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Reservoir Storage & Operations:

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

NOTICE of Petitions for Temporary Urgency Change Petitions for Sonoma County Water Agency

The State Water Resources Control Board has formally noticed Sonoma Water Agency’s submission of Petitions for Temporary Urgency Change (TUCP) to modify the criteria for establishing the water supply conditions and the minimum instream flow requirements for the Russian River watershed that were established by Decision 1610. Read more here. 

• Maven's Notebook: Notice of TUCP

2025 Potter Valley Project Operations – Comment Period Opened by FERC

On April 16, 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) opened the comment period on PG&E’s Application for Temporary Variance of Flow Requirements. With this notice, FERC is inviting federal, state, local, and Tribal agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with respect to environmental issues affected by the proposal, that wish to cooperate in the preparation of any environmental document, if applicable, to follow the instructions for filing such requests.  Cooperating agencies should note the Commission's policy that agencies that cooperate in the preparation of any environmental document cannot also intervene. Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, and protests is May 16, 2025. More information on RRFC website. More information on how to file comment can be found in the document linked below:

PG&E and PVP

PG&E issued the following to those on the service list or those who responded to PG&E’s Initial or Draft Surrender Application and Decommissioning Plan for PG&E Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Project No. 77:

PG&E distributed the Draft Surrender Application on January 31, 2025 to resource agencies, Tribes, non-governmental organization, and the interested public for public review and comment on January 31, 2025.  PDF versions of the comments received are posted on PG&E’s Public SharePoint site: http//pottervalleysurrenderproceeding.com (password: PV_Surrender).  These comments are being considered in the development of the Final Surrender Application.

PG&E will be filing the Final Surrender Application with FERC on or before July 29, 2025.  FERC will issue a public notice upon receiving the Final Surrender Application that will include a comment period and schedule.  PG&E will begin development of the proposed plans and measures in August 2025 following filing of the Final Surrender Application.

• RRFC's website page on the PG&E Draft Surrender Application & Decommissioning Plan for PVP. (including public comments submitted.)
• PG&E Submits License Amendment
• PG&E Submits 2025 temporary license flow amendment (flow variance.)
• RRFC's website page on the Partnership.

Uploaded recently:

• KZYX: Local Farm Bureaus Appeal to Trump to Intervene in Potter Valley Project Decommissioning 4/14/25
• Redwood News: First Eel River Expo Arrives With A Packed House and a Stark Warning From Congressman Jared Huffman 4/21/25
• San Diego Post: 600,000 Californians face water crisis as Trump plans to dismantle 100-Year-Old dam 4/21/25
• KZYX: Federal Agency is Reviewing Funding for Potter Valley Project Decommissioning 4/21/25
• Daily Mail: Terrifying ticking timebomb crisis that could hit 600,000 California residents 4/23/25
• Ukiah Daily Journal: Federal officials reviewing the Potter Valley Project, letter states 4/23/25 and same article in Eureka's Times Standard

Lake Mendocino’s Coyote Valley Dam General Investigation Study

“In a significant step toward securing a sustainable water future, the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC), the Lytton Rancheria Tribe, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have signed an agreement to investigate further reducing flood risk, incorporating habitat restoration, and increasing water supply storage in the Russian River Watershed. If successful, the study could lead to increased federal infrastructure investments in the watershed.” From IWPC Press Release

• Mendocino Beacon: New study of Lake Mendocino water storage launched 4/24/25
• Local News Matters: Raising height of Lake Mendocino dam could benefit water customers, help environment 4/17/25

Update on Sustainable Groundwater Management

The California State Water Resources Control Board heard an update on implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which requires local agencies to bring groundwater basins into balance by 2040 and 2042.

Under SGMA, critically overdrafted groundwater basins have until 2040 to achieve sustainability. Since 2020, when groundwater agencies submitted their sustainability plans, they have also been required to avoid undesirable results that include lowering of groundwater levels, seawater intrusion, water quality degradation, land subsidence and depletions of interconnected surface water.

State recommendations for interconnected surface water and subsidence will cause many basins to change what they have planned in their basin, Gosselin said. Looking ahead 15-plus years from now, he said, no plan will look the same as is does today, including approved plans. DWR will review plans as necessary, but its emphasis will shift as it evaluates whether basin conditions are improving, implementation of project management actions and if recommended corrective actions are carried out. If the department notices significant problems, it may deem a basin inadequate and send it back to the board, even basins that were initially approved.

• Ag Alert via Maven's Notebook: State water official says more work needed as SGMA evolves 4/23/25

California Financing Coordinating Committee Spring 2025 Funding Fairs

The California Financing Coordinating Committee (CFCC) is holding free virtual funding fairs on May 21 and 29, 2025 (Informational Flyer). The funding fairs provide the opportunity to learn more about available grant, loan, and bond financing options for infrastructure projects from federal, state, and local agencies. Representatives from water industry professionals, public works, local governments, and California Native American Tribes should attend. This includes city managers and planners, economic development and engineering professionals, officials from privately owned facilities, water and irrigation district managers, financial advisors, and project consultants. For more information about CFCC, please visit the website at www.cfcc.ca.gov.

Lake Mendocino Festival of Light at South Boat Ramp, May 23 6:30 PM

Join for an unforgettable evening filled with joy, hope, and meaningful moments at beautiful Lake Mendocino. This family-friendly celebration is open to all — friends, neighbors, and even strangers who quickly become part of the shared experience. As the sun sets, watch the lake come to life with hundreds of glowing lanterns, each carrying a personal message, a dream, or a memory. It’s a peaceful, heartwarming event where community and connection shine brightest. One lantern FREE per person (children included) Additional lanterns $5.00 each Lanterns can be decorated onsite prior to a dusk launch onto the lake. Please contact us, if you would like to make arrangements to pick up your lantern ahead of time. RSVP and more information

Fresno State: Water Awareness Month: 2025 Water Bootcamp

May is Water Awareness Month and the California Water Institute (CWI) - Research and Education Division at Fresno State is set to host its annual Water Bootcamp, a virtual series aimed at educating people about the complex water system in California. Three of the Water Bootcamp days will be held in English and one of the days will be held in Spanish. Each individual session is about 20-30 minutes long and will also include a Q&A portion. Participants can choose to attend as many sessions as interest them. More information and registration.

Daniel Swain ‘Office Hours’: Potential consequences of NOAA, NASA and FEMA cuts

As cuts to NOAA, NASA and FEMA continue grow, so do the threats to the U.S.’ ability to predict weather-driven disasters and study the climate. UCLA and UC ANR climate scientist Daniel Swain discussed the potential consequences of the cuts “that threaten to decimate weather & climate science & prediction in the U.S.” and the “large-scale dismantling of American science” in a briefing: UCLA Climate Change Insights webpage with recording.

DWR Partners with Communities on Turf Replacement Projects to Improve Local Climate Resilience

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is rolling out a new program to work with local communities on multiple turf and landscape replacement projects that will save water and help combat against future droughts and climate change. What makes this innovative partnership unique is the focus on replacing turf at businesses and institutions rather than solely residential sites.

In collaboration with Watershed Progressive, DWR’s Turf Replacement Pilot Program provides direct assistance to replace ornamental turf with drought-tolerant and water-efficient landscaping in California’s frontline communities. Supported by the Budget Act of 2021, the program is investing $35 million in communities that are on the frontlines of climate change, lack reliable water supplies, and need support with restoring natural environments. The program will provide hands-on support with lawn removal and direct installation of water-wise alternatives for residential, commercial, and institutional landscapes at no additional cost.

DWR plans to target up to five communities and a number of special project sites throughout the state for this pilot program, focusing on underrepresented and Tribal communities

All projects, including those yet to be determined, are expected to be completed by 2027. With a focus on drought resilience across California, the Turf Replacement Pilot Program is looking to finalize its remaining regions and community demonstration projects.

This effort is a part of DWR’s Go Golden Initiative, which highlights the state’s partnerships to implement projects that address water conservation, well rehabilitation, wildlife protection, the restoration of the natural land around us, and the sustainability of groundwater basins across California lands.

In the press:

• CA Water Plan eNews 4/23/25
• Maven's Notebook April 21-25, 2025
• Maven's Notebook Weekend Edition 4/27/25

• Mendocino Voice: Ukiah City Council votes to advance annexation proposal for surrounding areas  4/17/25
• Active Nor Cal: How Officials Are Battling a New Invasive Species Threat in Northern California Waterways 4/21/25
• Maven's Notebook, MSU: Should farm fields be used for crops or solar? MSU research suggests both 4/22/25
• PPIC: Finding the Best Places to Recharge Groundwater in California 4/22/25
• Nor Cal Public Media: Marin water board explores Russian River pipeline 4/22/25
• County of Sonoma Press Release: Sonoma Water Board approves wholesale water rate adjustment to fund critical infrastructure 4/22/25
• Mendocino Voice: Ukiah’s annexation proposal: understanding the next steps in expanding city boundaries 4/23/25
• Ag Alert via Maven's Notebook: Annual report shows major declines in farmland values 4/23/25
• Landfalling Atmospheric Rivers of Water Year 2025 (images)
• Cal Matters: How tariffs could upend California farms, wine businesses and ports 4/23/25
• UCLA: The New Math for Reservoir Management Amid Climate Change 4/23/25
• Bay Nature: How (and When) Can You Get Your Hands On California’s Climate Bond? 4/24/25