Cotati urges Sonoma Water to quantify benefits before committing to Eel‑River diversion costs

The Cotati City Council on Oct. 28 instructed its Water Advisory Committee (WAC) member to support a draft "statement of interest" requesting that Sonoma Water and the Eel River Project Authority (IRPA) provide clearer accounting of costs, benefits and accountability tied to the proposed new diversion facility related to the former Potter Valley project.

Public Works Director Craig Scott summarized technical and contractual concerns, telling council that some restructured agreements would leave contractors on the hook for operation costs even if they receive little or no water. He said, "you could receive 0 water in a given year and still be on the hook for the operation cost of estimated to be $5,000,000 a year just to operate the facility." Scott and the TAC recommended that contractors seek more transparent quantification of how much usable water will flow to downstream users and improved assurances about environmental and watershed restoration investments.

Councilmembers voiced concern about cost allocation and fairness. Councilmember Harvey said the city is willing to contribute to regional system investments but that any contribution must be "commensurate with the benefit" Cotati receives; she warned against the possibility that Cotati ratepayers would shoulder disproportionate costs. Vice Mayor Lemus emphasized the need for accountability and transparency from IRPA and Sonoma Water.

No formal money or contractual commitments were made by the council; the item directs the WAC representative to convey Cotati’s concerns and priorities at the WAC meeting on Nov. 3 (noting the meeting date referenced in staff materials). Public commenters representing river‑interest groups and local stakeholders urged a fuller accounting of flows and benefits to upper Russian River communities.

The council’s direction is recorded as an instruction to its WAC member rather than an ordinance or contract action.