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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
Mendocino County Grand Jury
• 2002-2003
The Ukiah Valley Water Districts
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 12 findings
F1
Page 20
CCWD has no water right permits. CCWD's single well is insufficient to meet its demands, and it is out of compliance with State requirements.
F2
Page 20
With a current storage volume of 250,000 gallons, CCWD is deficient in the amount of water storage necessary to meet California Water Works Standards.
F3
Page 21
In the past five years, CUUD usage has significantly exceeded its Pre-1949 water rights during the dry season.
F4
Page 21
Based on water use in the year 2000, CUUD storage is inadequate, amounting to less than 50% of SWRCB requirements.
F5
Page 21
CUUD is exploring the possibility of using treated wastewater for the Municipal Golf Course, City Parks and the Cemetery District.
F6
Page 23
There is no backup power for the pumps, the filtration system or the wells with a potential public health risk. A June 2001 compliance order requires that there be no more connections and water use must decline for existing connections.
F7
Page 23
RRFCD sends water to MCWD in spite of the lack of any contractual agreement.
F8
Page 23
MCWD sells water to unauthorized users such as CCWD.
F9
Page 23
MCWD could be subject to a $500 a day fine from SWRCB due to its non-compliance with SWRCB requirements. 23
F10
Page 26
RVCWD has sidestepped contract law by using non-licensed contractors and putting them on the District payroll.
F11
Page 26
In 1999, RVCWD was cited by the State Department of Health for using a non-permitted chemical for vegetation removal. When ordered to get rid of the treated water, the water was dispersed into the domestic water lines.
F12
Page 26
An examination of the financial records at the Redwood Valley Water District headquarters showed that payments for services and materials were made prior to authorization by the RVCWD Board. Payments were made for services not yet rendered.
Recommendations 8
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R1Page 7Water districts have no water conservation plans to identify over-use and providing penalties for over-use.
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R2Page 7Water districts are required to install meters for measuring water use by each water consumer.
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R3Page 7In violation of the Brown Act, water district board members have communicated within their district and between districts by telephone, e-mail and private meetings to discuss public matters.
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R4Page 7The water resources in the Ukiah Valley (i.e., 8,100 AF/Y of pre-1949 water) are being used in part, by agricultural consumers without cost and without measurement and controls. General Recommendations (All recommendations are of equal importance)
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R5Page 7Install meters for all water consumers to insure accurate monthly reports to Russian River Flood Control District and the State Water Resources Control Board.
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R6Page 7Water District board members attend Brown Act orientation program or seminar.
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R7Page 7Establish a 5-year moratorium on any new agricultural hook-ups.
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R8Page 7All environmental considerations must be addressed to preserve the quality of life in Mendocino County now and in the future. Comments The Ukiah Valley population is likely to continue to grow and the need for water for domestic, business and agricultural use will increase proportionately. Any increase in availability of water by storage behind the Coyote Valley Dam or other means is problematic and speculative. Raising the dam, even if possible could not be accomplished in less than ten years. There is an immediate need for a water conservation plan for the Ukiah Valley, which would limit water use by water consumers by providing penalties for over-use. Fines and shut-offs would be necessary. The Mendocino County Water Agency would be responsible for water-use policies and regulation enforcement. A comprehensive program with a futuristic approach to our water usage is needed. 30 31 Technical Terms