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Russian River Weekly Update 9/2/25

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West Fork Russian River by CJW, August 2025
West Fork Russian River by CJW, August 2025

Reservoir Storage & Operations:

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

Storage data for Lake Mendocino, Lake Pillsbury, and Lake Sonoma, showing current storage, target curves, and 7-day changes.
Graph of Lake Mendocino storage from 2018 to 2025 in acre-feet. Highlight on Sep 1, 2025: 79,278 acre-feet. Various years’ data and curves shown.
Graph of Lake Pillsbury storage and target storage scenarios from 2018 to 2025, showing acre-feet trends and targets.
Graph of Lake Sonoma storage from 2018 to 2025, showing water levels in acre-feet, with a highlight on September 1, 2025.

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

 

Comments Submitted to FERC:

  • Several individuals submitted comments to FERC (not included here.)
  • Lake County filed a Motion to Intervene on the decommissioning. 
2025, 8-25 County of Lake MOI, PVP Lic Surrender.pdf

 

In case you missed it live: Coffee & Conversation with Paul Gosselin, Deputy Director for Sustainable Groundwater Management | California Department of Water Resources

Hosted by RWA’s Director of Technical Services, Trevor Joseph, the conversation will explore how SGMA implementation is evolving—from the initial push to develop Groundwater Sustainability Plans to today’s focus on refinement, communication, and regional collaboration. With five years at the helm, Paul will share how DWR’s Sustainable Groundwater Management team has grown, what he sees as key priorities in this next phase, and how state and local agencies can work together to advance sustainable groundwater management through innovation, technical support, and adaptive strategies. If you missed the session, you can watch the recording here. 

📢 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:

 

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