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Reservoir Storage & Operations:

Water supply information provided by Sonoma Water (find more water storage info here).

Russian River Rainfall and Reservoirs, Water Year Wrap-Up

Sonoma Water hosted this webinar which is posted on the SCWA YouTube channel: sonomawater.org/water-year.

Department of Water Resources, New Water Year Media Briefing

California Prepares for Extreme Weather Swings as New Water Year Begins

• Recording of media briefing and presentation materials
• Press Release on the Start of the New Water Year
• More information on California’s current hydrological conditions at California Water Watch 

Updates on PG&E 2025 Flow Variance, Reducing Water Diversions to the Russian River

The September Potter Valley Project storage report from PG&E is now available 

FERC distributed a July letter from PG&E responding to a request for further information on the 2025 flow variance for November 2025 repairs. 

PG&E will not be increasing the East Branch Russian River diversion from 5 cfs to 25 cfs on October 1, 2025 as allowed by the flow variance due to storage conditions at Lake Pillsbury.

Background & more information:

On August 4, 2025, FERC approved the PG&E 2025 Flow Variance, reducing water diversions to the Russian River basin. More information here.

The State Water Resources Control Board has developed a tool for water right holders, linked below. At the September 3, 2025 State Water Board meeting, staff provided an update on the Water Supply and Demand Assessment Program in which the Russian River was discussed throughout.

State Water Resources Control Board Supply and Demand Assessment tool for the Russian River

North Coast Resource Partnership Quarterly Meeting – October 17, 2025 in Yreka

For meeting materials and to RSVP, please visit informational webpage.

Notice of ADDITIONAL Preparation and Scoping Meetings for an Environmental Impact Report on PG&E’s PVP Decommissioning Plan, Tuesday, October 14, 2025 (In-person Only)

On September 22, 2025, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) issued a Notice of Preparation and Scoping Meetings for an Environmental Impact Report for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project Surrender and Decommissioning (NOP). The Proposed Project involves the removal of Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project facilities and the cessation of hydroelectric project operations and maintenance. The NOP for the Proposed Project announced three public scoping meetings located in Ukiah, Santa Rosa, and Sacramento; the Sacramento scoping meeting includes a virtual attendance option. This notice is to announce an additional public scoping meeting related to the Proposed Project as follows: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 (In-person Only) 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the River Lodge Conference Center, 1800 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna, CA 95540

PPIC Conference on California Water and a Changing Federal Partnership, November 13, 2025 11-12:45 PM

The federal government has been a key partner in California’s water management efforts for decades. From weather forecasting and flood management to water supply, state and federal agencies have had to work together to manage a complex system. As this partnership changes, how can California adapt? We speak with experts to envision a way forward. More information and registration

California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Speaker Series Hosts Discussion on Honoring Latino Heritage through Nature, Outdoor Recreation, and Community Engagement, Monday, October 6, 2025 12:00 - 1:00 PM

A powerful webinar celebrating the leadership, stories, and contributions of Latino trailblazers and visionaries who are shaping meaningful connections to nature and the outdoors. At a time when federal immigration actions have left many Latinos feeling fearful and uncertain about enjoying outdoor spaces, this conversation offers hope, resilience, and inspiration. We will uplift leaders who are honoring heritage, breaking down barriers, and creating new opportunities for nature, recreation, and community connection. Together, we will explore how Latino heritage is deeply and beautifully tied to land, and how these traditions continue to guide us toward a healthier, more inclusive future outdoors. Register in advance here. 

📢 UPDATED - State Water Board Announces New Water Rights Reporting System

The State Water Resources Control Board is launching the California Water Accounting, Tracking, and Reporting System (CalWATRS) on October 7, 2025. A link to the new system and additional information will be posted on the CalWATRS webpage on October 7th. 

What You Need to Know 

• You Can Create an Account on October 7th You’ll be able to create a CalWATRS account as soon as it opens, but you won’t be able to begin reporting until you receive a personal identification number (PIN) from the State Water Board. 
• PINs Will Be Mailed in Mid-October The State Water Board will begin mailing PINs in mid-October. If you manage multiple water rights, you may receive multiple PINs. 
• eWRIMS Usernames and Passwords Don’t Work for CalWATRS CalWATRS accounts require a new username and password. Your eWRIMS usernames and passwords will not work in CalWATRS. 
• Large & Complex Water Rights If you manage a large or complex portfolio of water rights, please email
  CalWATRS-help@waterboards.ca.gov before creating your CalWATRS account. We will work with you directly to ensure your account is set up correctly. 
• Public Outreach The State Water Board is planning a series of public events to help users navigate CalWATRS. It all kicks off with an Informational Item at the Board’s public meeting on October 7th. Upcoming events will be posted on the CalWATRS webpage as they are scheduled. 

 If you have questions or would like the CalWATRS team to attend an event in your area, please email CalWATRS-help@waterboards.ca.gov.    For the latest updates, visit the CalWATRS webpage.

In the press:

• CA Water Plan eNews 10/1/25
• Maven's Notebook Weekly edition 9/28 to 10/3/25
• Maven's Notebook Weekend Edition 10/5/25
• The October Abacela Weather-Climate Summary and Forecast is posted here.
• Sustainable Groundwater Management Office September Newsletter

• NOAA Fisheries (via Maven's Notebook): Salmon habitat restoration priorities in the Lower Russian River 9/29/25
• GIANNINI FOUNDATION OF AG ECON (via Maven's Notebook): The profitability of regenerative viticulture in Sonoma County 9/29/25
• Water Education Foundation (various articles): Data center energy and water needs raise concerns 9/29/25
• PPIC: Environmental Restoration Gets a Boost in California 9/29/25
• Farm Progress: For Sonoma vineyard, transition to organic was easy 10/3/25