Reservoir Storage & Operations:

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

Russian River Temporary Ugency Change Petition

On June 27th, the State Water Resources Control Board issued the Order approving Sonoma Water’s Temporary Urgency Change Petition (filed 4/11/2025) to implement an alternative hydrologic index based on storage values in Lake Mendocino as well as to modify the minimum instream flows in the Upper and Lower Russian River. Per the Order, Sonoma Water issues weekly hydrologic status reports covering the current hydrologic condition of the Russian River system, including current reservoir levels and the rate of decline for Lake Mendocino, Lake Pillsbury, and Lake Sonoma; a 16 day cumulative rainfall forecast; current inflow from the Potter Valley Project; and a summary of the available water quality data. These reports will continue to be issued throughout the full term of the Order, which remains in effect until December 24, 2025.  Access to previous hydrologic status reports and additional information about the Temporary Urgency Change Petition can be found on Sonoma Water’s TUCP webpage and TUCP archive.

PG&E and PVP

• 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:

Press Democrat: Sonoma County officials try to assuage water-shortage fears sparked by Potter Valley Project decommissioning plan 7/14/25

Join the Russian River Telemetry Pilot

State Water Board staff from the Telemetry Research Unit are seeking volunteers for the Telemetry Study in the Russian River watershed. Any people or entities who own land, operate water monitoring equipment, or collect water monitoring data in or near the Russian River watershed are encouraged to apply. To apply, please complete the Intake Form at waterboards.ca.gov/telemetry. Admission to the study is open now!

Volunteers may receive:

• Free telemetered water monitoring equipment installed at their site. Volunteers have the option to keep equipment at end of study.
• Free maintenance and operation of the equipment during the study.
• Ability to view and download their site’s data during the study and to control privacy of their site’s data.
• Training and technical support for equipment and data transmission during the study.
• Extended reporting deadlines and modified compliance for Senate Bill 88 (SB88) requirements during the study.
• Contribution to shaping future water reporting, management practices, and policies.

Learn more about the project at waterboards.ca.gov/telemetry/russian-river-study.html or email telemetry@waterboards.ca.gov with questions or comments.

Telemetry Report Now Available

The Telemetered Water Monitoring Project recommendations report, which outlines the CA Water Data Consortium’s recommendations for the Telemetry Study in the Russian River watershed is now available:

Telemetered Water Monitoring Project Part 2

📢 State Water Board Announces New Water Rights Reporting System is Coming Soon!

The State Water Resources Control Board is launching a new and improved system called CalWATRS (short for California Water Accounting Tracking and Reporting System) to make reporting water rights easier and more efficient. This system will help the state manage water data better and make it easier for the public to access important information. 

What You Need to Know 

• Early Access Starts in July 2025 You’ll be able to explore and get used to the new CalWATRS system from July through September 2025. This is your chance to try it out before official reporting begins. Look for more information on the CalWATRS website. 
• Official Reporting Begins October 2025 You can start submitting your water rights reports to CalWATRS in October 2025. Reports for the 2024-2025 water year will be due by January 31, 2026. More details and instructions will be shared closer to October. 
• Current System (eWRIMS) Closed June 8, 2025 The current system, eWRIMS, will stop accepting reports on June 8, 2025. You’ll still be able to search for water rights information in eWRIMS after that, but you won’t be able to submit anything new. 
• No Changes to Old Reports from June 8 – September 30, 2025 During the switch to CalWATRS, you won’t be able to edit or amend past reports between June 8 and September 30, 2025. If you need to make changes to old reports, do it before June 8 in eWRIMS, or wait until after October 1 in CalWATRS. 
• CalWATRS Website and Email Updates The CalWATRS website is your go-to hub for the latest news, system updates, and helpful resources. While you’re there, sign up for the CalWATRS email list to receive important announcements and helpful information straight to your inbox. 

“We appreciate your help and patience as we make this big improvement. Like with any new system, there may be a few bumps along the way, but we’re here to support you and make the transition as smooth as possible. More help and guidance will be available soon! For questions or assistance, please email CalWATRS-help@waterboards.ca.gov”

In the press:

• CA Water Plan eNews 7/9/25 – subscribe for timely updates
• Maven's Notebook Weekly: July 7-11, 2025

• The Cool Down: Scientists stunned after satellite data unveils new information about El Niño and La Niña: 'We've learned a great deal' 7/8/25
• Grist (via Maven's Notebook): How climate change is worsening flooding and heavy rainfall 7/8/25
• Water World Magazine: Stantec selected to support California Water Plan 7/9/25
• CA Water Commission (via Maven's Notebook) Water Supply Strategy update: Adapting to a changing climate 7/10/25
• CA Water Blog: Artificial Intelligence (AI) explanations of California water management - using ChatGPT 7/13/25