Friday August 19, 2022
State Water Resource Control Board —
As sustained drought conditions reduce water in streams and rivers
to critical levels, the State Water Resources Control Board yesterday readopted an
emergency curtailment regulation for Mill and Deer Creeks in Tehama County to
preserve minimum flows for the survival of multiple fish species and protect threatened
drinking water supplies. The existing one-year regulation would have expired on Oct. 4.
The creeks, which are tributaries to the Sacramento River, also provide water for
agriculture, livestock and fire protection.
“Climate change has brought about hotter and drier weather that requires decisive
action if we are to preserve flows and habitat for threatened and endangered fish,” said
Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the State Water Board. “Today the board acted to extend
curtailment authority in Mill and Deer Creeks, which are critical watersheds for the
state’s iconic salmon and steelhead trout species. Maintaining sufficient flows in these
creeks can prevent potentially catastrophic impacts. We strongly encourage
collaborative efforts among area residents to combat increasingly challenging
circumstances.”
The updated regulation, which must be approved by the Office of Administrative Law
before becoming effective, includes minor changes to address stockwatering needs and
authorizes the State Water Board to do the following: