Officials: 10 Communities At Risk Of Running Out Of Water In 60 Days

The number of communities at risk of running out of water is a moving target.

Originally 17 were on the list, but some found alternative water sources. Others, like the City of Willits in Mendocino County are still dealing with dangerously low water levels in their reservoir. In a briefing with state lawmakers, City Manager Adrienne Moore says Willits has a plan to tap into groundwater wells, but a state grant only goes so far.

“That is our challenge today is not having enough funding to cover the cost of this project,” says Moore.

Brandon Merritt with Mendocino County says the water shortage in the county is dire and some people are scared.

“The most recent rains helped out a lot but as I tell people, it basically just helped our county avert outright catastrophe and bought us some more time,” says Moore.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s drought declaration requires the Department to identify and help rural drinking water systems at risk of running out of water.

The Department of Public Health says the following communities are at risk:

System Name:	City Name:	County:	Population:
City of Willits	Willits	Mendocino	8,062
Redwood Valley County Water District	Redwood Valley	Mendocino	3,969
Brooktrail Township Community Services District	Willits	Mendocino	3,800
Lake of the Woods MWC	Frazier Park	Kern	953
West Goshen	Goshen	Tulare	300
River Highlands Community Services District	Smartsville	Yuba	200
Washington Ridge Conservation Camp	Nevada City	Nevada	100
Camp Candor	Taft	Kern	75
Whispering Pines Apartments	Mid-Pines	Mariposa	55
Ophir Gardens	Auburn	Placer	45