Russian River Weekly Update 7/27/26

Reservoir Storage & Operations:
Water supply information provided by Sonoma Water (find more water storage info here).




Future of the Eel River to Russian River Trans Basin Diversion (Potter Valley Project)
Recent articles:
Note – Agency/Organization submitted comments to FERC on scoping document are linked on RRFC webpage on the Future of the Eel River to Russian River Diversion
- Ag Net: Potter Valley Water Fight Gains Federal Attention as Community Seeks to Preserve Key Infrastructure 7/23/26
- Ag Net: Keely Covello Talks Potter Valley, Water, and California’s Future with The Ag Meter 7/23/26
- Mendocino Voice: Federal regulators extend Potter Valley comment deadline to September, 7/24/26
California Water Data Consortium New Report Documents Challenges and Applications for Telemetered Water Monitoring and a Path Forward for California
The California Water Data Consortium and partners recently released a new report with statewide telemetered water monitoring recommendations for the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The three-part report synthesizes lessons from global telemetry networks, outlines recommendations for a watershed-scale research study, and identifies practical statewide applications for telemetry to support California’s evolving water management needs.
Part II provides recommendations for the TRU’s telemetry study in the Russian River watershed, currently underway. The TRU is collaborating with local partners and volunteer participants within the watershed to evaluate telemetered water monitoring under real-world conditions. The goals of the Russian River Telemetry Study are to assess the costs and effectiveness of different telemetry technologies, evaluate data accuracy, and better understand reporting burdens. Additional telemetry studies in other California watersheds are also being considered. Press Release and links to full report.
Watch a video to learn more about the Russian River Telemetry Study.
California Natural Resources Agency and the California Department of Rehabilitation Host Disability Pride Month: Building Careers While Breaking Barriers, Tuesday, July 28, 2026 12-1 PM
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law that transformed access and opportunity for millions of Americans. While the ADA laid the foundation for a more inclusive society, the work to build workplaces where everyone can contribute, lead and thrive continues.
In recognition of Disability Pride Month and the ADA's enduring legacy, please join the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) for an engaging panel discussion featuring accomplished state employees with disabilities, alongside a leader from an organization dedicated to supporting people with disabilities in achieving their career goals.
Panelists will share their personal and professional journeys, discuss strategies for navigating the workplace, and explore how each of us can help advance accessibility, equity and inclusion across California state government. Whether you identify as a person with a disability, are an ally, or simply want to learn more, this conversation will offer valuable perspectives on building a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Register online
In the press:
- DWR: Weekly Water Highlights — July 22, 2026
- Maven's Notebook Weekly July 19-24, 2026
- Maven's Notebook Weekend Edition 7/24/26
- Russian River Confluence July newsletter
- CDFW: Mendocino County highlighted - Science Spotlight: Neighborhood Rain Catchers Project Teaches Lessons in Watershed Conservation, 7/20/26
- Friends of the Eel River: New Native Plant Network Seeks to Grow Regional Capacity 7/20/26
- INC: Your Next Budget Problem May Not Be Electricity—but Your Water Bill 7/20/26
- PPIC: Californians Support Strong Environmental Policy…to a Point 7/21/26
- Maven's Notebook Feature: Do’s and don’ts for interweaving Traditional Knowledge and Western science 7/22/26
- EOS: Why healthy soils matter more than ever 7/22/26
- EOS: Redesigning Farmland Through Community Collaboration in California 7/22/26
- ABC-CRCR 7: Humboldt County issues harmful algae warning after dog dies following Eel River swim 7/24/26
- Lost Coast Outpost: Dog Dies After Swimming in Eel River; Health Officials Warn of Harmful Algal Blooms 7/24/26
- PPIC: An Exclusive Interview with Outgoing DWR Director Karla Nemeth 7/27/26
