Help save the Russian River

[bird]

I live in Monte Rio and enjoy and paddle the river regularly. Last year the Sonoma Co. Water Agency (scwa.ca.gov) reduced the summer flows to 85cfs (cubic feet per second). By August of last year there was a Green Algae bloom the likes of which had not been seen before.
It is now early June the River is currently running btwn. 120cfs and 80 cfs.
Too low for recreational use. And the Green Algae bloom is larger at this point than what we saw in Sept. of last year. This algae is a direct result of a significantly reduced flow and increased water temperatures and excess nitrogen run off from vineyards.
The lower River communities rely heavily on tourist dollars for survival.
If the Russian River is allowed to continue at it's current "flow", then I suspect that the River will not be useable for recreation by the middle/end of July.
If you enjoy the Russian River or understand the value to the enviroment and the lower River communities, then PLEASE call and/or email the Sonoma Co. Water Agency (707)526-5370 and demand that they give us our River back.
In case you don't realize, much of the water from the River goes to Marin Co. and many Sonoma Co. communities for laundry, lawns, golf courses, car washing, domestic use, etc..
Personally, I believe the water belongs in the River before folks should be allowed to have lush lawns and golf courses.
Thank you so much for your time and considerations.
All the Best and Peace. Lili Burnley

[Peace Voyager]

Hi,

I appreciate your concerns regarding the Russian River. As it is that SCWA must comply with State mandates; I encourage you contact the State Water Resources Control Board, in addition to SCWA. Please see the SCWA water supply meeting info below; June 12 is the next one.

The Russian River Watershed Council will be having an event this fall for folks interested in the health of the river, fish, etc.

RUSSIAN RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL
Saturday, September 13, 2008
"Russian River Fisheries - Past and Future"
Lake Sonoma
www.rrwc.net

Also, the Sonoma County Water Coalition is another organization you may want to connect with on this issue. www.scwatercoalition.org

Best wishes,

Colleen Fernald
infinite_c(at)yahoo.com
938-3834

https://www.scwa.ca.gov/about_your_w...ter_supply.php

Russian River Water Supply Report (Updated 6/01/08)

Press release: Severe dry spring means using less water
Public meetings set to discuss 2008 water supply, conservation
The Sonoma County Water Agency will host three public meetings to educate the public about Lake Mendocino water supply projections, water conservation and impacts to cities, water agencies, residents, businesses and the agricultural communities in Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin counties. Agency staff will provide a brief presentation and public participation is welcome. View the public notice. Materials made available at the meetings include: (Agenda) (Projection) (Top 10 tips) (System map).
Meeting locations, dates and times:
Ukiah
Date: June 2, 2008
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Ukiah City Hall, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, CA
Healdsburg (NEW DATE)
Date: June 12, 2008
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Healdsburg City Hall, 401 Grove Street, Healdsburg, CA
Guerneville
Date: June 9, 2008
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Guerneville Veterans Memorial Hall, First and Church Streets, Guerneville, CA
California State Water Resources Control Board
Agency presentation on May 6 in Sacramento, CA

Water Supply Forecast
The terms of the Agency's water rights permits define what constitutes "normal," "dry," and "critical" water supply conditions based upon cumulative inflow into Lake Pillsbury since the beginning of the water year (October 1). The cumulative inflow on May 1, 2008, was 266,558 acre-feet, well above the level needed for "normal" water supply conditions to exist through the end of the calendar year. The water supply pools at Lake Sonoma, Lake Mendocino, and Lake Pillsbury are approximately 97.5, 86.2, and 84.4 percent full, respectively. Lack of rainfall and reduced flows of water to the East Fork Russian River from Pacific Gas & Electric Company's Potter Valley Project may reduce the water supply available from the Russian River this summer. The Agency is continuing to monitor the situation. As always, water should be used wisely and efficiently.

Warm Springs Dam/Lake Sonoma
Stage: 446.78 feet (Maximum allowed: 451.1 feet)
Storage: 233,923 acre-feet (Maximum allowed: 245,000 acre-feet)
Rate of Release: 85 cubic-feet-per-second (cfs)
Required Dry Creek Flow Rate: 80 cfs
Coyote Valley Dam/Lake Mendocino
2008 water supply projection
Stage: 737.78 feet (Maximum allowed: 761.8 feet)
Storage: 68,874 acre-feet (Maximum allowed: 116,700 acre feet)
Rate of Release: 163 cfs
Required Upper Russian River Flow Rate: 75 cfs
Rate (Coyote + West Fork): 173

Scott Dam/Lake Pillsbury
Storage: 60,635 acre-feet (Maximum allowed: 78,901 acre-feet)
Rate of Release: 241 cfs
Cape Horn Dam/Lake Van Arsdale
Potter Valley Diversion: 130 cfs
Eel River Release: 139 cfs
Hacienda Bridge
Rate of Flow: 222 cfs
Required Lower Russian River Flow Rate: 125 cfs