Lower Russian River flows to be halved under state order to preserve stored supplies
The Sonoma County water agency received permission Monday to immediately cut stream flows in the lower Russian River by more than half in an effort to conserve water stored in Lake Sonoma. Instream flows in the upper river, above Dry Creek, which is fed by releases from Lake Sonoma, already are being maintained at a very low threshold to keep as much water as possible in Lake Mendocino, the smaller of the two reservoirs.
Related articles:
- KPIX: Drought Emergency: State Water Board Orders Reductions In Russian River Minimum Flows, Diversions
- Sonoma Water news release: State Board orders reduction of minimum instream flows and diversions from the Russian River
- State Water Resources Control Board news release: Worsening drought conditions prompt emergency action in Russian River watershed