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No update has been received on the PG&E variance request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that will determine the amount of inter-basin transfer through the Potter Valley Project. This variance approval is integral in the Russian River water supply for 2022. Previously, the Division of Water Rights issued “Orders Regarding Curtailment Status” to each water right holder in the Russian River watershed. The orders require water right holders to monitor a “Curtailment Status List” and stop or reduce diversions when the list shows their water right is curtailed. The Division has posted an updated Curtailment Status List on the Russian River Drought Response webpage that took effect on July 1, 2022. Based on current conditions and available forecasts, there are new water right curtailments in place and certain right holders must cease or reduce their diversions as directed by the list. Right holders must continue to monitor the Curtailment Status List for the latest curtailment statuses. Additionally, the Division expects reduced supplies and further curtailments when FERC approves a variance reducing flows from the Potter Valley Project to the East Fork of the Russian River. The Upper Russian River Voluntary Water Sharing Program is now in effect and participants have been notified of forbearance percentages, which are currently minimal due to the lack of a FERC variance.
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