News Flash

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...

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.

Dur...

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 Water approves agreement to transfer water to Bay Area agencies in 2022

Yuba Water Agency’s board of directors today 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 conditi...

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 commits more than $1.4 million to water education, water management and more

Today, 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.

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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.

New Forest Resilience Bond will finance $25 million of restoration to reduce wildfire risk

World Resources Institute, Blue Forest, National Forest Foundation, U.S. Forest Service, Yuba Water Agency and the North Yuba Forest Partnership are pleased to announce the launch of the second Forest Resilience Bond (FRB): the Yuba II FRB. The new FRB on...

SYRCL’s Salmon Expeditions serve more students

Written by the South Yuba River Citizens League

The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) resumed Salmon Expeditions for grade school students from Nevada and Yuba counties after a year away from the river.

SYRCL has worked with schools to implement COVI...

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...

Yuba Water grants support levee improvements throughout Yuba County

Yuba Water Agency’s Board of Directors today approved more than $1.1 million for critical urban and rural levee improvements in Yuba County. 

“These investments ensure Yuba County businesses and communities can continue to grow and thrive knowing ...

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 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. 

Campto...

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 to a California State University. Ten years later, he’s back at Yuba College, this time working with students and staff ...

Yuba Water continues to invest big in Yuba County education

Yuba Water Agency’s Board of Directors voted today to formalize a water education program. The action lays out a roadmap for how the agency will reach its education goals and includes a commitment of more than $275,000 to complete the implementation of Yu...

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.

“Yuba County is in a better position than many other parts of the state because of the availability of groundwater in our...

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. 

The Cottage Creek Campground, located above the dam and Emerald Cove Marina, includes nine ca...

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 Agency provides $2 million loan for Goldfields flood risk reduction work

Yuba Water Agency’s board of directors today approved a $2 million loan to the Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority to complete the construction of a new levee near the Yuba Goldfields that will bring a 200-year level of urban flood protection to sout...

Yuba Water employees visit Yuba County preparatory school, discuss careers in water industry

Last month, Yuba Water Agency employees Kaitlyn Chow, Creighton Avila and Jackie Sillman visited Yuba County Career Preparatory Charter School’s Aquaponics Department to discuss with students potential career paths in the water industry and how those rela...

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.

Kline was recognized during Yuba Water’s April 20 board of directors meeting fo...

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...

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 for the season. The public should use caution when recreating on the lower Yuba River for their safety ...

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.

“Our recent aeria...

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.&...

Yuba Water invests nearly $2 million in flood risk reduction and water infrastructure projects

Yuba Water Agency’s board of directors today approved several grants and matching loans to advance critical flood risk reduction work and water infrastructure improvements in Yuba County.

Reducing flood risk for communities near lower Yuba River

A $400,000 ...

Cordua Irrigation District joins historic Lower Yuba River Accord

Yuba Water Agency’s board of directors today approved an agreement that adds the Cordua Irrigation District to the historic Lower Yuba River Accord, a model water management agreement that supports endangered salmon and steelhead, ensures water supplies f...

Yuba Water commits $6.5 million to improving forest health and reducing wildfire risk

Yuba Water Agency’s board of directors took bold action today to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and advance landscape-scale forest restoration in the Yuba River watershed.

In two separate actions, the board approved $6.5 million in funding for fo...

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 science, ...

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.

Data collected...

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. 

The Dark Day boat ramp and overflow parking areas now include 80 single-vehicle parking spaces and 139 spaces for v...

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 today elected the chairman and vice-chairman for calendar year 2021 and welcomed two new directors to its seven-member board. 

The board elected Director Andy Vasquez to ...

Yuba Water receives $2.8 million for Yuba River habitat restoration, discusses economic development

Yuba Water Agency’s board of directors passed a resolution today 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. The grant i...

North Yuba Forest Partnership receives $1.13 million for forest health

The North Yuba Forest Partnership has entered into an agreement to receive $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 ...

Yuba Water invests approx. $1M to reduce flood risk, improve water quality and help first responders

Yuba Water Agency’s board of directors today approved approximately $1 million in grants for flood risk reduction, water quality improvements and emergency response equipment. 

$910,000 - Yuba County water quality projects

A $910,000 grant was appr...

Yuba Water Agency sues California water board to protect its future, the Yuba River and Yuba County

Yuba Water Agency filed lawsuits in both federal and state court today to challenge the water quality certification that California’s State Water Resources Control Board issued in July for Yuba Water’s new license for its hydroelectric project, the Yuba R...

Appeal-Democrat Guest View: Yuba Water’s investments are critical to the future of our communities

By Marni Sanders, Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce CEO

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 ...

Yuba Water Agency funds drinking water infrastructure repairs for foothill residents

Yuba Water Agency took action today to improve water supply reliability for Camptonville residents.

A $56,000 grant, approved today by Yuba Water’s board of directors, provides necessary funding for the Camptonville Community Services District to perform r...

Yuba-Feather Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations

Despite its reputation for year-round sunshine and mild temperatures, California has one of the most varied climates in the United States.

For Yuba County and neighboring Sutter, these variations have manifested most notably in catastrophic flooding from t...

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 with breathtaking views are nearing completion at Yuba Water Agency’s New Bullards Bar Dam...

Yuba Water supports ongoing forest restoration efforts to benefit foothill communities, watershed

Californians are all too aware that the next wildfire could happen at any time. And in many parts of the state, the threat of catastrophic wildfire persists year-round. Unfortunately, Yuba County isn’t any different in that respect.

To help reduce the risk...

Yuba Water invests more than $1.25 million in community projects

Yuba Water Agency’s board of directors today 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.

“As we all grappl...

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.

Today, the board of directors voted to move forward with preliminary environmental work to determine the feasibility of developing...

Crews replace key piece of hydro equipment in a matter of days despite unexpected obstacles

Yuba Water Agency is one step closer to ramping up operations of its recently acquired Narrows 1 hydroelectric power generation facility after the agency’s maintenance and engineering crews replaced a leaky stand pipe, which is a crucial part of the syste...

Yuba Water funds water supply and flood risk reduction projects, education and rescue equipment

Yuba Water Agency’s Board of Directors today 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. 

South Yuba River Citizens League wat...

Stepping up to support California’s energy crisis

By Willie Whittlesey, general manager of Yuba Water Agency

Between the heat and the rolling blackouts, I’m sure you’ve figured out that we are seeing record breaking demand on California’s electrical system this week. At Yuba Water Agency, we are stepping ...

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.

Yuba Water advances major flood risk reduction project at New Bullards Bar

MARYSVILLE, Calif. (July 24, 2020) – Yuba Water Agency’s Board of Directors Thursday authorized staff to move forward with a new design of an estimated $225 million secondary spillway at New Bullards Bar Dam, marking an important step forward for the agen...

Yuba Water approves nearly $14 million for water supply, infrastructure improvements, and more

Yuba Water Agency’s Board of Directors today 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. 

Wheatland w...

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.

“It’s an honor to lead such an incredible agency and...

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.

Yuba Water...

Appeal-Democrat Guest View: Once again, Yuba Water Agency invests in our future in a big way

By Mary Jane Griego

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. My vision for the area seemed impossible to achieve. The ability to de...

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.

Over the las...