Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) completed infrastructure repairs at Lake Spaulding Powerhouse No. 1 and resumed water releases into the Drum Canal system on July 24. As a result, Rollins Reservoir—owned and operated by Nevada Irrigation District (NID)—is refilling, and PCWA is preparing to restore full untreated water deliveries to canal customers by August 15.

PG&E’s damaged outlet infrastructure at Lake Spaulding severely impacted regional water deliveries beginning in March 2024. Multiple infrastructure failures at PG&E facilities prevented water releases for more than four and a half months, cutting off flows from the reservoir into the Bear River, which ultimately feeds Rollins Reservoir, a primary source for PCWA’s water system.

While PCWA maintained service using alternative water sources, the outage significantly increased costs due to additional pumping from the American River and required coordination with NID and other regional partners to activate interties and protect remaining storage. Untreated water customers experienced temporary delivery reductions, and all customers were asked to voluntarily conserve water where they could.

With repairs at Spaulding Powerhouse No. 1 now complete and flows restored, PCWA operations teams are preparing to resume full service. PCWA continues to coordinate closely with NID to monitor reservoir levels and canal flows to ensure a smooth transition—just in time for the peak of summer heat. We extend our gratitude to our customers for their cooperation in conserving water. Voluntary reductions and canal water delivery adjustments significantly contributed to our efforts.

Thank you for conserving!

Water deliveries have resumed, but smart water use is always in season!