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January 2025
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Yuba Water Agency quarterly newsletter
A message from Yuba Water General Manager Willie Whittlesey
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Greetings,
As you may know, we're preparing for a big storm this weekend. Check out the information below about how we manage flows during storms. And please, use this opportunity to subscribe to the county’s emergency alerts if you haven’t already.
Looking ahead, it's going to be a huge year for Yuba Water Agency. In the coming months, we'll complete construction of our new Power Systems facilities on Marysville Road, which will provide much-improved working conditions and a less nerve-wracking commute for many of our staff who work at our New Colgate Powerhouse facilities. We also just announced the contract award for a major capital improvement project to upgrade the infrastructure that carries water between New Bullards Bar Reservoir and New Colgate Powerhouse. It's something we've been planning for years, and it includes about four months of not generating hydropower (or revenue) from Colgate to get the work done – it's that important.
We also hope to break ground on the Nature-like Fishway at Daguerre Point Dam, which is basically a bypass for the fish around the dam, to provide access to 11 miles of pristine habitat for salmon and other species in the lower Yuba River. And, we're close to wrapping up the permitting process on our Atmospheric River Control Spillway at New Bullards Bar Dam. Those are just the major things on our to do list this year.
To make these kinds of projects a reality, you have to have an incredible team, a deep bench and a supportive board – we’re fortunate to have all three.
I'm looking forward to sharing more updates throughout the year. Thanks for keeping up with Yuba Water.
Willie Whittlesey
Yuba Water General Manager
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Yuba Water releasing water from New Bullards Bar spillway in advance of major storm
Plus, check out our video tackling the when, why and how of our releases
Yuba Water has just begun releasing water from our spillway at New Bullards Bar Dam on the North Yuba River to make room for expected inflows and snowmelt from the incoming storm. Although January was extremely dry, we had plenty of snow and rain in December to build up our snowpack in the Sierra, and this storm is going to be significant enough for us to release water to maintain adequate flood storage space. Learn more about how we're managing the storm and check out our video tackling some of the common questions we get about the when, why and how of our water releases. [Read about current releases and watch the video here]
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Yuba Water names Jon Messick as chair, Wayne Bishop as vice-chair, welcomes new director
 During its first regular meeting of the year, Yuba Water's Board of Directors selected Jon Messick as chair and Wayne Bishop as vice-chairman for 2025. This is Messick's second consecutive year as chair. The board also welcomed Renick House as its newest board member. Yuba Water’s board is made up of all five members of Yuba County’s Board of Supervisors and two elected officials representing North and South Yuba County. [Read more]
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Yuba Water awards $76.8 million contract for major capital improvement work set to begin in late 2025
 Yuba Water recently awarded a $76.8 million contract to a joint venture company made up of Obayashi and Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring, Inc. to upgrade key components of its hydropower generation infrastructure in the foothills. Kicking off in fall 2025, the Colgate tunnel outage project will focus on the four-mile-long rock tunnel and one-mile penstock pipe that carries water from New Bullards Bar Reservoir down to New Colgate Powerhouse. [Read more]
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Yuba Water commits more than $2.9 million for canal improvements and more
 Two grants committed by Yuba Water to the Hallwood Irrigation Company last month will improve the reliability of water deliveries to Yuba County farmers by lining several canals within the district's service area. The $2.9 million in funding will serve as a local match to help Hallwood qualify for a $2 million federal grant for two canal-lining projects. The funding would only be expended if they are successful in securing that federal grant. [Read more]
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Get to know Cordua Irrigation District in our latest partner video
 Did you know, many fields in the Cordua Irrigation District’s 10,000-acre service area are underwater for up to nine months each year? This intentional flooding of rice fields benefits agriculture while also supporting birds and other wildlife. Learn more about one of Yuba County’s oldest water districts and how they balance agriculture and environmental stewardship in our latest video with Cordua Chairman Charley Mathews Jr. [Watch it here]
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Progress continues on Yuba Water's new Power Systems facilities
Work on Yuba Water's new Power Systems administration building and associated facilities on Marysville Road in Oregon House continues, with completion expected later this year. The new site includes an administration building, warehouse, mechanics shop, covered equipment storage, laydown yard and parking, as well as a new school bus stop on Marysville Road and a 150,000-gallon fire suppression water tank on site. [Read more]
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New store and office coming to Emerald Cove Marina this spring
 A new-and-improved general store and office at Emerald Cove Marina at New Bullards Bar Reservoir are now in place, with marina staff anticipating the buildings being fully operational by late April. While gas is currently unavailable on the dock next to the store, boaters can expect fueling services to resume by late February. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months! [Read more]
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Yuba Water in the news...
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How our Community Impact Grant and Loan Program is making a difference in Yuba County communities
Yuba Water believes that a thriving local economy depends on reliable water supplies, reduced flood risk, modern infrastructure, quality schools, accessible healthcare and recreational opportunities. That’s why we invest millions each year into programs and projects that align with our mission to improve the quality of life for Yuba County residents. Featuring some of our recent grantees, our latest video explores how our Community Impact Grant and Loan Program is making a difference. [Watch it here]
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Staff participate in flood fight training
- Yuba Water Board of Directors regular meeting (Feb. 4 and 18)
- National Engineers Week (Feb. 16-22)
- Presidents Day - offices closed (Feb. 17)
- National Groundwater Awareness Week (Mar. 9-15)
- Yuba Water Board of Directors regular meeting (Mar. 4 and 18)
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