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Yuba Water Agency News

Yuba-Feather Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations

Yuba Water Agency is working to reduce the risk of flooding from atmospheric rivers – powerful storms responsible for more than 90 percent of floods in the region – through bold investments and innovative partnerships. Read on...
New campsites at New Bullards Bar nearing completion

While summer has come to an end, work to further enhance outdoor recreation opportunities in the Yuba County foothills has quickly ramped up. Ten brand new campsites are nearing completion at Yuba Water Agency’s New Bullards Bar Dam and Reservoir. Read on...
Yuba Water supports ongoing forest restoration efforts to benefit foothill communities, watershed

A recent $4.5 million grant from Cal Fire further benefits Yuba Water’s ongoing efforts to support healthier, more resilient forests in an area that has experienced numerous wildfires over the course of the past 22 years. Read on...
Yuba Water invests more than $1.25 million in community projects

Yuba Water Agency’s board of directors has approved more than $1.25 million in grants and a low-interest loan for flood risk reduction, water infrastructure, water quality improvements, fish habitat and emergency water rescue equipment. Read on...
Potential site for future water education center identified

Riverfront land just outside of Marysville may be the future home of Yuba Water Agency’s planned Watershed Experience Center. Read on...
Crews replace key piece of hydro equipment in a matter of days despite unexpected obstacles

Yuba Water is one step closer to ramping up operations of its Narrows 1 hydropower facility after the agency’s crews replaced a leaky stand pipe, which is a crucial part of the system that moves water from Englebright Reservoir to the facility. Read on...
Yuba Water funds water supply and flood risk reduction projects, education and rescue equipment

Yuba Water Agency’s Board of Directors committed more than $2.2 million in grants for Yuba River-focused water education, water supply improvements, flood risk reduction and swift water rescue equipment. Read on...
Stepping up to support California’s energy crisis

Between the heat and rolling blackouts, I’m sure you’ve figured out that we're seeing record breaking demand on California’s electrical system. At Yuba Water, we are stepping up power generation efforts to support the state through this energy crisis. Read on...
Yuba Water Responds to State Water Board Water Quality Certification

On August 14, 2020, Yuba Water Agency submitted a petition for reconsideration with the State Water Resources Control Board asking the board to vacate the certification it issued on July 17 related to the relicensing of the Yuba River Development Project. Read on...
Yuba Water advances major flood risk reduction project at New Bullards Bar

Yuba Water's Board of Directors authorized staff to proceed with a new design of a secondary spillway at New Bullards Bar Dam, marking an important step forward for the agency’s largest project to reduce flood risk since the dam was built. Read on...
Yuba Water approves nearly $14 million for water supply, infrastructure improvements, and more

Yuba Water Agency’s Board of Directors have committed approximately $14 million in grants and loans for water infrastructure upgrades, levee maintenance and Yuba County’s annual California Public Employees’ Retirement System payment. Read on...
Yuba Water welcomes new General Manager Willie Whittlesey

Today marks Willie Whittlesey’s first day as Yuba Water Agency’s new general manager. Whittlesey takes the reins from Curt Aikens, who will retire early next year. Read on...
Yuba Water funds levee improvements and conservation projects, says farewell to longtime GM

Yuba Water Agency’s Board of Directors today committed $785,000 for levee improvements, water conservation and other Yuba County water projects in support of its core mission areas of flood risk reduction and sustainable water supply management. Read on...
Appeal-Democrat Guest View: Once again, Yuba Water Agency invests in our future in a big way

For decades, we’ve talked about the need for implementing modern infrastructure to the Highway 65 corridor in order to make new development there possible, writes Mary Jane Griego in a guest column for the Appeal-Democrat. Read on...
Yuba Water employees give back during unprecedented time of need

Donating blood, offering monetary donations, organizing food drives and coordinating behind the scenes – these are just a few of the ways Yuba Water Agency employees have given back to their communities during the coronavirus crisis. Read on...
Yuba Water Agency approves $3.5 million for major water infrastructure in southeastern Yuba County

Major infrastructure upgrades that will significantly improve economic development opportunities in Yuba County and help ensure groundwater quality are in the works with the help of Yuba Water Agency. Read on...
Comstock's Magazine: Storm Chasers by Russell Nichols

A Comstock's Magazine story about how real-time weather forecasting is helping to balance the need to store more water while still preventing floods, featuring Yuba Water Agency Water Operations Project Manager John James. Read on...
$2.2 million in funds for fish habitat, infrastructure and water supply reliability improvements

More than $2.2 million was approved for projects that will contribute to repairs at Ellis Lake and roads around New Bullards Bar Dam and Reservoir, support local irrigation districts, and advance fish habitat restoration while reducing flood risk. Read on...
Yuba Water Agency makes large-scale investment in water education for Yuba County schools

In its first major move toward building a water education center and developing unique lessons to enhance Yuba County schools, Yuba Water Agency approved approximately $850,000 toward the community-driven effort. Read on...
PG&E sells Narrows hydroelectric facility to Yuba Water Agency

Pacific Gas and Electric Company has sold its Narrows Hydroelectric Project to Yuba Water Agency. Read on...
Operations Update

If you see us around Yuba County, it's because we fall under 3 categories of critical infrastructure, including the dams, energy and water sectors. We also support the agricultural community through water deliveries, also considered essential services. Read on...
Offices and Conference Rooms Closed to the Public

For the safety of our employees and the public, and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, our offices and conference rooms will be closed to the public until further notice. Read on...
Yuba Water Agency funds water supply improvements, water education

A financial boost is coming to 2 local institutions to help with water-related projects. Yuba Water Agency has approved $3,100 for the Museum of the Forgotten Warriors and $2,500 for a unique class project at at Lindhurst High School. Read on...
Yuba Water Agency provides grants to four local agencies

Four local agencies received a financial boost with the help of Yuba Water Agency. Read on...
Yuba Water General Manager Curt Aikens announces retirement; Willie Whittlesey takes reins July 1

After 23 years of dedicated service to Yuba Water Agency, General Manager Curt Aikens will retire in January of 2021. Read on...
Yuba Water Agency adopts Groundwater Sustainability Plan

Yuba County’s groundwater subbasins have been sustainably managed for decades, and with 80 percent of Yuba’s residents relying on groundwater as their sole source, it’s critical that it remain sustainable for the long-term. Read on...
Grants help local first-responder agencies purchase new emergency response equipment

Two local fire departments will be better equipped to respond to water-related emergencies along the Yuba River with the help of funding from Yuba Water Agency. Read on...
Yuba Water Agency funds project to improve Wheatland drinking water system

A more efficient water system that will improve the city of Wheatland’s drinking water supply is in the works with the help of a grant from Yuba Water Agency. Read on...
Yuba Water Agency elects Randy Fletcher as chairman, Brent Hastey as vice-chairman

Directors Randy Fletcher and Brent Hastey will serve as Yuba Water Agency's chairman and vice-chairman for the next year. Read on...
Yuba Water partners with Scripps, DWR on new atmospheric river research

Atmospheric river storms provide approximately half of California’s annual precipitation, but also are the cause of more than 90 percent of the floods in Northern California, resulting in staggering financial costs. Read on...
Yuba Water Agency helps fund water supply reliability, flood risk reduction projects, new equipment

Three local agencies received a financial boost to help improve water supply reliability, reduce flood risk, and to purchase new equipment with the help of Yuba Water Agency. Read on...
Innovative partnership to reduce wildfire risk and secure healthier, more resilient forests

A diverse group of nine organizations announced today their commitment to prioritize, plan, and execute forest restoration on an unprecedented scale in the North Yuba River watershed, covering 275,000 acres of the northern Sierra Nevada. Read on...

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Water is released from New Bullards Bar Dam
Fish are measured to compare growth in different habitats
Narrows 2 Powerhouse during high flows
People recreating on New Bullards Bar Reservoir
A pump station on one of Yuba County's main canals