For nearly a century, the Potter Valley Project has quietly sustained life across Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. By diverting water from the Eel River into the Russian River watershed, this system has provided drinking water for tens of thousands of residents, supported local farms, and helped maintain healthy river ecosystems.
Today, this historic infrastructure faces a turning point. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), which owns and operates the Potter Valley Project, has announced plans to surrender its license and decommission the diversion system by 2025. If no replacement facility is constructed, these vital diversions will end, leaving over 97,000 residents vulnerable to severe water shortages, particularly as drought and climate change intensify.
Recognizing the urgency of this moment, Sonoma Water, Sonoma County, the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission, and the Round Valley Indian Tribes have formed the Eel-Russian Project Authority (ERPA). This partnership aims to design and build the New Eel-Russian Facility, a modern infrastructure solution that will maintain seasonal water diversions while restoring the health of the Eel River.
The New Eel-Russian Facility is a cornerstone of what’s known as the Two-Basin Solution, a collaborative approach that balances human water needs with ecological restoration. The project includes improved fish passage, better habitat protections, and long-term funding for stewardship. Equally important, ERPA is working closely with the Round Valley Indian Tribes and state agencies to ensure the new system respects tribal sovereignty and incorporates the best available science.
Sonoma County Conservation Action strongly supports this effort. Our mission has always been to protect the environment and promote resilient, sustainable communities. The New Eel-Russian Facility embodies these values by:
- Securing Water Reliability: Replacing aging infrastructure to provide consistent, clean water for homes, farms, and small businesses.
- Advancing Climate Resilience: Investing in ecological restoration, native fish recovery, and adaptive management as our climate changes.
- Supporting Water Equity: Protecting rural and underserved communities from the risks of losing this essential resource.
We are calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to expedite approval of ERPA’s proposal to avoid any disruption in water supplies. We also encourage PG&E to work in good faith to maintain interim diversions until the new facility is built and operational. Finally, we are grateful to Congressman Jared Huffman for his leadership and urge continued support in securing funding and coordination for this project.
At SCCA, we believe this is exactly the kind of responsible, forward-looking collaboration our region needs to navigate a hotter, drier future. We will continue to advocate for this solution and keep our members informed as the project moves forward.
To learn more about the New Eel-Russian Facility and how you can support this effort, visit ERPA or Two-Basin Solution websites or contact our office.
