News Flash

2. News

52 Stories
Posted on: March 9, 2023

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

Water coming down the spillway at New Bullards Bar Dam.

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.

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Posted on: March 7, 2023

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

A large dam with water in the foreground.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: February 7, 2023

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

Bear River Setback Levee upgrades

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...

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1. Featured News
Posted on: February 24, 2023

Yuba Water Agency remembers former general manager Donn Wilson

Donn Wilson Yuba Water Agency

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...

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1. Featured News
Posted on: January 3, 2023

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

A formal headshot photos of a man in a black suit with a blue shirt and tie.

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...

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1. Featured News
Posted on: December 21, 2022

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

A concrete dam with water behind it surrounded by dense, green forest.

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...

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1. Featured News
Posted on: December 20, 2022

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

A headshot of a man in a blue shirt.

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...

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1. Featured News
Posted on: December 6, 2022

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

A photo of a rural canal with water in it.

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...

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1. Featured News
Posted on: November 22, 2022

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

An aerial photo of a large dam with water behind it with a spillway on the right spilling water.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: November 18, 2022

New Bear River Setback Levee reduces flood risk for Wheatland residents

Bear River Setback Levee upgrades

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...

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1. Featured News
Posted on: November 18, 2022

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

A photo looking down a heavily forested canyon.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: November 1, 2022

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

An aerial photo of a levee with green plants surrounding it.

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...

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1. Featured News
Posted on: November 1, 2022

Yuba Water extends agreement to transfer water to Bay Area agencies

The confluence of two rivers with high water and a city in the background.

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...

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1. Featured News
Posted on: October 18, 2022

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

Yuba County South

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...

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1. Featured News
Posted on: June 21, 2022

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

A graphic with water as the background and Yuba Water Agency's logo overlayed.

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...

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1. Featured News
Posted on: June 21, 2022

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

Water with Yuba Water Agency logo and News Update text

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...

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2. News
Posted on: June 13, 2022

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

A man in a yellow vest working on a gauge in the ground.

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...

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1. Featured News
Posted on: June 7, 2022

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

A photo of a street, storm drain, sidewalk and bike lane.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: June 7, 2022

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

A photo of a gravel road that is in a forest.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: May 26, 2022

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

A photo of a blue mural with the words save our 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.

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Posted on: May 24, 2022

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

A black graphic with white writing that say "The Tricky Yuba"

 This week, Yuba Water Agency 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 significant accomplishments and what...

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2. News
Posted on: April 29, 2022

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

A photo of a glass award in the shape of a water drop.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: April 21, 2022

North Yuba Forest Partnership awarded $34.8 million for forest work in Yuba River watershed

A photo of a forest.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: April 12, 2022

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

A photo looking down a heavily forested canyon.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: March 15, 2022

Yuba Water Board Director Brent Hastey honored for service to ACWA

Two men stand next to one another as the man on the right displays an award.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: March 3, 2022

Yuba Water removes hazardous trees impacted by bark beetles around Lake Francis

A self-loading logging truck hoists a tree in the air.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: February 1, 2022

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

A photo of a road winding its way through a forest.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: January 4, 2022

Yuba Water board selects 2022 chair and vice-chair

Two men stand next to each other wearing Yuba Water Agency apparel.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: December 30, 2021

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

1997-levee-break

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...

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Posted on: December 7, 2021

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

A large dam with water behind it and a spillway with water coming down it on the right.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: November 18, 2021

Yuba Groundwater Sustainability Plan formally approved by Department of Water Resources

Groundwater

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 ...

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2. News
Posted on: November 2, 2021

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

A photo of a sign on an island in a pond that says "Ellis Lake".

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.

&ldq...

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2. News
Posted on: October 28, 2021

Hallwood fish habitat project already showing signs of success

A photo of a channel with water in it.

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.

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Posted on: October 26, 2021

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

A photo of large trees in a dense forest.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: October 26, 2021

SYRCL’s Salmon Expeditions serve more students

A photo of a raft on the Yuba River filled with 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...

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2. News
Posted on: October 22, 2021

Yuba Water Receives Outstanding Stewards of America’s Waters Award

Outstanding Stewards of America's Waters Award logo with forest in the background

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...

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2. News
Posted on: October 12, 2021

Yuba Water recognized for its leadership in Yuba River watershed education

Corrine Garcia kindergarten class at Lone Tree Elementary

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...

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2. News
Posted on: September 21, 2021

Yuba Water grants support levee improvements throughout Yuba County

A photo looking down a gravel path on top of a levee.

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 ...

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2. News
Posted on: September 16, 2021

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

Yuba-Water-Forest-Health-NOI

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...

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2. News
Posted on: September 7, 2021

Yuba Water provides $15,000 grant to Camptonville to help with water supply reliability

A photo of a street with two houses on the left.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: August 16, 2021

Yuba Water and Yuba College partnership brings real-world experience to local students

Two men talk to each other in a machine shop.

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 ...

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2. News
Posted on: August 3, 2021

Yuba Water continues to invest big in Yuba County education

Corrine Garcia kindergarten class at Lone Tree Elementary

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...

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2. News
Posted on: July 22, 2021

Local water providers urge water conservation in Yuba and Sutter Counties

Houseboats on a reservoir with low water levels.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: July 21, 2021

Cottage Creek Campground at New Bullards Bar now open, accepting reservations

2 picnic tables at a campground with the forest in the background.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: June 18, 2021

Yuba Water, Yuba County offering loaner life jackets at New Bullards Bar and Lake Francis

Life-jacket-loaner-station

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 ...

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2. News
Posted on: June 1, 2021

Yuba Water pledges $6.5 million to community projects in Yuba County

Yuba Water grants and loans approved June 1

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...

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2. News
Posted on: May 18, 2021

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

A large levee with a gravel path on the top.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: May 11, 2021

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

Four people with masks on look at a tank filled with water.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: April 23, 2021

Yuba Water’s executive advisor and former power systems manager Mike Kline to retire

Mike Kline web

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...

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2. News
Posted on: April 19, 2021

Yuba Water and Scripps Institution of Oceanography partner to bring weather station to local school

Two people install a metal structure on a grass field.

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...

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2. News
Posted on: April 13, 2021

High flows, cold water expected below Englebright Lake to Marysville through May 16

A photo of the lower Yuba River with lots of open space around.

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 ...

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2. News
Posted on: April 8, 2021

Recent snow surveys confirm another dry water year ahead for Yuba River watershed

Two men take a snow sample with a metal pipe during a snow survey.

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...

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2. News