Plan Information

Our Purpose

By exploring innovative alternatives and fostering community engagement, we strive to ensure long-term water sustainability, enhance community resilience, and protect our natural environment for generations to come.

Our aim is to work collaboratively with the community to design and implement a comprehensive water solution that serves the entire community. Through the Water Feasibility Study project, we are dedicated to addressing the critical water challenges heightened by climate change and prolonged droughts.

The Mendocino City Community Services District (MCCSD) is the lead agency for this project. MCCSD is an independent Special District of the State of California, responsible for the protection and management of the water resources within district boundaries. The primary role of MCCSD is to efficiently treat the community's wastewater and effectively manage its groundwater resource. Governed by a locally elected 5 member board of directors, the MCCSD ensures that the community's needs are met through sustainable resource management and public health protection.

GHD is the technical assistance provider provided to MCCSD to complete this study and is funded through a contract with the State Water Board. GHD is a consulting firm providing solutions in engineering, environment, design, and construction. Although a global company, GHD has a long history (locally formerly Winzler and Kelly) and strong presence in Northern California, with staff in Mendocino County and offices in Eureka, Santa Rosa, as well as San Francisco, Concord, San Jose, Roseville, Cameron Park and Sacramento.

The California State Water Resources Control Board is the project sponsor providing funding through the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) Program.

The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Boards) protect water quality and allocates surface water rights. The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Water Boards), collectively known as the California Water Boards (Water Boards), are dedicated to a single vision: abundant clean water for human uses and environmental protection to sustain California's future. Under the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and the state's pioneering Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, the State and Regional Water Boards have regulatory responsibility for protecting the water quality of nearly 1.6 million acres of lakes, 1.3 million acres of bays and estuaries, 211,000 miles of rivers and streams, and about 1,100 miles of exquisite California coastline

The intent of this Study is to identify long-term solutions to the critical water supply issues faced by the community of Mendocino. The study will include preparation of a Source Water Study and an Alternative Analysis Engineering Report that will include the evaluation of three potential regionalized Community Water System (CWS) options.

In 2020/21, the situation became dire when local wells ran dry, and neighboring water systems couldn't supply additional water. Water availability is outlined as a key issue faced by the village of Mendocino community. Mendocino City Community Services District (MCCSD) submitted a Technical Assistance Request to the State Water Boards’ Division of Financial Assistance (DFA) to conduct a feasibility study that would indicate sustainable solutions to Mendocino drinking water challenges. In response to the request, DFA assigned GHD as the technical assistance provider.

In an effort to solve the community’s issue of water scarcity, GHD is charged with conducting the Feasibility Study and report findings for sustainable drinking water solutions to the State Water Board. GHD will do this by learning about the community, identifying existing water systems and water resources, understanding the needs and desires of the community, and assessing the feasibility of possible solutions. The feasibility study will build on existing knowledge and previously completed studies, and incorporate an analysis to establish new water storage and well development on Mendocino Unified School District (MUSD) property to provide an emergency potable water source during droughts.

The Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) drinking water program through the California State Water Resources Control Board is funding this project. The SAFER drinking water program is a set of tools, funding sources, and regulatory authorities used by the State Water Board to help secure safe and affordable drinking water for all Californians. Administration of this grant funding is through the State Water Board’s Division of Financial Assistance (DFA).

The success of this project depends on your involvement. You can help by staying informed, sharing your ideas, and voicing your opinion. Please check this site regularly for schedule updates, attend the community meetings, and share your thoughts with us.

Study Area Map

Workshop 1 Recording

Project Documents

This section will provide educational materials and details on findings as project documents are completed.

Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part under the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resiliency (SAFER) Drinking Water Program through an agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the foregoing, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

For more information, visit About the SAFER Program | California State Water Resources Control Board

History of Water in Mendocino Village

History of Water Issues in the Village of Mendocino, CA

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    19th Century Early Settlement and Water Sources

    When Mendocino was first settled in the mid-1800s, residents relied on local creeks and rivers for their water supply. The small community used surface water and hand-dug wells to meet their needs.

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    20th Century Development and Increased Demand

    As Mendocino grew, the reliance on private wells increased. The community expanded without establishing a centralized public water system, leading to a patchwork of individual water sources. Seasonal variability in water availability began to pose problems, especially during dry summer months.

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    Late 20th Century Droughts and Water Scarcity

    Periodic droughts highlighted the vulnerabilities of Mendocino's water supply. Residents experienced water shortages, particularly during extended dry periods. The lack of a reliable, centralized water system meant that each household had to manage its own water scarcity issues.

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    21st Century Water Supply Crisis and Community Response

    The early 21st century saw a continuation of these issues, with increasingly frequent and severe droughts. Climate change contributed to reduced rainfall and altered weather patterns, further stressing the community's water resources. The drought conditions in 2020 and 2021 brought Mendocino's water supply issues to a critical point. Many local wells ran dry, and neighboring water systems were unable to provide additional water. This crisis underscored the urgent need for a sustainable and reliable water supply solution.

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    Community Efforts

    In response to these challenges, the Mendocino City Community Services District (MCCSD) began to take more proactive steps. They submitted a Technical Assistance Request to the State Water Boards’ Division of Financial Assistance (DFA) to explore long-term solutions for the community's water needs.

Local Drought Articles

  • The California tourist town that's running out of water. 'It's a shock'

    Read Here 

  • Drought cripples a California coastal paradise: 'We need water. We don't have it'

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  • 'It's dire and it's only getting worse': California tourist town running out of water amid drought

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  • Small towns grow desperate for water in California

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  • Lake Mendocino reaches second-lower level in history

    Read Here 

  • Governor Newson takes action to respond to drought conditions

    Read Here