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Reservoir Storage & Operations:

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

 8/18/25 Russian River Hydrologic Status Report

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: 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

 Recent Comments Submitted to FERC:

The US Department of Interior, Round Valley Indian Tribes, the Wiyot Tribe, and the City of Ukiah all filed the motions to intervene on PG&E’s flow variance request to conduct repairs on the PVP in November 2025:

Lake County filed a protest and comments on the decommissioning:

Recent PVP related articles:

• Lake County Record-Bee: PG&E dam removal proposal explained on podcast 8/1/25
• Press Democrat: ‘Surprise’ drop in Lake Pillsbury water release stokes fears about PG&E’s Potter Valley Project decommissioning 8/21/25

2024-2025 National Ecological Drought & Tribal Webinar Series

This webinar series seeks to raise awareness of ecological drought, share actions that strengthen ecosystem resilience and mitigate the impacts of droughts, and highlight advancements in integrating interdisciplinary research and management needs for future drought planning and preparedness. The series is co-hosted by NIDIS and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Climate Adaptation Science Center (NCASC), with expert speakers from the research community, Tribal Nations, and government agencies. Information shared will build on the NIDIS/NCASC 2021 National Ecological Drought Webinar Series. More information. A webinar recap and recording will be posted on drought.gov following the event

📢 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 8/20/25
• Maven's Notebook Weekly edition 8/18-8/2/25
• Maven's Notebook Weekend Edition 8/24/25

AI and Water:

• The Conversation: Data centers consume massive amounts of water – companies rarely tell the public exactly how much 8/19/25
• Data Center Knowledge: Could Water-Free Data Centers Move from Concept to Reality? 8/19/25
• PBS: The environmental consequences of big tech’s push to ease regulations for AI development 8/17/25
• AP: As AI becomes part of everyday life, it brings a hidden climate cost 8/22/25
• Governing: How AI helped a CA Cit insure against flood risk 8/22/5

Other:

• KRON 4: CDFW sweeps illegal cannabis farms operating on sensitive NorCal habitats 8/19/25
• Union of Concerned Scientists: We Can Have it All: Forward-Looking Climate Policy and Affordability. Here’s How. 8/19/25
• KCRA 3: UC Davis study reveals diversity gaps in California water management 8/21/25
• Phys.org: New tool helps estimate societal impact of droughts 8/23/25
• SF Chronicle (gift article): Something deep in the Pacific is reshaping California’s weather. It may not stop anytime soon 8/23/25