Summary

The Russian River Flood Control District (RRFC) proposes to annex the remaining portion of the Redwood Valley County Water District (RVCWD) service area, with no dissolution of RVCWD and no consolidation of services.

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

Background

The Redwood Valley Community was not originally fully included in the Russian River Flood Control & Water Conservation Improvement District (RRFC) boundary, believing Redwood Valley would not need to utilize RRFC's water right to Russian River East Fork flows or stored water from Lake Mendocino.

Over time, conditions changed, and arrangements were made for Redwood Valley County Water District (RVCWD) to purchase surplus water from RRFC. (See Stipulated Judgement linked below.) When the State Water Resources Control Board approved RRFC's water permit to a license, the RVCWD service area was included in the water right place of use. (See water right information linked below.) However, because RVCWD is not fully in the RRFC boundary, RVCWD can only purchase surplus water from RRFC, which can be in short supply, especially in times of drought. During the 2021 and 2022 drought, all 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.

The two Districts wish to find a lasting solution for the Redwood Valley community and have explored options for years. Most recently, there has been strong support for RRFC to annex the complete RVCWD service area, allowing RVCWD to enter into the Uniform Water Supply & Purchase Agreement for a determined amount of water. (See Agreement template below.)

At the April 1, 2024 RRFC Board Meeting, a LAFCo Ad Hoc Committee was formed and Trustees Reardan and Watt were appointed.  Resolution #24-01 Commitment to Collaborate with Redwood Valley County Water District in Developing a Local Agency Formation Commission Annexation Application was approved. Redwood Valley County Water District (RVCWD) also approved a resolution of commitment and appointed Directors Todd and Klotter to an Ad Hoc Committee. (See RRFC resolution linked below.) RRFC approved a memorandum of Understanding (linked below) with RVCWD on August 5, 2024, and RVCWD Board will consider approval at an upcoming meeting.

The two Ad Hoc Committees collectively serve as a project advisor for the Redwood Valley annexation ("Advisory Committee"), reporting to their respective Boards, receiving feedback, and providing direction to Staff.  A pre-application meeting has been  held with LAFCo, the Advisory Committee, and Staff.

The DRAFT Plan for Services is  linked below and the RRFC Board will consider the adoption of the Resolution of Application at a future Board meeting when relevant application materials are complete.  Please contact the District for more information.

Links and attachments:

 Mendocino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) Website

Redwood Valley County Water District Website

Last updated: 6/19/25