Register now for a webinar on Wednesday, October 28, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. about the Temporary Urgency Change Petition (TUCP) filed by Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA). Speakers will include:
- Lynda Hopkins, Sonoma Water Board of Directors, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
- Jessica Martini-Lamb, Environmental Resources Division Manager, Sonoma Water
- Donald Seymour, Deputy Director of Engineering, Sonoma Water
This is your opportunity to learn more & speak out about SCWA's proposal to reduce river flow in the lower Russian River next summer from 125 cfs to 70 cfs. The webinar is hosted by SCWA and
more information is available here. If you can not make the webinar and would like to voice your concerns, please email Lynda Hopkins, county supervisor,
lynda.hopkins@sonoma-county.org
Friends of Villa Grande filed an official protest with the State Water Resources Control Board against the Temporary Urgency Change Petition by the Sonoma County Water Agency. We are specifically concerned with the incidences of blue green algae (Cyanobacteria) at the beaches in Patterson Point Preserve which have occurred in the past two years and compelled Sonoma County to post official warnings that toxic algae mats are present at our beaches. We are taking a stand in solidarity with our neighbors and other communities along the lower Russian River.
The proposal by SCWA to substantially reduce flow in the lower river starting May 17, 2027 will cause lower water levels and warmer water at our beaches. These conditions will facilitate the growth of toxic algae and will cause health hazards to members of the public who swim in the river at our beaches. Children, older adults, immunocompromised people and dogs are particularly sensitive to the effects of toxic algae. In addition, we are concerned that the reduced flows may cause higher bacterial concentrations in the river water that could exceed the State standards for bacteria in recreational waters.
