there are screens that exclude fish from getting entrained in the diversion plumbing. It’s more than that though. The motors that do the pumping are tremendously more efficient, saving energy on a fairly massive scale. The engineers that designed the facility even figured out how to use a syphon effect, where some of the water is lifted by gravity, so there is no energy used at all in the process! Since the Conservancy uses Water Company water, and is a mutual shareholder of considerable size in the Water Company, it is reassuring that the water used on Conservancy preserves for aquatic species (e.g., giant garter snake, Western pond turtle, etc.) gets introduced onto the preserves via a system that is so safe and efficient. The Water Company’s Board of Directors and staff need a huge “congrats” for this amazing project. Next time you see them, thank them, okay?
Big bird
Photo taken by Conservancy staff at a Conservancy preserve, 2025. With this article is a photo of a Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) in flight. It’s on one of the Conservancy’s marsh complexes. While the Conservancy has prepared the preserves mostly for the benefit of the Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni), …