For nearly 120 years water has been diverted from the Eel River into the Russian River – this diversion has been an essential part of positioning the Greater Ukiah Valley to grow. On average a small fraction (1.8% or 60,000 acre-feet) of the Eel River flow is diverted through the PVP annually, but this small amount of water has built life and community along the Russian River. It has allowed us to plant farms and raise crops, found businesses, build schools, and create communities – but the Potter Valley Project decommissioning puts that future in jeopardy.

A new plan is needed to preserve a sustainable water supply for both the Eel River and Russian River watersheds.

Without PVP water transfers to the Russian River:

• In 8 out of 10 years, there will not be enough water supply in Lake Mendocino to meet all the needs of businesses, cities, residents, and wildlife that depend on the Russian.
• In 2 out of these 8 water-short years, there is predicted to be a 30,000-acre foot shortage of water in the Russian River, and Lake Mendocino is predicted to go dry.

Water users who rely on Lake Mendocino for their water supply will be impacted to varying degrees depending on their location and water use.

Water is essential to support agricultural businesses in the region. It is used responsibly, as farmers have adopted highly efficient methods and best practices for irrigating crops with limited water supplies. In our region, farmers generate hundreds of millions of dollars of business revenue, thousands of jobs, and tens of millions of dollars in local tax revenue. Past research highlighted the significant economic impact of water and agricultural industries in Inland Mendocino County, as well as the positive impact of tourism which is related to vineyards, wineries, and natural beauty in the region. Water security and reliability are necessary for local farmers and the region’s economy.

There is a broad coalition of stakeholders committed to the region’s water security. These interests must continue to work together to determine the most efficient, affordable, and environmentally-sound plan for future infrastructure replacement. The Eel-Russian Project Authority (ERPA) is the local agency that will be responsible for planning and managing new facilities.

The New Eel-Russian Facility will be built and operated consistent with modern environmental protections. Water diversions will occur during wet months when flows are high enough to support salmon and steelhead trout in the Eel, while still contributing water to the Russian River supply. This provides a more sustainable approach to water management and supports recovery efforts for habitat and fish populations