The board approved the FY 2026-2027 budget for water and sewer, with rate increases effective July 1 projected to keep both funds positive. Bills in August will reflect the new rates; staff estimated about $20/month impact. Monitoring wells are being installed near wastewater percolation ponds to test for nitrate migration; sampling is anticipated to start quarterly.
Staff discussed ongoing talks about a Southern California water agency's interest in acquiring the Potter Valley hydroelectric project; staff said it is unlikely to succeed given FERC and tribal regulatory barriers. Long-term water supply planning centers on a new pumping station and raising/modernizing Coyote Dam to create expanded storage, though the timeline may span ~13 years. Staff also flagged a ~500,000-gallon metering anomaly and plans to replace well meter components to test a fix.
Regional rate study updates were reported, including Redwood Valley potentially facing a 30% increase in March and 12% in July. The wastewater treatment plant’s discharge plan was approved and the district is working on land access to add monitoring wells. The GM relayed estimates that Eel River dam removals may be 5–7 years out and noted early state interest in Coyote Dam feasibility studies.
