For Immediate Release

July 10, 2025

Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control & Water Conservation Improvement District 
Proposed Annexation of Complete Service Area of Redwood Valley County Water District

The Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control & Water Conservation Improvement District and the Redwood Valley County Water District are collaborating to find a lasting water supply solution for the Redwood Valley community.

The Russian River Flood Control District (RRFC) proposes to annex the remaining portion of the Redwood Valley County Water District (RVCWD) service area into the RRFC boundary, with no dissolution of RVCWD and no consolidation of services. RRFC will not take over RVCWD operations, management, or governance. The RVCWD Board will remain as the governing body of the RVCWD.

RRFC wholesales water from the Russian River and Lake Mendocino under the terms of its State Water Board issued water right license. RVCWD would join other water retailers within the RRFC boundary who hold water contracts with RRFC to provide RRFC water throughout their respective service areas. These retailers include Millview Water, Willow Water, Hopland Public Utility, Calpella Water, Rogina Mutual Water, and River Estates Mutual Water.

Originally, the Redwood Valley Community was not fully included in the RRFC boundary, believing Redwood Valley would not need to utilize stored water from Lake Mendocino.

Over time, conditions changed, and for several decades RRFC has sold RVCWD surplus water, which can be in short supply in times of drought. Under 2021 and 2022 drought conditions, surplus sales were halted, and the Redwood Valley agricultural community had no water deliveries. RVCWD municipal customers were also on restricted water amounts for several years.

Annexation into RRFC is a crucial step for future water supply security in the Redwood Valley community.  It will allow RVCWD to use RRFC water throughout the Redwood Valley service area. A supplemental source for municipal water will safeguard human health and safety supplies during emergencies and a more stable water supply to agricultural users contributes to the economic health of the greater Ukiah Valley area.

RRFC has issued a public notice period on the proposed Negative Declaration from June 29 – July 29, 2025. The RRFC Board will hold an Agenda item on August 4 to receive updates on the application. The Board is expected to consider approval of the annexation application at its September 8, 2025 Board meeting.

More information can be found on the RRFC website: www.rrfc.net

Contact: Elizabeth Salomone, General Manager

DistrictManager@rrfc.net  707-462-5278