The Willow County Water District has become the latest addition to the Ukiah Valley Water Authority, joining as the fourth member of the regional body overseeing public water services for the greater Ukiah Valley. The Authority was formed by a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) agreement previously signed by the city of Ukiah, and the Redwood Valley and Millview County Water Districts.
Doug Crane, a member of the Ukiah City Council and the Ukiah Valley Water Authority board, expressed optimism that more districts might join the Authority, including entities like Capella and Rogina Water, which serves areas east of Ukiah. “There’s potential for them to become part of the public system,” Crane said, though adding that any privately owned entities would require further exploration to integrate.
The consolidation is aimed at improving access to state and federal funding. State and federal representatives have encouraged local water providers to unify, offering incentives of “tens of millions of dollars” for the basin's infrastructure. These funds are expected to help with essential improvements, such as expanding water storage, drilling additional wells, and reinforcing distribution systems.
The groundwork for consolidation was laid by the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency, formed under a state mandate. Crane noted that this collaboration helped water purveyors understand the benefits of working together and speaking with one voice.
With the Willow County Water District now on board, the Ukiah Valley Water Authority will serve about 9,100 water connections when it begins servicing Ukiah, Redwood Valley, and Mill View residents in January.
