Russian River Weekly Update 8/11/25
Reservoir Storage & Operations:
Water supply information provided by Sonoma Water (find more water storage info here).
Russian River Hydrologic Status Report 8/11/25
FERC Approval of the PG&E 2025 Flow Variance, Reducing Water Diversions to the Russian
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 to help determine water availability for excercising water rights:
State Water Resources Control Board Supply and Demand Assessment tool for the Russian River
PG&E Files Final Surrender Application for Potter Valley Project
On July 25, 2025, Pacific Gas and Electric Company filed its Final Surrender Application and Final Non-Project Use of Project Lands Application (NPUPL) for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. P-77) with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC.) If you have any questions regarding this filing, please email Tony.Gigliotti@pge.com. More information here: RRFC webpage on the Future of the Eel River to Russian River Diversion
TODAY, 3-5 pm: Online Town Hall for Potter Valley Project Surrender Application and Decommission Plan on August 11
On August 11, from 3 to 5 p.m., PG&E will host an online meeting (link below) to share information on the Potter Valley Project Surrender Application and Decommissioning Plan. The plan will be submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by July 29. During the town hall PG&E will discuss the overall regulatory process and note opportunities for public participation in the regulatory process.
PVP related articles uploaded recently:
- Mendo Fever: PG&E submits plan that will erase Lake Pillsbury and change the Russian River forever 8/9/25
- San Francisco Chronicle: New California dam removal could restore a river — and destroy a community 8/9/25
- Lost Coast Outpost, THE ECONEWS REPORT: When Will the Eel River Dams Fall? 8/9/25
- Sonoma County Gazette: A watery tale of two cities ("Here’s the summer rumor, cleaned up for daylight:
- “Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) is draining Lake Pillsbury, so the upper river’s toast.” Catchy, dramatic and not quite right") 8/10/25
Upcoming webinar: Supporting Small Farms in SGMA Implementation August 18, 12-1pm
In California, small-scale farmers vary depending on location, crops grown, natural resource use and more. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is focused on long-term groundwater sustainability and restoration of depleted groundwater aquifers. This webinar seeks to highlight technical assistance and resources available to support small-scale farmers navigating changes posed by SGMA implementation. Registration
📢 State Water Board Announces New Water Rights Reporting System
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:
- CA Water Plan eNews 8/6/25
- Maven's Notebook Weekly Edition August 3-8, 2025
- Maven's Notebook Weekend Edition 8/10/25
- The monthly Abacela Weather-Climate Summary and Forecast