Russian River Weekly Update 7/21/25
Reservoir Storage & Operations:
Water supply information provided by Sonoma Water (find more water storage info here).
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.
- Eel Russian Project Authority: New Eel Russian Facility
Uploaded recently:
The Eel Russian Project Authority (ERPA) is meeting today, Monday July 18, 2025.
Scroll down on the meetings page to sign up for the newsletter which includes meeting notices.
📢 State Water Board Announces Notice of Document Availability for Proposed Adoption of Water Measurement and Reporting Regulation (SB88) Revisions
The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board or Board) will consider adopting revisions to the Diversion Measurement and Reporting Regulation (regulation) on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The initial regulation, adopted as an emergency regulation in 2016, requires anyone with a water right to divert over 10 acre-feet annually to measure the rate and volume of their diversions and submit measurement data to the Board. The proposed revisions clarify requirements, standardize measurement data reporting, require email addresses for reporting, and align reporting periods for groundwater reporting.
The draft regulation text, agenda item, draft resolution, and other supporting documents are available on the State Water Board’s website at:
Water Measurement and Reporting Regulation Rulemaking Webpage
📢 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. https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/upward/calwatrs/
- 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: