Voluntary Water Sharing Program

Since April 2021, a diverse group of stakeholders in the Russian River watershed have met to develop a Voluntary Water Sharing Program (WSP) for the Upper Russian River. The Program provides water users in the Russian River watershed an alternative to curtailment of their water diversion and use. Participants enroll in the Program by reviewing and signing the Water Sharing Agreement. The State Water Board is hosting the Voluntary Water Sharing Program's web page to make materials available for interested water right holders and the public.

Russian River Drought Response Webpage

Water Right Form and Survey Submittal Portal

See Section 877.4 of the proposed 2022 Russian River Drought Regulation for how this program may be incorporated into implementation of the regulation.

Lake Mendocino 2021
Photo credit: CA Dept of Water Resources

Announcements

Implementation Report Now Available

The Russian River Steering Committee's 2022 Upper Russian River Voluntary Water Sharing Program Implementation Report is now available. In synthesizing the Report, the Steering Committee solicited feedback from Program participants, water right holders, and interested regional stakeholders to identify lessons learned and recommendations for future years. The Steering Committee continues to explore future pathways for implementation as a locally driven approach for water management and stewardship of the Russian River.

Lake Mendocino 2021
Photo credit: Russian River Confluence Fall 2021

Voluntary Water Sharing Program

Documents

Events and Outreach

April 14, 2022 - Santa Rosa Workshop | Presentation Slides
June 7, 2022 - State Water Board Meeting - Consideration of a Proposed Resolution approving a Voluntary Water Sharing Agreement | Agenda Item | Media Release
August 8, 2022 - Monthly Program Meeting - WSP Monthly Reporting Walkthrough | Presentation Slides

Voluntary Program Monthly Meetings

The State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Water Rights will host virtual monthly meetings for WSP participants to discuss the program and analyze data on water supply and demand in the Upper Russian River. Meetings may include discussions with State Water Board staff on the monthly status of the program, reports, and management strategies to adapt to any changing conditions on the Upper Russian River Watershed.

November Meeting