HEALDSBURG, CA — The Healdsburg City Council on Monday will confront a question that reaches far beyond this summer: how to ensure enough water for a growing city when future droughts could become more severe and one of Northern California's most important water diversion projects is headed toward retirement.

Two agenda items—the city's 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and a proposed overhaul of water waste and drought regulations—outline issues related to Healdsburg's water resources.

Water Supply Through 2045

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Healdsburg could meet projected water demand through 2045 under normal conditions, even while planning for population growth that city staff describe as intentionally conservative, according to a proposed Urban Water Management Plan.

Forecasts show annual water demand increasing from 543 million gallons in 2025, to 615 million gallons by 2045, while available supplies remain substantially higher.

The report notes that residents have steadily reduced water use over the past decade, with per-capita consumption falling significantly compared with earlier years, largely because of conservation efforts and more efficient building standards.

But the plan warns that drought remains a serious threat. Under a scenario modeled after 2021—the driest year in a century—the city could face summer conservation requirements of 33% to 38% during peak demand periods.

Potter Valley Project Closure Looms Over Planning

One of the most consequential findings involves the future of the historic Potter Valley Project, which diverts water from the Eel River into the Russian River watershed.

PG&E has moved to surrender its federal license and decommission the facility, a change that could reduce Russian River flows during dry years.

City staff say the loss of those diversions will require Healdsburg to rely more heavily on local storage, groundwater, conservation, and alternative supply projects.

To offset those risks, the city is pursuing several projects, including:

• Aquifer Storage and Recovery wells that would store water underground during wet periods and pump it back during droughts.
• Expansion of Dry Creek water rights and pumping capacity.
• Increased purchases of water from Sonoma Water.
• Extension of recycled-water pipelines to schools and community facilities.

Even with those investments, staff conclude that mandatory conservation will still be necessary during future droughts.

Irrigating Decorative Turf

A separate ordinance would create new year-round water waste prohibitions and align local rules with California's Assembly Bill 1572.

The law prohibits the use of drinking water on nonfunctional turf, such as decorative grass along sidewalks, medians, parking lots, building edges, and similar landscaping that serves no recreational purpose.

The restrictions would not apply to parks, gathering spaces, sports fields, or other functional turf areas. The ordinance also would allow limited irrigation when necessary to protect existing trees and perennial plants.

Staff also propose year-round requirements to:

• Repair major water leaks within 72 hours.
• Fix irrigation systems that create excessive runoff.
• Treat those activities as prohibited water waste regardless of drought conditions.

Voluntary Conservation Becomes Mandatory

Perhaps the most noticeable change for residents would come during drought declarations.

Current city rules make Stage 1 conservation voluntary. Staff are recommending that Stage 1 become mandatory whenever the council declares a water shortage.

If approved, Stage 1 restrictions would focus on preventing waste rather than imposing broad reductions. Proposed rules include prohibiting irrigation within 48 hours of rainfall, requiring quicker repairs of moderate leaks, restricting potable water use for construction activities, and tightening rules on washing hard surfaces.

City staff argue the change would create a clearer expectation that all customers share responsibility when supplies become strained. Survey results and workshop feedback showed a majority of participants supported making Stage 1 mandatory, though opinions were more divided than on other proposed changes.

Questions About Climate And Growth

Public comments collected during the planning process focused heavily on climate change, future development, and the city's long-term water supply.

Staff acknowledged concerns about increasingly volatile rainfall patterns and the eventual loss of Potter Valley Project diversions, but concluded that a combination of conservation, groundwater storage projects, and alternative supply sources can strengthen reliability.

Monday's meeting will not determine whether a drought declaration is needed this year. Staff reported in April that current forecasts show no immediate need for water restrictions this summer.

See the full list of June 1 City Council agenda items.

Meeting Date: Monday, June 1
Time: 06:00 PM
City Hall Council Chamber, 401 Grove St. and online