Large-scale, multi-benefit floodplain restoration project transforms part of the lower Yuba River

After five years of construction, a 157-acre, multi-benefit habitat restoration project that directly benefits native fish like salmon and steelhead in the lower Yuba River is complete. 

The Hallwood Side Channel and Floodplain Restoration Project...

Local agencies come together for flood fight training in Yuba County

More than 40 people from half a dozen local agencies came together this week to practice flood fighting techniques in Yuba County ahead of what is forecast to be another wet winter.

“We take very seriously our responsibility of operating these lo...

Yuba Water partners with state and federal agencies on ambitious Yuba River restoration effort

A framework agreement announced this week between Yuba Water Agency and state and federal agencies details one of the most ambitious watershed recovery efforts in California, which will also safeguard water supplies from the Yuba River for decades to come...

Faces of Yuba Water - Flood Risk Reduction Manager

Yuba Water's flood risk reduction manager, Sami Nall, actively works with the agency's federal, state and local partners to reduce the risk of flooding in Yuba County, which includes managing flood risk reduction projects, building relationships and more.

Yuba Water saves Yuba County more than $400,000 with loan to pre-pay pension obligations and more

Yuba County will save about $400,000 over the next year thanks to a $9 million low-interest loan from Yuba Water Agency to help cover the county’s annual payment to the California Public Employees' Retirement System.

Yuba Water has helpe...

More Yuba County fourth graders to learn about salmon and the Yuba River watershed

Even more Yuba County fourth graders will have the opportunity to participate in the South Yuba River Citizens League’s Salmon Expedition tours this fall, thanks to a grant from Yuba Water Agency.

“The word is out about this incredible ...

Yuba Water wins prestigious Silver Anvil Award

Yuba Water Agency has received a Silver Anvil, the highest award given by the Public Relations Society of America for strategic campaigns, for its campaign commemorating 25 years since the New Year’s flood of 1997 in Yuba County.

“The &...

Upper Rose Bar Restoration Project will expand habitat in lower Yuba River

The Wildlife Conservation Board recently awarded the South Yuba River Citizens League $4,081,000 for a cooperative project with Yuba Water Agency that will enhance and restore 43 acres of habitat for salmon and other wildlife in the lower Yuba River. The ...

Faces of Yuba Water - Information Systems Analyst

Yuba Water's information systems analyst, Luke Gerney, characterizes himself as a detective for the agency's computer problems. He ensures hundreds of computer systems are performing at the highest standard, troubleshoots any issues that arise and more.

CITRIS and the Banatao Institute, Yuba Water and City of Wheatland establish research agreement

Cutting-edge research is coming to Yuba County, thanks to a new partnership formed by Yuba Water Agency, the City of Wheatland and the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS).

A memorandum of...

Yuba Water to break ground on new site in Oregon House

Yuba Water Agency will soon break ground on its new Power Systems administration building and associated facilities on Marysville Road in Oregon House. Construction is expected to kick off in late May, with completion by spring 2025.

Located at 8897 Marysv...

Yuba Water grants will boost water supply reliability, support flood risk reduction and more

The Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors today committed approximately $3.6 million to support efforts to reduce catastrophic flood risk, improve water supply reliability, education and public safety in Yuba County. The funds were awarded as part of the a...

Yuba Water taking action to repair sinkhole on Ostrom Road

Yuba Water Agency is implementing emergency repairs to Ostrom Road between Virginia Road and South Beale Road in Yuba County after a culvert that ran under the road failed, causing a sinkhole. The repair is expected to take six to eight weeks and will req...

South Yuba River Citizens League names Yuba Water its Partner of the Year

Yuba Water was recently recognized as South Yuba River Citizens League’s Partner of the Year for its support of efforts including forest health, habitat restoration on the lower Yuba River and water education.

Yuba Water and SYRCL are both founding members...

Earth Day 2023: reaffirming our commitment to the Yuba River watershed

By Willie Whittlesey, Yuba Water’s general manager

“Invest in our planet” is this year’s Earth Day theme for the second year in a row. And for a good reason. Strategic investments are essential to turn plans into action.

At Yuba Water Agency, investing in t...

North Yuba Landscape Resilience Project final environmental impact statement published

U.S. Forest Service, Tahoe National Forest press release

The Tahoe National Forest today announced the public release of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) and draft record of decision (ROD) for the North Yuba Landscape Resilience Project (NYL...

Tahoe National Forest commits $117 million to reduce wildfire risk on North Yuba Landscape

U.S. Forest Service, Tahoe National Forest press release

To help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, promote fire adapted communities and improve forest health, Tahoe National Forest is providing National Forest Foundation $117 million to im...

Yuba Water discusses water supply conditions, approves funding for local hydro improvements and more

Water supply in Yuba County is in excellent condition. That was one of the key takeaways from today’s Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors meeting.

"After three very dry years, Yuba County’s water supply is in fantastic shape this year, thanks to the ...

Yuba Water certified as Yuba County's first Blue Zones Project Approved worksite

Blue Zones Project^® - Yuba Sutter has announced that Yuba Water Agency has achieved designation as Yuba County’s first Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite. Yuba Water completed the approval process at its three primary worksites by formalizing several h...

Yuba Water unveils plans and priorities for future flood risk reduction work

Today, the Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors received an in-depth presentation on the agency’s recently-completed Flood Risk Management Plan, which outlines and prioritizes future flood risk reduction projects and efforts. 

”This plan is about ...

Board receives update on flood risk reduction efforts, approves funding for levee work and more

Today, Yuba Water Agency’s Board of Directors received an in-depth update on the agency’s current and planned flood risk reduction projects and approved funding for additional flood risk reduction and water supply reliability efforts in Yuba County.

“Thank...

Yuba Water Agency remembers former general manager Donn Wilson

Current and former board members and staff of Yuba Water are saddened to learn of the recent passing of the agency’s former engineer-administrator, Donn Wilson, who oversaw the agency from 1987 until his retirement in 2000. He was 89 years old.

“Donn was e...

Yuba Water board votes on 2023 chair and vice chair, welcomes new directors

During its first meeting of the new year on Jan. 3, the Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors unanimously selected Gary Bradford as chairman and Don Blaser as vice-chairman for the 2023 calendar year. The board also welcomed Wayne Bishop and Jon Messick as...

Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors adopts new five-year strategic plan

The Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors has approved a new strategic plan to guide the agency’s decision-making and investments over the next five years.

“This plan is the result of many hours of work by both this board and agency staff and is a comprehen...

Yuba Water recognizes board director Brent Hastey for his dedicated service to the agency

The Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors recognized Brent Hastey today for his dedicated service to the agency. Hastey served on Yuba Water’s board from 1993-2001 as a Yuba County supervisor and from 2015 as an elected representative of South Yu...

Yuba Water approves grants for water supply improvements, watershed resilience and more

The Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors today committed more than $1 million in grant funding to support water supply reliability, watershed resilience, flood risk reduction and first responder agencies in Yuba County. 

A summary of each grant is...

New Bear River Setback Levee reduces flood risk for Wheatland residents

After a decade of planning and two years of construction, a new-and-improved setback levee was recently completed along the Bear River west of the City of Wheatland. The new levee is a critical step toward achieving the Federal Emergency Management Agency...

Yuba Water invests $9 million to reduce flood risk and improve climate resilience in Yuba County

The Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors today approved a $9 million grant to support a series of levee improvements in South Yuba County. 

The funding could potentially leverage state and federal dollars for a total investment of $41.6 million in...

Yuba Water extends agreement to transfer water to Bay Area agencies

The Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors today voted to extend a water transfer agreement with Contra Costa Water District and East Bay Municipal Utility District to potentially sell up to 10,000 acre-feet of water or more, if conditions allow, during the...

Yuba Water approves more than $4.2 million for south county infrastructure and forest biomass plant

MARYSVILLE, Calif. (Oct. 18, 2022) – Yuba Water Agency today approved more than $4.2 million in funding to support a major water and wastewater infrastructure expansion project in south Yuba County and a planned forest biomass plant and business center in...

Yuba Water issues $14.4 million short-term loan to front Yuba County’s pension obligations and more

Yuba County will save more than $315,000 over the next year with the help of a $14.4 million low interest loan from Yuba Water Agency to pre-pay the county’s annual California Public Employees' Retirement System payment.

“Yuba Water has carefully managed i...

City of Wheatland kicks off $1.36 million comprehensive drinking water project

Today, Yuba Water Agency joined the City of Wheatland for the installation of a new water meter during the groundbreaking ceremony for a comprehensive drinking water project. 

To ensure the community has enough water to make it through increasingl...

Yuba Water provides funding to complete North Yuba Water District flume replacement

Yuba Water Agency’s board of directors today approved an amendment to a grant agreement to help the North Yuba Water District replace its deteriorating Hell 4 Stout Flume. The agency previously approved funds for the project and anticip...

Yuba Water approves two new vehicles for continued security around New Bullards Bar and facilities

Yuba Water Agency today agreed to provide $150,000 to the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department for two new patrol vehicles. The purchase is part of an existing agreement that Yuba Water has with the department to provide security on and around New B...

Yuba Water funds Feather River levee improvements north of Marysville

Yuba Water Agency today committed a $1 million grant to further strengthen a levee on the east bank of the Feather River in Reclamation District 10 north of Marysville.

“As we head into what is projected to be another wet winter, I can’...

Yuba Water receives funding to improve groundwater monitoring, modeling, recharge and more

Yuba Water Agency will receive more than $4.3 million from the California Department of Water Resources to expand groundwater monitoring and modeling and to identify areas most suitable for groundwater recharge projects in Yuba County.

“We have a...

Yuba Water grant will upgrade aging water delivery infrastructure to improve reliability

Yuba Water Agency’s Board of Directors today committed $200,000 to help the North Yuba Water District upgrade a deteriorating wooden flume that delivers water for residential and agricultural use in the Yuba County foothills. The funds will cove...

Yuba Water honors Bill Shaw, namesake of local public safety grants and provides funds for drainage

Six years ago, Yuba Water Agency employee Bill Shaw was involved in a catastrophic accident at work. After Shaw recovered and returned to work, he wanted to find a way to give back to the first responders who saved his life.

Today, the Bill Shaw Rescue Equ...

Yuba Water partners with county on proposed project to improve drainage in Olivehurst

Yuba County press release

Yuba Water will help cover just over 20 percent of an approximately $37 million proposed Yuba County project to improve drainage in Olivehurst and add new sidewalks, bicycle lanes and improved transit stops. The funds committed by...

Video: Yuba Water Agency releases water from New Bullards Bar Dam and Reservoir

On March 8, Yuba Water began releasing water from New Bullards Bar to make room in the reservoir for anticipated inflows and snowmelt expected from the incoming storms. This video shows us ramping up releases to approximately 5,000 cubic feet per second.

Yuba Water Agency to begin releasing water from New Bullards Bar ahead of upcoming storms

In anticipation of the upcoming storms, Yuba Water Agency will begin releasing water from New Bullards Bar Dam and Reservoir on Wednesday, Mar. 8 to ensure the reservoir has enough room to store flows and snowmelt expected in the coming days.

Starting at 9...

Adapting to California’s “weather whiplash” with Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations

Blog by Yuba Water Director of Resource Planning John James, featured on the Northern California Water Association's website

California already has one of the most variable climates in the United States, and it’s getting more extreme. 

Our “weather...

Tahoe National Forest seeks public input on North Yuba Landscape Resilience Project

Yuba Water Agency is excited to support Tahoe National Forest in sharing that its draft environmental impact statement for the North Yuba Landscape Resilience Project is now available for public review and comment. Through fuels reduction efforts, includi...

Yuba Water issues $14.4 million short-term loan to front Yuba County’s pension obligations and more

Yuba County will save more than $315,000 over the next year with the help of a $14.4 million low interest loan from Yuba Water Agency to pre-pay the county’s annual California Public Employees' Retirement System payment.

“Yuba Water has carefully managed i...

Yuba Water commits up to $17.4 million for water infrastructure, water supply management and more

Yuba Water Agency’s Board of Directors today committed up to $17.4 million in grant funding to support water supply management, watershed resilience, water education and flood risk reduction in Yuba County. 

“These grants support a wide variety of...

Yuba Fire Safe Council awarded approximately $1.5 million for fuels reduction project

The Yuba Watershed Protection and Fire Safe Council was recently awarded approximately $1.5 million from Cal Fire to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and improve public safety for communities in the Yuba County foothills. 

The funds will b...

Water agencies unveil mural near State Capitol encouraging Californians to save water

With support from water service providers statewide, a new mural in downtown Sacramento is encouraging Californians to save water as the drought continues. Called the California Water Wall, the mural is an enduring reminder that saving water is a of life.

Yuba Water premieres “The Tricky Yuba” documentary, tells a story of courage and perseverance

Yuba Water honored as Champion for the Environment by Sacramento Business Journal

Yuba Water Agency today 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 Yub...

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 the implementation of forest restoration treatments in the North Yuba River watershed, which will reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and improve the overall h...

North Yuba Forest Partnership gains national support for forest resilience work in Yuba watershed

Yesterday, 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...

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.

“Yu...

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, as well as be...

Yuba Water approves $240,000 for Fire Safe Council to help reduce wildfire risk in foothills

The Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors today approved a local cost-share grant worth up to $240,000 for the Yuba Watershed Protection and Fire Safe Council to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and improve public safety for communities in the Yuba...

Yuba Water board selects 2022 chair and vice-chair

MARYSVILLE, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2022) – 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...

Marking 25 Years Since the New Year’s Flood Of 1997: What’s Changed and Where We Are Today

This story was originally published in Adobe Spark. Read the story with visuals.

On December 31, 1996, Yuba Water Agency Director Brent Hastey and his wife, Alisan, were enjoying a quiet evening at home with their four young children. Two days later, their...

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. The plan was developed by Yuba Water Agency in coordination with Cordua Irrigation ...

Yuba Water Receives Outstanding Stewards of America’s Waters Award

ATLANTA (October 22, 2021) – 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 & Histori...

Yuba Water recognized for its leadership in Yuba River watershed education

Yuba Water Agency has received a distinguished contribution award from the California Association of Science Educators (CASE) for its Yuba River watershed curriculum project. The project is the cornerstone of the agency’s broader watershed education progr...

U.S. Forest Service Releases Notice of Intent for the North Yuba Landscape Resiliency Project

Nevada City, CA – On September 16, the U.S. Forest Service released its Notice of Intent (NOI) for the North Yuba Landscape Resiliency Project, the purpose and need of which was developed in collaboration with the North Yuba Forest Partnership (NYFP), a d...

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 to increase the ...

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.

This is the first group of grants approved by Yuba Water since adoption of its ne...

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 the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego with support...

Faces of Yuba Water - Senior Information Security Analyst

Yuba Water Agency's senior information security analyst, Drew Baumez, is responsible for providing guidance and recommendations to the Information Technology team to help ensure the agency is as safe as possible from cybersecurity threats.

Faces of Yuba Water - Staff Accountant

Yuba Water's staff accountant, Natalie Mikhaylevskiy, is part of the team that keeps the agency in excellent financial standing. Her responsibilities include tracking transactions, reviewing invoices to ensure they're accurate, cutting checks and more.

Faces of Yuba Water - Hydro Operator

Yuba Water's hydro operator, Tim Warta, is part of the team that is responsible for monitoring and operating the agency’s hydroelectric power generation facilities and flood risk reduction infrastructure. Learn more about Tim, his essen...

Faces of Yuba Water - Licensing Manager

Yuba Water's licensing manager, Ethan Koenigs, is responsible for helping the agency secure, retain and manage its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licenses, which are required to operate facilities related to hydroelectric power generation operations...

Faces of Yuba Water - Community Impact and Engagement Officer

Yuba Water's community impact and engagement officer, Jackie Sillman, is responsible for ensuring that Yuba Water is involved with other organizations in the community and is working collaboratively to help improve the Yuba-Sutter area. She also helps edu...

Faces of Yuba Water - Power Systems Administrative Assistant

Yuba Water Agency's power systems administrative assistant, Vangie Bushnell, is responsible for supporting employees who work at the agency's hydroelectric powerhouses. This includes everything from ordering large items for the power and...

Faces of Yuba Water - Administrative Technician

Yuba Water Agency's administrative technician, Terry Peterson, actively supports the agency's employees to help make their jobs easier. This includes handling simple requests like arranging details for a meeting, to assisting in planning...

Faces of Yuba Water - Engineering Technologist

Yuba Water's engineering technologist, Kelly Sapp, is responsible for maintaining, organizing and updating drawings related to the agency's facilities and projects. Learn more about Kelly's position, her background and what she enjoys in her free time.

Faces of Yuba Water - Environmental Specialist

Yuba Water Agency's environmental specialist, Jessica Nichols, ensures that the agency's projects meet regional, state and federal environmental compliance requirements, which requires staying up-to-date on current environmental regulato...

Faces of Yuba Water - Information Systems Network Administrator

Yuba Water Agency's information systems network administrator, Tyler Byrd, is responsible for ensuring that all of the agency's computers, cell phones and servers are able to communicate with each other, as well as providing support to f...

Faces of Yuba Water - Hydro Engineer

From starting as a summer intern to now managing large projects associated with our hydropower, water supply and flood risk reduction facilities and more, Hydro Engineer Casey Peterson is our latest Faces of Yuba Water.

Faces of Yuba Water - Staff Accountant

In this spotlight, we showcase Yuba Water's staff accountant who is part of the team that ensures the agency remains in sound financial standing, which also includes making sure that employees get paid on time and handling their retirement contributions.

Faces of Yuba Water - Plant Mechanic

In this spotlight, we showcase Yuba Water's plant mechanic who fabricates, maintains and repairs equipment and components associated with Yuba Water's hydroelectric power generation and flood risk reduction facilities.

Faces of Yuba Water - Hydro Operator

In this spotlight, we showcase Yuba Water's hydro operator who is part of the team that monitors and controls the agency's hydropower facilities to ensure that electricity is continuously being generated and water continues to flow down the river.

Faces of Yuba Water - Power Settlements Analyst

In this spotlight, we showcase Yuba Water's power settlements analyst who analyzes the agency's hydropower contracts and sales to the California Independent System Operator, which is the agency that manages most of the state's energy grid.

Faces of Yuba Water - Human Resources Manager

In this spotlight, we showcase Yuba Water's human resources manager who provides employees with advice and guidance, helps recruit and attract quality talent, drafts policies, delivers valuable training and development opportunities and more.

Faces of Yuba Water - Hydrologist

In this spotlight, we showcase Yuba Water's hydrologist who quantifies the volume of water throughout the Yuba watershed, including groundwater. She also is responsible for keeping instrumentation running to measure real-time water depth and velocity.

Faces of Yuba Water - Clerk of the Board/Management Analyst

Our Faces of Yuba Water series highlights Yuba Water Agency’s great employees and the work that they do to make Yuba County a better place. In this spotlight, we showcase Yuba Water's Clerk of the Board/Management Analyst Jim Mistrisin who supports our bo...

Faces of Yuba Water - Utility Worker

Our Faces of Yuba Water series highlights Yuba Water Agency’s great employees and the work that they do to make Yuba County a better place. In this spotlight, we showcase one of Yuba Water's utility workers, Cache Cline, who is part of the team that is re...

Faces of Yuba Water - Working Foreman

Our Faces of Yuba Water series highlights Yuba Water Agency’s great employees and the work that they do to make Yuba County a better place. In this spotlight, we showcase Yuba Water's working foreman, Michael Rouch, who leads the crew that is responsible ...

Faces of Yuba Water - Project Manager

Our Faces of Yuba Water series highlights Yuba Water Agency’s great employees and the work that they do to make Yuba County a better place. In this spotlight, we showcase Yuba Water's project manager, JoAnna Lessard, who leads and supports programs and pr...

Faces of Yuba Water - Accounting Administrative Clerk

Our Faces of Yuba Water series highlights Yuba Water Agency’s great employees and the work that they do to make Yuba County a better place. In this spotlight, we showcase Yuba Water's accounting admin clerk, Abby Villegas, who is an integral part of the f...

Faces of Yuba Water - 2021 Summer Interns

Our Faces of Yuba Water series highlights Yuba Water Agency’s great employees and the work that they do to make Yuba County a better place. In this spotlight, we showcase Yuba Water's 2021 summer interns. Katelyn Condon (California State University, Chico...

Faces of Yuba Water - Human Resources Assistant

Our Faces of Yuba Water series highlights Yuba Water Agency’s great employees and the work that they do to make Yuba County a better place. In this spotlight, we showcase Yuba Water Agency's human resources assistant, Laken Schattner, who supports all adm...