The following is a press release issued by the Mendocino County Water Agency
With a record 25 wells reported dry in the town of Mendocino this past month, during a Special Meeting August 24, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors approved up to $1.5M to cover potential water hauling program costs for coastal communities. The vote was 4-0 with First District Supervisor Glenn McGourty abstaining. PG&E Settlement funds will serve as initial funds to start the program while grant funds and State reimbursements are sought.
Ryan Rhoades, General Manager of Mendocino City Community Services District (MCCSD) says, “The MCCSD drought situation continues to deteriorate. More dry wells, more scared residents, and more worried business owners. However, the County has presented a beacon of hope. MCCSD would like to offer a big thank you to the County Board of Supervisors. Their decision August 24, 2021 to allocate $1.5 million to transport water from Ukiah to the Coast is an incredible act of good faith. The Supervisors really stepped up and showed true leadership, they care greatly about the health, safety, and well-being of all County residents. MCCSD hopes this will serve as a model of mutual aid that we can build upon for longer term resiliency. All Coastal residents in need of water appreciate the efforts being applied to make this happen.”
Mendocino County is seeking State certified potable water haulers to begin operations immediately. Interested companies can find more information here: https://www.mendocinocounty.org/government/mendocino-county-water-agency/water-hauling
I’m curious why this problem isn’t happening in Fort Bragg or any of the tiny towns on the coast. Does Elk need water? How’s Gualala doing? Seems weird that only one place is dry.