UKIAH, CA., 11/15/24 – The Ukiah Water Valley Authority (UVWA) announced Thursday that it will expand to include the Willow County Water District (WCWD). This brings four different water districts that fall under the WCWD umbrella under the UVWA, consolidating resources, staffing and water management services.
The UVWA was formed earlier this year to oversee water districts throughout Ukiah Valley. It is the regional entity responsible for providing safe and clean water services to the region. In addition to the city of Ukiah, UVWA will now oversee four additional districts that fall under WCWD’s purview in the areas, specifically Redwood Valley, Millview and Willow.
Calpella, Hopland and Russian River Estates remain independent districts at this time.
“By integrating our collective access to water and enabling delivery of those resources across our entire community, we can finally break down the barriers to efficient resource use that have hobbled us for so long,” said Doug Crane, a UVWA board member and Ukiah city councilmember. “This expanded collaboration is critical given that PG&E is in the process of decommissioning the Potter Valley Project, which will greatly curtail our access to water.”
According to the UVWA, water districts throughout California have been grappling with maintaining reliable water supplies during drought conditions. To address these issues, the state has encouraged the consolidation of various water districts to combine and expand resources. The state has also provided grant funding to support entities like the UVWA in building new infrastructure and enhancing water mobility.
In response to its expansion, UVWA is assessing the current infrastructure in its member water districts and will use the data collected to determine what projects need to be completed to bring water to high-need areas. Next, UVWA will apply for additional funding through grants to support upgrades such as pipeline extensions, storage tanks and booster stations, the latter which maintains water pressure in water distribution systems.
Beginning in January, Millview and Redwood Valley District customers will see a new billing format. Willow Valley customers’ bills will reflect the updated formatting by the spring. UVWA will continue to be managed by the same customer service staff.
More information about the Ukiah Valley Water Authority can be found at http://cityofukiah.com/uvwa/.
Only 3 water districts are consolidating with the City of Ukiah-Redwood Valley, Millview and Willow. Calpella has not voted to join. Hopland wasn’t offered. Russian River Estates is a mutual water company and wasn’t offered, either.
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