June 11, 2021 — With the drought declaration that started in the dry bed of Lake Mendocino, the county has revived its water agency with $50,000 and the hope of further grant funding to come up with water security plans and ways to pay for them. The agency is headed up by Josh Metz, a senior advisor with a firm called Regional Government Services. Helistmmmed the main areas for the agency, starting with identifying the gravest needs, assessing the economic and health impacts of the drought, and working closely with the Resource Conservation District and local government to identify key projects.
The State Water Resources Control Board is meeting Tuesday to consider proposed emergency regulations. If adopted, these would establish when to curtail diversions from the Russian River, according to a system of water availability and water rights. Phil WIlliams, a water attorney who works with the City of Ukiah, says the city has pre and post 1914 water rights. The emergency regulations have not yet been approved, but they are causing a level of controversy that is entirely expected.