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Flood Risk Reduction
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Dam Safety
Yuba Water manages New Bullards Bar Dam, the fifth tallest dam in the United States, and several smaller diversion dams. Learn how Yuba Water ensures its dams are safe and in tip-top shape.
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Flood Management
Since its formation in 1959, Yuba Water has led the local effort with state and federal agencies, Congress and others to increase public safety by reducing the risk of catastrophic flooding in Yuba County. Learn more about Yuba County’s flood risk and efforts to significantly reduce this risk.
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Local Levee Districts
Yuba County's local levee districts are responsible for reclaiming and maintaining land that is threatened by permanent or temporary flooding for agriculture, residential, residential, commercial of industrial use.
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Partners and Projects
Explore some of the projects Yuba Water has invested in to reduce flood risk in Yuba County and the partners we work with.
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Prepare for a Flood
Resources to help you prepare for the possibility of flooding, including how to register for emergency alerts.
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1997 New Year's Flood
January 2022 marks 25 years since the devastating New Year's flood of 1997. Learn about the impacts of the flood and changes made since then to ensure Yuba County is among the best protected flood-prone regions in the state.
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Yuba Water premieres “The Tricky Yuba” documentary, tells a story of courage and perseverance
Yuba Water recently premiered its new documentary, “The Tricky Yuba,” at the Lee Burrows Center for the Arts in Marysville. The film highlights Yuba Water’s history, the reason for its formation, its accomplishments and what’s next for the agency. Read on... -
Yuba Water honored as Champion for the Environment by Sacramento Business Journal
Yuba Water was honored as the Sacramento Business Journal’s 2022 Champion for Environmental Preservation and Sustainability for its measurable commitments and efforts to improve the health of the Yuba River watershed and support Yuba County communities. Read on... -
North Yuba Forest Partnership awarded $34.8 million for forest work in Yuba River watershed
The North Yuba Forest Partnership is set to receive millions in federal funding to support forest restoration treatments in the North Yuba River watershed, which will reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and improve the health of the forest. Read on... -
North Yuba Forest Partnership gains national support for forest resilience work in Yuba watershed
United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore announced the North Yuba River watershed as one of the 10 initial landscapes funded for the U.S. Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy. Read on... -
Atmospheric River Control Spillway at New Bullards Bar reaches 90 percent design
This week, the Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors authorized staff to complete the 100 percent design for the planned Atmospheric River Control Spillway at New Bullards Bar Dam after receiving a presentation on the recent 90 percent design milestone. Read on... -
Yuba Water Board Director Brent Hastey honored for service to ACWA
Yuba Water Agency Board Director Brent Hastey was honored today by the Association of California Water Agencies for his distinguished and dedicated service to ACWA, the country’s largest statewide coalition of public water agencies. Read on... -
Yuba Water removes hazardous trees impacted by bark beetles around Lake Francis
This week, Yuba Water Agency’s work to remove 284 dead and dying hazardous trees around Lake Francis is expected to wrap up, which will reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and help slow the spread of a bark beetle infestation. Read on... -
Yuba Water approves $240,000 for Fire Safe Council to help reduce wildfire risk in foothills
The Yuba Water Board of Directors approved a local cost-share grant worth up to $240,000 for the Yuba Watershed Protection and Fire Safe Council to reduce catastrophic wildfire risk and improve public safety for communities in the Yuba County foothills. Read on... -
Yuba Water board selects 2022 chair and vice-chair
At its first meeting of the new year today, Yuba Water Agency’s board of directors elected the new chair and vice-chair to lead the seven-member board in 2022. Gary Bradford will serve as chairman and Randy Fletcher will serve as vice-chairman. Read on... -
Marking 25 Years Since the New Year’s Flood Of 1997: What’s Changed and Where We Are Today
January 2 is the 25th anniversary of Yuba County’s last major flood event after a levee break on the east bank of the Feather River. Today, our community is among the best-protected urban areas at risk of flooding in the state. Read on... -
Yuba Water approves agreement to transfer water to Bay Area agencies in 2022
Yuba Water’s board of directors voted to authorize a water transfer agreement with Contra Costa Water District and East Bay Municipal Utility District, to sell at least 10,000 acre-feet of water, and potentially more, if the conditions allow, in 2022. Read on... -
Yuba Groundwater Sustainability Plan formally approved by Department of Water Resources
The California Department of Water Resources today formally approved the groundwater sustainability plan for the North and South Yuba groundwater subbasins in Yuba County developed to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Read on... -
Yuba Water commits more than $1.4 million to water education, water management and more
Yuba Water Agency’s Board of Directors committed more than $1.4 million in grants and loans to support flood risk reduction, water supply, watershed resilience, water education, water conservation and public safety in Yuba County. Read on... -
Hallwood fish habitat project already showing signs of success
As work to enhance the lower Yuba River ecosystem and reduce flood risk continues, initial reports show that fish are already using the habitat restored as part of the 157-acre Hallwood Side Channel and Floodplain Restoration Project. Read On... -
New Forest Resilience Bond will finance $25 million of restoration to reduce wildfire risk
The innovative financial mechanism builds on the initial 15,000 acre pilot project to protect an additional 48,000 acres with funding contributions from utilities, corporations, and state agencies. Read on... -
SYRCL’s Salmon Expeditions serve more students
The South Yuba River Citizens League recently resumed Salmon Expeditions for grade school students from Nevada and Yuba counties after a year away from the river. Read on... -
Yuba Water Receives Outstanding Stewards of America’s Waters Award
The National Hydropower Association today announced Yuba Water Agency’s Watershed Resilience Program received the 2021 Outstanding Stewards of America’s Waters Award in the category of Recreational, Environmental & Historical Enhancement. Read on... -
Yuba Water recognized for its leadership in Yuba River watershed education
Yuba Water has received a distinguished contribution award from the California Association of Science Educators (CASE) for its Yuba River watershed curriculum project, which is the cornerstone of the agency’s broader watershed education program. Read on... -
Yuba Water grants support levee improvements throughout Yuba County
Yuba Water Agency’s Board of Directors approved more than $1.1 million for critical urban and rural levee improvements in Yuba County. Read on... -
U.S. Forest Service Releases Notice of Intent for the North Yuba Landscape Resiliency Project
The U.S. Forest Service has released its Notice of Intent for the North Yuba Landscape Resiliency Project, which proposes to treat more than 275,000 acres of forest. The project was developed in collaboration with the North Yuba Forest Partnership. Read on... -
Yuba Water provides $15,000 grant to Camptonville to help with water supply reliability
The Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors today approved a $15,000 grant for the Camptonville Community Services District to help them seek additional financial and technical support to ensure the community is better able to handle drought. Read on... -
Yuba Water and Yuba College partnership brings real-world experience to local students
When Hydro Mechanical Engineer Aaron Esselman took classes at Yuba College in 2011, he was simply filling the requirements to transfer. Ten years later, he’s back at Yuba College, working with students and staff at the college’s machine shop. Read on... -
Yuba Water continues to invest big in Yuba County education
Yuba Water recently formalized a water education program. The action lays out a roadmap for how the agency will reach its education goals and implement recently-developed Yuba River watershed-focused curriculum in K-12 classrooms throughout Yuba County. Read on... -
Local water providers urge water conservation in Yuba and Sutter Counties
Yuba Water Agency and local water providers are urging residents to conserve water as drought conditions deepen throughout the region. Read on... -
Cottage Creek Campground at New Bullards Bar now open, accepting reservations
The new Cottage Creek Campground at New Bullards Bar Reservoir is now open to the public and accepting reservations on a first-come, first-served basis. Read on... -
Yuba Water, Yuba County offering loaner life jackets at New Bullards Bar and Lake Francis
To further promote recreation and water safety, Yuba Water Agency has partnered with Yuba County to establish the Life Jacket Loaner Program. Four loaner stations have been installed at New Bullards Bar Reservoir and Lake Francis. Read on... -
Yuba Water pledges $6.5 million to community projects in Yuba County
Yuba Water Agency’s Board of Directors today approved $6.5 million for a range of projects to improve public safety and enhance the quality of life for Yuba County residents. Read on... -
Yuba Water Agency provides $2 million loan for Goldfields flood risk reduction work
Yuba Water’s board of directors approved a $2 million loan to the Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority to complete the construction of a levee near the Yuba Goldfields that will bring a 200-year level of urban flood protection to southern Yuba County. Read on... -
Yuba Water employees visit Yuba County preparatory school, discuss careers in water industry
Last month, Yuba Water Agency employees visited Yuba County Career Preparatory Charter School’s Aquaponics Department to discuss with students potential career paths in the water industry and how those relate to their current coursework. Read on... -
Yuba Water’s executive advisor and former power systems manager Mike Kline to retire
Yuba Water Agency Executive Advisor Mike Kline is retiring this month after 10 years with the agency and more than 40 years working in hydroelectric operations and engineering. Read on... -
Yuba Water and Scripps Institution of Oceanography partner to bring weather station to local school
Browns Valley Elementary students now have the opportunity to contribute to science and weather forecasts in their watershed thanks to a new monitoring station installed at the school by Scripps Institution of Oceanography with support from Yuba Water. Read on... -
High flows, cold water expected below Englebright Lake to Marysville through May 16
Flows on the lower Yuba River from Englebright Lake to Marysville will increase significantly this week as instream flow and irrigation demands pick up. The public should use caution when recreating on the lower Yuba for their safety in the weeks ahead. Read on... -
Recent snow surveys confirm another dry water year ahead for Yuba River watershed
Despite a series of storms earlier this year and a snowpack visible from the valley floor, California is on track for another dry water year. That’s according to recent snow surveys by local and state agencies and various forecast models. Read on... -
Stretch of lower Yuba River closing to watercraft for habitat enhancement work
More than one mile of the north channel of the lower Yuba River will be closed to all watercraft starting April 1 through early December for habitat enhancement work as part of Yuba Water Agency’s Hallwood Side Channel and Floodplain Restoration Project. Read on... -
Yuba Water invests nearly $2 million in flood risk reduction and water infrastructure projects
Yuba Water Agency’s board of directors have approved several grants and matching loans to advance critical flood risk reduction work and water infrastructure improvements in Yuba County. Read on... -
Cordua Irrigation District joins historic Lower Yuba River Accord
Yuba Water has approved an agreement that adds the Cordua Irrigation District to the Yuba Accord, a model water management agreement that supports endangered fish, ensures water supplies for cities and farms and reduces conflict over water use. Read on... -
Yuba Water commits $6.5 million to improving forest health and reducing wildfire risk
Yuba Water’s board has taken action to reduce catastrophic wildfire risk and advance landscape-scale forest restoration in the Yuba watershed. The board approved $6.5 million for forest restoration projects as part of the North Yuba Forest Partnership. Read on... -
International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlights shared experiences, value of internships
Celebrated each year on February 11, International Day of Women and Girls in Science was created by the United Nations to recognize the critical role women and girls play in science and technology and to promote equal access and participation in STEM. Read on... -
Atmospheric rivers bring rain, snow and research opportunities
Over the course of the past week, Scripps Institution of Oceanography field teams successfully launched a series of weather balloons throughout Northern California to monitor the season’s first series of significant atmospheric river events. Read on... -
Dark Day parking lot project complete, facilities open to the public
Yuba Water Agency crews and contractors have completed improvements to the Dark Day recreation area at New Bullards Bar Reservoir. Read on... -
Yuba Water Agency board selects 2021 chair and vice-chair, welcomes new directors
During its first meeting of the year, Yuba Water Agency’s board of directors elected the chairman and vice-chairman for calendar year 2021 and welcomed two new directors to its seven-member board. Read on... -
Yuba Water receives $2.8 million for Yuba River habitat restoration, discusses economic development
Yuba Water Agency has passed a resolution to receive a grant worth more than $2.8 million from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for habitat restoration and flood risk reduction work on the lower Yuba River. Read on... -
North Yuba Forest Partnership receives $1.13 million for forest health
The North Yuba Forest Partnership has received $1.13 million to plan future forest health and wildfire resilience treatments within the North Yuba River watershed. This funding originated from the US Forest Service’s Fireshed Program. Read on... -
Yuba Water invests approx. $1M to reduce flood risk, improve water quality and help first responders
Yuba Water Agency’s board of directors approved approximately $1 million in grants for flood risk reduction, water quality improvements and emergency response equipment. Read on... -
Yuba Water Agency sues California water board to protect its future, the Yuba River and Yuba County
Yuba Water Agency has filed lawsuits in both federal and state court to challenge the water quality certification that California’s State Water Resources Control Board issued in July for Yuba Water’s new license for the Yuba River Development Project. Read on... -
Appeal-Democrat Guest View: Yuba Water’s investments are critical to the future of our communities
Yuba Water Agency is an incredible asset to Yuba County and our region. The vision laid out more than 60 year ago by the founders of Yuba Water was intended to position Yuba County to be a thriving and prosperous community. Read on... -
Yuba Water Agency funds drinking water infrastructure repairs for foothill residents
A $56,000 grant provides necessary funding for the Camptonville Community Services District to perform repairs to its Campbell Gulch diversion structure, which captures and diverts water for the entire community of Camptonville. Read on... -
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...