New Russian River Frost Protection Regulation in Effect

Russian River water pumped for frost protection during the spring months is subject to a new regulation effective Dec. 29.

The State Water Resources Control Board adopted the proposed Frost Protection Regulation for the Russian River watershed on Sept.20, 2011.

The regulation provides that any diversion of water from the Russian River stream system, including the pumping of hydraulically connected groundwater, for purposes of frost protection from March 15 through May 15, shall be diverted in accordance with a board-approved Water Demand Management Program. (Diversions upstream of Warm Springs Dam in Sonoma County or Coyote Dam in Mendocino County are the exception.)

The diversion of water in violation of this regulation would be an unreasonable method of diversion and use and a violation of Water Code section 100. The regulation requires any WDMP to manage the instantaneous demand on the Russian River stream system during frost events to prevent stranding mortality.

The Office of Administrative Law approved and filed the regulation Dec. 29, 2011.

Read the regulation and learn more from the State Water Board.